EP1196347B1 - Offshore loading system by suspended piping - Google Patents

Offshore loading system by suspended piping Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1196347B1
EP1196347B1 EP00949684A EP00949684A EP1196347B1 EP 1196347 B1 EP1196347 B1 EP 1196347B1 EP 00949684 A EP00949684 A EP 00949684A EP 00949684 A EP00949684 A EP 00949684A EP 1196347 B1 EP1196347 B1 EP 1196347B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
suspension cable
suspension
cable
location
arrangement according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00949684A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1196347A2 (en
Inventor
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
    • B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • 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 generally to systems loading and / or unloading of fluids, in particular from transport of such fluids.
  • a preferred area of application is the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a floating independent production platform (FPSO) and a tanker moored near this platform.
  • FPSO floating independent production platform
  • One of the key points of the operating chain lies in the transfer of the products obtained from the FPSO to the ship responsible for transport. This operation is carried out at sea and therefore depends heavily sea conditions.
  • loading systems and / or unloading of the type described in documents FR-2 469 367 and EP-0 020 267 include a fluid transfer device between a loading arrow placed on the FPSO and a coupling means planned on the ship.
  • the transfer device comprises a network of segments multiple articulated fluid pipes of the accordion or rhombus type deformable (s) and actuated by cable, the ends of the network being connected, by means of elbows and revolving joints, respectively to pipe sections attached to the boom and pipe sections intended for be connected by means of coupling.
  • hoses connected by rotating joints (rotations) form product lines supported by a articulated metal structure.
  • the present invention aims to improve the transfer conditions of fluid between two locations, in particular between a first location on a floating independent production platform and a second location located on a vessel responsible for transporting the fluid.
  • Such a rigid pipe assembly allows a high fluid speed and, hence, a high transfer speed. It also offers good resistance piping to water hammer.
  • suspension cable being subjected to tension constant, it is wound on its winch or unwound from it according the movement away from or towards the two structures.
  • the number of predetermined articulation sections hooked to this cable suspension therefore depends on the length of the latter stretched between the two structures.
  • the coupling means comprise a plurality of suspension struts of predetermined articulation sections, each which is clamped transversely a cable clamp suspension from above, to fix the suspension strut to the cable suspension, and the assembly further comprises a connection winch intended for be installed in the second location, on which a cable is wound connection adapted to be connected to the suspension cable to bring it, before transfer of fluid, to the second location and moor it there or to bring it back, after transfer of fluid, at the first location, while subjecting it to a constant tension by means of the winch with constant tension control.
  • connection winch extracted from the support the suspension cable and the articulated pipe sections, then that the constant tension of the winch with constant tension control opposes at the exit of this cable and limits the deflection of the suspended assembly.
  • the assembly advantageously includes a winch intended to be installed in the first location and on which is wound a cable intended to be connected to the connection cable to bring it to the first location to connect it to the suspension cable.
  • a jaw mechanism suitable for securing one end of the cable connection to the suspension cable, is preferably attached to one end of this last.
  • the assembly includes a device forming a mechanical stop, intended to be installed in the second location and to lock the jaw mechanism, once the suspension cable is stretched between the two locations.
  • the set includes a means fluid connection on an end pipe section and which is intended to be connected to a complementary fluid connection means intended to be installed in the second location to effect the transfer of fluid.
  • the storage medium is freely mounted pivoting in azimuth on a base intended to be fixed to the first location and the assembly further comprises at least two sets of lateral guide pulleys of the suspension cable, fixed to the support storage in different locations and suitable for moving away from the suspension in turn at the passage of a coupling means.
  • the storage medium is aligned automatically on the suspension cable, while allowing flexibility side of the product line formed by the pipe sections.
  • the storage medium is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a base intended to be fixed to the first location and the assembly further includes a position detector angle of the suspension cable and a rotation control device of the storage medium around the base, sensitive to output signals filtered from the detector to align the storage medium to the direction main cable suspension.
  • each articulation section intended to be coupled to the suspension cable comprises a combination of a rotating joint with a substantially vertical axis and at least one rotary joint with a substantially horizontal axis, in position deployed sections of pipe, and the assembly includes at least two games lateral guide pulleys of the suspension cable, fixed to the support storage in different locations and suitable for moving away from the suspension in turn at the passage of a coupling means.
  • the coupling means comprise a plurality of legs suspension, to each of which is fixed transversely a clamp tightening of the suspension cable from above, each of the clamps having two articulated arms, urged towards a clamping position of the clamp by a spring and each provided with a roller, and the support comprising two rails each defining a rolling track for one of the rollers of the clamp, the spacing of the rails being such that in the storage position of the sections of pipe, the clamp is held in an open position against the spring force, allowing it to engage on the suspension cable when from the passage of the pipe sections towards the deployed position.
  • the assembly advantageously includes pulleys for supporting the suspension cable, downstream of the rails of the storage support.
  • the present invention also proposes the use of the assembly described above for the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a floating independent production platform defining the first location and a ship defining the second location, the sections of pipe being connected by joints to other pipe sections for form two fluid transfer lines adapted to be deployed in parallel and simultaneously between the two locations, one of these lines for transferring liquefied natural gas to the ship and the other serving for the return of steam to the platform.
  • FIG. 1 a part of a platform is shown at 10 independent production.
  • a tanker 11 is moored by means of a hawser 12 to platform 10.
  • a fluid transfer assembly 13 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention makes it possible to transfer, here, crude oil extracted on platform 10 at tanker 11.
  • the assembly 13 includes a support 14 installed on the platform 10 for storing a plurality of rigid sections in suspension 15 fluid transfer line, in this case crude oil, articulated between them by means of articulation sections 16, 16 ′ provided with bends at 90 ° and rotating joints, so that it can be moved from a position storage in which the pipe sections 15 are suspended in accordion to the support 14 in a deployed position between the platform 10 and the tanker 11 by suspension from a suspension cable or carrying cable 17 to carry out the fluid transfer (see figure 2 where the two positions are shown).
  • a support 14 installed on the platform 10 for storing a plurality of rigid sections in suspension 15 fluid transfer line, in this case crude oil, articulated between them by means of articulation sections 16, 16 ′ provided with bends at 90 ° and rotating joints, so that it can be moved from a position storage in which the pipe sections 15 are suspended in accordion to the support 14 in a deployed position between the platform 10 and the tanker 11 by suspension from a suspension cable or carrying cable 17 to carry out the fluid transfer (see figure
  • the hinge sections 16 each have two 90 ° elbows 18 connected at one end to one end of a rigid section of pipe 15 and by their other end to adjacent 90 ° bend 18, via a rotating or rotating joint 19.
  • the axis of this rotary joint 19 is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the suspension cable 17, when the articulation section 16 is suspended therein (see figure 1).
  • This type of rotary joint 19 allows the pipe sections 15 to follow the curve of the suspension cable 17 in the vertical plane, in position deployed of these pipe sections 15, but also to fold these pipe sections 15 for accordion storage on the support or station storage 14.
  • the articulation sections 16 ′ are also each provided with a rotary joint 19 'with a horizontal axis between two elbows at 90 ° 18 '.
  • a third 90 ° elbow 18 " is provided between one of these 90 ° elbows 18 'and the end a rigid section of pipe 15, a third 90 ° elbow 18 "is provided.
  • This third 90 ° elbow 18 " is connected to the neighboring 90 ° elbow by a joint turning substantially vertical axis 20 in the deployed position, allowing lateral displacements of the pipe sections 15.
  • These displacements lateral allow the whole to respond to the oscillating movements of the tanker 11 and platform 10 during transfer.
  • the twist of this line is absorbed by an additional rotating joint 21 connecting the third 90 ° elbow 18 "from the hinge section 16 'at one end of the pipe section 15 with which the rotary joint 21 is aligned.
  • one in four articulation sections is of the rotary joint type vertical.
  • each leg of suspension 22 is connected to an articulation section 16 by means of a bearing 23 having an inner ring 24 and an outer ring 25, between which are inserted balls 26.
  • the inner ring 24 is fixed to the exterior of the neighboring rotary joint 19, while the outer ring 25 is connected to the end of a vertical branch 27 of the suspension strut 22 by means of a pivot joint 28.
  • This pivot joint 28 is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of a reception passage 29 defined by a clamp 30 and intended to receive the suspension cable 17.
  • This clamp 30 is integral with the branch 27, at its end opposite to that connected to the ring 25. It has two articulated branches 31, 32 biased towards a clamping position of the clamp 30 by a spring 33 retained between the branches 31 and 32 by a rod 34 pivotally mounted on the branch 31 and received in a through hole 35 of branch 32.
  • clamp 30 is, here, fixed to the branch 27, transversely to it and allows clamping from above the cable suspension 17.
  • pivot joint 28 allows a misalignment between the suspension cable 17 and the axis of the formed pipe by the pipe sections 15 in the deployed position.
  • each of the branches 31 and 32 is also provided with a roller 37a, 37b at its end opposite to that for clamping the suspension cable 17.
  • Each of these rollers 37a, 37b is engaged in rotation on a rail 38a, 38b of the storage medium 14.
  • the spacing of the rails 38a, 38b is such that the clamp 30 is held in an open position, against the spring force 33, allowing it to be engaged on the suspension cable 17 during the passage of the pipe sections 15 towards the deployed position.
  • a control system 39 (see Figures 1 and 2) is mounted on the storage support 14 and is equipped with a hydraulic actuator adapted to engage a clamp 30 between the rails 38a, 38b or to release such a clamp 30 to allow it to hang on the suspension cable 17.
  • the control system is connected to an angular position sensor of a tension-controlled winch constant 40 installed on platform 10 and on which the cable is wound suspension 17.
  • This operating logic is applied throughout the fluid transfer phase between the platform 10 and the tanker 11, during which the separation distance between them may increase or decrease.
  • the constant tension control winch 40 allows to apply a constant tension on the suspension cable 17 in order to maintain a substantially constant deflection in the middle of this cable 17.
  • the winch 40 is powered by a hydraulic motor permanently under pressure constant. In the event of the tanker being moved away or closer together 11, the suspension cable 17 is wound on the winch 40 or unwound from it ; the variation of deflection (weak) is only due to the variation of range (distance separation between the platform 10 and the tanker 11).
  • the suspension cable wound on this winch 40 is brought to the storage support 14 by a 90 ° deflection pulley 41 mounted on a base 42 fixed to the platform 10.
  • the storage support 14 is also pivotally mounted in azimuth on this base 42 by means of bearings 43.
  • the storage medium 14 is also connected to the bridge of the platform 10 by rollers 44 taking up the weight of the support 14.
  • a winch 48 on which is wound a connection cable 49 is installed on the deck of the tanker 11.
  • a winch is provided dinghy 50 on the deck of platform 10, on which a rope 51 is wound.
  • this rope 51 is provided, at one of its ends, of a loop 52 for coupling the rope 51 to a socket 53 fixed to one end of the connection cable 49.
  • a jaw mechanism 54 is fixed to one end of the suspension cable 17.
  • Two return springs 55a, 55b keep the socket 53 in place between the jaws 56a, 56b when the cables are slack.
  • the cable tension tends to tighten the jaws 56a, 56b on the socket 53, because the latter abuts, in the connection position, against a shoulder 57a, 57b of each of the jaws 56a, 56b, which has the effect of rotating the latter towards their socket retaining position 53.
  • a first device forming mechanical stop 59 is fixed to the storage support 14 and a second mechanical stop device 60 is installed on the deck of the tanker 11, near the manifold 47.
  • the first stop device 59 serves to lock the jaw mechanism 54 while the deployment procedure the suspension cable 17 and the sections of pipe 15 have not started, while the second mechanical stop device 60 serves to lock this same jaw mechanism 54, once the suspension cable 17 has been stretched between platform 10 and tanker 11.
  • the tension force of the suspension cable 17 applies to the base 42 via the pulley 41.
  • the storage support 14 only supports the weight of the sections 15 of driving. This support 14, free to rotate around the base 42, must therefore be aligned with the suspension cable 17. This alignment is obtained by means of lateral guide pulleys visible in FIGS. 7 to 10.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show a set of two pulleys 61 and 62 each pivotally mounted on a support plate 63 by means of arms 64 and 65, respectively.
  • These arms 64 and 65 are pivotally actuated around a pivot common 66 using two hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68 each of which is fixed to the support plate 63, on the one hand, and to one of the arms 64 and 65, on the other hand.
  • the support plate 63 is, for its part, fixed to the support of storage 14.
  • any movement of the suspension cable 17 causes pivoting of the storage medium 14 on the base 42, maintaining the storage medium 14 aligned with the suspension cable 17 and therefore also with the axis of the fluid transfer pipe deployed between the platform 10 and the tanker 11.
  • a suspension strut 22 can stop at any point of this pulley guide system, to start again in one direction or in the other, even oscillate around a position.
  • control system 39 is connected to a detector position to allow it to change the order of erasing operations pulley sets, depending on the detected position of a leg suspension 22.
  • pulleys 69-72 are connected, two by two, by bars of link 73-76, themselves pivotally hinged on bars intermediate 77 and 78 to suspend the pulleys 69-72 to the support storage 14.
  • the fluid transfer assembly 13 operates in the manner next :
  • the pipe sections 15 are in the retracted position, that is to say suspended in accordion on the storage medium 14.
  • the rope 51 is, first of all, brought from the platform 10 to the tanker 11, for example by passing it at the same time as the hawser 12. An operator, tanker side 11, then connect this cable to the end of the cable connection 49, wound on its winch 48.
  • the rope 51 is wound on its winch 50. It drives the connection cable 49 which is unwound from its winch 48.
  • the connection cable 49 arrives at the storage medium 14, it automatically connects to the end of the hanging cable 17. More precisely, the socket 53 of the connection cable 49 spreads the jaws 56a, 56b of the jaw mechanism 54 and is put in place.
  • the connection winch 48, tanker side 11 is started to extract from the storage medium 14 the suspension cable 17 and the sections of pipe 15 therein gradually fixed.
  • the constant tension applied by the winch 40 is opposed at the outlet of the suspension cable 17 and limits the deflection of the assembly of transfer of fluid 13 in suspension.
  • the suspension struts 22 are, as for them, fixed to this suspension cable 17 with regular spacing.
  • the mechanical stop device 60 locks the mechanism jaws 54.
  • the connection winch 48 is then stopped and the coupler hydraulic 46 is connected to a flange of manifold 47.
  • valves of the coupler 46 are then opened and the loading of tanker 11 can begin.
  • the pipe sections 15 retract or exit the storage medium, depending on the distance separating the platform 10 from the tanker 11.
  • FIGS. 11 to 14 offers a rotation control of the storage medium.
  • the lateral guide pulley system of the suspension cable 17 in Figures 1 to 10 is replaced by a system for controlling the storage medium 14 in rotation, comprising a angular position detector 79 of the suspension cable 17 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) and a device 80 for rotating the storage medium 14 around the base 42 (see Figure 11).
  • the lateral direction of the suspension cable 17 leaving the support storage 14 is measured using a movable roller 81 resting on this cable 17.
  • This movable roller 81 is capable of following the lateral movements of the cable 17 by virtue of its mounting on an articulated support 82 mounted on a plate attachment 83 to the storage support 14 by means of two joints 84a and 84b height compensation.
  • the articulated support 82 is also connected to a rotation encoder 85.
  • the output signal from this encoder 85 representative of the position angle of the suspension cable 17, has been filtered so as to remove the cable's own oscillations.
  • This signal is transmitted to a hydraulic motor 86 of the rotary servo device 80 to align the storage medium 14 with the main direction of the suspension cable 17 thanks to a system of gear-rack type, the gear of which is mounted on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor 86 and the rack 87 is mounted on the deck of the platform 10, behind the track 88 of the rollers 44.
  • the fluid transfer assembly 13 ′ of FIGS. 11 to 14 is identical in all respects to the fluid transfer assembly 13 of the figures 1 to 10.
  • the 13 "fluid transfer assembly therefore includes a system 89 for lateral guidance of the suspension cable 17 at the outlet of the support storage 14 ′, similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.
  • articulation sections with an axis rotary joint substantially vertical, of the type shown in FIG. 19, are placed at each suspension leg 22.
  • winch on which the rope is wound, is not visible on these figures 15 and 16. This winch is identical to those represented on the other figures and can, for example, be placed behind the winch 50.
  • This 13 "fluid transfer assembly is intended for the transfer of liquefied natural gas from platform 10 to tanker 11. It includes this effect, a second network of pipe sections 15 'forming a pipe for the return of steam from the tanker 11 to the platform 10.
  • the pipe sections 15 'used for the vapor return have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe sections 15 used for transferring liquefied natural gas.
  • the 16 "articulation sections of the Figure 21 each have only one rotary joint of substantially axis horizontal 91, 91 'associated with a substantially vertical axis joint 92, 92'.
  • the articulation sections 16 of FIG. 20 are, for their part, identical to that of figure 18.
  • the fluid transfer assembly conforming to the present invention can be used to transfer fluids other than crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
  • fluids other than crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Control And Safety Of Cranes (AREA)
  • Storing, Repeated Paying-Out, And Re-Storing Of Elongated Articles (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an assembly for transferring fluid (13) between a first site and a second site, comprising: a winch (40) for the first site (10) whereon is wound a suspension cable (17) designed to be stretched between the two sites (10, 11) and which is adapted to subject the cable to constant tension; a support (14) for the first site and for storing in suspension rigid pipe sections (15) mutually articulated via articulating sections (16) with rotary bends and joints, so as to shift from a storage position wherein the pipe sections (15) are suspended accordion-like to the support (14) to a stretched position between the two sites (10, 11) by being suspended to the cable; and means for coupling (22) some of the articulating sections (16) to the support (14) or to cable (17) depending on the length of the cable stretched between the two sites (10, 11).

