EP2134594B1 - Device for transferring a fluid to a ship, ship, transfer system and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure comprises a platform and a manifold, the latter being intended to be connected to a fluid tank. The manifold comprises a length of rigid tube defining a pipe of approximately horizontal axis and a length of connecting tube for connection to a transfer line connected to the length of rigid tube. The length of connecting tube is permanently attached to the length of rigid tube and is hinged to the length of rigid tube to allow movement relative to the length of rigid tube between: -a retracted rest position in which the length of connecting tube extends entirely inside the inner edge; and -a first or filling position, in which the free end of the length of connecting tube projects out from the outer edge of the support platform.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for transferring a fluid to a ship according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a device applies in particular to the transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between a transport vessel and a product storage facility located at sea and / or an unloading facility for this product, called a terminal.

In order to transport liquefied natural gas between the offshore production areas and near-shore storage areas, it is known to load or unload tankers at sea by mooring the vessel at a loading or unloading station. unloading at sea.

These stations include a gantry that carries a fluid transfer line. This line consists for example of a plurality of rigid tubes hinged together or a flexible cryogenic conduit suspended from the gantry. In the latter case, and to allow loading or unloading of the LNG into the vessel, the cryogenic flexible pipe must be connected to a loading pipe, referred to as the "manifold" of a tanker.

Given the large number of tankers traveling through the seas, it is known to provide a removable coupling fitting on the one hand, to the flexible conduit, and on the other hand, the manifold of a particular vessel.

The removable coupling, when connected to the manifold, extends the manifold beyond the outer edge of the vessel. Thus, it is possible to make the connection between the flexible conduit and the ship at a point outside the ship, especially when the flexible duct occupies a "chain" configuration, with its connection end inclined upwards.

For this purpose, we know EP-A-1 324 944 a transfer device of the aforementioned type, in which the tubular connection is stored at rest on the LNG loading or unloading installation at sea, then is connected to the manifold of the ship by means of a crane, after docking the ship on the installation.

The fitting being carried by the installation when it is not connected to the ship, no connecting device protrudes from the side edge of the ship when it is sailing.

Such a device does not give complete satisfaction. Indeed, when the sea is formed, the relative movement of the ship relative to the installation greatly hinders the fixing of the rigid tubular connection to the manifold. Maneuvering difficulties make the transfer of fluid long to perform and unsafe.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for transferring a fluid between an installation for loading or unloading this fluid and a ship, which makes it possible to quickly and securely make the connection between the installation and the ship , even in case of formed sea, while allowing the ship to navigate safely when the loading is finished.

WO 01/34460 discloses a transfer device comprising a deployable flexible line

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device according to claim 1.

The device of the invention may comprise one or more of the features of claims 1 to 11

The invention further relates to a fluid transport vessel according to claim 12

The invention also relates to a fluid transfer assembly according to claim 13 or 14.

The invention also relates to a method for transferring a fluid to a ship according to claim 15.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en élévation d'un ensemble de transfert de GNL comprenant un dispositif de transfert selon l'invention raccordé à une première installation de distribution présentant une conduite de transfert flexible.
• la Figure 2 est une vue en perspective de trois-quarts face du manifold du dispositif de transfert de la Figure 1, dans une première position de chargement ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue de côté du dispositif de transfert de la Figure 1, lors d'un transfert de fluide ;
• la Figure 4 est une vue analogue à la Figure 3 lors d'un transfert réalisé à partir d'une deuxième installation munie d'une ligne de transfert formée par des éléments rigides articulés entre eux ;
• la Figure 5 est une vue analogue à la Figure 3, lors de la navigation du navire, après le transfert ;
• la Figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'une variante du premier dispositif de transfert ;
• la Figure 7 est une vue analogue à la Figure 3 d'un deuxième dispositif de transfert selon l'invention ;
• la Figure 8 est une vue en perspective de dessus d'un ensemble de rigidification d'un tronçon souple du deuxième dispositif de transfert ;
• la Figure 9 est une vue partielle en coupe suivant le plan IX-IX d'un détail de l'ensemble de rigidification de la Figure 8 ;
• la Figure 10 est une vue analogue à la Figure 4 d'un troisième dispositif de transfert selon l'invention ;
• la Figure 11 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de transfert représenté sur la Figure 10 ;
• la Figure 12 est une vue analogue à la Figure 6 d'une autre variante du premier dispositif de transfert ; et
• la Figure 13 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de la Figure 12.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of an LNG transfer assembly comprising a transfer device according to the invention connected to a first distribution facility having a flexible transfer line.
• the Figure 2 is a perspective view of three-quarters face of the manifold of the transfer device of the Figure 1 in a first loading position;
• the Figure 3 is a side view of the transfer device of the Figure 1 during a fluid transfer;
• the Figure 4 is a view similar to the Figure 3 during a transfer made from a second installation provided with a transfer line formed by rigid elements hinged together;
• the Figure 5 is a view similar to the Figure 3 , during the navigation of the ship, after the transfer;
• the Figure 6 is a perspective view of a variant of the first transfer device;
• the Figure 7 is a view similar to the Figure 3 a second transfer device according to the invention;
• the Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a stiffening assembly of a flexible section of the second transfer device;
• the Figure 9 is a partial view in section along plane IX-IX of a detail of the stiffening assembly of the Figure 8 ;
• the Figure 10 is a view similar to the Figure 4 a third transfer device according to the invention;
• the Figure 11 is a top view of the transfer device shown in the Figure 10 ;
• the Figure 12 is a view similar to the Figure 6 another variant of the first transfer device; and
• the Figure 13 is a top view of the device of the Figure 12 .

