EP1181238B1 - Articulated fluid transmission device and loading crane comprising said device - Google Patents

Articulated fluid transmission device and loading crane comprising said device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1181238B1
EP1181238B1 EP00922772A EP00922772A EP1181238B1 EP 1181238 B1 EP1181238 B1 EP 1181238B1 EP 00922772 A EP00922772 A EP 00922772A EP 00922772 A EP00922772 A EP 00922772A EP 1181238 B1 EP1181238 B1 EP 1181238B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
jib
bend
segments
fixed
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP00922772A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1181238A1 (en
Inventor
Eugène Le Devehat
Renaud Le Devehat
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FMC Technologies SAS
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FMC Technologies SAS
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
    • B67D9/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships using articulated pipes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/8807—Articulated or swinging flow conduit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, in general, to loading and / or unloading of fluids, in particular of such fluids.
  • a preferred field of application is the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a loading and / or unloading crane located on the seabed and a tanker moored near this crane.
  • Such loading and / or unloading systems are described in particular in documents FR-A-2 469 367 and EP-0 020 267.
  • These systems include a fluid transfer device between an arrow of loading and coupling means provided on the ship.
  • the transfer device comprises a network of articulated multiple segments of fluid conduit of the type accordion or lozenge (s) deformable (s) and actuated by cable, the ends of the connected by means of elbows and rotary joints respectively to sections of pipe attached to the boom and sections of pipe intended to be connected to the coupling means. At least some of these elbows are attached to a support suspended from the arrow.
  • the present invention aims to improve certain aspects of this type of system.
  • the present invention proposes a device for transfer of fluid between a loading boom having at least one section of pipe attached to the boom and a coupling means, comprising a network of segments multiple articulated fluid conduits of the accordion or diamond type (s) deformable (s) and actuated by cable, at least one pipe section intended to be connected to the coupling means, each section of pipe attached to the boom or intended to be connected to the coupling means being connected to one end of the network of articulated segments via an elbow and rotating joints, the elbow being attached to a support suspended from the boom, which device is characterized in that each end of the network of articulated segments is attached to a second support rotatably mounted, by means of a bearing, on the support of the elbow to which the end is connected concentrically to the connecting rotary joint the end to the elbow.
  • a free annular space separates, from preferably, each rotary joint of the associated bearing, in the case of such a application.
  • the end support of the network is advantageously equipped with a piece of square shape, each end of the network of articulated segments of pipe being attached to one of the branches of a square-shaped piece corresponding and connected to the elbow carried by the elbow support (s) at means of an additional elbow removably attached to this end of network and connected to the elbow support elbow (s) by a rotating joint concentric to a bearing connecting the other branch of the shaped part square to the elbow support (s).
  • the fluid transfer device is suspended from a pivotally mounted boom in tilt on an arrow bracket that is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a Fixed base mounted on a platform, a first set of multiple segments of driving connects a driving part carried by the boom to a part of pipe attached to the boom support and extending to the bottom of the base and a second set of multiple driving segments extends from the bottom the part driving along the support of the arrow to the platform, the first and second sets of segments being configured and articulated with each other by means of rotating joints so as to allow the inclination movement of the arrow on the arrow stand and the rotation of the arrow stand on his base, the driving part along the boom support and the first and second sets of segments being external to any part substantially closed to the base or the boom support.
  • the fluid transfer device is suspended from a mounted arrow swiveling tilt on an arrow support which is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a fixed base, multiple articulated driving segments form a series of two articulated lozenges whose two respective angles are opposed by the top, the intermediate driving segments forming these two angles being joined at their intersection by a joint connected by a first set of cables and pulleys at a first set of counterweights balancing device, mounted longitudinally movable along the support of arrow, while the support of elbows connecting the ends of the lower segments of the deformable lozenges to the driving sections intended to be connected to the coupling means, is connected by a second set of cables, to a second counterbalance of hydraulically controlled balancing and mounted longitudinally movable on the boom support.
  • Such a balancing system also makes it possible to make more easy connection of the fluid transfer device to the coupling means and the disconnection of this same transfer device.
  • the pull cable intended to allow to extend this fluid transfer device to bring it into position connected to the coupling means is wound on a winch mounted on the weight recovery structure mentioned above.
  • this winch as well as the control winch hydraulic system of the second balancing counterbalance set, are adapted to be controlled at constant speed and constant tension when extending or retracting the fluid transfer device.
  • FIG. 1 is shown at 10 a part of a platform floating independent production.
  • a transhipment crane 11 including an arrow 12 mounted swiveling tilt on an arrow support 13, itself pivotally mounted in azimuth on a fixed base 95 mounted on the platform 10.
  • a tanker 14 is moored by means of a hawser 15 to the platform 10.
  • a fluid transfer device 16 between the boom 12 and a means of coupling 17 provided on the tanker 14 is suspended on that arrow 12 and includes a multiplicity of articulated driving segments in deformable diamonds operated by cable.
  • these deformable lozenges form a double pantograph consisting of two upper half-branches 18a, 18b, two whole medial branches 19a, 19b and two lower half-branches 20a, 20b.
  • the half branches 18a, 18b and 20a, 20b and the entire branches 19a, 19b are assembled together articulated by rotating joints 21 cryogenic Chicksan® gaskets.
  • This network of driving segments articulated thus forms two sections of pipe, one for the transfer of gas liquefied natural gas from platform 10 to tanker 14 and the other for return steam.
  • the entire branches 19a, 19b are secured to their intersection by a ball joint 22.
  • connection head 23 intended to ensure the coupling of the double pantograph 16 by means of coupling 17 located on the tanker 14.
  • connection head 23 comprises tubings coupling 24a, 24b, intended to be connected to tubings corresponding 25a, 25b, coupling means 17 (see Figure 4).
  • One of the tubings, namely the pipe section 24a, is intended for the transfer of gas liquefied while the other section of pipe 24b is intended for the return of steam from the tanker 14.
  • Each of these tubings 24a, 24b is provided, at one of its ends, a quick connect / disconnect member 26a, 26b equipped of a hemispherical ball valve 27a, 27b and locking members 28, 29.
  • These coupling elements 26a, 26b are intended to be locked on complementary 30 a, 30 b hemispherical ball valves, provided at the ends of the tubes 25a, 25b (see Figure 4).
  • each of the tubings or sections 25a, 25b is connected by several other sections of conduct and horizontal and vertical cryogenic rotating joints to pipe ends 31a, 31b, connecting these articulated pipe sections to tanks inside the tanker 14.
  • the pipe sections above the tanker's deck 14 form two transfer lines or dog legs 32a, 32b, articulated around a central mast 33.
  • the combination of the rotations of each transfer lines 32a, 32b allows a positioning of the valves to hemispherical bushel 30a, 30b in a horizontal plane, as well as their vertical displacement for connection to ball valves hemispherical 27a, 27b of the connecting head 23.
  • each of the tubes 25a, 25b is mounted to the end of a bracket 34a, 34b, carried by a central sleeve 35 able to turn on the mast 33, cylinders 36 activate the movement Vertical consoles 34a, 34b.
  • a motor 37 also makes it possible to turn the sleeve 35 on himself.
  • the top of the mast 33 is also provided with a frustoconical piece 39 adapted to receive a frustoconical piece of complementary centering 40 mounted on the connection head 23.
  • Quick coupling members 41 are also provided to lock these two frustoconical pieces 39, 40 one over the other.
  • the frustoconical piece 40 is mounted on the central branch of a stirrup-shaped structure 42 described in more detail below.
  • a winch 43 on which is wrapped a pull cable intended to allow to extend the double pantograph 16 to bring it into the connection position with the means of coupling 17, is also mounted on the central branch of this structure 42.
  • the free end of this pull cable is provided with a cylindrical piece 44 (see Figure 4), intended to be hooked to an automatic fastening member 45, such as a clamp, housed inside the frustoconical piece 39 of the means of coupling 17.
  • an automatic fastening member 45 such as a clamp
  • the structure 42 carries the pipe sections 24a, 24b, by via a fixation (removably) of a rectilinear part thereof to lateral attachment arms 48 integral with the structure 42.
  • the lateral branches 49 of the structure 42 are rotatably mounted by means of bearings 50 on a cardan joint box 51 of the ends of the half-branches lower 20a, 20b and pipe sections 24a, 24b.
  • this lower support box 51 and the means connecting the pipe sections to this one are similar to that and those of a box 52 which will be described in more detail below, with reference to the figure 4.
  • pipe sections 24a, 24b each have a part bent at 90 ° at one end, which is connected, by means of a cryogenic rotary joint 53a, 53b at the end of an elbow connected, at its other end, to one end of the half-branches 20a, 20b in a manner similar to the connection of the ends of the upper half branches 18a, 18b to the upper box 52 and to the elbows correspondents.