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 plate-forme flottante de production indépendante (FPSO) et un navire-citerne amarré près de cette plate-forme.The present invention relates generally to systems loading and / or unloading of fluids, in particular from transport of such fluids. A preferred area of application is the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a floating independent production platform (FPSO) and a tanker moored near this platform.

Parmi les méthodes d'exploitation des champs pétroliers marins, l'utilisation de telles plates-formes flottantes de production indépendantes est en plein essor. Les installations sont déplacées successivement sur les gisements marins isolés, qui deviennent économiquement rentables dès lors que leur exploitation ne nécessite plus la mise en place d'une infrastructure fixée à demeure.Among the methods of exploiting marine oil fields, the use of such independent floating production platforms is booming. The installations are moved successively on the isolated marine deposits, which then become economically profitable that their exploitation no longer requires the establishment of an infrastructure permanently fixed.

Un des points clés de la chaíne d'exploitation réside dans le transfert des produits obtenus depuis le FPSO vers le navire chargé du transport. Cette opération s'effectue en pleine mer et dépend donc fortement des conditions de mer.One of the key points of the operating chain lies in the transfer of the products obtained from the FPSO to the ship responsible for transport. This operation is carried out at sea and therefore depends heavily sea conditions.

A cet effet, il a déjà été proposé de placer sur le FPSO des bras de chargement similaires à ceux utilisés sur les appontements et dont un exemple est décrit dans le document GB-2 042 466. Pour effectuer l'opération de chargement/déchargement, le navire et le FPSO doivent être amarrés côte à côte, de la même façon que dans un port avec jetée. Un tel amarrage côte à côte est cependant uniquement possible en mer très calme.To this end, it has already been proposed to place arms on the FPSO similar to those used on wharves and one of which example is described in the document GB-2 042 466. To carry out the operation loading / unloading, the ship and the FPSO must be moored side by side alongside, in the same way as in a port with a pier. Such a mooring side by side coast is however only possible in very calm sea.

Il a également été proposé d'utiliser des systèmes de chargement et/ou déchargement du type de ceux décrits dans les documents FR-2 469 367 et EP-0 020 267. Ces systèmes comportent un dispositif de transfert de fluide entre une flèche de chargement placée sur le FPSO 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.It was also proposed to use loading systems and / or unloading of the type described in documents FR-2 469 367 and EP-0 020 267. These systems include a fluid transfer device between a loading arrow placed on the FPSO and a coupling means planned on the ship. The transfer device comprises a network of segments multiple articulated fluid pipes of the accordion or rhombus type deformable (s) and actuated by cable, the ends of the network being connected, by means of elbows and revolving joints, respectively to pipe sections attached to the boom and pipe sections intended for be connected by means of coupling.

Un tel système permet d'effectuer un chargement ou un déchargement en tandem par mer forte. Il est cependant très encombrant sur le FPSO.Such a system makes it possible to carry out a loading or a unloading in tandem in heavy sea. It is however very bulky on the FPSO.