A transfer assembly 10 for a fluid, in particular a hydrocarbon constituted for example by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is represented on the Figures 1 to 3 .

The transfer assembly 10 comprises an installation 12 for loading and / or unloading LNG located at sea, a vessel 14 for storage and regasification of LNG, and a first LNG transfer device 16 between the installation 12 and the ship 14, carried by the ship 14.

The loading installation 12 comprises an LNG tank 18, a floating gantry 20 for the unloading of the LNG and a transfer line 22 formed, in the example shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 , by a cryogenic flexible conduit connecting the reservoir 18 to the gantry 20. The installation 12 further comprises handling means 24 for manipulating the flexible conduit 22.

The reservoir 18 is able to collect and store LNG produced by LNG production facilities. It is preferably located under the sea.

The floating gantry 20 carries the flexible conduit 22 via the handling means 24.

In this example, the flexible conduit 22 comprises a cryogenic conduit 26 provided with a free end 28 for connection to the transfer device 16. The conduit is for example of the type developed and marketed by FLEXI FRANCE.

In known manner, the free end 28 comprises a butterfly valve 30 of the type described in the application WO 03/004925 , and a guide sleeve 31 connected to the cryogenic conduit 26 and extending parallel to this conduit 26 to the vessel 14 at the free end 28. The free end 28 further comprises a caliper type connector 32 or Clamp, illustrated for example in EP-A-1,324,944 .

The pipe 26 occupies a "chain" configuration between the gantry 20 and its free end 28.

The ship 14 comprises at least one tank 34 of LNG disposed in its central portion. In the following, the terms "interior", "exterior", "longitudinal", "transverse" "forward", "rear", "left", "right", "horizontal" and "vertical" mean report to the ship 14.

As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 , the transfer device 16 comprises a substantially horizontal loading platform 40, at least one manifold 42 extending in abutment above the platform 40, and means 44 for handling the manifold 42 formed by a crane.

The loading platform 40 is integral with the deck of the ship 14. It has a substantially horizontal bearing surface 46 on which the manifold 42 rests. The bearing surface 46 is delimited by an outer lateral edge 48 which partially defines the Lateral external edge of the ship 14. Thus, no portion of the ship 14 protrudes outwardly beyond the lateral edge 48 of the platform 40. The space bounded towards the bottom and towards the outside of the ship by the outer edge 48 of the platform 40 is completely clear.

According to the invention, the manifold 42 comprises a rigid tubular section 50 extending facing the bearing surface 46, and a tubular section 52 connecting to the transfer line 22 articulated on the rigid tubular section 50, by means of hinge means 54.

As illustrated by Figures 2 and 3 the rigid tubular section 50 extends along a transverse axis XX 'of the ship. It has an inner tubular element 56 connected to the reservoir 34 and an outer tubular element 68 on which the connecting section 52 is articulated.

The inner tubular member 56 extends transversely of the vessel, internally with respect to the outer edge 48. It has an inner support leg 60 fixed to the upper surface 46 and at its outer end a clamp 62 for attaching the outer tubular element 58.

The outer tubular element 58 is provided with an external support foot 66 permanently fixed on the surface 46. The element 58 extends between an inner flange 68 fixed on the fastening flange 62 of the inner element 56, and an outer flange 70 forming a connecting piece to a second fluid transfer line, as will be seen below. The element 58 further comprises a lateral tapping 72 for the connection of the connection section 52.

The outer flange 70 extends to the outer end 74 of the rigid tubular section 50. It extends in a substantially vertical longitudinal plane relative to the vessel, inside the outer edge 48. Thus, the flange 70 is located facing the upper surface 46, set back from the outer edge 48.