  • bearings 50 are arranged concentrically at rotating joints 53a, 53b, with a free annulus between the two.
  • the lateral branches 49 surround, too, the sections pipe 24a, 24b with separation by a free annular space.
  • the upper half-branches 18a, 18b are also articulated to the gimbal by means of the upper support box 52 on the sections of pipe 54a, 54b attached to the arrow 12.
  • the box 52 is also attached to the arrow 12, using two legs 56 suspended by means of ears 57 with two parallel beams 55, only one of which is visible in FIG.
  • legs 56 opposite the ears 57 are connected to each other by means of a transverse beam 58. As can be seen better in Figure 3, these legs 56 are also mounted movable in rotation on two opposite walls 59, 60 of the support box 52.
  • these legs 56 are provided with a flange 61a, 61b rotatably mounted on the wall 59 or 60 by means of a bearing 62a, 62b.
  • This bearing 62a, 62b comprises an outer annular element 63a, 63b fixed to each of the walls 59 and 60 and an inner annular element 64a, 64b attached to each of the flanges 61a, 61b. Beads 65a, 65b are inserted between the outer and inner annular elements of each of the bearing 62a, 62b.
  • Each of the sections 54a, 54b has an end portion elbow connected to one end of a bend 66a, 66b by means of a joint cryogenic turning 67a, 67b.
  • the flanges 61a, 61b, the bearing 62a, 62b and the walls 59, 60 are separated from the rotary joints 67a, 67b and the pipe sections 54a, 54b by a free annular space 68a, 68b.
  • Elbows 66a, 66b are secured by means of flanges 69a, 69b to a base plate 70 secured to the side walls of the box 52 and perpendicular to them.
  • Each of the other ends of the elbows 66a, 66b is connected to one end of one of the upper half-branches 18a, 18b of the double pantograph 16, via a 90 ° elbow 71a, 71b removable.
  • One end of the elbows 71a, 71b is connected to the end elbows 66a, 66b by means of a cryogenic rotary joint 72a, 72b, while the other end is attached to a half-branch end upper 18a, 18b.
  • this half-branch end 18a, 18b is provided with a flange 73a, 73b bolted to a branch of a shaped part bracket 74a, 74b, with the interposition of an insulating packing 75a, 75b.
  • Each of these branches 76a, 76b is in the form of a plate provided with a central opening passage of the elbow 71a, 71b.
  • the other branch 77a, 77b of the square pieces 74a, 74b also has the shape of a plate surrounding a rotating joint corresponding 72a, 72b with a free annular space between the two.
  • These branches 77a, 77b are, moreover, rotatably mounted by means of a ball bearing 78a, 78b on parallel walls 79, 80 of the box 52, perpendicular to the walls 59 and 60.
  • the bearings 78a, 78b are arranged concentrically to the corresponding cryogenic rotating joints 72a, 72b.
  • the plate-shaped branches 77a, 77b are provided with a central opening forming with the bearing 78a, 78b a free space ring 81a, 81b between the rotary joints 72a, 72b and the means of rotational mounting of the branches 77a, 77b on the walls 79, 80.
  • the square pieces 74a, 74b thus have a reinforcement chair shape.
  • this concept also allows the recovery of the forces balancing directly on the support structures of the double pantograph 16, as will be seen below.
  • this fluid transfer device 16 is deformable in its main plane to move up its segments articulated driving.
  • this device 16 can rotate in its main plane around the hinge pins of the seals 72a, 72b and bearings 78a, 78b.
  • the fluid transfer device 16 can also rotate perpendicular to its main plane around the axes of articulation of the seals 67a, 67b and bearings 62a, 62b.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 two balancing systems of FIG. this double pantograph transfer device 16, one connected to the central point (articulation 22) of this double pantograph and the other connected to the low point (box 51) of this same double pantograph 16.
  • the first balancing system includes a first cable 85 which starts from the hinge 22 and passes on a first pulley 86 of a pulley carrier pivotally mounted on the beam 58, then on a second deflection pulley 87 fixed to the arrow 12, a third deflection pulley at 180 ° 88 and a fourth deflection pulley attached to the front of the boom 12, to return to a pulley 90 of a second mounted pulley carrier movable pivoting on the beam 58 and eventually finally reach articulation 22.
  • connection cable 91 is connected at one of its ends to pulley holder of the idler pulley 88 and by its other end to a set of balancing counterweight 92, passing over a pulley 93 of return to 90 ° attached to the arrow 12.
  • This counterweight game 92 moves freely inside a guiding structure 94 of the boom support 13 rotating around the base fixed 95 (see Figure 1).
  • the second balancing system includes a passing cable 96 on a second pulley 97 for returning the first pulley carrier, on a second return pulley 98 attached to the front of the boom 12, substantially at the same the pulley 89.
  • the cable passes over another pulley 99 of return at 180 °, located between the two longitudinal ends of the 12, substantially at the same location as the pulley 88.
  • the cable 96 then returns by an additional pulley of 100 referred to the arrow 12 between the pulleys 98 and 99 and substantially at the same location as the pulley 87, and by a second pulley 101 of the second pulley carrier, to the box 51.
  • both ends of the cable 96 are fixed to the box 51 with the possibility of angular displacement in the main plane of the double pantograph 16, for example by means of a fork joint 102.
  • the axes of pivoting of the fork joints 102 thus extend perpendicular to the main plane of the double diamond 16, as pivoting axes of the first and second pulley supports.
  • connection cable 103 is connected by one of its ends at the pulley holder pulley 99 then passes on a pulley at 90 ° 104 attached to arrow 12 before reaching a 180 ° idler pulley attached to a second set of balancing counterweights 106. Finally, the cable 103 ascends towards the arrow 12 where it is fixed to the support structure 13 of the arrow 12.
  • This second set of counterweights 106 also slides inside of the guide structure 94, but is controlled in translation by a actuating system 107 comprising a hydraulic winch 108.
  • cables 85 and 96 extend below the first and second pulley carriers in the main plane of the double rhombus 16 and above these pulley carriers, in planes perpendicular to this main plane, so as not to extension and retraction maneuvers of the fluid transfer device 16.
  • the device for transferring fluid 16 is provided with a locking device in the retracted position of the double diamond 16.
  • This device comprises a male element 109 fixed to the beam 58 and a female element 110 fixed on the top of the articulation 22.
  • This element female 110 has a shape complementary to a recess provided on the male element 109 and enters the latter in the retracted position to lock the double rhombus 16 in the retracted position.
  • counterweight balancing 92 and 106 are easily accessible and connected by cables and pulleys always aligned with the structure of the crane 11.
  • the counterweight system 92 allows to ensure a constant balancing of the center of the double pantograph 16, while that the counterweight system 106 allows, as for him, to apply a tension variable.
  • the counterweight system 106 allows, as for him, to apply a tension variable.
  • the speed of movement of the double pantograph 16 can be accurately controlled both during a normal disconnection in which the articulated segments are empty only during a emergency disconnection in which the articulated segments are full of products and covered with ice.
  • these two systems make it possible to minimize the constraints on the intermediate rotating joints of the double pantograph 16 and to reduce the charges applied to the coupling means 17 during the connection of the double pantograph 16 to this one, but also to perform a connection without shock.
  • winches 43 and 108 are adapted to be controlled at constant speed or in constant tension so as to ability to offset these relative movements between the tanker 14 and the platform 10.
  • this cable is pulled to a constant speed with respect to the arrow 12 and at a constant tension by report by means of coupling 17, operating the winch 108 in speed constant and the winch 43 in constant strength. This avoids any risk of collision between the double pantograph 16 and the arrow 12.
  • the constant speed cable is then defined as a constant speed compared to the average coupling 17, while it is pulled in constant tension with respect to the arrow 12 in the opposite direction.
  • the winch 43 is operated in speed constant, while the winch 108 is actuated in constant force. It is so possible to limit the risk of collision between the connection head 23 and the frustoconical piece 39 of the coupling means 17.
  • the winch 43 In reverse (disconnection) the winch 43 is first actuated in constant speed and the winch 108 in constant strength. Then, during a stage intermediate the two winches are operated in constant strength and finally at near the retracted position near the arrow 12, the winch 43 is actuated in constant force, while the winch 108 is operated in constant speed.
  • the double pantograph 16 can be brought into connection position with the coupling means 17 and disconnected from it optimally.
  • position detectors and strain gauges are connected to a winch control system 43 and 108.
  • the boom 12 On the side of the platform 10, the boom 12 is pivotally mounted in inclination on the boom support 13, about 10 ° with respect to its position horizontal.
  • the arrow support 13 is, in turn, capable of performing a 250 ° rotation around the base 95.
  • two sets of 111 multiple segments of pipe articulated together by means of joints turners connect the connected pipe sections 54a and 54b to the double pantograph 16 and skirting arrow 12 to sections 112a, 112b carried by the support structure 13 of the arrow 12 and along the outside of the base 95.
  • two sets 113 of other segments of articulated by means of rotating joints connect these sections 112a and 112b to tubings 114a and 114b attached to the platform 10 and serving, respectively, for the supply of liquefied natural gas and the recovery of vaporized gases.
  • These sets of driving segments 111 and 113 are of course articulated together by means of rotating joints so as to allow the tilting movement of the arrow 12 on its support 13 and the rotation of this support 13 around the base 95.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Jib Cranes (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Gas Separation By Absorption (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

