EP1389580A1 - Interface de transfert du fluide - Google Patents

Interface de transfert du fluide Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1389580A1
EP1389580A1 EP03254984A EP03254984A EP1389580A1 EP 1389580 A1 EP1389580 A1 EP 1389580A1 EP 03254984 A EP03254984 A EP 03254984A EP 03254984 A EP03254984 A EP 03254984A EP 1389580 A1 EP1389580 A1 EP 1389580A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
vessel
fluid
arm
suspension member
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03254984A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jacob De Baan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bluewater Energy Services BV
Original Assignee
Bluewater Energy Services BV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bluewater Energy Services BV filed Critical Bluewater Energy Services BV
Publication of EP1389580A1 publication Critical patent/EP1389580A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for transferring fluid between two structures, for example two floating vessels, or a fixed offshore structure and a vessel, in open sea.
  • Transferring fluids particularly of a cryogenic product, between two floating vessels, or a fixed offshore structure and a vessel, is a difficult and hazardous operation when performed in open sea.
  • Various rigid loading systems have been proposed for transferring fluid using fixed arms through which rigid articulated pipes are routed.
  • these systems are generally intended for the transfer of fluid between vessels at sheltered inshore moorings.
  • the relative motions and displacements between two floating vessels, typically a production or storage vessel and a receiving vessel are much greater. Subjecting known rigid loading systems to the loads imposed under such open sea conditions significantly reduces their working life.
  • An alternative to a rigid loading system may be achieved by using flexible lines.
  • Flexible lines afford much better manoeuvrability than rigid articulated pipes, but they are inherently more difficult to handle.
  • the use of flexible lines for connections between vessels is known in the art, but invariably the connections between a production or storage vessel and the manifold of a receiving vessel (typically a tanker) must be made with the use of external wires and winches. Carrying out connections in this way under open sea conditions poses significant difficulties. Furthermore, it is generally the case that connection of each flexible line must be made individually. Control over the flexible lines, of which there are usually a minimum of three, in an emergency disconnection situation is therefore severely hindered.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for connecting fluid flowlines to a floating vessel, comprising a floating transfer structure supporting a plurality of fluid pipelines, a plurality of flexible fluid conduits, each with a proximal end attached to the transfer structure in fluid communication with the pipelines and a distal end attached to a common connector for releasably engaging with the floating vessel, the connector having a longitudinal axis which is substantially vertical in use, and wherein the connector is secured to a manipulator means mounted on the transfer structure, the manipulator means configured to allow the connector to rotate and to translate in two mutually perpendicular planes.
  • the manipulator means comprises a support tower extending upwardly from floating transfer structure, an arm projecting laterally from the tower, and a suspension member attached to the distal end of the arm and to which the connector is mounted.
  • the arm is rotatable relative to the tower about a substantially vertical axis and is extendable and retractable in a substantially horizontal plane.
  • suspension member or part thereof, is preferably extendible and retractable and rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
  • the suspension member is joined to the arm by a joint allowing rotation about two mutually perpendicular axes.
  • the connector may be joined to the suspension member by a joint allowing rotation about two mutually perpendicular axes.
  • the connector is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the suspension member by means incorporated in the connector.
  • the connector comprises a coupling device suspended therefrom by a winch mechanism operable to lower to the coupling device into engagement with the vessel and subsequently to pull the connector into engagement with the vessel.
  • the connector also comprises an aperture extending transversely therethrough and slideably receiving rigid end pieces attached to the distal ends of the flexible fluid conduits, wherein the end pieces are releasably connectable to the vessel to allow fluid flow from the flexible conduits to the vessel.
  • the rigid end pieces may include valve means to shut off fluid flow.
  • Figure 1 shows the loading system 20 of the present invention, supported by a rigid transfer arm 1, and docked with a receiving vessel 5.
  • the rigid transfer arm 1, the end elevation of which is shown in Figure 1, enables fluid transfer to take place between the two vessels moored at a safe distance from each other.
  • the rigid transfer arm 1 is a submerged structure, for example of the type described in GB 2328196. It is typically of space frame construction, made up of hollow elements through which fluid flow lines, usually rigid articulated steel pipes, are routed. At its first end (not shown), there are means for attaching the rigid arm 1 to a structure such as a production or storage vessel. At its second end, floatation means are provided to support the rigid transfer arm 1 underwater and in a substantially horizontal orientation, supporting the weight of the arm 1 and the flexible loading system 20.