The flange 70 is adapted to receive a complementary flange of a rigid LNG transport line, as will be described below.

A plug 75 is screwed onto the flange 70 at the outer end 74 when the flange 70 is not connected to a transport line.

The tubular elements 56 and 58 internally delimit a conduit 76 for circulating a hydrocarbon, of axis X-X '. The conduit 76 connects the reservoir 34 to the outer end 74 through which it opens.

The stitching 72 extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis X-X '. It delimits an inner lumen 78 opening into the duct 76. The lateral stitching 72 connects the rigid tubular section 50 to the articulation means 54.

The connection section 52 is permanently mounted on the rigid section 50 at the free end of the stitch 72. It therefore defines, on the rigid section 50, an end extension of non-zero length extending between the stitching 72 and the free end 74.

In this example, the connection section 52 is formed by a rigid tubular element which comprises an inner bend 80 connected to the articulation means 54, an intermediate tubular portion 82 and an outer bend 84 having a free end 86 provided with a flange 87 for receiving the flexible conduit 22.

The inner elbow 80 connects the articulation means 54 to the intermediate portion 82.

The intermediate portion 82 is provided with a support leg 88 for resting on the bearing surface 46. It extends substantially parallel to the axis XX 'when the foot 88 is disposed in abutment on the upper surface 48.

The outer bend 84 extends substantially in a vertical plane. It is inclined downwards in the vicinity of the free end 86 when the foot 88 bears on the surface 46.

The connection section 52 defines an interior passage 89 for circulating the hydrocarbons. The passage 89 opens into the lumen 78 through the hinge means 54 to connect to the duct 76. The passage 89 also opens at the free end 86.

The connection section 52 is provided, near its free end 86, with a guide rod 89A intended to be introduced into the guide sleeve 31 and a winch 89B traction of the free end 28. The rod 89A extends substantially parallel to the axis of the passage 89.

The articulation means 54 comprise a rotary joint 90 of longitudinal axis YY '.

The rotary joint 90 connects the bend 80 to the stitching 72 rotatably about the Y-Y axis.

According to the invention, the connection section 52 is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal horizontal axis Y-Y ', between a retracted rest position, shown in FIG. Figure 5 , and a first loading position shown on the Figures 2 and 3 . The connection section 52 thus moves substantially in a vertical plane.

In the rest position represented on the Figure 5 , the connection section 52 extends substantially vertically facing the bearing surface 46. It is thus disposed completely inside the outer edge 48. No part of the connection section 52 protrudes outwardly beyond the outer edge 48.

In the rest position, the bend 80 and the intermediate tubular portion 82 extend in a substantially vertical plane, and the outer bend 84 is inclined upwardly and outwardly. The foot 88 protrudes outwardly and above the bearing surface 46. A bearing abutment (not shown) integral with the platform 40 is provided to wedge the connection section 52. A plug 91 is then fixed on the flange 87 to close the passage 89 to the outside.

In the first loading position shown on the Figure 3 the connection section 52 has been pivoted downwardly and outwardly about the YY axis. In this position, the foot 88 is placed in abutment on the bearing surface 46. The outer bend 84 projects outwardly with respect to the outer edge 48 of the platform 40 so that its free end 86 extends opposite the the expanse of liquid on which the ship floats. The plug 91 has been removed to release the passage 89.

In this position, the inner bend 80 and the intermediate portion 82 extend in a plane substantially parallel to the bearing surface 46, above this surface 46. The intermediate portion 82 extends parallel to the X axis -X '. The outer bend 84 is inclined downwards and the passage 89 opens inclined downwardly at the free end 86.

The operation of the transfer assembly 10 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, and as depicted on the Figure 5 , the ship 14 approaches the loading installation 12 to be placed opposite this installation 12. During this movement, the connection section 52 of the manifold 42 is disposed in its rest position, in which it is retracted against of the bearing surface 46 of the platform 40. Thus, no element of the manifold 42 protrudes beyond the lateral edge 48 of the platform 40.

Then, when the ship 14 is opposite the installation 12, as represented on the Figure 1 he stops by anchoring.

The crane 44 for handling the manifold 42 is then activated to move the connection section 52 from its rest position to its first loading position.

For this purpose, the connection section 52 is pivoted about the longitudinal axis YY 'downwards until the foot 88 abuts against the bearing surface 46 of the platform 40. The free end 86 then makes projecting beyond the outer edge 48 by being inclined downwards. This configuration of the connection section 52 is particularly adapted to receive a flexible conduit 22 in the form of a chain.

The handling means 24 of the flexible conduit 22 are then activated to bring the free end 28 of the flexible conduit 22 opposite the free end 86 of the connection section 52.