The transfer device between a jib including at least one pipe section (54a, 54b) fixed to the jib (12) and a coupling, comprises a system of concertina or deformable diamond-shaped type articulated pipe segments and actuated by cable, at least one pipe section (24a, 24b) connecting to the coupling means. Each section fixed to the jib or connecting to the coupling is connected to one end of the system by a bend and rotary joints (53a, 53b), the bend being fixed to a support (51, 52) suspended from the jib. Each end of the system is fixed to a support (74a) movably mounted in rotation by a bearing (78a) on the bend support to which the end is connected, concentrically with the joint (72a) connecting the end to the bend. The invention applies in particular to the transfer of liquefied natural gas from a marine platform to an oil tanker.

Description

La présente invention a trait, de manière générale, aux systèmes de chargement et/ou de déchargement de fluides, en particulier de navires de transport de tels fluides. Un domaine d'application préféré est le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié entre une grue de chargement et/ou de déchargement implantée sur le fond marin et un navire-citerne amarré près de cette grue.The present invention relates, in general, to loading and / or unloading of fluids, in particular of such fluids. A preferred field of application is the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a loading and / or unloading crane located on the seabed and a tanker moored near this crane.

Des exemples de tels systèmes de chargement et/ou de déchargement sont notamment décrits dans les documents FR-A-2 469 367 et EP-0 020 267. Ces systèmes comportent un dispositif de transfert de fluide entre une flèche de chargement et un moyen de couplage prévu sur le navire. Le dispositif de transfert comprend un réseau de segments multiples articulés de conduite de fluide du type accordéon ou à losange(s) déformable(s) et actionnés par câble, les extrémités du réseau étant raccordées, au moyen de coudes et de joints tournants, respectivement à des tronçons de conduite fixés à la flèche et des tronçons de conduite destinés à être raccordés au moyen de couplage. Certains au moins de ces coudes sont fixés à un support suspendu à la flèche.Examples of such loading and / or unloading systems are described in particular in documents FR-A-2 469 367 and EP-0 020 267. These systems include a fluid transfer device between an arrow of loading and coupling means provided on the ship. The transfer device comprises a network of articulated multiple segments of fluid conduit of the type accordion or lozenge (s) deformable (s) and actuated by cable, the ends of the connected by means of elbows and rotary joints respectively to sections of pipe attached to the boom and sections of pipe intended to be connected to the coupling means. At least some of these elbows are attached to a support suspended from the arrow.

La présente invention vise à améliorer certains aspects de ce type de système.The present invention aims to improve certain aspects of this type of system.

La présente invention propose un dispositif de transfert de fluide entre une flèche de chargement comportant au moins un tronçon de conduite fixé à la flèche et un moyen de couplage, comprenant un réseau de segments multiples articulés de conduite de fluide du type accordéon ou à losange(s) déformable(s) et actionnés par câble, au moins un tronçon de conduite destiné à être raccordé au moyen de couplage, chaque tronçon de conduite fixé à la flèche ou destiné à être raccordé au moyen de couplage étant raccordé à une extrémité du réseau de segments articulés par l'intermédiaire d'un coude et de joints tournants, le coude étant fixé à un support suspendu à la flèche, lequel dispositif est caractérisé en ce que chaque extrémité du réseau de segments articulés est fixée à un second support monté mobile en rotation, au moyen d'un roulement, sur le support du coude auquel l'extrémité est raccordée, concentriquement au joint tournant raccordant l'extrémité au coude.The present invention proposes a device for transfer of fluid between a loading boom having at least one section of pipe attached to the boom and a coupling means, comprising a network of segments multiple articulated fluid conduits of the accordion or diamond type (s) deformable (s) and actuated by cable, at least one pipe section intended to be connected to the coupling means, each section of pipe attached to the boom or intended to be connected to the coupling means being connected to one end of the network of articulated segments via an elbow and rotating joints, the elbow being attached to a support suspended from the boom, which device is characterized in that each end of the network of articulated segments is attached to a second support rotatably mounted, by means of a bearing, on the support of the elbow to which the end is connected concentrically to the connecting rotary joint the end to the elbow.

La mise en oeuvre de deux rotations concentriques permet de dissocier les fonctions de support et de jonction en rotation. On isole ainsi les joints tournants d'extrémités du réseau de segments articulés des forces agissant sur ces segments. Cela est particulièrement utile lors d'un transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié, car les joints tournants ou rotations sont alors soumis à une température de -160°C. Il est donc nécessaire de limiter les efforts sur ces rotations. Un tel montage permet également la reprise de forces d'équilibrage directement sur une structure de support des segments articulés, lorsque ce dispositif de transfert de fluide est pourvu de systèmes d'équilibrage.The implementation of two concentric rotations makes it possible to dissociate the support and rotational join functions. We thus isolate the rotating end joints of the network of articulated segments of the forces acting on these segments. This is particularly useful when transferring liquefied natural gas, because rotating joints or rotations are then subject to a temperature of -160 ° C. It is therefore necessary to limit efforts on these rotations. Such an assembly also allows the recovery of balancing forces directly on a support structure of the articulated segments, when this fluid transfer device is provided with balancing systems.

Suivant des dispositions préférées, éventuellement combinées :

  • le dispositif de transfert de fluide comporte une structure de reprise du poids du réseau de segments multiples articulés, portant chaque tronçon de conduite destiné à être raccordé au moyen de couplage et montée mobile en rotation au moyen d'au moins un roulement sur le premier support portant chaque coude raccordé à un tronçon de conduite destiné à être raccordé au moyen de couplage, chaque roulement étant disposé concentriquement au joint tournant raccordant un tronçon de conduite destiné à être raccordé au moyen de couplage à un coude, laquelle structure de reprise de poids comporte une pièce tronconique de centrage, adaptée à coopérer avec une pièce complémentaire du moyen de couplage ;
  • le support portant le ou les coudes de raccordement au(x) tronçon(s) de conduite fixé(s) à la flèche est suspendu à la flèche au moyen de jambes dont chacune est montée mobile en rotation, au moyen d'un roulement, sur ce support, concentriquement au(x) joint(s) tournant(s) de raccordement du (des) coude(s) au(x) tronçon(s) de conduite fixé(s) à la flèche.
According to preferred arrangements, possibly combined:
  • the fluid transfer device comprises a weight recovery structure of the array of articulated multiple segments, carrying each pipe section intended to be connected to the coupling means and rotatably mounted by means of at least one bearing on the first support carrying each elbow connected to a pipe section for connection to the coupling means, each bearing being concentrically disposed at the rotary joint connecting a pipe section to be connected to the coupling means to a bend, which weight recovery structure comprises a frustoconical centering piece adapted to cooperate with a complementary part of the coupling means;
  • the support carrying the bend or elbows to the pipe section (s) fixed to the boom is suspended from the boom by means of legs each of which is mounted to rotate, by means of a bearing, on this support, concentrically to the joint (s) turning (s) connection (s) elbow (s) to (x) pipe section (s) fixed (s) to the arrow.

Grâce à ces dispositions, aucun des joints tournants situés aux extrémités supérieure et inférieure du réseau de segments articulés n'est soumis aux charges ou contraintes mécaniques, en particulier celles liées à la masse du réseau de segments articulés et aux accélérations auxquelles sont soumis ces segments.Thanks to these provisions, none of the rotating joints located at upper and lower ends of the articulated segment network is subjected to mechanical loads or stresses, in particular those related to mass of the network of articulated segments and the accelerations to which submitted these segments.

En raison des phénomènes de rétraction se produisant lors du transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié, un espace annulaire libre sépare, de préférence, chaque joint tournant du roulement associé, dans le cas d'une telle application.Due to shrinkage phenomena occurring during the transfer of liquefied natural gas, a free annular space separates, from preferably, each rotary joint of the associated bearing, in the case of such a application.

Afin de pouvoir accéder aux garnitures des joints tournants, le support d'extrémité du réseau est avantageusement équipé d'une pièce en forme d'équerre, chaque extrémité du réseau de segments articulés de conduite étant fixée à l'une des branches d'une pièce en forme d'équerre correspondante et raccordée au coude porté par le support de coude(s) au moyen d'un coude supplémentaire fixé de manière amovible à cette extrémité de réseau et raccordé au coude du support de coude(s) par un joint tournant concentrique à un roulement raccordant l'autre branche de la pièce en forme d'équerre au support de coude(s).In order to access the fittings of the rotating joints, the end support of the network is advantageously equipped with a piece of square shape, each end of the network of articulated segments of pipe being attached to one of the branches of a square-shaped piece corresponding and connected to the elbow carried by the elbow support (s) at means of an additional elbow removably attached to this end of network and connected to the elbow support elbow (s) by a rotating joint concentric to a bearing connecting the other branch of the shaped part square to the elbow support (s).

Selon une forme de réalisation de la présente invention, le dispositif de transfert de fluide est suspendu à une flèche montée pivotante en inclinaison sur un support de flèche qui est monté pivotant en azimut sur une embase fixe montée sur une plate-forme, un premier jeu de segments multiples de conduite relie une partie de conduite portée par la flèche a une partie de conduite fixée au support de flèche et s'étendant jusqu'au bas de l'embase et un second jeu de segments multiples de conduite prolonge par le bas la partie de conduite longeant le support de la flèche jusqu'à la plate-forme, les premier et second jeux de segments étant configurés et articulés entre eux au moyen de joints tournants de telle sorte à permettre le mouvement d'inclinaison de la flèche sur le support de flèche et la rotation du support de flèche sur son embase, la partie de conduite longeant le support de flèche ainsi que les premier et second jeux de segments étant extérieurs à toute partie sensiblement close de l'embase ou du support de flèche. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid transfer device is suspended from a pivotally mounted boom in tilt on an arrow bracket that is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a Fixed base mounted on a platform, a first set of multiple segments of driving connects a driving part carried by the boom to a part of pipe attached to the boom support and extending to the bottom of the base and a second set of multiple driving segments extends from the bottom the part driving along the support of the arrow to the platform, the first and second sets of segments being configured and articulated with each other by means of rotating joints so as to allow the inclination movement of the arrow on the arrow stand and the rotation of the arrow stand on his base, the driving part along the boom support and the first and second sets of segments being external to any part substantially closed to the base or the boom support.

De telles dispositions permettent d'éviter l'installation de tuyauteries à l'intérieur d'une enceinte fermée ou mal ventilée, qui pourrait avoir de graves conséquences en cas de fuite accidentelle de gaz liquéfié.Such provisions prevent the installation of piping inside a closed or poorly ventilated enclosure, which could have serious consequences in case of accidental leakage of liquefied gas.

En outre, il est possible d'agencer les segments dans la zone de liaison entre la flèche et le support de flèche de façon à ce qu'ils ne présentent aucune remontée de tuyauterie qui pourrait s'avérer préjudiciable à la circulation du fluide. En effet, un tel agencement facilite notamment le drainage de fluide par gravité.In addition, it is possible to arrange the segments in the area of link between the boom and the boom support so that they do not present no return piping that could be detrimental to the fluid circulation. Indeed, such an arrangement facilitates drainage in particular fluid by gravity.

Par ailleurs, tous les segments de liaison sont aisément accessible pour la maintenance.Moreover, all link segments are easily accessible for maintenance.