  • the rigid transfer arm 1 may be attached to the stern of the production/storage vessel. It is of sufficient length such that when the receiving vessel 5 is moored at the desired safe distance from, and aligned with, the production/storage vessel, the rigid transfer arm 1 is oriented in a substantially parallel direction to both vessels, and the loading system 20 is located generally adjacent to the midship region of the receiving vessel 5. To retain the correct orientation of the rigid transfer arm 1, to prevent collision or separation between the rigid transfer arm 1 and the vessel 5, the rigid transfer arm 1 may be equipped with one or more thrusters remotely controlled via a position monitoring system.
  • connection is two fold.
  • a first structural connection is made using a structural connector 4 supported from the flexible loading system 20.
  • a second fluid connection is made between flexible hoses described below and rigid connection points 22 disposed on the receiving vessel 5.
  • the flexible loading system 20 consists of a generally vertical support tower 3 and a manipulator arm 7.
  • the tower 3 is mounted on the rigid arm 1 and extends up above the water line to a height which will be well above the deck of the receiving vessel 5.
  • the manipulator arm 7 extends generally horizontally from the upper region of the tower 3.
  • the proximal end of the arm 7 is attached via a shoulder 21 to the tower 3, allowing rotation of the arm 7 about a first substantially vertical axis 8a.
  • the manipulator arm 7 is extendable and retractable in a generally horizontal direction shown by arrows 9, by means of two telescopic sections 7a,7b.
  • a joint 10 allowing rotation about two generally horizontal axes is provided at the distal end of the arm 7 for connecting the arm 7 to a suspension member 11 which extends downwardly.
  • the suspension member 11 is preferably a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, allowing it to extend and contract in a generally vertical direction.
  • the connector 4 is able to rotate to some extent, typically through a total range of about 60 degrees, about a second generally vertical axis 8b. This rotation may be implemented by means incorporated within the body of the connector.
  • a plurality of generally parallel flexible hoses 2 are suspended between the tower 3 and the structural connector 4 such that they assume a catenary form. These hoses 2 are in fluid communication with the rigid flow lines running through the submerged transfer arm 1.
  • manipulator arm 7 The purpose of the manipulator arm 7 is to manoeuvre the structural connector 4 and hence the flexible hoses 2 into a suitable position for connection with the receiving vessel 5.
  • the connector 4 is able to rotate in a horizontal plane about the first vertical axis 8a, and translate in a horizontal plane in the direction of arrow 9, relative to the tower 3.
  • the connector 4 is able to rotate in a horizontal plane about the second vertical axis 8b and translate in a vertical plane along the axis 8b.
  • the joint 10 allows the suspension member 11 to rotate about two horizontal axes relative to the arm 7.
  • the joint 12 allows the connector 4 to rotate about two horizontal axes relative to the suspension member 11.
  • Figure 2 shows the structural connector 4, the flexible hoses 2 and a corresponding fixed coupler 15 mounted on the receiving vessel 5, in greater detail.
  • the fixed coupler 15 is preferably generally frusto-conical in shape, the wide end of the cone positioned uppermost in order to guide the connector 4 into place.
  • the connector 4 is tapered towards its lower end to locate within the fixed coupler 15.
  • the connector 4 preferably utilises a remote connection device.
  • the device comprises a winch 14, a wire 26 and a deployable coupler 27 attached to the end of the wire 26. Connection between the deployable coupler 27 and the fixed coupler 15 and subsequent retraction of the wire 26 by the winch 14 enables the structural connector 4 to be pulled in to the fixed coupler 15.
  • the actual connection between the connector 4 and the fixed coupler 15 may be made by any suitable means.
  • the connector 4 includes one or more generally transverse openings 28 to receive and support the ends of the flexible hoses 2.
  • Each flexible hose 2 has at its distal end a spool piece 6, which passes through the opening 28.
  • each of the spool pieces 6 attached to the flexible hoses 2 can be slid axially through the opening 28 in the structural connector 4 and this allows the flexible hoses 2 to be brought into contact with corresponding rigid connection points 22 disposed on the receiving vessel 5.
  • each spool piece 6 can be slid through opening 28 for about 300-500mm in a direction along its axis towards the rigid connection points 22 on the receiving vessel 5.
  • the end faces 23 of the spool pieces 6 are mated with the corresponding faces 24 of the connection points 22 on the receiving vessel 5.
  • the connector 4 can rotate as described above to align the end faces 23 and the connector faces 24 of the receiving vessel 5.
  • Dual shut-off valves 16 may be provided on both connection points 22,25 to reduce the risk of leakage of fluid from at the end faces 23,24.
  • the loading system 20 incorporates rotational and translational position sensors in order to determine the position of the various parts of the system relative to the receiving vessel 5 at all times to ensure that the system 20 is operating within allowable parameters.
  • the invention provides an improved fluid transfer interface.
  • the connection operation is simplified by combining all the flexible hoses into a single structural connector, yet maintaining the individual flow paths.
  • the manipulator arm 7 controls the most critical axes of freedom of the connector 4 and the manipulator 7 and the hoses 2 absorb the differential movements of the receiving vessel 5 and the arm 1/tower 3 structure, caused by motion of the receiving vessel 5 with the waves.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
EP03254984A 2002-08-13 2003-08-12 Interface de transfert du fluide Withdrawn EP1389580A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0218825 2002-08-13
GB0218825A GB2391838A (en) 2002-08-13 2002-08-13 Fluid transfer interface with a floating vessel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1389580A1 true EP1389580A1 (fr) 2004-02-18