Then, these ends 86, 28 are connected together by means of the guide means 31, 89A, 89B provided respectively on the pipe 26 and on the connection section 52.

For this purpose, the winch 89B is used to pull the upper end 28 towards the free end 86, and the guide rod 89A enters the sleeve 31 to index the relative displacement of the ends 28, 86 towards each other. other.

The LNG is then transported continuously from the subsea reservoir 18 through the cryogenic line 26, the passageway 72 formed in the connecting section 52, the lumen 78 defined by the lateral tapping 72 and the conduit 76 defined within the rigid section 50, to tank 34 in the ship.

In an emergency, the emergency disconnection valve 30 releases the free end 28 of the cryogenic line 26 relative to the free end 86 of the manifold 42.

In addition, the space under the pipe 26 is completely cleared so that the pipe 26 does not abut against an element of the ship 14, even if it is not retained by the handling means 24.

When the loading of the hydrocarbons in the tank 34 is finished, the free end 28 of the flexible pipe 26 is disconnected from the free end 86 of the connection section 52.

The connection section 52 is then moved from its first loading position to its rest position using the handling crane 44.

The manifold 42 opens at the free end 86 of the connection section 52 and at the outer end 74 of the rigid section 50. It is therefore able to be connected indifferently to loading installations 12 having a flexible conduit 22 for transfer via the free end 86 or to installations 12 having a hinge arm comprising rigid elements hinged together by the outer end 74.

Thus, in the variant shown partially on the Figure 4 , the installation 12 comprises an articulated loading arm, formed by a plurality of rigid elements 100 hinged together on the gantry 20.

The rigid elements comprise a tubular connecting element 102 which extends substantially horizontally when connected to the manifold 42 of the ship. The element 102 has, at its free end, a connecting flange 104 which extends in a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis X-X 'of the ship 14.

To make the connection between the manifold 42 and the rigid connection element 102, the outer flange 70 of the outer tubular element 58 is used after disassembly of the plug 75. To this end, the connection flange 104 is brought opposite the outer flange 70 and is screwed onto this flange 70. Then, the LNG is loaded onto the ship 14 through the duct 76.

During this operation, the connection section 52 is kept in its retracted rest position. The plug 91 closes the passage 89.

A variant of the first transfer device 10 is shown in FIG.

Unlike the transfer device represented on the Figures 1 to 5 , the foot 88 comprises a support pad 105 secured to the bearing surface 46 and delimiting a groove 106 for receiving the connection section 52.

The foot 88 further comprises a locking cap 107 welded to the portion 82. The cap 107 further has a top head 107B rubber.

When the section 52 occupies its first loading position, a pin 107A is releasably engaged through the stud 105 and the cap 107A to lock the connection section 52 in position in the groove 106.

The articulation means 54 comprise, in addition to the rotary joint 90, a rotating shaft 108 with a longitudinal axis Y-Y ', attached to the connection section 52. The shaft 108 projects longitudinally from the inner bend 80, opposite the tapping 72. The rotating shaft 108 is rotatably received in a tripod 109 secured to the bearing surface 46.

Unlike the transfer device 16 shown on the Figures 1 to 5 , the handling means 44 comprise a rotating pinion gear 110, a worm gear 111 engaged on the rotary pinion gear 110 to drive it in rotation, and a drive means 112 of the hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor type, operable by a operator present on the platform 40.

The rotary pinion 110 is integral with the connecting section 52 and is movable together with this section 52 around the axis YY '.

It is fixed on the section 52 in the vicinity of the rotary joint 90 and extends in a transverse vertical plane.

The screw 111 is rotatably mounted relative to the platform 40 about a transverse axis. It is mechanically connected to the drive means 112. Activation of the drive means 112 drives the endless screw 111 about its axis and hence the rotational gear 110 about the YY axis.

The transfer device 16 further comprises a blocking housing 113 of the connection section 52 in its retracted rest position. This housing is fixed on the bearing surface 46 opposite the foot 88 relative to the axis YY '.

The operation of this variant is similar to that of the first transfer device 16.

In its retracted rest position, the connection section 52 has been rotated about 180 ° about the axis YY 'and is received in the stall box 113 opposite the foot 88. For this purpose, the intermediate portion 82 extends parallel to the bearing surface 16 and the outer bend 84 protrudes upwardly. The upper head 107B rubber rests in the chock housing 113.

The connection section 52 is thus totally located inside the outer edge 48.

When the connection section 52 has to be moved into its first loading position, an operator activates the drive means 112 and thus rotates the worm 111 about its transverse axis.

The rotation of the screw 111 causes the rotation of the rotary pinion 110 to rotate about the axis Y-Y 'and consequently the rotation of the connection section 52 about the axis Y-Y' via the rotary joint 90.