Plus généralement, un tel agencement de segments de liaison entre la flèche et le support de flèche, d'une part, et ce support de flèche et la plate-forme, d'autre part, se caractérise par sa simplicité de conception et, partant, son moindre coût de fabrication et de montage, particulièrement pour la grue.More generally, such an arrangement of link segments between the arrow and the arrow support, on the one hand, and this arrow support and the platform, on the other hand, is characterized by its simplicity of design and, consequently, its lower cost of manufacture and assembly, particularly for the crane.

Selon encore une autre forme de réalisation de la présente invention, le dispositif de transfert de fluide est suspendu à une flèche montée pivotante en inclinaison sur un support de flèche qui est monté pivotant en azimut sur une embase fixe, les segments multiples articulés de conduite forment une suite de deux losanges articulés dont deux angles respectifs sont opposés par le sommet, les segments de conduite intermédiaires formant ces deux angles étant solidarisés à leur intersection par une articulation reliée par un premier jeu de câbles et de poulies à un premier jeu de contrepoids d'équilibrage libre, monté mobile longitudinalement le long du support de flèche, tandis que le support de coudes de raccordement des extrémités des segments inférieurs des losanges déformables aux tronçons de conduite destinés à être raccordés au moyen de couplage, est relié, par un second jeu de câbles, à un second contrepoids d'équilibrage commandé hydrauliquement et monté mobile longitudinalement sur le support de flèche.According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid transfer device is suspended from a mounted arrow swiveling tilt on an arrow support which is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a fixed base, multiple articulated driving segments form a series of two articulated lozenges whose two respective angles are opposed by the top, the intermediate driving segments forming these two angles being joined at their intersection by a joint connected by a first set of cables and pulleys at a first set of counterweights balancing device, mounted longitudinally movable along the support of arrow, while the support of elbows connecting the ends of the lower segments of the deformable lozenges to the driving sections intended to be connected to the coupling means, is connected by a second set of cables, to a second counterbalance of hydraulically controlled balancing and mounted longitudinally movable on the boom support.

La mise en oeuvre de deux jeux de contrepoids d'équilibrage agissant en des points différents de la structure de segments multiples articulés permet d'ajuster précisément les forces d'équilibrage destinées à agir sur cette structure et, par conséquent, de limiter de façon optimale les efforts auxquels sont soumis les joints tournants raccordant les segments articulés entre eux.The implementation of two sets of balancing counterweights acting at different points of the articulated multiple segment structure allows to precisely adjust the balancing forces intended to act on this structure and, therefore, to optimally limit the efforts to which the rotating joints connecting the articulated segments are submitted to each other.

Un tel système d'équilibrage permet également de rendre plus aisée la connexion du dispositif de transfert de fluide au moyen de couplage et la déconnexion de ce même dispositif de transfert.Such a balancing system also makes it possible to make more easy connection of the fluid transfer device to the coupling means and the disconnection of this same transfer device.

Afin de rendre la plus aisée possible la connexion du dispositif de transfert de fluide au moyen de couplage, le câble de tirage destiné à permettre d'étendre ce dispositif de transfert de fluide pour l'amener en position de raccordement au moyen de couplage, est enroulé sur un treuil monté sur la structure de reprise de poids précitée.In order to make it as easy as possible to connect the device of transfer of fluid by means of coupling, the pull cable intended to allow to extend this fluid transfer device to bring it into position connected to the coupling means, is wound on a winch mounted on the weight recovery structure mentioned above.

Avantageusement, ce treuil, ainsi que le treuil de commande hydraulique du second jeu de contrepoids d'équilibrage précité, sont adaptés à être commandés en vitesse constante et en tension constante lors de l'extension ou de la rétraction du dispositif de transfert de fluide.Advantageously, this winch, as well as the control winch hydraulic system of the second balancing counterbalance set, are adapted to be controlled at constant speed and constant tension when extending or retracting the fluid transfer device.

En jouant sur la commande des treuils, il est ainsi possible de s'assurer que le câble de tirage est toujours tendu, tant en phase de connexion du dispositif de transfert de fluide au moyen de couplage qu'en phase de déconnexion.By playing on the control of the winches, it is possible to make sure that the pull cable is still tight, both during the connection phase of the fluid transfer device by coupling means that in phase of disconnection.

Il est, par conséquent, possible de limiter au maximum les phénomènes de balancement parasites du dispositif de transfert de fluide et d'éviter les chocs au moment de la venue en contact du dispositif de transfert de fluide avec le moyen de couplage en vue de leur raccordement.It is therefore possible to limit as much as possible parasitic balancing phenomena of the fluid transfer device and to avoid shocks when the transfer device comes into contact fluid with the coupling means for their connection.

Les caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront d'ailleurs de la description qui va suivre, à titre d'exemple, en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective représentant une plate-forme avec une grue de transbordement de fluide et un navire-citerne amarré à la plate-forme ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de face partielle d'un dispositif de transfert de fluide selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe partielle selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de face, avec une coupe partielle, représentant le bas du dispositif de transfert de fluide en phase de connexion à un moyen de couplage situé sur le navire-citeme ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue très schématique de la grue de transbordement, sur laquelle le système d'équilibrage à contrepoids libres a été mis en évidence ; et
  • la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 6, avec mise en évidence du système d'équilibrage à contrepoids commandés hydrauliquement.
The features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a platform with a fluid transfer crane and a tanker moored to the platform;
  • Figure 2 is a partial front view of a fluid transfer device according to the invention;
  • Figure 3 is a partial sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a front view, with a partial section, showing the bottom of the fluid transfer device in phase of connection to a coupling means located on the tanker;
  • Figure 5 is a very schematic view of the transhipment crane, on which the free counterweight balancing system has been highlighted; and
  • Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 6, with the demonstration of the hydraulically controlled counterweight balancing system.

Sur la figure 1 est représentée en 10 une partie d'une plate-forme flottante de production indépendante. Sur cette partie de plate-forme 10 est montée une grue de transbordement 11 comprenant une flèche 12 montée pivotante en inclinaison sur un support de flèche 13, lui-même monté pivotant en azimut sur une embase fixe 95 montée sur la plate-forme 10.In Figure 1 is shown at 10 a part of a platform floating independent production. On this part of platform 10 is mounted a transhipment crane 11 including an arrow 12 mounted swiveling tilt on an arrow support 13, itself pivotally mounted in azimuth on a fixed base 95 mounted on the platform 10.

Un navire-citerne 14 est amarré au moyen d'une aussière 15 à la plate-forme 10. Un dispositif de transfert de fluide 16 entre la flèche 12 et un moyen de couplage 17 prévu sur le navire-citerne 14 est suspendu à cette flèche 12 et comprend une multiplicité de segments de conduite articulés en losanges déformables actionnés par câble.A tanker 14 is moored by means of a hawser 15 to the platform 10. A fluid transfer device 16 between the boom 12 and a means of coupling 17 provided on the tanker 14 is suspended on that arrow 12 and includes a multiplicity of articulated driving segments in deformable diamonds operated by cable.

Plus précisément, ces losanges déformables forment un double pantographe constitué par deux demi-branches supérieures 18a, 18b, deux branches entières médianes 19a, 19b et deux demi-branches inférieures 20a, 20b. Les demi-branches 18a, 18b et 20a, 20b et les branches entières 19a, 19b sont assemblées entre elles de façon articulée par des joints tournants 21 cryogéniques du type joints Chicksan®. Ce réseau de segments de conduite articulés forme ainsi deux tronçons de conduite, l'un pour le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié de la plate-forme 10 au navire-citerne 14 et l'autre pour le retour de la vapeur.More precisely, these deformable lozenges form a double pantograph consisting of two upper half-branches 18a, 18b, two whole medial branches 19a, 19b and two lower half-branches 20a, 20b. The half branches 18a, 18b and 20a, 20b and the entire branches 19a, 19b are assembled together articulated by rotating joints 21 cryogenic Chicksan® gaskets. This network of driving segments articulated thus forms two sections of pipe, one for the transfer of gas liquefied natural gas from platform 10 to tanker 14 and the other for return steam.

Les branches entières 19a, 19b sont solidarisées à leur intersection par une articulation à billes 22. The entire branches 19a, 19b are secured to their intersection by a ball joint 22.

Aux demi-branches inférieures 20a, 20b est suspendue, avec articulation à la Cardan, une tête de raccordement 23 destinée à assurer l'accouplement du double pantographe 16 au moyen de couplage 17 situé sur le navire-citerne 14.With the lower half branches 20a, 20b is suspended, with cardan joint, a connection head 23 intended to ensure the coupling of the double pantograph 16 by means of coupling 17 located on the tanker 14.

Cette tête de raccordement 23 comprend des tubulures d'accouplement 24a, 24b, destinées à être raccordées à des tubulures correspondantes 25a, 25b, du moyen de couplage 17 (voir figure 4). Une des tubulures, à savoir le tronçon de conduite 24a, est destiné au transfert du gaz liquéfié, tandis que l'autre tronçon de conduite 24b est destiné au retour de la vapeur à partir du navire-citerne 14.This connection head 23 comprises tubings coupling 24a, 24b, intended to be connected to tubings corresponding 25a, 25b, coupling means 17 (see Figure 4). One of the tubings, namely the pipe section 24a, is intended for the transfer of gas liquefied while the other section of pipe 24b is intended for the return of steam from the tanker 14.

Chacune de ces tubulures 24a, 24b est pourvue, à l'une de ses extrémités, d'un élément de connexion/déconnexion rapide 26a, 26b équipé d'une vanne à boisseau hémisphérique 27a, 27b et d'organes de verrouillage 28, 29. Ces éléments de couplages 26a, 26b, sont destinés à être verrouillés sur des vannes à boisseau hémisphériques 30 a, 30b complémentaires, prévues aux extrémités des tubulures 25a, 25b (voir figure 4).Each of these tubings 24a, 24b is provided, at one of its ends, a quick connect / disconnect member 26a, 26b equipped of a hemispherical ball valve 27a, 27b and locking members 28, 29. These coupling elements 26a, 26b are intended to be locked on complementary 30 a, 30 b hemispherical ball valves, provided at the ends of the tubes 25a, 25b (see Figure 4).