D'autres systèmes proposent d'utiliser des flexibles flottants ou suspendus entre le FPSO et le navire qui sont amarrés côte à côte ou en tandem.Other systems propose using floating hoses or suspended between the FPSO and the ship which are moored side by side or in tandem.

Bien que de tels systèmes permettent d'effectuer le chargement dans des mers fortement agitées, le débit est limité par la vitesse d'écoulement dans les flexibles. Par ailleurs, de tels flexibles offrent une résistance aux coups de bélier limitée et le grand rayon de courbure des flexibles implique un volume de stockage important (tambour de grand diamètre). Ce type de flexible a également une durée de vie limitée et requiert des tests périodiques contraignants. Mais surtout, l'état actuel de la technologie des flexibles ne permet pas un transfert cryogénique.Although such systems allow loading in heavily agitated seas, the flow is limited by the flow speed in the hoses. In addition, such hoses offer impact resistance limited ram and the large radius of curvature of the hoses implies a volume large storage (large diameter drum). This type of hose has also a limited lifespan and requires periodic testing binding. Most importantly, the current state of hose technology does not not allow cryogenic transfer.

Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, des flexibles raccordés par des joints tournants (rotations) forment des lignes produits supportées par une structure métallique articulée.In other embodiments, hoses connected by rotating joints (rotations) form product lines supported by a articulated metal structure.

La présente invention vise à améliorer les conditions de transfert de fluide entre deux emplacements, en particulier entre un premier emplacement situé sur une plate-forme flottante de production indépendante et un second emplacement situé sur un navire chargé du transport du fluide.The present invention aims to improve the transfer conditions of fluid between two locations, in particular between a first location on a floating independent production platform and a second location located on a vessel responsible for transporting the fluid.

A cette fin, elle propose un ensemble de transfert de fluide entre un premier emplacement et un second emplacement, comportant :

  • un treuil à commande en tension constante destiné à être installé au premier emplacement, sur lequel est enroulé un câble de suspension destiné à être tendu entre les deux emplacements et qui est adapté à soumettre le câble de suspension à une tension constante ;
  • un support de stockage destiné à être installé au premier emplacement pour stocker en suspension des éléments rigides de conduite articulés entre eux par l'intermédiaire de tronçons d'articulation pourvus de coudes et de joints tournants, de manière à pouvoir passer d'une position de stockage dans laquelle les tronçons de conduite sont suspendus en accordéon au support de stockage à une position déployée entre les deux emplacements par suspension au câble pour effectuer le transfert de fluide ; et
  • des moyens d'attelage de certains, prédéterminés, des tronçons d'articulation au support de stockage ou au câble de suspension en fonction de la longueur de câble de suspension tendu entre les deux emplacements.
To this end, it offers a fluid transfer assembly between a first location and a second location, comprising:
  • a winch with constant tension control intended to be installed at the first location, on which is wound a suspension cable intended to be tensioned between the two locations and which is adapted to subject the suspension cable to a constant tension;
  • a storage support intended to be installed at the first location for storing in suspension rigid pipe elements hinged together by means of articulation sections provided with elbows and rotary joints, so as to be able to pass from a position of storage in which the pipe sections are suspended in an accordion fashion from the storage support in a deployed position between the two locations by hanging from the cable to effect the transfer of fluid; and
  • means for coupling certain, predetermined, articulation sections to the storage support or to the suspension cable as a function of the length of suspension cable stretched between the two locations.

Un tel ensemble à tuyauterie rigide, dont les éléments individuels sont reliés par des joints tournants, autorise une vitesse de fluide élevée et, partant, un haut débit de transfert. Il offre également une bonne résistance de la tuyauterie aux coups de bélier.Such a rigid pipe assembly, the individual elements of which are connected by rotating joints, allows a high fluid speed and, hence, a high transfer speed. It also offers good resistance piping to water hammer.

Il permet par ailleurs, d'effectuer des transferts de gaz naturel liquéfié en utilisant des joints tournants cryogéniques existants, du type joints tournants Chicksan®.It also allows transfers of natural gas liquefied using existing cryogenic rotary joints, of the joint type Chicksan® turntables.

En outre, le câble de suspension étant soumis à une tension constante, il est enroulé sur son treuil ou déroulé à partir de celui-ci en fonction du mouvement d'éloignement ou de rapprochement des deux structures. Le nombre de tronçons d'articulation prédéterminés accrochés à ce câble de suspension dépend donc de la longueur de ce dernier tendu entre les deux structures.In addition, the suspension cable being subjected to tension constant, it is wound on its winch or unwound from it according the movement away from or towards the two structures. The number of predetermined articulation sections hooked to this cable suspension therefore depends on the length of the latter stretched between the two structures.

De préférence, les moyens d'attelage comportent une pluralité de jambes de suspension des tronçons prédéterminés d'articulation, à chacune desquelles est fixée transversalement une pince de serrage du câble de suspension par le dessus, pour fixer la jambe de suspension au câble de suspension, et l'ensemble comporte en outre un treuil de connexion destiné à être installé au second emplacement, sur lequel est enroulé un câble de connexion adapté à être raccordé au câble de suspension pour l'amener, avant transfert de fluide, au second emplacement et l'y amarrer ou pour le ramener, après transfert de fluide, au premier emplacement, tout en le soumettant à une tension constante au moyen du treuil à commande en tension constante.Preferably, the coupling means comprise a plurality of suspension struts of predetermined articulation sections, each which is clamped transversely a cable clamp suspension from above, to fix the suspension strut to the cable suspension, and the assembly further comprises a connection winch intended for be installed in the second location, on which a cable is wound connection adapted to be connected to the suspension cable to bring it, before transfer of fluid, to the second location and moor it there or to bring it back, after transfer of fluid, at the first location, while subjecting it to a constant tension by means of the winch with constant tension control.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le treuil de connexion extrait du support de stockage le câble de suspension et les tronçons de conduite articulés, alors que la tension constante du treuil à commande en tension constante s'oppose à la sortie de ce câble et limite la flèche de l'ensemble en suspension.Thanks to these provisions, the connection winch extracted from the support the suspension cable and the articulated pipe sections, then that the constant tension of the winch with constant tension control opposes at the exit of this cable and limits the deflection of the suspended assembly.

Pour amener le câble de connexion au premier emplacement et le raccorder au câble de suspension, l'ensemble comporte, avantageusement, un treuil destiné à être installé au premier emplacement et sur lequel est enroulé un filin destiné à être raccordé au câble de connexion pour l'amener au premier emplacement afin de le raccorder au câble de suspension.To bring the connection cable to the first location and the connect to the suspension cable, the assembly advantageously includes a winch intended to be installed in the first location and on which is wound a cable intended to be connected to the connection cable to bring it to the first location to connect it to the suspension cable.

Pour fixer le câble de connexion au câble de suspension, un mécanisme à mâchoires, adapté à solidariser une extrémité du câble de connexion au câble de suspension, est de préférence fixé à une extrémité de ce dernier.To fix the connection cable to the suspension cable, a jaw mechanism, suitable for securing one end of the cable connection to the suspension cable, is preferably attached to one end of this last.

De préférence également, l'ensemble comporte un dispositif formant butée mécanique, destiné à être installé au deuxième emplacement et à verrouiller le mécanisme à mâchoires, une fois le câble de suspension tendu entre les deux emplacements.Also preferably, the assembly includes a device forming a mechanical stop, intended to be installed in the second location and to lock the jaw mechanism, once the suspension cable is stretched between the two locations.

Pour des raisons de commodité, l'ensemble comporte un moyen de raccordement fluidique sur un tronçon de conduite d'extrémité et qui est destiné à être raccordé à un moyen de raccordement fluidique complémentaire destiné à être installé au second emplacement pour effectuer le transfert de fluide.For reasons of convenience, the set includes a means fluid connection on an end pipe section and which is intended to be connected to a complementary fluid connection means intended to be installed in the second location to effect the transfer of fluid.

Selon des caractéristiques préférées du point de vue des possibilités de déplacement offertes par celles-ci :

  • une partie au moins des tronçons d'articulation destinés à être attelés au câble de suspension comporte une combinaison d'un joint tournant d'axe sensiblement vertical et d'au moins un joint tournant d'axe sensiblement horizontal, en position déployée des tronçons de conduite ; et/ou
  • les moyens d'attelage comportent une pluralité de jambes de suspension, dont chacune comporte un pince de serrage du câble de suspension par le dessus, fixée transversalement à l'une de ses extrémités, et est reliée à un tronçon d'articulation par l'intermédiaire d'une articulation à pivot d'axe sensiblement parallèle à la direction d'extension du passage de réception du câble de suspension défini par la pince ; et/ou
  • les moyens d'attelage comportent une pluralité de jambes de suspension, dont chacune est solidarisée à un tronçon d'articulation au moyen d'un roulement.
According to preferred characteristics from the point of view of the possibilities of displacement offered by these:
  • at least part of the articulation sections intended to be coupled to the suspension cable comprises a combination of a rotary joint of substantially vertical axis and of at least one rotary joint of substantially horizontal axis, in the deployed position of the sections of driving; and or
  • the coupling means comprise a plurality of suspension legs, each of which comprises a clamp for clamping the suspension cable from above, fixed transversely at one of its ends, and is connected to a section of articulation by the intermediate a pivot joint with an axis substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the receiving passage for the suspension cable defined by the clamp; and or
  • the coupling means comprise a plurality of suspension legs, each of which is secured to an articulation section by means of a bearing.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le support de stockage est monté librement pivotant en azimut sur une embase destinée à être fixée au premier emplacement et l'ensemble comporte en outre au moins deux jeux de poulies de guidage latéral du câble de suspension, fixés au support de stockage en des emplacements différents et adaptés à s'éloigner du câble de suspension à tour de rôle au passage d'un moyen d'attelage.According to a preferred embodiment, the storage medium is freely mounted pivoting in azimuth on a base intended to be fixed to the first location and the assembly further comprises at least two sets of lateral guide pulleys of the suspension cable, fixed to the support storage in different locations and suitable for moving away from the suspension in turn at the passage of a coupling means.

Grâce à ces dispositions, le support de stockage est aligné automatiquement sur le câble de suspension, tout en autorisant une souplesse latérale de la ligne produit formée par les tronçons de conduite.Thanks to these provisions, the storage medium is aligned automatically on the suspension cable, while allowing flexibility side of the product line formed by the pipe sections.