Family

ID=9942243

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03254984A Withdrawn EP1389580A1 (fr) 2002-08-13 2003-08-12 Interface de transfert du fluide

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1389580A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2391838A (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004053384A3 (fr) * 2002-12-10 2004-09-02 Moss Maritime As Systeme et procede de transfert de fluide
WO2006054180A1 (fr) * 2004-11-22 2006-05-26 Bluewater Energy Services Bv Appareil de transfert en mer de fluide
WO2007113201A1 (fr) 2006-03-30 2007-10-11 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Système de transfert d'hydrocarbures à déplacement horizontal
WO2007113203A1 (fr) 2006-03-30 2007-10-11 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Système de transfert d'hydrocarbures avec axe de rotation vertical
WO2015166287A1 (fr) * 2014-05-02 2015-11-05 Houlder Limited Appareil de transfert de fluide
EP2803632A3 (fr) * 2013-03-11 2015-11-11 Keppel Offshore&Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd Système et procédé de déplacement d'une enveloppe de fonctionnement d'un système de déchargement dans un environnement en mer

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6110810B2 (ja) * 2014-04-22 2017-04-05 株式会社ラインワークス 溶接装置

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4220177A (en) * 1977-02-08 1980-09-02 Fmc Corporation Offshore loading system with articulated manifolds
US4281611A (en) * 1976-10-15 1981-08-04 Enterprise d'Equipment Mecaniques Hydrauliques E.M.H. System for mooring a ship, particularly an oil-tanker, to an off-shore tower or column
US4376452A (en) * 1979-11-13 1983-03-15 Hans Tax System for loading liquids
USH1315H (en) * 1992-05-01 1994-06-07 Levine Robert A High speed oil spill response lighter

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2024151B (en) * 1978-06-30 1982-04-21 Gec Elliott Mech Handling Transfer arrangements
FR2793235B1 (fr) * 1999-05-03 2001-08-10 Fmc Europe Dispositif articule pour transfert de fluide et grue de chargement comportant un tel dispositif

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4281611A (en) * 1976-10-15 1981-08-04 Enterprise d'Equipment Mecaniques Hydrauliques E.M.H. System for mooring a ship, particularly an oil-tanker, to an off-shore tower or column
US4220177A (en) * 1977-02-08 1980-09-02 Fmc Corporation Offshore loading system with articulated manifolds
US4376452A (en) * 1979-11-13 1983-03-15 Hans Tax System for loading liquids
USH1315H (en) * 1992-05-01 1994-06-07 Levine Robert A High speed oil spill response lighter

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004053384A3 (fr) * 2002-12-10 2004-09-02 Moss Maritime As Systeme et procede de transfert de fluide
US7857001B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2010-12-28 Moss Maratime Ac System and method to transfer fluid
WO2006054180A1 (fr) * 2004-11-22 2006-05-26 Bluewater Energy Services Bv Appareil de transfert en mer de fluide
AU2005305607B2 (en) * 2004-11-22 2009-01-08 Bluewater Energy Services B.V. Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid
WO2007113201A1 (fr) 2006-03-30 2007-10-11 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Système de transfert d'hydrocarbures à déplacement horizontal
WO2007113203A1 (fr) 2006-03-30 2007-10-11 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Système de transfert d'hydrocarbures avec axe de rotation vertical
US8176938B2 (en) 2006-03-30 2012-05-15 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Hydrocarbon transfer system with horizontal displacement
US8181662B2 (en) 2006-03-30 2012-05-22 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Hydrocarbon transfer system with vertical rotation axis
EP2803632A3 (fr) * 2013-03-11 2015-11-11 Keppel Offshore&Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd Système et procédé de déplacement d'une enveloppe de fonctionnement d'un système de déchargement dans un environnement en mer
WO2015166287A1 (fr) * 2014-05-02 2015-11-05 Houlder Limited Appareil de transfert de fluide
GB2528026B (en) * 2014-05-02 2016-08-03 Houlder Ltd Fluid transfer apparatus
US10087067B2 (en) 2014-05-02 2018-10-02 Houlder Limited Fluid transfer apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2391838A (en) 2004-02-18
GB0218825D0 (en) 2002-09-18

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