When the section 52 has turned outward approximately 180 °, the intermediate portion 82 is received in the groove 106 and abuts against the support pad 105.

The pin 107A is then introduced into the cap 107 above the intermediate portion 82 and in the stud 105 to lock the connection section 52 in the foot 88 and close up the groove 106.

During the rotation of the section 52, the shaft 108 guides and supports the connection section 52 at the inner bend 80, which facilitates its movement and makes the transfer device 16 more reliable.

A second transfer device 120 according to the invention is represented on the Figure 7 . Unlike the first transfer device 16, the rigid section 50 of the transfer device 120 is devoid of outer tubular element 58 opening at an outer end.

The connection section 52 is formed by a tubular hose 122 fixedly attached to the outer end 123 of the rigid tubular section 50.

The inner conduit 76 loading opens exclusively outwardly in the hose 122.

The platform 40 comprises a support bracket 124 secured to the bearing surface 46, disposed in the vicinity of the outer edge 48, and adapted to support the hose 122 so that it extends along the axis XX 'between the outer end 123 and the stirrup 124.

The hose 122 comprises a fixed end 125A, integral with the outer end 123 of the rigid section 50 and a free end 125B, which can be moved by twisting the hose 122 around its fixed end 125A via the handling crane 44. in this example, the hose 122 and the manifold 42 open out exclusively to the free end 125B.

The crane 44 thus comprises a winch 126 movable transversely relative to the ship 14 above the hose 122. The winch 126 comprises an end hook 128 fixed on the free end 125B and movable towards the winch 126, along a substantially vertical axis.

The free end 125B of the hose 122 is thus movable between a first loading position intended to receive the free end 28 of a cryogenic line 26, a second loading position intended to receive the free end 104 of an arm articulated 100 loading, and a retracted position of rest to allow the navigation of the ship by twisting the flexible conduit 122 in a substantially vertical plane.

In the rest position, the free end 125B has been brought into the vicinity of the winch 126, above the platform 46 and the fixed end 125A. The hose 122 is curved upward and is located completely inside the outer edge 48.

In the first intermediate loading position, the hose 122 is disposed in abutment and locked up on the stirrup 124 to prevent its movement. The hose 122 then deforms a downward bent region in the vicinity of its free end 125B which protrudes beyond the outer edge 48 of the platform 40.

In the second loading position, the hose 122 is held linearly along the axis XX 'by the winch 126. The flange at the free end 125B extends in a substantially vertical plane, to facilitate the connection of an articulated arm 100.

The connection of this manifold 42 to the loading facilities 12 is moreover analogous to that described for the first transfer assembly 10.

Alternatively, sleeves 130 forming a stiffening assembly 132 are arranged around the hose 122, in the vicinity of the free end 125B, to limit the maximum curvature of the hose 122 between the yoke 124 and the free end 125B in its first loading position.

The sleeves 130 may be nested within each other or connected by a rigid member to occupy a horizontal configuration of axis X-X 'and keep the hose 122 in its second loading position.

In another variant shown on the Figures 8 and 9 the stiffening assembly 132 includes a plurality of hollow rigid vertebrae 234 articulated end-to-end by controllable joints 236.

Each vertebra 234 comprises a hollow sleeve 238 of transverse axis extended at its outer and inner ends by two pairs of ears 240A, 240B axial.

The ears 240A, 240B protrude from the sleeve 238 on either side of its axis. The ears 240A, 240B of each pair are arranged opposite from one another and delimit, by moving around the axis of the sleeve 238, two notches 241 opening axially.

As will be seen below, the outer lugs 240A of each sleeve 238 are held resting on the inner lugs 240B of an adjacent sleeve 238 by the controllable joints 236.

So, as illustrated by the Figure 9 each ear 240A, 240B has a support face 242A, 242B on another ear 240B, a free face 246A, 246B opposite to the support face 244A, 244B and a through opening 248A, 248B of the passage of the articulation 236 opening into the faces 242A, 242B, 244A, 244B.

The sleeves 238 and the lugs 240A, 240B of the vertebrae 234 internally define a receiving lumen 250 of the hose 122 into which is inserted an outer portion of the hose 122 located in the vicinity of the free end 125B.

As illustrated by Figure 9 , the controllable joints 236 comprise, for each pair of ears 240A, 240B applied one against the other, a rod 252 for articulation and retention of the ears 240A, 240B, and a jack 246 for driving the rod 252 .

The rod 252 comprises a central section 253 engaged through the through openings 248A, 248B of the lugs 240A, 240B, a clamping head 254 applied to a free face 244A of a first lug 240A and an actuating head forming a piston 256 of the cylinder 246.