Selon une variante de réalisation, le support de stockage est monté pivotant en azimut sur une embase destinée à être fixée au premier emplacement et l'ensemble comporte en outre un détecteur de position angulaire du câble de suspension et un dispositif d'asservissement en rotation du support de stockage autour de l'embase, sensible à des signaux de sortie filtrés du détecteur pour aligner le support de stockage sur la direction principale du câble de suspension.According to an alternative embodiment, the storage medium is pivotally mounted in azimuth on a base intended to be fixed to the first location and the assembly further includes a position detector angle of the suspension cable and a rotation control device of the storage medium around the base, sensitive to output signals filtered from the detector to align the storage medium to the direction main cable suspension.

Selon une autre variante, le support de stockage est lié de manière rigide à une embase destinée à être fixée au premier emplacement, chaque tronçon d'articulation destiné à être attelé au câble de suspension comporte une combinaison d'un joint tournant d'axe sensiblement vertical et d'au moins un joint tournant d'axe sensiblement horizontal, en position déployée des tronçons de conduite, et l'ensemble comporte au moins deux jeux de poulies de guidage latéral du câble de suspension, fixés au support de stockage en des emplacements différents et adaptés à s'éloigner du câble de suspension à tour de rôle au passage d'un moyen d'attelage.According to another variant, the storage medium is linked to rigidly to a base intended to be fixed at the first location, each articulation section intended to be coupled to the suspension cable comprises a combination of a rotating joint with a substantially vertical axis and at least one rotary joint with a substantially horizontal axis, in position deployed sections of pipe, and the assembly includes at least two games lateral guide pulleys of the suspension cable, fixed to the support storage in different locations and suitable for moving away from the suspension in turn at the passage of a coupling means.

Selon des caractéristiques préférées pour leur commodité de mise en oeuvre, les moyens d'attelages comportent une pluralité de jambes de suspension, à chacune desquelles est fixée transversalement une pince de serrage du câble de suspension par le dessus, chacune des pinces comportant deux branches articulées, sollicitées vers une position de serrage de la pince par un ressort et munies chacune d'un galet, et le support comportant deux rails définissant chacun une piste de roulement pour l'un des galets de la pince, l'écartement des rails étant tel qu'en position de stockage des tronçons de conduite, la pince est maintenue, dans une position ouverte à l'encontre de la force du ressort, permettant d'engager celle-ci sur le câble de suspension lors du passage des tronçons de conduite vers la position déployée.According to preferred characteristics for their convenience of putting in use, the coupling means comprise a plurality of legs suspension, to each of which is fixed transversely a clamp tightening of the suspension cable from above, each of the clamps having two articulated arms, urged towards a clamping position of the clamp by a spring and each provided with a roller, and the support comprising two rails each defining a rolling track for one of the rollers of the clamp, the spacing of the rails being such that in the storage position of the sections of pipe, the clamp is held in an open position against the spring force, allowing it to engage on the suspension cable when from the passage of the pipe sections towards the deployed position.

Pour supporter le câble de suspension en sortie du support de stockage, l'ensemble comporte, avantageusement, des poulies de support du câble de suspension, en aval des rails du support de stockage.To support the suspension cable at the outlet of the support storage, the assembly advantageously includes pulleys for supporting the suspension cable, downstream of the rails of the storage support.

La présente invention propose également l'utilisation de l'ensemble exposé ci-dessus pour le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié entre une plate-forme flottante de production indépendante définissant le premier emplacement et un navire définissant le second emplacement, les tronçons de conduite étant reliés par des articulations à d'autres tronçons de conduite pour former deux conduites de transfert de fluide adaptées à être déployées parallèlement et simultanément entre les deux emplacements, l'une de ces conduites servant au transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié vers le navire et l'autre servant au retour de la vapeur vers la plate-forme.The present invention also proposes the use of the assembly described above for the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a floating independent production platform defining the first location and a ship defining the second location, the sections of pipe being connected by joints to other pipe sections for form two fluid transfer lines adapted to be deployed in parallel and simultaneously between the two locations, one of these lines for transferring liquefied natural gas to the ship and the other serving for the return of steam to the platform.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent, à titre d'exemples, des modes de réalisation non limitatifs de la présente invention.The present invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of of examples, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

Sur ces dessins :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en élévation latérale de ce même ensemble ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en élévation latérale d'une jambe de suspension d'un tronçon d'articulation de l'ensemble des figures 1 et 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de face, avec arrachements partiels, de cette même jambe de suspension en position de stockage ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un mécanisme à mâchoires de l'ensemble des figures 1 et 2 ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 5, avec arrachement partiel ;
  • la figure 7 illustre, schématiquement, le positionnement de moyens de guidage latéral de câble de suspension de l'ensemble des figures 1 et 2, au passage de la jambe de suspension des figures 3 et 4 ;
  • la figure 8 montre ces mêmes moyens de guidage, en position de guidage du câble de suspension ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue en plan d'un système de poulies de support du câble de suspension ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en élévation latérale du système de la figure 9 ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en plan d'une variante de réalisation de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide ;
  • la figure 12 est une vue en élévation latérale de l'ensemble de la figure 11 ;
  • la figure 13 est une vue de face d'un dispositif de détection de position angulaire du câble de suspension de l'ensemble des figures 11 et 12 ;
  • la figure 14 est une vue en plan du dispositif de la figure 13 ;
  • la figure 15 est une en plan d'une autre variante de réalisation de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide ;
  • la figure 16 est une vue en élévation latérale de l'ensemble de la figure 15 ;
  • la figure 17 est une vue en plan d'une variante de réalisation de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide pour le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié ;
  • la figure 18 est une vue en agrandissement d'un premier type de tronçon d'articulation mis en oeuvre dans les ensembles des figures 1, 2, 11, 12 , 15 et 16 ;
  • la figure 19 est une vue en agrandissement d'un second type de tronçon d'articulation mis en oeuvre dans les ensembles des figures 1, 2, 11, 12 , 15 et 16 ;
  • la figure 20 est une vue en agrandissement d'un premier type de tronçon d'articulation mis en oeuvre dans l'ensemble de la figure 17 ; et
  • la figure 21 est une vue en agrandissement d'un second type de tronçons d'articulation mis en oeuvre dans l'ensemble de la figure 17.
In these drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a plan view according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the same assembly;
  • Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a suspension strut of a hinge section of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 4 is a front view, partially broken away, of the same suspension strut in the storage position;
  • Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a jaw mechanism of the assembly of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI of Figure 5, partially broken away;
  • FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the positioning of means for lateral guidance of the suspension cable of the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, when the suspension strut of FIGS. 3 and 4 passes;
  • FIG. 8 shows these same guide means, in the position for guiding the suspension cable;
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of a system of pulleys for supporting the suspension cable;
  • Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the system of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid transfer assembly;
  • Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the assembly of Figure 11;
  • Figure 13 is a front view of an angular position detection device of the suspension cable of the assembly of Figures 11 and 12;
  • Figure 14 is a plan view of the device of Figure 13;
  • Figure 15 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of the fluid transfer assembly;
  • Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the assembly of Figure 15;
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid transfer assembly for the transfer of liquefied natural gas;
  • Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a first type of articulation section used in the assemblies of Figures 1, 2, 11, 12, 15 and 16;
  • Figure 19 is an enlarged view of a second type of articulation section used in the assemblies of Figures 1, 2, 11, 12, 15 and 16;
  • Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a first type of articulation section used in the assembly of Figure 17; and
  • FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a second type of articulation sections used in the assembly of FIG. 17.

Sur la figure 1 est représentée en 10 une partie d'une plate-forme de production indépendante. Une navire-citerne 11 est amarré au moyen d'une aussière 12 à la plate-forme 10. Un ensemble de transfert de fluide 13 conforme à un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention permet de transférer, ici, du pétrole brut extrait sur la plate-forme 10 au navire-citerne 11.In FIG. 1 a part of a platform is shown at 10 independent production. A tanker 11 is moored by means of a hawser 12 to platform 10. A fluid transfer assembly 13 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention makes it possible to transfer, here, crude oil extracted on platform 10 at tanker 11.

A cet effet, l'ensemble 13 comporte un support 14 installé sur la plate-forme 10 pour stocker en suspension une pluralité de tronçons rigides 15 de conduite de transfert de fluide, en l'espèce de pétrole brut, articulés entre eux par l'intermédiaire de tronçons d'articulation 16, 16' pourvus de coudes à 90° et de joints tournants, de manière à pouvoir passer d'une position de stockage dans laquelle les tronçons de conduite 15 sont suspendus en accordéon au support 14 à une position déployée entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11 par suspension à un câble de suspension ou câble porteur 17 pour effectuer le transfert de fluide (voir figure 2 où les deux positions sont illustrées).To this end, the assembly 13 includes a support 14 installed on the platform 10 for storing a plurality of rigid sections in suspension 15 fluid transfer line, in this case crude oil, articulated between them by means of articulation sections 16, 16 ′ provided with bends at 90 ° and rotating joints, so that it can be moved from a position storage in which the pipe sections 15 are suspended in accordion to the support 14 in a deployed position between the platform 10 and the tanker 11 by suspension from a suspension cable or carrying cable 17 to carry out the fluid transfer (see figure 2 where the two positions are shown).

Comme on le voit mieux sur la figure 18, les tronçons d'articulation 16 comportent chacun deux coudes à 90° 18 raccordés par une extrémité à une extrémité de tronçon rigide de conduite 15 et par leur autre extrémité au coude à 90° 18 voisin, par l'intermédiaire d'un joint tournant ou rotation 19. L'axe de ce joint tournant 19 est sensiblement horizontal et perpendiculaire au câble de suspension 17, lorsque le tronçon d'articulation 16 y est suspendu (voir figure 1). Ce type de joint tournant 19 permet aux tronçons de conduite 15 d'épouser la courbe du câble de suspension 17 dans le plan vertical, en position déployée de ces tronçons de conduite 15, mais également de replier ces tronçons de conduite 15 pour le stockage en accordéon sur le support ou gare de stockage 14.As best seen in Figure 18, the hinge sections 16 each have two 90 ° elbows 18 connected at one end to one end of a rigid section of pipe 15 and by their other end to adjacent 90 ° bend 18, via a rotating or rotating joint 19. The axis of this rotary joint 19 is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the suspension cable 17, when the articulation section 16 is suspended therein (see figure 1). This type of rotary joint 19 allows the pipe sections 15 to follow the curve of the suspension cable 17 in the vertical plane, in position deployed of these pipe sections 15, but also to fold these pipe sections 15 for accordion storage on the support or station storage 14.