Les organes de sécurité utilisés ici, en particulier pour la déconnexion d'urgence, sont des organes classiques et ne seront donc pas décrit plus en détails ici.The safety devices used here, in particular for the emergency disconnection, are classic organs and therefore will not be described in more detail here.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4, chacune des tubulures ou tronçons de conduite 25a, 25b est reliée par plusieurs autres tronçons de conduite et des joints tournants cryogéniques horizontaux et verticaux à des extrémités de conduite 31a, 31b, raccordant ces tronçons de conduite articulés à des citernes situées à l'intérieur du navire-citerne 14.As can be seen in FIG. 4, each of the tubings or sections 25a, 25b is connected by several other sections of conduct and horizontal and vertical cryogenic rotating joints to pipe ends 31a, 31b, connecting these articulated pipe sections to tanks inside the tanker 14.

Les tronçons de conduite situés au-dessus du pont du navire-citerne 14 forment deux lignes de transfert ou jambes de chien 32a, 32b, articulés autour d'un mât central 33. La combinaison des rotations de chacune des lignes de transfert 32a, 32b permet un positionnement des vannes à boisseau hémisphériques 30a, 30b dans un plan horizontal, ainsi que leur déplacement vertical en vue de leur connexion aux vannes à boisseau hémisphériques 27a, 27b de la tête de raccordement 23. The pipe sections above the tanker's deck 14 form two transfer lines or dog legs 32a, 32b, articulated around a central mast 33. The combination of the rotations of each transfer lines 32a, 32b allows a positioning of the valves to hemispherical bushel 30a, 30b in a horizontal plane, as well as their vertical displacement for connection to ball valves hemispherical 27a, 27b of the connecting head 23.

A cet effet chacune des tubulures 25a, 25b est montée à l'extrémité d'une console 34a, 34b, portée par un manchon central 35 susceptible de tourner sur le mât 33, des vérins 36 activent le mouvement vertical des consoles 34a, 34b.For this purpose each of the tubes 25a, 25b is mounted to the end of a bracket 34a, 34b, carried by a central sleeve 35 able to turn on the mast 33, cylinders 36 activate the movement Vertical consoles 34a, 34b.

Un moteur 37 permet également de faire tourner le manchon 35 sur lui-même.A motor 37 also makes it possible to turn the sleeve 35 on himself.

Il est ainsi possible de connecter avec précision les vannes à boisseau hémisphériques 30a, 30b aux vannes à boisseau hémisphériques 27a, 27b au niveau de la plate-forme d'accès 38 du navire-citerne 14.It is thus possible to precisely connect the valves to hemispherical plug 30a, 30b with hemispherical ball valves 27a, 27b at the access platform 38 of the tanker 14.

Le haut du mât 33 est également pourvu d'une pièce tronconique 39 adaptée à recevoir une pièce tronconique de centrage complémentaire 40 montée sur la tête de raccordement 23. Des organes d'accrochage rapides 41 sont également prévus pour verrouiller ces deux pièces tronconiques 39, 40 l'une sur l'autre.The top of the mast 33 is also provided with a frustoconical piece 39 adapted to receive a frustoconical piece of complementary centering 40 mounted on the connection head 23. Quick coupling members 41 are also provided to lock these two frustoconical pieces 39, 40 one over the other.

La pièce tronconique 40 est montée sur la branche centrale d'une structure en forme d'étrier 42 décrite plus en détails ci-après. Un treuil 43, sur lequel est enroulé un câble de tirage destiné à permettre d'étendre le double pantographe 16 pour l'amener en position de raccordement avec le moyen de couplage 17, est également monté sur la branche centrale de cette structure 42. L'extrémité libre de ce câble de tirage est pourvu d'une pièce cylindrique 44 (voir figure 4), destiné à être accroché à un organe d'accrochage automatique 45, tel qu'une pince, logé à l'intérieur de la pièce tronconique 39 du moyen de couplage 17. Pour l'amener dans cette position d'accrochage, le câble de tirage est prolongé par un filin 46 destiné à être introduit dans un guide 47 du côté du moyen de couplage 17 afin de pouvoir amener, par la suite, le câble de tirage en prise avec l'organe d'accrochage 45.The frustoconical piece 40 is mounted on the central branch of a stirrup-shaped structure 42 described in more detail below. A winch 43, on which is wrapped a pull cable intended to allow to extend the double pantograph 16 to bring it into the connection position with the means of coupling 17, is also mounted on the central branch of this structure 42. The free end of this pull cable is provided with a cylindrical piece 44 (see Figure 4), intended to be hooked to an automatic fastening member 45, such as a clamp, housed inside the frustoconical piece 39 of the means of coupling 17. To bring it into this hooking position, the pull cable is extended by a rope 46 intended to be introduced into a guide 47 on the side of the coupling means 17 in order to be able to bring, subsequently, the pull cable engaged with the attachment member 45.

La structure 42 porte les tronçons de conduite 24a, 24b, par l'intermédiaire d'une fixation (de façon amovible) d'une partie rectiligne de ceux-ci à des bras 48 de fixation latérale solidaires de la structure 42.The structure 42 carries the pipe sections 24a, 24b, by via a fixation (removably) of a rectilinear part thereof to lateral attachment arms 48 integral with the structure 42.

Afin d'assurer une reprise du poids du double pantographe 16 au moment de la connexion au moyen de couplage 17, les branches latérales 49 de la structure 42 sont montées mobiles en rotation au moyen de roulements 50 sur un caisson d'articulation à la Cardan 51 des extrémités des demi-branches inférieures 20a, 20b et des tronçons de conduite 24a, 24b.In order to ensure the recovery of the weight of the double pantograph 16 moment of connection to the coupling means 17, the lateral branches 49 of the structure 42 are rotatably mounted by means of bearings 50 on a cardan joint box 51 of the ends of the half-branches lower 20a, 20b and pipe sections 24a, 24b.

La structure de ce caisson 51 inférieur de support et les moyens de raccordement des tronçons de conduite à celui-ci sont similaires à celle et ceux d'un caisson 52 qui sera décrit plus en détails infra, en référence à la figure 4.The structure of this lower support box 51 and the means connecting the pipe sections to this one are similar to that and those of a box 52 which will be described in more detail below, with reference to the figure 4.

On notera cependant que les tronçons de conduite 24a, 24b présentent chacun une partie coudée à 90° à une extrémité, qui est raccordée, au moyen d'un joint tournant cryogénique 53a, 53b, à l'extrémité d'un coude raccordé, par son autre extrémité, à l'une des extrémités des demi-branches inférieures 20a, 20b d'une façon similaire à la connexion des extrémités des demi-branches supérieures 18a, 18b au caisson supérieur 52 et aux coudes correspondants.It will be noted however that the pipe sections 24a, 24b each have a part bent at 90 ° at one end, which is connected, by means of a cryogenic rotary joint 53a, 53b at the end of an elbow connected, at its other end, to one end of the half-branches 20a, 20b in a manner similar to the connection of the ends of the upper half branches 18a, 18b to the upper box 52 and to the elbows correspondents.

On notera également que les roulements 50 sont disposés concentriquement aux joints tournants 53a, 53b, avec un espace annulaire libre entre les deux. Les branches latérales 49 entourent, elles aussi, les tronçons de conduite 24a, 24b avec une séparation par un espace annulaire libre.Note also that the bearings 50 are arranged concentrically at rotating joints 53a, 53b, with a free annulus between the two. The lateral branches 49 surround, too, the sections pipe 24a, 24b with separation by a free annular space.

Les demi-branches supérieures 18a, 18b sont également articulés à la Cardan au moyen du caisson de support supérieur 52 sur les tronçons de conduite 54a, 54b fixés à la flèche 12.The upper half-branches 18a, 18b are also articulated to the gimbal by means of the upper support box 52 on the sections of pipe 54a, 54b attached to the arrow 12.

Le caisson 52 est lui aussi fixé à la flèche 12, à l'aide de deux jambes 56 suspendues au moyen d'oreilles 57 à deux poutres parallèles 55, dont une seule est visible sur la figure 2.The box 52 is also attached to the arrow 12, using two legs 56 suspended by means of ears 57 with two parallel beams 55, only one of which is visible in FIG.

Les extrémités des jambes 56 opposées aux oreilles 57 sont reliées l'une à l'autre au moyen d'une poutre transversale 58. Comme on le voit mieux sur la figure 3, ces jambes 56 sont également montées mobile en rotation sur deux parois opposées 59, 60 du caisson de support 52.The ends of the legs 56 opposite the ears 57 are connected to each other by means of a transverse beam 58. As can be seen better in Figure 3, these legs 56 are also mounted movable in rotation on two opposite walls 59, 60 of the support box 52.

Plus précisément, ces jambes 56 sont pourvues d'un flasque 61a, 61b monté mobile en rotation sur la paroi 59 ou 60 au moyen d'un roulement 62a, 62b. More specifically, these legs 56 are provided with a flange 61a, 61b rotatably mounted on the wall 59 or 60 by means of a bearing 62a, 62b.

Ce roulement 62a, 62b comporte un élément annulaire externe 63a, 63b fixé à chacune des parois 59 et 60 et un élément annulaire interne 64a, 64b fixé à chacun des flasques 61a, 61b. Des billes 65a, 65b sont insérées entre les éléments annulaires externes et internes de chacun des roulement 62a, 62b.This bearing 62a, 62b comprises an outer annular element 63a, 63b fixed to each of the walls 59 and 60 and an inner annular element 64a, 64b attached to each of the flanges 61a, 61b. Beads 65a, 65b are inserted between the outer and inner annular elements of each of the bearing 62a, 62b.