The jack 246 comprises, besides the piston 256, a chamber 258 applied on the free face 244B of a second lug 240B, a spring 260 for biasing the clamping head towards the free face 244A, and a hydraulic assembly 262 for displacing the piston 256 to the free face 244B.

The chamber 258 slidably receives a portion of the central section 253 and the piston 256. It further receives the spring 260 which is interposed in abutment between the piston 256 and the free face 244B of the second ear 240B.

Each controllable hinge 236 is activatable between a rest configuration, in which the lugs 240A, 240B are immobilized relative to each other to prevent the relative displacement of two adjacent vertebrae 234, and a release configuration, in which the Ears 240A, 240B are released to allow relative movement of two adjacent vertebrae 234 by pivoting about the stems 252.

In the idle configuration, the hydraulic assembly 262 is inactive. The spring 260 holds the clamping head 254 against the free face 244A, to grip the 240A, 240B ears between the clamping head 254 and the spring 260. The bearing faces 242A, 242B are then firmly applied against each other to prevent the movement of the vertebrae 234.

In the release configuration, the hydraulic assembly 262 is activated. It exerts a force on the piston 256 against the spring 260, which moves the clamping head 254 away from the free face 244A. The bearing faces 242A, 242B are then free to move relative to each other, which allows the pivoting of the vertebrae 234 around the rods 252.

The stiffening assembly 132 is therefore able to selectively maintain the hose 122 in its first loading position inclined downwards or in its second horizontal loading position, when the controllable joints 236 are in their rest configuration.

To move the hose 122 into either of its first and second positions, the controllable joints 236 are placed in their release configuration by activating the hydraulic assemblies 262. The vertebrae 234 are then moved together with the hose 122. to the desired position, before disabling the hydraulic assemblies 262.

In the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 , the rods 252 are all parallel to a same substantially horizontal direction, which allows a displacement of the hose in a vertical plane perpendicular to this direction. Alternatively, the rods 252 at the ends of at least one vertebra 234 may be placed parallel to at least two distinct directions to allow movement of the hose 122 in at least two planes.

In another variant, a rotary joint 270 is interposed between the hose 122 and an end vertebra 234A. The vertebrae 234 are then movable in rotation relative to the hose 122 around the axis of the hose 122, via the rotary joint 270, to allow the displacement of the hose 122 by twisting in any plane about its axis.

A third transfer device 140 is shown on the Figures 10 and 11 . Unlike the second transfer device 120, the handling means 44 comprise a carriage 142 for supporting the flexible conduit 122 and rails 144 for moving the carriage 142.

The carriage 142 comprises guide legs 146, slidably engaged in the rails 144 and a handling arm 148 extending parallel to the axis XX 'above and opposite the free end 125B of the hose 122. The arm 148 is equipped with a winch 150 for moving the free end 125B in a vertical plane.

The rails 144 are fixed on the platform 40 to define a curved guideway of axis locally perpendicular to the carriage 142. The carriage 142 is thus movable along the rails 40 between a configuration of use of the connection section 52 shown at the top on the Figure 11 , and a retraction configuration of the section 52 shown below on the Figure 11 .

In the use configuration, the carriage 142 extends substantially parallel to the X-X 'axis and holds the hose 122 in a substantially transverse plane of the ship. In the retraction configuration, the carriage 142 holds the hose 122 in a bent rest conformation, in which the free end 125B is located opposite the platform 40 and is offset longitudinally between the outer ends 123A of two parallel manifolds 42 . In this configuration, all the hose 122 is located inside the outer edge 48, which keeps the connection section 52 in its retracted rest position.

To pass the connection section 52 from its rest position to its first or second loading position, the carriage 142 is moved from its retraction configuration to its use configuration in which the hose 122 is disposed along the 'X-X axis'. The hose 122 thus moves in a substantially horizontal plane swept by the carriage 142.

In this position of the carriage 142, the connection section 52 occupies its second loading position, in which the free end 125B extends along the axis X-X '.

To move the connection section 52 into its first loading position, the winch 150 is actuated to lower the free end 125B downwards, and to bend the hose 122 down in a vertical plane, as shown in dashed lines by the Figure 8 .

Alternatively, and as for the second transfer device 120, a stiffening assembly 132 may be mounted on the hose 122.

A fourth transfer device 310 according to the invention is illustrated by the Figures 12 and 13 . This device 310 is a variant of the first transfer device represented on the Figure 6 .

Unlike the device shown on the Figure 6 , the transfer device 310 comprises a fixed inner tubular element 56, connected to the reservoir 34 and an outer tubular element 58 movable on the bearing surface 46 of the platform 40, in being carried on a main conveyor carriage 312 and on an auxiliary conveyor carriage 314.