Pour des raisons identiques, les tronçons d'articulation 16' sont également pourvus, chacun, d'un joint tournant 19' d'axe horizontal entre deux coudes à 90° 18'. Cependant, entre l'un des ces coudes à 90° 18' et l'extrémité d'un tronçon rigide de conduite 15, il est prévu un troisième coude à 90° 18". Ce troisième coude à 90° 18" est relié au coude à 90° voisin par un joint tournant 20 d'axe sensiblement vertical en position déployée, autorisant des déplacements latéraux des tronçons de conduite 15. Ces déplacements latéraux permettent à l'ensemble de répondre aux mouvements oscillants du navire-citerne 11 et de la plate-forme 10 lors du transfert. En outre, la torsion de cette ligne est absorbée par un joint tournant supplémentaire 21 raccordant le troisième coude à 90° 18" du tronçon d'articulation 16' à une extrémité du tronçon de conduite 15 avec lequel le joint tournant 21 est aligné.For identical reasons, the articulation sections 16 ′ are also each provided with a rotary joint 19 'with a horizontal axis between two elbows at 90 ° 18 '. However, between one of these 90 ° elbows 18 'and the end a rigid section of pipe 15, a third 90 ° elbow 18 "is provided. This third 90 ° elbow 18 "is connected to the neighboring 90 ° elbow by a joint turning substantially vertical axis 20 in the deployed position, allowing lateral displacements of the pipe sections 15. These displacements lateral allow the whole to respond to the oscillating movements of the tanker 11 and platform 10 during transfer. In addition, the twist of this line is absorbed by an additional rotating joint 21 connecting the third 90 ° elbow 18 "from the hinge section 16 'at one end of the pipe section 15 with which the rotary joint 21 is aligned.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 1, grâce à ces tronçons d'articulation 16, 16', les tronçons de conduite 15 se retrouvent ainsi positionnés alternativement d'un côté et de l'autre du câble de suspension 17 en position déployée.As seen in Figure 1, thanks to these sections articulation 16, 16 ', the pipe sections 15 are thus found positioned alternately on one side and the other of the suspension cable 17 in the deployed position.

On notera également que dans le présent mode de réalisation préféré, un tronçon d'articulation sur quatre est du type à joint tournant d'axe vertical.It will also be noted that in the present embodiment preferred, one in four articulation sections is of the rotary joint type vertical.

Pour suspendre ces tronçons de conduite 15 au support de stockage 14 et au câble de suspension 17 en fonction de la longueur du câble de suspension 17 tendu entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11, des moyens d'attelage sont également prévus.To suspend these pipe sections 15 from the support of storage 14 and suspension cable 17 depending on the cable length suspension 17 stretched between the platform 10 and the tanker 11, coupling means are also provided.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 2, ceux-ci comportent des jambes de suspension 22 reliées, tous les deux tronçons de conduite 15, à un tronçon d'articulation 16 ou 16' au niveau du joint tournant d'axe horizontal 19 ou 19', respectivement. As seen in Figure 2, these have legs suspension 22 connected, both pipe sections 15, to a section hinge 16 or 16 'at the horizontal axis rotary joint 19 or 19', respectively.

De telles jambes de suspension 22 sont représentées plus en détails sur les figures 3 et 4.Such suspension struts 22 are shown more and more details in Figures 3 and 4.

Comme on peut le voir sur ces figures, chaque jambe de suspension 22 est reliée à un tronçon d'articulation 16 par l'intermédiaire d'un roulement 23 ayant une bague intérieure 24 et une bague extérieure 25, entre lesquelles sont insérées des billes 26. La bague intérieure 24 est fixée à l'extérieur du joint tournant voisin 19, tandis que la bague extérieure 25 est reliée à l'extrémité d'une branche verticale 27 de la jambe de suspension 22 par l'intermédiaire d'une articulation à pivot 28.As can be seen in these figures, each leg of suspension 22 is connected to an articulation section 16 by means of a bearing 23 having an inner ring 24 and an outer ring 25, between which are inserted balls 26. The inner ring 24 is fixed to the exterior of the neighboring rotary joint 19, while the outer ring 25 is connected to the end of a vertical branch 27 of the suspension strut 22 by means of a pivot joint 28.

L'axe de cette articulation à pivot 28 est sensiblement parallèle à la direction d'extension d'un passage de réception 29 défini par une pince 30 et destiné à recevoir le câble de suspension 17.The axis of this pivot joint 28 is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of a reception passage 29 defined by a clamp 30 and intended to receive the suspension cable 17.

Cette pince 30 est solidaire de la branche 27, à son extrémité opposée à celle reliée à la bague 25. Elle comporte deux branches articulées 31, 32 sollicitées vers une position de serrage de la pince 30 par un ressort 33 retenu entre les branches 31 et 32 par une tige 34 montée pivotante sur la branche 31 et reçue dans un trou de passage 35 de la branche 32.This clamp 30 is integral with the branch 27, at its end opposite to that connected to the ring 25. It has two articulated branches 31, 32 biased towards a clamping position of the clamp 30 by a spring 33 retained between the branches 31 and 32 by a rod 34 pivotally mounted on the branch 31 and received in a through hole 35 of branch 32.

On notera encore que la pince 30 est, ici, fixée à la branche 27, transversalement à celle-ci et permet un serrage par le dessus du câble de suspension 17.It will also be noted that the clamp 30 is, here, fixed to the branch 27, transversely to it and allows clamping from above the cable suspension 17.

On appréciera que l'articulation à pivot 28 autorise un désalignement entre le câble de suspension 17 et l'axe de la conduite formée par les tronçons de conduite 15 en position déployée.It will be appreciated that the pivot joint 28 allows a misalignment between the suspension cable 17 and the axis of the formed pipe by the pipe sections 15 in the deployed position.

Comme on peut le voir également sur la figure 4, chacune des branches 31 et 32 est également pourvue d'un galet 37a, 37b à son extrémité opposée à celle de serrage du câble de suspension 17. Chacun de ces galets 37a, 37b est engagé en roulement sur un rail 38a, 38b du support de stockage 14.As can also be seen in Figure 4, each of the branches 31 and 32 is also provided with a roller 37a, 37b at its end opposite to that for clamping the suspension cable 17. Each of these rollers 37a, 37b is engaged in rotation on a rail 38a, 38b of the storage medium 14.

En position de stockage, l'écartement des rails 38a, 38b est tel que la pince 30 est maintenue dans une position ouverte, à l'encontre de la force du ressort 33, permettant d'engager celle-ci sur le câble de suspension 17 lors du passage des tronçons de conduite 15 vers la position déployée.In the storage position, the spacing of the rails 38a, 38b is such that the clamp 30 is held in an open position, against the spring force 33, allowing it to be engaged on the suspension cable 17 during the passage of the pipe sections 15 towards the deployed position.

Un système de commande 39 (voir figures 1 et 2) est monté sur le support de stockage 14 et est équipé d'un actionneur hydraulique adapté à engager une pince 30 entre les rails 38a, 38b ou à libérer une telle pince 30 pour lui permettre de s'accrocher au câble de suspension 17.A control system 39 (see Figures 1 and 2) is mounted on the storage support 14 and is equipped with a hydraulic actuator adapted to engage a clamp 30 between the rails 38a, 38b or to release such a clamp 30 to allow it to hang on the suspension cable 17.

Afin que les jambes de suspension 22 soient accrochées au câble de suspension 17 avec un espacement régulier, le système de commande est relié à un capteur de position angulaire d'un treuil à commande en tension constante 40 installé sur la plate-forme 10 et sur lequel est enroulé le câble de suspension 17.So that the suspension struts 22 are hooked on the cable 17 with regular spacing, the control system is connected to an angular position sensor of a tension-controlled winch constant 40 installed on platform 10 and on which the cable is wound suspension 17.

La longueur déroulée du câble de suspension 17 est mesurée par le capteur de position angulaire et l'information correspondante est transmise au système de commande 39 qui répond de la façon suivante :

  • si le câble 17 est en cours de déroulement et si un espacement prédéterminé est atteint, une pince 30 est libérée pour lui permettre de venir serrer le câble de suspension 17 et, partant, de rendre un tronçon d'articulation 16 ou 16' solidaire de ce câble 17 ;
  • si le câble est en cours d'enroulement sur le treuil 40 et si une pince 30 se présente devant le système de commande 39, l'actionneur hydraulique de celui-ci vient engager la pince 30 entre les rails 38a et 38b et la retient en position de stockage entre ces rails 38a, 38b.
The unwound length of the suspension cable 17 is measured by the angular position sensor and the corresponding information is transmitted to the control system 39 which responds as follows:
  • if the cable 17 is being unwound and if a predetermined spacing is reached, a clamp 30 is released to allow it to come and tighten the suspension cable 17 and, consequently, to make an articulation section 16 or 16 ′ secured to this cable 17;
  • if the cable is being wound on the winch 40 and if a clamp 30 is present in front of the control system 39, the hydraulic actuator of the latter comes to engage the clamp 30 between the rails 38a and 38b and retains it in storage position between these rails 38a, 38b.

Cette logique de fonctionnement est appliquée durant toute la phase de transfert de fluide entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11, pendant laquelle la distance de séparation entre ceux-ci pourra augmenter ou diminuer.This operating logic is applied throughout the fluid transfer phase between the platform 10 and the tanker 11, during which the separation distance between them may increase or decrease.

Le treuil à commande en tension constante 40 permet d'appliquer une tension constante sur le câble de suspension 17 afin de maintenir une flèche sensiblement constante au milieu de ce câble 17. A cet effet, le treuil 40 est actionné par un moteur hydraulique soumis en permanence à une pression constante. En cas d'éloignement ou de rapprochement du navire-citerne 11, le câble de suspension 17 est enroulé sur le treuil 40 ou déroulé à partir de celui-ci ; la variation de flèche (faible) n'est due qu'à la variation de portée (distance de séparation entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11).The constant tension control winch 40 allows to apply a constant tension on the suspension cable 17 in order to maintain a substantially constant deflection in the middle of this cable 17. For this purpose, the winch 40 is powered by a hydraulic motor permanently under pressure constant. In the event of the tanker being moved away or closer together 11, the suspension cable 17 is wound on the winch 40 or unwound from it ; the variation of deflection (weak) is only due to the variation of range (distance separation between the platform 10 and the tanker 11).