Chacun des tronçons 54a, 54b comporte une partie d'extrémité coudée reliée à une extrémité d'un coude 66a, 66b, au moyen d'un joint tournant cryogénique 67a, 67b.Each of the sections 54a, 54b has an end portion elbow connected to one end of a bend 66a, 66b by means of a joint cryogenic turning 67a, 67b.

Les flasques 61a, 61b, le roulement 62a, 62b et les parois 59, 60 sont séparés des joints tournants 67a, 67b et des tronçons de conduite 54a, 54b par un espace annulaire libre 68a, 68b.The flanges 61a, 61b, the bearing 62a, 62b and the walls 59, 60 are separated from the rotary joints 67a, 67b and the pipe sections 54a, 54b by a free annular space 68a, 68b.

Les coudes 66a, 66b sont fixés au moyen de brides 69a, 69b à une plaque de base 70 solidaire des parois latérales du caisson 52 et perpendiculaire à celles-ci.Elbows 66a, 66b are secured by means of flanges 69a, 69b to a base plate 70 secured to the side walls of the box 52 and perpendicular to them.

Chacune des autres extrémités des coudes 66a, 66b est reliée à une extrémité d'une des demi-branches supérieures 18a, 18b du double pantographe 16, par l'intermédiaire d'un coude à 90° 71a, 71b amovible.Each of the other ends of the elbows 66a, 66b is connected to one end of one of the upper half-branches 18a, 18b of the double pantograph 16, via a 90 ° elbow 71a, 71b removable.

L'une des extrémités des coudes 71a, 71b est reliée à l'extrémité des coudes 66a, 66b au moyen d'un joint tournant cryogénique 72a, 72b, tandis que l'autre extrémité est fixée à une extrémité de demi-branche supérieure 18a, 18b.One end of the elbows 71a, 71b is connected to the end elbows 66a, 66b by means of a cryogenic rotary joint 72a, 72b, while the other end is attached to a half-branch end upper 18a, 18b.

Pour ce faire, cette extrémité de demi-branche 18a, 18b est pourvue d'une bride 73a, 73b boulonnée sur une branche d'une pièce en forme d'équerre 74a, 74b, avec interposition d'une garniture d'isolation 75a, 75b. Chacune de ces branches 76a, 76b présente la forme d'une plaque pourvue d'une ouverture centrale de passage du coude 71a, 71b.To do this, this half-branch end 18a, 18b is provided with a flange 73a, 73b bolted to a branch of a shaped part bracket 74a, 74b, with the interposition of an insulating packing 75a, 75b. Each of these branches 76a, 76b is in the form of a plate provided with a central opening passage of the elbow 71a, 71b.

L'autre branche 77a, 77b des pièces en forme d'équerre 74a, 74b présente également la forme d'une plaque entourant un joint tournant correspondant 72a, 72b avec un espace annulaire libre entre les deux. Ces branches 77a, 77b sont, par ailleurs, montées mobiles en rotation au moyen d'un roulement à billes 78a, 78b sur des parois parallèles 79, 80 du caisson 52, perpendiculaires aux parois 59 et 60.The other branch 77a, 77b of the square pieces 74a, 74b also has the shape of a plate surrounding a rotating joint corresponding 72a, 72b with a free annular space between the two. These branches 77a, 77b are, moreover, rotatably mounted by means of a ball bearing 78a, 78b on parallel walls 79, 80 of the box 52, perpendicular to the walls 59 and 60.

Le montage au moyen des roulements 78a, 78b des branches 77a, 77b sur les parois 79, 80 étant similaire au montage des flasques 61a, 61b sur les parois 59, 60, il ne sera pas décrit plus en détails ici.Mounting by means of the bearings 78a, 78b of the branches 77a, 77b on the walls 79, 80 being similar to the mounting of the flanges 61a, 61b on the walls 59, 60, it will not be described in more detail here.

On notera cependant que les roulements 78a, 78b sont disposés concentriquement aux joints tournants cryogéniques 72a, 72b correspondants. Par ailleurs les branches en forme de plaques 77a, 77b sont pourvues d'une ouverture centrale formant avec le roulement 78a, 78b un espace libre annulaire 81a, 81b entre les joints tournants 72a, 72b et les moyens de montage en rotation des branches 77a, 77b sur les parois 79, 80.Note however that the bearings 78a, 78b are arranged concentrically to the corresponding cryogenic rotating joints 72a, 72b. Moreover, the plate-shaped branches 77a, 77b are provided with a central opening forming with the bearing 78a, 78b a free space ring 81a, 81b between the rotary joints 72a, 72b and the means of rotational mounting of the branches 77a, 77b on the walls 79, 80.

En outre, les branches respectives des pièces en forme d'équerre 74a, 74b sont renforcées par des goussets 82a, 82b.In addition, the respective branches of the square-shaped pieces 74a, 74b are reinforced by gussets 82a, 82b.

Les pièces en forme d'équerre 74a, 74b présentent ainsi une forme de chaise de reprise de forces.The square pieces 74a, 74b thus have a reinforcement chair shape.

On appréciera que les joints tournants des articulations à la Cardan aux extrémités supérieures et inférieures du double pantographe 16 ne sont ainsi plus soumises aux charges ou contraintes mécaniques (poids du pantographe, accélérations, ...).It will be appreciated that the rotating joints of the joints at the Cardan at the upper and lower ends of the double pantograph 16 does not are thus more subject to mechanical loads or stresses (weight of pantograph, accelerations, ...).

Par ailleurs, ce concept permet également la reprise des forces d'équilibrage directement sur les structures de support du double pantographe 16, comme on le verra ci-après.Moreover, this concept also allows the recovery of the forces balancing directly on the support structures of the double pantograph 16, as will be seen below.

On notera également que ce dispositif de transfert de fluide 16 est déformable dans son plan principal pour déplacer en hauteur ses segments articulés de conduite.It will also be noted that this fluid transfer device 16 is deformable in its main plane to move up its segments articulated driving.

L'articulation des demi-branches et branches entières entre elles par l'intermédiaire des joints tournants est, quant à elle, classique et peut par exemple être effectuée de la façon décrite dans le document FR-2 469 367 précité.The articulation of the half branches and whole branches between them through the rotating joints is, for its part, conventional and can by example be carried out as described in document FR-2 469 367 supra.

En outre, ce dispositif 16 peut pivoter dans son plan principal autour des axes d'articulation des joints 72a, 72b et roulements 78a, 78b. Enfin le dispositif de transfert de fluide 16 peut également pivoter perpendiculairement à son plan principal autour des axes d'articulation des joints 67a, 67b et des roulements 62a, 62b.In addition, this device 16 can rotate in its main plane around the hinge pins of the seals 72a, 72b and bearings 78a, 78b. Finally the fluid transfer device 16 can also rotate perpendicular to its main plane around the axes of articulation of the seals 67a, 67b and bearings 62a, 62b.

On reconnaít sur les figures 5 et 6 deux systèmes d'équilibrage de ce dispositif de transfert 16 à double pantographe, l'un relié au point central (articulation 22) de ce double pantographe et l'autre relié au point bas (caisson 51) de ce même double pantographe 16.In FIGS. 5 and 6, two balancing systems of FIG. this double pantograph transfer device 16, one connected to the central point (articulation 22) of this double pantograph and the other connected to the low point (box 51) of this same double pantograph 16.

Le premier système d'équilibrage comprend un premier câble 85 qui part de l'articulation 22 et passe sur une première poulie de renvoi 86 d'un porte-poulies monté mobile en pivotement sur la poutre 58, puis sur une seconde poulie de renvoi 87 fixée à la flèche 12, une troisième poulie de renvoi à 180° 88 ainsi qu'une quatrième poulie de renvoi fixée à l'avant de la flèche 12, pour revenir sur une poulie de renvoi 90 d'un second porte-poulies monté mobile en pivotement sur la poutre 58 et aboutir finalement à nouveau à l'articulation 22.The first balancing system includes a first cable 85 which starts from the hinge 22 and passes on a first pulley 86 of a pulley carrier pivotally mounted on the beam 58, then on a second deflection pulley 87 fixed to the arrow 12, a third deflection pulley at 180 ° 88 and a fourth deflection pulley attached to the front of the boom 12, to return to a pulley 90 of a second mounted pulley carrier movable pivoting on the beam 58 and eventually finally reach articulation 22.

Un câble de connexion 91 est relié par l'une de ses extrémités au porte-poulies de la poulie de renvoi 88 et par son autre extrémité à un jeu de contrepoids 92 d'équilibrage, en passant sur une poulie 93 de renvoi à 90° fixée à la flèche 12.A connection cable 91 is connected at one of its ends to pulley holder of the idler pulley 88 and by its other end to a set of balancing counterweight 92, passing over a pulley 93 of return to 90 ° attached to the arrow 12.

Ce jeu de contrepoids 92 se déplace librement à l'intérieur d'une structure de guidage 94 du support de flèche 13 tournant autour de l'embase fixe 95 (voir figure 1).This counterweight game 92 moves freely inside a guiding structure 94 of the boom support 13 rotating around the base fixed 95 (see Figure 1).

Le second système d'équilibrage comprend un câble 96 passant sur une seconde poulie 97 de renvoi du premier porte-poulies, sur une seconde poulie de renvoi 98 fixée à l'avant de la flèche 12, sensiblement au même emplacement que la poulie de renvoi 89. Ensuite, le câble passe sur une autre poulie 99 de renvoi à 180°, située entre les deux extrémités longitudinales de la flèche 12, sensiblement au même emplacement que la poulie 88.The second balancing system includes a passing cable 96 on a second pulley 97 for returning the first pulley carrier, on a second return pulley 98 attached to the front of the boom 12, substantially at the same the pulley 89. Next, the cable passes over another pulley 99 of return at 180 °, located between the two longitudinal ends of the 12, substantially at the same location as the pulley 88.