For this purpose, the ship 14 comprises a plurality of tubular elements 56 located parallel to one another on an edge of the ship 14.

The bearing surface 46 comprises an inner guide rail 316 for guiding the movement of the main conveying carriage 312 and an outer guide rail 318 for guiding the auxiliary conveying carriage 314.

The inner rail 316 extends axially with respect to the ship 14, parallel to the lateral edge 48, between a utilization region 320 situated opposite the tanks 34 and the inner tubular elements 56, and a storage region 322 located axially at the center of the chamber. distance from the inner tubular elements 56.

The inner rail 316 extends in the vicinity of the fastening flanges 62 of the inner tubular members 56 between the members 56 and the outer rail 318. The outer rail 318 extends adjacent the side edge 48 of the ship.

As illustrated by Figure 12 , the main carriage 312 comprises a frame 324 for supporting the outer tubular element 58 and a guide slide 326 on the rail 316, carrying the frame 324.

The chassis 324 has legs 328 for fixing on the slide 326 provided with damping pallets 329, and a cradle 330 for supporting the inner tubular element 56 supported by the legs 328. The cradle 330 carries, on one side, the tubular element 58 and the other side, the hinge means 54 of the connecting section 52 having the rotary joint 90, the rotating shaft 108, the pinion gear 110 and the driving means 112 of the pinion gear.

The slider 326 is engaged around the inner rail 316 to guide the movement of the conveyor carriage 312 longitudinally relative to the ship along the rail 316.

The auxiliary carriage 314 also comprises a slide 332 engaged on the outer rail 318, and two legs 334 provided with damping pallets 336.

The legs 334 carry the support pad 105 of the connection section 52. When the connection section 52 occupies its first loading position, the assembly formed by the outer tubular element 58 and the connecting section 52 is longitudinally displaceable along of the ship 14, through the main conveyor carriage 312 and the auxiliary conveyor carriage 314, between a position of use connected to an inner tubular member 56, shown on the left on the Figure 13 and a storage position spaced apart from each inner tubular member 56 and shown to the right on the Figure 13 .

In the position of use, the outer tubular element 58 is connected by its inner flange 68 to the fastening flange 52 of the inner tubular element 56. The outer tubular element 58 is then placed in the region of use 320 which extends opposite the inner tubular elements 56 parallel. In this configuration, the transfer line 22 can be connected either to the flange 87 of the connecting section 52 or to the outer flange 70 of the outer tubular element 58, depending on the nature of the transport line 22 to be connected. .

In the storage position, the carriages 312, 314, the outer tubular element 58 and the connecting section 52 are arranged in the storage region 322 in which a free space is available in the axial extension of the inner tubular elements 56, towards the center of the ship.

In this configuration, the connection section 52 has been manipulated by the articulation means 54 to be rotated about 180 ° about the longitudinal axis and placed in a stall box 113. Thus, it occupies its rest position totally retracted inside the outer edge 48.

The operation of the fourth installation 310 comprises an initial step of passing the section 52 stored in the storage region 322 from its rest position to its first loading position, by rotating it 180 ° towards the outside of the vessel, around of a longitudinal axis, via the rotary joint 90.

The connection section 52 is then introduced into the groove 106 of the support stud 105 carried by the auxiliary carriage 314. Then, the assembly formed by the auxiliary carriage 314, the main carriage 312, the outer tubular element 58 and the section connection 52 is moved longitudinally on the bearing surface 46 by sliding the respective slides 326, 332 on the respective rails 316, 318.

This assembly is then brought into the position of use, so that the inner flange 68 of the tubular element 58 is placed facing the outer flange 62 of an inner tubular element 56. The flanges 68, 62 are then joined together between them by screwing. The transport line 22 is connected to one or other of the outer flanges 87, 70 depending on its nature.

Claims (15)

1. Device (16; 20; 140; 310) for transferring fluid to a ship (14), of the type comprising:

   - a support platform (40)defininga support surface (46) havingan outer edge (48);

   - a manifold (42) arranged above the support surface (46) andintendedto beconnectedtoafluid reservoir (34) locatedontheship (14), the manifold (42) comprising:

   • arigid tubular section (50) havingan outer end (74;123) located facing the support surface (46), therigid section (50) defininganinner duct (76) with a substantially horizontal axis (X-X') in the vicinity ofthe outer end (74);and