Le câble de suspension enroulé sur ce treuil 40 est amené au support de stockage 14 par une poulie de renvoi à 90° 41 montée sur une embase 42 fixée à la plate-forme 10. Le support de stockage 14 est également monté pivotant en azimut sur cette embase 42 au moyen de roulements 43.The suspension cable wound on this winch 40 is brought to the storage support 14 by a 90 ° deflection pulley 41 mounted on a base 42 fixed to the platform 10. The storage support 14 is also pivotally mounted in azimuth on this base 42 by means of bearings 43.

Le support de stockage 14 est par ailleurs relié au pont de la plate-forme 10 par des galets 44 reprenant le poids du support 14.The storage medium 14 is also connected to the bridge of the platform 10 by rollers 44 taking up the weight of the support 14.

Un jeu 45 d'autres tronçons de conduite articulés entre eux au moyen de joints tournants et de coudes longe l'embase 42 pour venir alimenter la conduite formée par les tronçons 15 en pétrole brut, tout en étant à même de suivre le pivotement du support de stockage 14 autour de l'embase 42.A set 45 of other sections of pipe hinged together at by means of revolving joints and elbows along the base 42 to come to supply the pipe formed by the crude oil sections 15, while being able to follow the pivoting of the storage support 14 around the base 42.

L'autre extrémité de cette conduite, située du côté du navire-citerne 11 en position déployée, est pourvue d'un coupleur hydraulique double-vanne 46 destiné à être raccordé à un manifold 47 situé sur le navire-citerne 11.The other end of this line, located on the side of the tanker 11 in the deployed position, is fitted with a double-valve hydraulic coupler 46 intended to be connected to a manifold 47 located on the tanker 11.

Pour amener le câble de suspension 17 et les tronçons de conduite 15 qui y sont fixés de la plate-forme 10 au navire-citerne 11, un treuil 48 sur lequel est enroulé un câble de connexion 49 est installé sur le pont du navire-citerne 11. Pour amener le câble de connexion 49 du côté de la plate-forme 10 afin de pouvoir le fixer au câble de suspension 17, il est prévu un treuil annexe 50 sur le pont de la plate-forme 10, sur lequel est enroulé un filin 51.To bring the suspension cable 17 and the sections of line 15 attached to it from platform 10 to tanker 11, a winch 48 on which is wound a connection cable 49 is installed on the deck of the tanker 11. To bring the connection cable 49 to the platform side 10 in order to be able to fix it to the suspension cable 17, a winch is provided dinghy 50 on the deck of platform 10, on which a rope 51 is wound.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 5, ce filin 51 est pourvu, à une de ses extrémités, d'une boucle 52 d'attelage du filin 51 à une douille 53 fixée à une extrémité du câble de connexion 49.As can be seen in FIG. 5, this rope 51 is provided, at one of its ends, of a loop 52 for coupling the rope 51 to a socket 53 fixed to one end of the connection cable 49.

Pour fixer le câble de suspension 17 au câble de connexion 49, une fois ce dernier amené du côté de la plate-forme 10, un mécanisme à mâchoires 54 est fixé à une extrémité du câble de suspension 17. Deux ressorts de rappel 55a, 55b permettent de maintenir la douille 53 en place entre les mâchoires 56a, 56b lorsque les câbles sont détendus. En revanche, la tension des câbles tend à resserrer les mâchoires 56a, 56b sur la douille 53, car cette dernière vient buter, en position de raccordement, contre un épaulement 57a, 57b de chacune des mâchoires 56a, 56b, ce qui a pour effet de faire pivoter ces dernières vers leur position de retenue de la douille 53.To fix the suspension cable 17 to the connection cable 49, a times the latter brought to the side of platform 10, a jaw mechanism 54 is fixed to one end of the suspension cable 17. Two return springs 55a, 55b keep the socket 53 in place between the jaws 56a, 56b when the cables are slack. However, the cable tension tends to tighten the jaws 56a, 56b on the socket 53, because the latter abuts, in the connection position, against a shoulder 57a, 57b of each of the jaws 56a, 56b, which has the effect of rotating the latter towards their socket retaining position 53.

Sur cette figure 5, on reconnaít également une partie d'une jambe 58 montée mobile en pivotement sur le mécanisme à mâchoires 54 et à laquelle est fixé le coupleur 46 (voir figure 2).In this figure 5, we also recognize part of a leg 58 pivotally mounted on the jaw mechanism 54 and at which is fixed the coupler 46 (see Figure 2).

Comme on le voit sur les figures 1 et 2, un premier dispositif formant butée mécanique 59 est fixé au support de stockage 14 et un second dispositif formant butée mécanique 60 est installé sur le pont du navire-citerne 11, à proximité du manifold 47. Le premier dispositif formant butée 59 sert à verrouiller le mécanisme à mâchoires 54 tant que la procédure de déploiement du câble de suspension 17 et des tronçons 15 de conduite n'a pas démarré, tandis que le second dispositif formant butée mécanique 60 sert à verrouiller ce même mécanisme à mâchoires 54, une fois le câble de suspension 17 tendu entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11.As seen in Figures 1 and 2, a first device forming mechanical stop 59 is fixed to the storage support 14 and a second mechanical stop device 60 is installed on the deck of the tanker 11, near the manifold 47. The first stop device 59 serves to lock the jaw mechanism 54 while the deployment procedure the suspension cable 17 and the sections of pipe 15 have not started, while the second mechanical stop device 60 serves to lock this same jaw mechanism 54, once the suspension cable 17 has been stretched between platform 10 and tanker 11.

Dans le cas du présent mode de réalisation, l'effort de tension du câble de suspension 17 s'applique à l'embase 42 par l'intermédiaire de la poulie de renvoi 41. Le support de stockage 14 ne supporte que le poids des tronçons 15 de conduite. Ce support 14, libre de tourner autour de l'embase 42, doit donc être aligné sur le câble de suspension 17. Cet alignement est obtenu grâce à des poulies de guidage latéral visibles sur les figures 7 à 10.In the case of the present embodiment, the tension force of the suspension cable 17 applies to the base 42 via the pulley 41. The storage support 14 only supports the weight of the sections 15 of driving. This support 14, free to rotate around the base 42, must therefore be aligned with the suspension cable 17. This alignment is obtained by means of lateral guide pulleys visible in FIGS. 7 to 10.

Les figures 7 et 8 montrent un jeu de deux poulies 61 et 62 montées chacune mobiles en pivotement sur une plaque-support 63 au moyen de bras 64 et 65, respectivement.Figures 7 and 8 show a set of two pulleys 61 and 62 each pivotally mounted on a support plate 63 by means of arms 64 and 65, respectively.

Ces bras 64 et 65 sont actionnés en pivotement autour d'un pivot commun 66 à l'aide de deux vérins hydrauliques 67 et 68 dont chacun est fixé à la plaque-support 63, d'une part, et à l'un des bras 64 et 65, d'autre part.These arms 64 and 65 are pivotally actuated around a pivot common 66 using two hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68 each of which is fixed to the support plate 63, on the one hand, and to one of the arms 64 and 65, on the other hand.

La plaque-support 63 est, quant à elle, fixée au support de stockage 14. The support plate 63 is, for its part, fixed to the support of storage 14.

Ainsi, dans une position illustrée sur la figure 8, où ces poulies 61 et 62 sont en contact avec le câble de suspension 17, de part et d'autre de celui-ci, tout déplacement de ce câble de suspension 17 entraíne un pivotement du support de stockage 14 sur l'embase 42, maintenant le support de stockage 14 aligné avec le câble de suspension 17 et, par conséquent, également avec l'axe de la conduite de transfert de fluide déployée entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11.Thus, in a position illustrated in FIG. 8, where these pulleys 61 and 62 are in contact with the suspension cable 17, on either side of it, any movement of the suspension cable 17 causes pivoting of the storage medium 14 on the base 42, maintaining the storage medium 14 aligned with the suspension cable 17 and therefore also with the axis of the fluid transfer pipe deployed between the platform 10 and the tanker 11.

Il en résulte que le support de stockage 14 est aligné automatiquement sur le câble de suspension 17.As a result, the storage medium 14 is aligned automatically on the suspension cable 17.

Au passage d'une jambe de suspension 22 (voir figure 7), les poulies 61 et 62 sont éloignées du câble de suspension 17 par actionnement des vérins hydrauliques 67 et 68. La simplicité d'un tel système avec deux vérins hydrauliques garantit une bonne fiabilité mécanique.When a suspension strut 22 passes (see FIG. 7), the pulleys 61 and 62 are moved away from the suspension cable 17 by actuation hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68. The simplicity of such a system with two hydraulic cylinders guarantee good mechanical reliability.

Pour conserver cependant un guidage latéral à tout moment, il est en fait prévu deux jeux de poulies à des emplacements différents et qui s'effacent à tour de rôle devant le passage d'une jambe de suspension 22.However, to maintain lateral guidance at all times, it is actually provided two sets of pulleys in different locations and which fade in turn in front of the passage of a suspension strut 22.

Ces deux jeux de poulies sont représentés sans leurs moyens de manoeuvre sur les figures 9 et 10. On y reconnaít le premier jeu de poulies 61, 62 également visible sur les figures 7 et 8, ainsi que le second jeu de poulies 61', 62' placées de part et d'autre du câble de suspension 17, en amont du premier jeu de poulie 61, 62.These two sets of pulleys are shown without their means of operation in FIGS. 9 and 10. We recognize there the first set of pulleys 61, 62 also visible in FIGS. 7 and 8, as well as the second set of pulleys 61 ', 62' placed on either side of the suspension cable 17, upstream of the first set of pulleys 61, 62.

En raison des mouvement alternatifs du navire-citerne 11 pendant la phase de chargement de celui-ci, une jambe de suspension 22 peut s'arrêter en tout point de ce système de guidage par poulies, pour repartir dans un sens ou dans l'autre, voire osciller autour d'une position.Due to the reciprocating movement of the tanker 11 during the loading phase thereof, a suspension strut 22 can stop at any point of this pulley guide system, to start again in one direction or in the other, even oscillate around a position.

De ce fait, le système de commande 39 est relié à un détecteur de position pour lui permettre de modifier l'ordre des opérations d'effacement des jeux de poulies, en fonction de la position détectée d'une jambe de suspension 22.Therefore, the control system 39 is connected to a detector position to allow it to change the order of erasing operations pulley sets, depending on the detected position of a leg suspension 22.