Le câble 96 revient ensuite par une poulie supplémentaire de renvoi 100 fixée à la flèche 12 entre les poulies de renvoi 98 et 99 et sensiblement au même emplacement que la poulie 87, et par une seconde poulie 101 du second porte-poulies, au caisson 51.The cable 96 then returns by an additional pulley of 100 referred to the arrow 12 between the pulleys 98 and 99 and substantially at the same location as the pulley 87, and by a second pulley 101 of the second pulley carrier, to the box 51.

Il est à noter, à cet égard, que les deux extrémités du câble 96 sont fixées au caisson 51 avec possibilité de débattement angulaire dans le plan principal du double pantographe 16, par exemple au moyen d'une articulation à fourchette 102.It should be noted, in this regard, that both ends of the cable 96 are fixed to the box 51 with the possibility of angular displacement in the main plane of the double pantograph 16, for example by means of a fork joint 102.

Comme on peut encore le voir sur la figure 2, les axes de pivotement des articulations à fourchette 102 s'étendent ainsi perpendiculairement au plan principal du double losange 16, tout comme les axes de pivotement des premiers et seconds supports de poulies.As can be seen in Figure 2, the axes of pivoting of the fork joints 102 thus extend perpendicular to the main plane of the double diamond 16, as pivoting axes of the first and second pulley supports.

Un autre câble de connexion 103 est relié par l'une des ses extrémités au porte-poulies de la poulie 99 puis passe sur une poulie de renvoi à 90° 104 fixée à la flèche 12 avant d'arriver à une poulie de renvoi à 180° 105 fixée à un second jeu de contrepoids d'équilibrage 106. Enfin, le câble 103 monte vers la flèche 12 où il est fixé à la structure de support 13 de la flèche 12.Another connection cable 103 is connected by one of its ends at the pulley holder pulley 99 then passes on a pulley at 90 ° 104 attached to arrow 12 before reaching a 180 ° idler pulley attached to a second set of balancing counterweights 106. Finally, the cable 103 ascends towards the arrow 12 where it is fixed to the support structure 13 of the arrow 12.

Ce second jeu de contrepoids 106 coulisse également à l'intérieur de la structure de guidage 94, mais est commandé en translation par un système d'actionnement 107 comprenant un treuil hydraulique 108.This second set of counterweights 106 also slides inside of the guide structure 94, but is controlled in translation by a actuating system 107 comprising a hydraulic winch 108.

On peut également voir sur les figures 2, 5 et 6 que les câbles 85 et 96 s'étendent, en dessous des premiers et seconds portes-poulies, dans le plan principal du double losange 16 et au-dessus de ces porte-poulies, dans des plans perpendiculaires à ce plan principal, en sorte de ne pas gêner les manoeuvres d'extension et de rétraction du dispositif de transfert de fluide 16.It can also be seen in Figures 2, 5 and 6 that the cables 85 and 96 extend below the first and second pulley carriers in the main plane of the double rhombus 16 and above these pulley carriers, in planes perpendicular to this main plane, so as not to extension and retraction maneuvers of the fluid transfer device 16.

Sur la figure 2 on peut encore voir que le dispositif de transfert de fluide 16 est pourvu d'un dispositif de verrouillage en position rétractée du double losange 16. Ce dispositif comporte un élément mâle 109 fixé à la poutre 58 et un élément femelle 110 fixé sur le haut de l'articulation 22. Cet élément femelle 110 présente une forme complémentaire d'un évidement prévu sur l'élément mâle 109 et pénètre dans celui-ci en position rétractée pour verrouiller le double losange 16 en position rétractée. In FIG. 2 it can still be seen that the device for transferring fluid 16 is provided with a locking device in the retracted position of the double diamond 16. This device comprises a male element 109 fixed to the beam 58 and a female element 110 fixed on the top of the articulation 22. This element female 110 has a shape complementary to a recess provided on the male element 109 and enters the latter in the retracted position to lock the double rhombus 16 in the retracted position.

On appréciera également que les contrepoids d'équilibrage 92 et 106 sont facilement accessibles et raccordés par des câbles et poulies toujours alignés avec la structure de la grue 11.It will also be appreciated that counterweight balancing 92 and 106 are easily accessible and connected by cables and pulleys always aligned with the structure of the crane 11.

On appréciera aussi que le système à contrepoids 92 permet d'assurer un équilibrage constant du centre du double pantographe 16, tandis que le système à contrepoids 106 permet, quant à lui, d'appliquer une tension variable. Ainsi, lors de la mise en fonctionnement du dispositif de transfert de fluide 16, il est possible de compenser tous les mouvements relatifs entre le navire-citerne 14 et la plate-forme 10.It will also be appreciated that the counterweight system 92 allows to ensure a constant balancing of the center of the double pantograph 16, while that the counterweight system 106 allows, as for him, to apply a tension variable. Thus, when putting into operation of the transfer device of fluid 16, it is possible to compensate for all relative movements between the tanker 14 and platform 10.

Par ailleurs, la vitesse de déplacement du double pantographe 16 peut être contrôlée avec précision tant au cours d'une déconnexion normale lors de laquelle les segments articulés sont vides que pendant une déconnexion d'urgence lors de laquelle les segments articulés sont pleins de produits et recouverts de glace.Moreover, the speed of movement of the double pantograph 16 can be accurately controlled both during a normal disconnection in which the articulated segments are empty only during a emergency disconnection in which the articulated segments are full of products and covered with ice.

Plus généralement, ces deux systèmes permettent de minimiser les contraintes sur les joints tournants intermédiaires du double pantographe 16 et de réduire les charges appliquées au moyen de couplage 17 lors de la connexion du double pantographe 16 à celui-ci, mais aussi d'effectuer une connexion sans choc.More generally, these two systems make it possible to minimize the constraints on the intermediate rotating joints of the double pantograph 16 and to reduce the charges applied to the coupling means 17 during the connection of the double pantograph 16 to this one, but also to perform a connection without shock.

La tête de raccordement 23 et le moyen de couplage 17, de par leurs structures, contribuent bien sûr également à cette connexion sans heurt et à une compensation des mouvements relatifs entre le navire-citerne 14 et la plate-forme 10.The connection head 23 and the coupling means 17, by their structures, of course also contribute to this seamless connection and compensation for relative movements between the tanker 14 and the platform 10.

A cet égard, il est à noter que les treuils 43 et 108 sont adaptés à être commandés en vitesse contante ou en tension constante de manière à pouvoir compenser ces mouvements relatifs entre le navire-citerne 14 et la plate-forme 10.In this respect, it should be noted that the winches 43 and 108 are adapted to be controlled at constant speed or in constant tension so as to ability to offset these relative movements between the tanker 14 and the platform 10.

Ainsi, au début de l'extension du double pantographe 16 après accrochage du câble de tirage sur le moyen de couplage 17, ce câble est tiré à une vitesse constante par rapport à la flèche 12 et à une tension constante par rapport au moyen de couplage 17, en actionnant le treuil 108 en vitesse constante et le treuil 43 en force constante. Cela permet d'éviter tout risque de collision entre le double pantographe 16 et la flèche 12.Thus, at the beginning of the extension of the double pantograph 16 after hooking of the pulling cable on the coupling means 17, this cable is pulled to a constant speed with respect to the arrow 12 and at a constant tension by report by means of coupling 17, operating the winch 108 in speed constant and the winch 43 in constant strength. This avoids any risk of collision between the double pantograph 16 and the arrow 12.

Puis, dans une phase intermédiaire, les deux treuils sont actionnés en force constante.Then, in an intermediate phase, the two winches are operated in constant force.

Ensuite, lorsque le double pantographe 16 arrive au voisinage du point mécanique de connexion au moyen de couplage 17, la vitesse constante du câble est alors définie comme une vitesse constante par rapport au moyen de couplage 17, tandis qu'il est tiré en tension constante par rapport à la flèche 12 en direction opposée. En d'autres termes, le treuil 43 est actionné en vitesse constante, tandis que le treuil 108 est actionné en force constante. Il est ainsi possible de limiter le risque de collision entre la tête de raccordement 23 et la pièce tronconique 39 du moyen de couplage 17.Then, when the double pantograph 16 arrives in the vicinity of mechanical point of connection by means of coupling 17, the constant speed cable is then defined as a constant speed compared to the average coupling 17, while it is pulled in constant tension with respect to the arrow 12 in the opposite direction. In other words, the winch 43 is operated in speed constant, while the winch 108 is actuated in constant force. It is so possible to limit the risk of collision between the connection head 23 and the frustoconical piece 39 of the coupling means 17.

En sens inverse (déconnexion) le treuil 43 est d'abord actionné en vitesse constante et le treuil 108 en force constante. Puis, lors d'une étape intermédiaire les deux treuils sont actionnés en force constante et, enfin, au voisinage de la position rétractée près de la flèche 12, le treuil 43 est actionné en force constante, tandis que le treuil 108 est actionné en vitesse constante.In reverse (disconnection) the winch 43 is first actuated in constant speed and the winch 108 in constant strength. Then, during a stage intermediate the two winches are operated in constant strength and finally at near the retracted position near the arrow 12, the winch 43 is actuated in constant force, while the winch 108 is operated in constant speed.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le double pantographe 16 peut être amené en position de raccordement avec le moyen de couplage 17 et déconnecté de celui-ci de façon optimale.Thanks to these provisions, the double pantograph 16 can be brought into connection position with the coupling means 17 and disconnected from it optimally.

Il est à noter, à cet égard, que des détecteurs de position et des jauges de contrainte sont reliés à un système de commande des treuils 43 et 108.It should be noted, in this respect, that position detectors and strain gauges are connected to a winch control system 43 and 108.

Du côté de la plate-forme 10, la flèche 12 est montée pivotante en inclinaison sur le support de flèche 13, d'environ 10° par rapport à sa position horizontale. Le support de flèche 13 est, quant à lui, susceptible d'effectuer une rotation de 250° autour de l'embase 95.On the side of the platform 10, the boom 12 is pivotally mounted in inclination on the boom support 13, about 10 ° with respect to its position horizontal. The arrow support 13 is, in turn, capable of performing a 250 ° rotation around the base 95.