   • aconnecting section (52), connectedto therigid section (50), theconnecting section (52) havingafree end (86; 125B) capable ofprojectingout beyond theouter edge (48) in order to beconnectedto afirstfluid transfer line (26), anddefiningan inner passage (89) opening out into the inner duct (76) andatthe free end (86; 125B);

   theconnecting section (52) beingmountedpermanentlyonthe rigid section (50) andhingedto therigid section (50) so that it can be moved,with respect to therigid section (50),between:

   - aretracted rest positionin which the connecting section (52) extendsfullyinside theouter edge (48);and

   - afirstloading position, in which the free end (86; 125B) of theconnecting section (52) projects out beyond theouter edge (48), theconnecting section (52) is hinged to therigid section (50) at atapping point (72) locatedinward from the outer end (74) of therigid section (50), therigid sectioncomprisingan end extensionof non-zero length extending between the tapping point (72) and the outer end (74), and in which the rigid section (50) has, at its outer end (74), an additional end-piece (70) for connection toasecondfluid transfer line (100), the inner duct (76) opening out to the outer end (74).
2. Transfer device (16; 120; 140; 310) according to Claim 1, characterised in that, in the first loading position, the inner passage (89) hasadownward-tiltedaxis in the vicinity ofthe free end (86; 125B) of theconnecting section (52).
3. Device (16; 120; 310) according toone of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) can be moved,with respect to therigid section (50),inasubstantially vertical plane between the rest position and the first loading position.
4. Device (140) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) can be moved,with respect to therigid section (50),inasubstantially horizontal plane between the rest position and the first loading position, the manifold (42) comprisingasupport carriage (142) for theconnecting section (52), mountedso as to be moveable overthesupport surface (46).
5. Device (16; 310) according toany oneof Claims 1 to 4, characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) initsfirstloading positioncomprisesaportion (82) extending substantially parallel to the end extensionof therigid section (50).
6. Device (310) according toany oneof the preceding claims, characterised in that the rigid section (50) comprisesan inner tubular element (56), intendedto be connectedto the reservoir (34), an outer tubular element (58) mountedso as to be moveable overthesupport surface (46) betweenastorage positionaway from the inner tubular element (56), andausage positionconnectedtothe inner tubular element (58), the device (310) comprisingat least oneconveyor carriage (312) moveable overthesupport surface (46) and carrying the outer tubular element (58) betweenits storage position and its usage position, theconnecting section (52) beinghinged to the outer tubular element (56).
7. Device (120; 140) according toany oneof the preceding claims, characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) is formed by ahose (122), the hose (122) being flexible over substantially its whole length.
8. Device (120; 140) according to Claim 7 characterised in that the hose (122) is fixed permanently to the outer end (123) of therigid section (50), theconnecting section (52) beingcapable of occupyingasecondloading position, in which the free end (125B) of theconnecting section (52) extends substantially horizontally in the axis (X-X') of therigid section (50).
9. Device (120) according toany oneof Claims 7 or 8characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) comprisesarigidification assembly (132) added onto the hose (122) in order to limitits curvaturein the vicinity ofthe free end (125B).
10. Device (16) according toClaim 9 characterised in that the rigidification assembly (132) comprisesaplurality ofvertebrae (234) hingedtogether by driven joints (236), the driven joints (236) beingcapable oftaking arest configurationin which the vertebrae (234) are immobilised with respect to one another and a release configuration in which the vertebrae (234) can be moved with respect to one another.
11. Device (16) according toany oneof Claims 1 to 6, characterised in thattheconnecting section (52) comprisesarigid tubular elementmountedso as to be moveable over the rigid section (50) via ajoint means (54).
12. Fluid transport ship (14), characterised in that itcomprisesafluid reservoir (34) and a transfer device (16; 120; 140; 310) according toany oneof the preceding claims, theouter edge (48) of the support platform (40) definingat least partially the outer edgeof theship (14), the space locatedunderthe free end (86; 125B) of theconnecting section (52) inits firstloading positionbeingcompletely clear.
13. Fluid transfer assembly (10), characterised in that itcomprises:

    - a fluid transfer installation (12) located in contact with an expanse of water and comprising a fluid transfer line (22);

    - a ship (14) according to Claim 12, floating on the expanse of water, the transfer line (22) being connected to the free end (86; 125B) of the connecting section.
14. Assembly according to Claim 13, characterised in that the fluid transfer lineis formed by aflexible cryogenic duct.
15. Method for transferring fluid to a ship (14) inanassembly (10) according to Claim 14, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

    - moving theship (14) towards the transfer installation (12), theconnecting section (52) taking up its retracted rest position;

    - positioning theship (14) facing the transfer installation (12) and moving theconnecting section (52) from its rest position to its first loading position; and

    - connecting the transfer line (22) of the transfer installation (12) to the free end (86; 122B) of the connecting section (52).

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