On reconnaít également sur les figures 9 et 10 des poulies 69-72 de reprise du poids des tronçons 15 à la sortie du support de stockage 14. We also recognize in Figures 9 and 10 of the pulleys 69-72 recovery of the weight of the sections 15 at the outlet of the storage medium 14.

Ces poulies 69-72 sont reliées, deux à deux, par des barres de liaison 73-76, elles-mêmes articulées en pivotement sur des barres intermédiaires 77 et 78 de suspension des poulies 69-72 au support de stockage 14.These pulleys 69-72 are connected, two by two, by bars of link 73-76, themselves pivotally hinged on bars intermediate 77 and 78 to suspend the pulleys 69-72 to the support storage 14.

L'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13 fonctionne de la façon suivante :The fluid transfer assembly 13 operates in the manner next :

Avant la mise en place de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13, les tronçons 15 de conduite sont en position rétractée, c'est à dire suspendus en accordéon sur le support de stockage 14.Before the installation of the fluid transfer assembly 13, the pipe sections 15 are in the retracted position, that is to say suspended in accordion on the storage medium 14.

Pour mettre en place l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13, le filin 51 est, tout d'abord, amené depuis la plate-forme 10 vers le navire-citerne 11, par exemple en le passant en même temps que l'aussière 12. Un opérateur, coté navire-citerne 11, connecte alors ce filin à l'extrémité du câble de connexion 49, enroulé sur son treuil 48.To set up the fluid transfer assembly 13, the rope 51 is, first of all, brought from the platform 10 to the tanker 11, for example by passing it at the same time as the hawser 12. An operator, tanker side 11, then connect this cable to the end of the cable connection 49, wound on its winch 48.

Après cette connexion, le filin 51 est enroulé sur son treuil 50. Il entraíne le câble de connexion 49 qui est déroulé de son treuil 48. Lorsque l'extrémité du câble de connexion 49 arrive au support de stockage 14, il se connecte automatiquement à l'extrémité du câble de suspension 17. Plus précisément, la douille 53 du câble de connexion 49 écarte les mâchoires 56a, 56b du mécanisme à mâchoires 54 et se met en place. Une fois le câble de connexion 49 raccordé au câble de suspension 17, le treuil de connexion 48, côté navire-citerne 11, est mis en marche pour extraire du support de stockage 14 le câble de suspension 17 et les tronçons 15 de conduite qui y sont progressivement fixés. La tension constante appliquée par le treuil 40 s'oppose à la sortie du câble de suspension 17 et limite la flèche de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13 en suspension. Les jambe de suspension 22 sont, quant à elles, fixées à ce câble de suspension 17 avec un espacement régulier.After this connection, the rope 51 is wound on its winch 50. It drives the connection cable 49 which is unwound from its winch 48. When the end of the connection cable 49 arrives at the storage medium 14, it automatically connects to the end of the hanging cable 17. More precisely, the socket 53 of the connection cable 49 spreads the jaws 56a, 56b of the jaw mechanism 54 and is put in place. Once the cable connection 49 connected to the suspension cable 17, the connection winch 48, tanker side 11, is started to extract from the storage medium 14 the suspension cable 17 and the sections of pipe 15 therein gradually fixed. The constant tension applied by the winch 40 is opposed at the outlet of the suspension cable 17 and limits the deflection of the assembly of transfer of fluid 13 in suspension. The suspension struts 22 are, as for them, fixed to this suspension cable 17 with regular spacing.

Lorsque l'extrémité du câble de suspension 17 arrive du côte du navire-citerne 11, le dispositif de butée mécanique 60 verrouille le mécanisme à mâchoires 54. Le treuil de connexion 48 est alors arrêté et le coupleur hydraulique 46 est raccordé à une bride du manifold 47. When the end of the suspension cable 17 arrives from the side of the tanker 11, the mechanical stop device 60 locks the mechanism jaws 54. The connection winch 48 is then stopped and the coupler hydraulic 46 is connected to a flange of manifold 47.

Les vannes du coupleur 46 sont alors ouvertes et le chargement du navire-citerne 11 peut commencer.The valves of the coupler 46 are then opened and the loading of tanker 11 can begin.

Pendant toute la durée du chargement, les tronçons de conduite 15 se rétractent ou sortent du support de stockage, suivant la distance séparant la plate-forme 10 du navire-citerne 11.Throughout the loading period, the pipe sections 15 retract or exit the storage medium, depending on the distance separating the platform 10 from the tanker 11.

Pour la déconnexion, l'ordre de la séquence est inversé et les mouvements se font en sens opposé. Cependant, le principe du maintien de la tension constante depuis la plate-forme 10 est conservé.For disconnection, the sequence order is reversed and the movements are done in opposite directions. However, the principle of maintaining constant voltage from platform 10 is retained.

On appréciera qu'un tel ensemble de transfert de fluide 13 permet des déplacements relatifs importants dans toutes les directions.It will be appreciated that such a fluid transfer assembly 13 allows large relative displacements in all directions.

En outre, il autorise une vitesse de fluide élevée et, par conséquent, un haut débit de transfert, tout en offrant une bonne résistance de la tuyauterie aux coups de bélier.In addition, it allows a high fluid speed and, by Therefore, a high transfer rate, while providing good resistance to piping to water hammer.

La variante de réalisation représentée sur les figures 11 à 14 propose un asservissement en rotation du support de stockage.The variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 offers a rotation control of the storage medium.

Plus précisément, le système à poulies de guidage latéral du câble de suspension 17 des figures 1 à 10 est remplacé par un système d'asservissement en rotation du support de stockage 14, comportant un détecteur de position angulaire 79 du câble de suspension 17 (voir figures 13 et 14) et un dispositif d'asservissement en rotation 80 du support de stockage 14 autour de l'embase 42 (voir figure 11).More specifically, the lateral guide pulley system of the suspension cable 17 in Figures 1 to 10 is replaced by a system for controlling the storage medium 14 in rotation, comprising a angular position detector 79 of the suspension cable 17 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) and a device 80 for rotating the storage medium 14 around the base 42 (see Figure 11).

La direction latérale du câble de suspension 17 en sortie du support de stockage 14 est mesurée à l'aide d'un galet mobile 81 reposant sur ce câble 17. Ce galet mobile 81 est capable de suivre les mouvements latéraux du câble 17 grâce à son montage sur un support articulé 82 monté sur une plaque de fixation 83 au support de stockage 14 au moyen de deux articulations 84a et 84b de compensation de hauteur.The lateral direction of the suspension cable 17 leaving the support storage 14 is measured using a movable roller 81 resting on this cable 17. This movable roller 81 is capable of following the lateral movements of the cable 17 by virtue of its mounting on an articulated support 82 mounted on a plate attachment 83 to the storage support 14 by means of two joints 84a and 84b height compensation.

Le support articulé 82 est également relié à un codeur de rotation 85.The articulated support 82 is also connected to a rotation encoder 85.

Le signal de sortie de ce codeur 85, représentatif de la position angulaire du câble de suspension 17, a été filtré de façon à supprimer les oscillations propres du câble. Ce signal est transmis à un moteur hydraulique 86 du dispositif d'asservissement en rotation 80 pour aligner le support de stockage 14 avec la direction principale du câble de suspension 17 grâce à un système du type roue dentée-crémaillère, dont la roue dentée est montée sur l'arbre de sortie du moteur hydraulique 86 et la crémaillère 87 est montée sur le pont de la plate-forme 10, derrière la piste de roulement 88 des galets 44.The output signal from this encoder 85, representative of the position angle of the suspension cable 17, has been filtered so as to remove the cable's own oscillations. This signal is transmitted to a hydraulic motor 86 of the rotary servo device 80 to align the storage medium 14 with the main direction of the suspension cable 17 thanks to a system of gear-rack type, the gear of which is mounted on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor 86 and the rack 87 is mounted on the deck of the platform 10, behind the track 88 of the rollers 44.

Pour le reste, l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13' des figures 11 à 14 est en tous points identique à l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13 des figures 1 à 10.For the rest, the fluid transfer assembly 13 ′ of FIGS. 11 to 14 is identical in all respects to the fluid transfer assembly 13 of the figures 1 to 10.

Dans le cas de la variante de réalisation des figures 15 et 16, le support de stockage 14' de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13" est lié de manière rigide à la plate-forme 10.In the case of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, the storage support 14 'of the 13 "fluid transfer assembly is linked from rigidly to platform 10.

Les déplacements latéraux du navire-citerne 11 par rapport à la plate-forme 10 sont donc entièrement absorbés en sortie de support de stockage 14' par le câble de suspension 17 et la conduite de transfert de fluide formée par les tronçons de conduite 15.The lateral movements of the tanker 11 relative to the platform 10 are therefore fully absorbed at the outlet of the support storage 14 'by the suspension cable 17 and the fluid transfer line formed by the pipe sections 15.

L'ensemble de transfert de fluide 13" comporte, par conséquent, un système 89 de guidage latéral du câble de suspension 17 en sortie de support de stockage 14', similaire à celui décrit en référence aux figures 7 à 10.The 13 "fluid transfer assembly therefore includes a system 89 for lateral guidance of the suspension cable 17 at the outlet of the support storage 14 ′, similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

En outre, des tronçons d'articulation à joint tournant d'axe sensiblement vertical, du type de ceux représentés sur la figure 19, sont placés au niveau de chaque jambe de suspension 22.In addition, articulation sections with an axis rotary joint substantially vertical, of the type shown in FIG. 19, are placed at each suspension leg 22.

Pour le reste cet ensemble de transfert de fluide 13" fonctionne de façon similaire à celui des figures 1 à 10.For the rest this 13 "fluid transfer set works from similar to that of Figures 1 to 10.

Il est à noter que le treuil, sur lequel est enroulé le filin, n'est pas visible sur ces figures 15 et 16. Ce treuil est identique à ceux représentés sur les autres figures et peut, par exemple, être placé derrière le treuil 50.It should be noted that the winch, on which the rope is wound, is not visible on these figures 15 and 16. This winch is identical to those represented on the other figures and can, for example, be placed behind the winch 50.

Un autre mode de réalisation de l'ensemble de transfert de fluide est représenté sur la figure 17.Another embodiment of the fluid transfer assembly is shown in Figure 17.

Cet ensemble de transfert de fluide 13"' est destiné au transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié de la plate-forme 10 vers le navire-citerne 11. Il comporte, à cet effet, un second réseau de tronçons de conduite 15' formant une conduite servant au retour de la vapeur du navire-citerne 11 vers la plate-forme 10.This 13 "fluid transfer assembly is intended for the transfer of liquefied natural gas from platform 10 to tanker 11. It includes this effect, a second network of pipe sections 15 'forming a pipe for the return of steam from the tanker 11 to the platform 10.