Afin que soit possible le mouvement d'inclinaison, deux jeux 111 de segments multiples de conduite articulés entre eux au moyen de joints tournants relient les tronçons de conduite 54a et 54b raccordés au double pantographe 16 et longeant la flèche 12 à des tronçons de conduite 112a, 112b portés par la structure de support 13 de la flèche 12 et longeant l'extérieur de l'embase 95.In order for the inclination movement to be possible, two sets of 111 multiple segments of pipe articulated together by means of joints turners connect the connected pipe sections 54a and 54b to the double pantograph 16 and skirting arrow 12 to sections 112a, 112b carried by the support structure 13 of the arrow 12 and along the outside of the base 95.

De manière similaire, deux jeux 113 d'autres segments de conduite articulés entre eux au moyen de joints tournants relient ces tronçons de conduite 112a et 112b à des tubulures 114a et 114b fixées à la plate-forme 10 et servant, respectivement, à l'alimentation en gaz naturel liquéfié et à la récupération des gaz vaporisés.Similarly, two sets 113 of other segments of articulated by means of rotating joints connect these sections 112a and 112b to tubings 114a and 114b attached to the platform 10 and serving, respectively, for the supply of liquefied natural gas and the recovery of vaporized gases.

Ces jeux de segments de conduite 111 et 113 sont bien sûr articulés entre eux aux moyens de joints tournants de telle sorte à permettre le mouvement d'inclinaison de la flèche 12 sur son support 13 et la rotation de ce support 13 autour de l'embase 95.These sets of driving segments 111 and 113 are of course articulated together by means of rotating joints so as to allow the tilting movement of the arrow 12 on its support 13 and the rotation of this support 13 around the base 95.

On appréciera que ces segments de conduite 111 et 113, ainsi que les tronçons de conduite 112a et 112b sont tous extérieurs à une quelconque structure fermée, de la grue 11, telle que l'embase 95. Cela présente les avantages mentionnés supra. En outre, les jeux de segments articulés 111 et 113 permettent également l'expansion et la rétraction des tubulures.It will be appreciated that these driving segments 111 and 113, as well as that the pipe sections 112a and 112b are all external to a any closed structure, of the crane 11, such as the base 95. This has the advantages mentioned above. In addition, segment games articulated 111 and 113 also allow the expansion and retraction of tubing.

Il va de soi que la description qui précède n'a été proposée qu'à titre d'exemple et qu'on pourra apporter des équivalences dans ses éléments constitutifs, sans, pour autant, sortir du cadre de l'invention, telle que définie par les revendications suivantes.It goes without saying that the foregoing description has only been proposed to example and that we can bring equivalences into its elements constituent parts without, however, departing from the scope of the invention, such as defined by the following claims.

Claims (10)

  1. Fluid transfer device between a loading jib (12) including at least one pipe section (54a, 54b) fixed to the jib (12) and a coupling means (17), comprising a system (16) of multiple articulated fluid pipe segments of accordion or deformable lozenge type and actuated by cable, at least one pipe section (24a, 24b) intended to be connected to the coupling means (17), each pipe section fixed to the jib (12) or intended to be connected to the coupling means (17) being connected to one end of the system (16) of articulated segments by means of a bend (66a, 66b) and rotary joints (53a, 53b, 67a, 67b, 72a, 72b), the bend (66a, 66b) being fixed to a support (51, 52) suspended from the jib (12), which device is characterized in that each end of the system (16) of articulated segments is fixed to a support (74a, 74b) which is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (78a, 78b) on the support of the bend (66a, 66b) to which the end is connected, concentrically with the rotary joint (72a, 72b) connecting the end to the bend (66a, 66b).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a structure (42) for taking up the weight of the system of multiple articulated segments, carrying each pipe section (24a, 24b) intended to be connected to the coupling means (17) and rotatably mounted by means of at least one bearing (50) on the support (51) carrying each bend connected to a pipe section intended to be connected to the coupling means, each bearing being concentrically arranged around the rotary joint connecting a pipe section intended to be connected to the coupling means to a bend, which weight take-up structure includes a centering tapered piece (40) adapted to co-operate with a complementary piece (39) of the coupling means.
  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (52) carrying the bend(s) for connection to the pipe section(s) (54a, 54b) fixed to the fluid jib (12) is suspended from the jib (12) by means of struts (56), each one of which is rotatably mounted by means of a bearing (62a, 62b) on this support, concentrically to the rotary joint(s) (67a, 67b) connecting the bend(s) to the pipe section(s) fixed to the jib (12).
  4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an annular free space (81a, 81b) separates each rotary joint from the bearing concentric thereto.
  5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end support of the system is equipped with a square-shaped piece (74a, 74b), each end of the system of articulated pipe segments being fixed to one of the branches (76a, 76b) of a corresponding square-shaped piece and connected to the bend carried by the bend support by means of a supplementary bend (71a, 71b) fixed in detachable manner to this end of the system of articulated segments and connected to the bend of the bend support by a rotary joint (72a, 72b) concentric with a bearing (78a, 78b) connecting the other branch (77a, 77b) of the square-shaped piece to the bend support.
  6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fluid transfer device (16) is suspended from a jib (12) pivotably tiltable on a jib support (13) which is pivotably mounted in azimuth on a fixed base (95) mounted on a platform (10), a first set (111) of multiple pipe segments connects a pipe part carried by the jib to a pipe part (112a, 112b) fixed to the jib support and running to the bottom of the base and a second set (113) of multiple pipe segments extends the pipe part (112a, 112b) running along the jib support from its bottom to the platform, the first and second sets (111, 113) of segments being configured and articulated to each other by means of rotary joints so as to allow the tilting movement of the jib on the jib support and the rotation of the jib support on its base, the pipe part running along the jib support as well as the first and second sets of segments being external to any substantially closed part of the base or jib support.
  7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fluid transfer device is suspended from a jib (12) which is pivotably tiltable on a jib support (13) which is pivotably mounted in azimuth on a fixed base, the system of multiple articulated pipe segments forms a series of two articulated lozenges, two respective angles of which are opposed at the vertex, the intermediate pipe sections forming these two angles being joined together at their intersection by an articulation (22) connected by a first set of cables and pulleys to a first free set (92) of balancing counterweights, mounted movably longitudinally along the jib support (13) whilst the support (51) for connecting the ends of the lower segments (20a, 20b) of the deformable lozenges to the pipe sections (24a, 24b) intended to be connected to the coupling means, is connected, by a second set of cables and pulleys to a second set (106) of balancing counterweights which is controlled hydraulically and movably mounted longitudinally on the jib support (13).
  8. Device according to claims 3 and 7, characterized in that each set of cables passes over return pulleys (86, 97, 90, 101) pivotably mounted to a transverse girder (58) fixed to the struts (56).
  9. Device according to claim 2 and one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that a winch (43), on which is wound a pulling cable for stretching out the fluid transfer device (16) to bring it into position for connection with the coupling means (17), is mounted on the weight take-up structure (42).
  10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second set of balancing counterweights is controlled hydraulically using another winch (108), the two winches being adapted to be controlled at a constant speed and constant tension during the stretching and retraction of the fluid transfer device (16).
EP00922772A 1999-05-03 2000-04-27 Articulated fluid transmission device and loading crane comprising said device Expired - Lifetime EP1181238B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9905607 1999-05-03
FR9905607A FR2793235B1 (en) 1999-05-03 1999-05-03 ARTICULATED DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING FLUID AND LOADING CRANE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
PCT/FR2000/001126 WO2000066484A1 (en) 1999-05-03 2000-04-27 Articulated fluid transmission device and loading crane comprising said device

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EP1181238A1 EP1181238A1 (en) 2002-02-27
EP1181238B1 true EP1181238B1 (en) 2003-08-20

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US (1) US6343620B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1181238B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4197848B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100628671B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1131169C (en)
AT (1) ATE247598T1 (en)
AU (1) AU759005B2 (en)
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FR2941434B1 (en) * 2009-01-27 2015-05-01 Fmc Technologies Sa SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING A FLUID PRODUCT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION
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DE102010064081A1 (en) 2010-09-09 2012-03-15 Coperion Gmbh Stationary pneumatic bulk material conveying device for loading and / or unloading a ship
FR2973771B1 (en) 2011-04-11 2015-07-17 Fmc Technologies Sa SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFSHORE FLUID TRANSFER
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JP6343192B2 (en) * 2014-07-03 2018-06-13 東京貿易エンジニアリング株式会社 Fluid handling equipment
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NO322315B1 (en) 2006-09-11
JP4197848B2 (en) 2008-12-17
DE60004661T2 (en) 2004-06-17
BR0011222A (en) 2002-03-19
WO2000066484A1 (en) 2000-11-09
AU4305900A (en) 2000-11-17
US6343620B1 (en) 2002-02-05
YU78401A (en) 2003-02-28
AU759005B2 (en) 2003-04-03
ATE247598T1 (en) 2003-09-15
BR0011222B1 (en) 2010-07-13
MXPA01011040A (en) 2002-07-22
ES2206226T3 (en) 2004-05-16
CA2371529C (en) 2009-07-14
KR100628671B1 (en) 2006-09-27
ZA200108817B (en) 2003-02-20
CA2371529A1 (en) 2000-11-09
JP2002543011A (en) 2002-12-17
KR20020014792A (en) 2002-02-25
CN1131169C (en) 2003-12-17
CN1349476A (en) 2002-05-15
EP1181238A1 (en) 2002-02-27
FR2793235B1 (en) 2001-08-10
NO20015370D0 (en) 2001-11-02
DE60004661D1 (en) 2003-09-25
FR2793235A1 (en) 2000-11-10
NO20015370L (en) 2001-01-02

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