Comme on le voit sur les figures 20 et 21, les tronçons de conduite 15' servant au retour de vapeur ont un diamètre inférieur au diamètre des tronçons de conduite 15 servant au transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié.As seen in Figures 20 and 21, the pipe sections 15 'used for the vapor return have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pipe sections 15 used for transferring liquefied natural gas.

Le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié se faisant à une température d'environ -160°C, l'ensemble des joints tournants utilisés dans le cas de ce mode de réalisation sont des joints tournants cryogéniques du type joints Chicksan®.The transfer of liquefied natural gas taking place at a temperature about -160 ° C, all of the rotary joints used in this mode embodiments are cryogenic rotary joints of the Chicksan® joint type.

Par ailleurs, afin de pouvoir déployer les deux conduites parallèlement et simultanément entre la plate-forme 10 et le navire-citerne 11, les tronçons d'articulation respectifs 16, 16" sont reliés entre eux au moyen d'articulations transversales 90, comme montré sur les figures 20 et 21.In addition, in order to be able to deploy the two pipes parallel and simultaneously between the platform 10 and the tanker 11, the respective articulation sections 16, 16 "are interconnected by means transverse joints 90, as shown in Figures 20 and 21.

A cet égard, il est à noter que les tronçons d'articulation 16" de la figure 21 ne comportent chacun qu'un seul joint tournant d'axe sensiblement horizontal 91, 91' associé à un joint d'axe sensiblement vertical 92, 92'.In this regard, it should be noted that the 16 "articulation sections of the Figure 21 each have only one rotary joint of substantially axis horizontal 91, 91 'associated with a substantially vertical axis joint 92, 92'.

Les tronçons d'articulation 16 de la figure 20 sont, quant à eux, identiques à celui de la figure 18.The articulation sections 16 of FIG. 20 are, for their part, identical to that of figure 18.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et représentés, qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemples.Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the modes of realization described and represented, which have been given only as examples.

En particulier, elle comprend tous les moyens constituant des équivalents techniques des moyens décrits, ainsi que leurs combinaisons.In particular, it includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described, as well as their combinations.

Par ailleurs, l'ensemble de transfert de fluide conforme à la présente invention peut être utilisé pour transférer des fluides autres que le pétrole brut et le gaz naturel liquéfié. Parmi ces fluides on citera notamment le gaz de pétrole liquéfié et les condensats.Furthermore, the fluid transfer assembly conforming to the present invention can be used to transfer fluids other than crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Among these fluids, mention will be made in particular of liquefied petroleum gas and condensates.

Claims (15)

  1. An arrangement for transfer of fluid between a first location and a second location, comprising:
    a constant-tension control winch (40) that is to be installed at the first location, on which is wound a suspension cable (17) that is to be stretched between the two locations (10, 11) and that is able to subject the suspension cable (17) to a constant tension;
    a storage stand (14; 14') that is to be installed at the first location (10) for suspended storage of rigid pipe sections (15) that are articulated together by means of articulation sections (16, 16'; 16") provided with bends (18, 18', 18") and rotary joints (19, 20, 21; 91, 92), in such a way that they can pass from a storage position in which the pipe sections (15) are suspended in concertina fashion on the storage stand (14; 14') to a position where they are spread out between the two locations (10, 11) by suspension on the suspension cable (17) for executing the transfer of fluid; and
    means (22) for coupling certain, predetermined, articulation sections (16, 16'; 16") to the storage stand (14; 14') or to the suspension cable (17) as a function of the length of suspension cable (17) stretched between the two locations (10, 11).
  2. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means comprise a number of suspension struts (22) for the predetermined articulation sections (16, 16'), to each of which a collet (30) is fixed transversely for gripping the suspension cable (17) from above, for fixing the suspension strut (22) to the suspension cable (17), and this arrangement includes in addition a connecting winch (48) that is to be installed at the second location, on which a connecting cable (49) is wound, which can be connected to the suspension cable (17) for taking it, prior to transfer of fluid, to the second location (11) and for mooring it there or for bringing it back, after transfer of fluid, to the first location (10), all the while subjecting it to a constant tension by means of the constant-tension control winch (40).
  3. An arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes a winch (50) that is to be installed at the first location (10) and on which a rope (51) is wound, which is to be connected to the connecting cable (49) for taking it to the first location (10) in order to connect it to the suspension cable (17).
  4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a clamping mechanism (54), which is able to attach one end of the connecting cable (49) firmly to the suspension cable (17), is fixed to one end of the latter for fixing the connecting cable (49) to the suspension cable (17).
  5. An arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a device forming a mechanical stop that is to be installed at the second location (11) and is intended to lock the clamping mechanism (54), once the suspension cable (17) has been stretched between the two locations.
  6. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it includes a means of fluid connection (46) on an end pipe section (15), which is intended to be connected to a complementary means of fluid connection (47) that is to be installed at the second location (11) for executing the transfer of fluid.
  7. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one part of the articulation sections (16'; 16") that are intended to be coupled to the suspension cable (17) has a combination of a rotary joint (20; 92) with a substantially vertical axis and at least one rotary joint (19', 21; 91) with a substantially horizontal axis, in the spread-out position of the pipe sections (15, 15').
  8. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling means include a plurality of suspension struts (22), each of which has a collet (30) for gripping the suspension cable (17) from above, fixed transversely at one of its ends, and is connected to an articulation section (16, 16'; 16") via a pivot joint (28) whose axis is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the channel (29) for receiving the suspension cable (17) defined by collet (30).
  9. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling means include a plurality of suspension struts (22), each of which is attached to an articulation section (16, 16'; 16") by means of a rolling bearing (23).
  10. An arrangement according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the storage stand (14) is mounted freely pivoting in azimuth on a base (42) that is to be fixed at the first location (10) and this arrangement includes in addition at least two sets of pulleys (61, 62, 61', 62') for lateral guidance of the suspension cable (17), fixed to the storage stand (14) at different locations and able to move away from the suspension cable (17) alternately on passage of the coupling means (22).
  11. An arrangement according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the storage stand (14) is mounted pivoting in azimuth on a base (42) that is to be fixed at the first location and the arrangement includes in addition a detector (79) of the angular position of the suspension cable (17) and a device for rotational control (80) of the storage stand (14) about the base (42), that is sensitive to filtered output signals from the detector for aligning the storage stand (14) with the principal direction of the suspension cable (17).
  12. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the storage stand (14') is connected rigidly to a base (42) that is to be fixed at the first location, each articulation section (16', 16") that is intended to be coupled to the suspension cable (17) has a combination of a rotary joint (20; 92) with substantially vertical axis and at least one rotary joint (19'; 91) with substantially horizontal axis, in the spread-out position of the pipe sections (15), and the arrangement includes at least two sets of pulleys for lateral guidance of the suspension cable (17), fixed to the storage stand (14') at different locations and capable of moving away from the suspension cable (17) alternately on passage of a coupling means (20).
  13. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coupling means include a number of suspension struts (22), to each of which a collet (30) is fixed transversely for gripping the suspension cable (17) from above, each of the collets (30) having two articulated arms, urged towards a tightening position of the collet (30) by a spring (33) and each provided with a roller (37a, 37b), and the stand has two rails (38a, 38b) each defining a rolling track for one of the rollers of the collet (30), the spacing of the rails (38a, 38b) being such that in the storage position of the pipe sections (15), the collet (30) is held in an open position, against the force of the spring, permitting it to engage on the suspension cable (17) on passage of the pipe sections (15) to the spread-out position.
  14. An arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that it includes pulleys (69-72) for supporting the suspension cable (17), downstream from the rails (38a, 38b) of the storage stand (14; 14').
  15. Use of the arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims for the transfer of liquefied natural gas between an independent floating production platform (10) defining the first location and a vessel (11) defining the second location, the pipe sections (15) being connected by articulations (90) to other pipe sections (15') to form two pipelines for transfer of fluid that can be deployed simultaneously and parallel between the two locations, one serving for transfer of liquefied natural gas to the vessel (11) and the other serving for return of vapour to the platform (10).
EP00949684A 1999-07-13 2000-07-07 Offshore loading system by suspended piping Expired - Lifetime EP1196347B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9909092A FR2796375B1 (en) 1999-07-13 1999-07-13 OFFSHORE LOADING SYSTEM BY SUSPENDED PIPING
FR9909092 1999-07-13
PCT/FR2000/001978 WO2001004041A2 (en) 1999-07-13 2000-07-07 Offshore loading system by suspended piping

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1196347A2 EP1196347A2 (en) 2002-04-17
EP1196347B1 true EP1196347B1 (en) 2004-03-17

Family

ID=9548059

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00949684A Expired - Lifetime EP1196347B1 (en) 1999-07-13 2000-07-07 Offshore loading system by suspended piping

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US (1) US6719008B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1196347B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3987721B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100643554B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1223507C (en)
AT (1) ATE261910T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6296300A (en)
CA (1) CA2378652C (en)
DE (1) DE60009073T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2218188T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2796375B1 (en)
NO (1) NO323762B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1196347E (en)
RU (1) RU2246443C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2001004041A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200200023B (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20020136D0 (en) 2002-01-11
CA2378652A1 (en) 2001-01-18
PT1196347E (en) 2004-08-31
DE60009073D1 (en) 2004-04-22
FR2796375A1 (en) 2001-01-19
CN1420841A (en) 2003-05-28
FR2796375B1 (en) 2001-10-12
WO2001004041A3 (en) 2002-09-26
AU6296300A (en) 2001-01-30
WO2001004041A2 (en) 2001-01-18
NO20020136L (en) 2002-03-11
NO323762B1 (en) 2007-07-02
KR100643554B1 (en) 2006-11-10
JP2003511284A (en) 2003-03-25
US6719008B1 (en) 2004-04-13
CN1223507C (en) 2005-10-19
ZA200200023B (en) 2003-07-28
KR20020035834A (en) 2002-05-15
ATE261910T1 (en) 2004-04-15
CA2378652C (en) 2009-12-22
EP1196347A2 (en) 2002-04-17
RU2246443C2 (en) 2005-02-20
DE60009073T2 (en) 2004-11-04
ES2218188T3 (en) 2004-11-16
JP3987721B2 (en) 2007-10-10

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