EP2349660A1

EP2349660A1 - Safety device with cable or rope cutting in an explosive environment

Info

Publication number: EP2349660A1
Application number: EP09755935A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mathieu Deleignies
Original assignee: Nereus Technologies
Current assignee: Nereus Technologies
Priority date: 2008-10-23
Filing date: 2009-10-23
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Also published as: FR2937628A1; WO2010046569A1; FR2937570B1; US20110232469A1; FR2937570A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for automatically and autonomously releasing a mechanical cable or rope (4) connection between two elements, in a zone having explosive atmospheric conditions, comprising: a mechanical assembly (11) in the form of an enclosure (21) which can be traversed by a cable or rope (4) and which contains at least one sectioner comprising a chisel (25) associated with an anvil (20) and means for moving the chisel (25) with respect to the anvil in order to cut the cable or rope (4), means (15A, 15B, 15C) for positioning the cable or rope (4) making it possible to pass the cable or rope (4) between the anvil (20) and the chisel (25), and means (16) for measuring the tension of the cable or rope (4); the control means (12) making it possible to automatically trigger the sectioner. The chisel (25) and preferably the anvil (20) are made of an anti-spark material, particularly of a beryllium-copper (Be-Cu) alloy.

Description

CABLE CUTTING SAFETY DEVICE OR CORDING IN

EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a safety device in applications requiring means for releasing the mechanical connection by cable or rope of a set of two elements, in particular in an explosive environment.

In a particular application, the invention can be used to secure the operation of marine loading / unloading arms of ships carrying liquid or gaseous fuel, such as LNG or oil tankers, particularly in off-shore applications. The invention is however not limited to this application alone, and can for example also be used in other applications, to release in explosive medium the mechanical connection by cable or rope between two elements, and for example the mooring or anchoring link of a floating element, such as, in particular, an offshore platform, a methane tanker or an oil tanker. State of the art

In the particular field of loading and unloading LNG tanker and / or tanker, it is known to implement loading and unloading facilities that are installed on platforms or off-shore jetties a few miles from the coast. This avoids, in case of problem during the transfer, degradations or pollution from the surrounding environment, a city on the coast, for example.

In this context, the document FR-A-2 854 156 describes a set of loading / unloading fluid products, comprising a balanced loading / unloading arm installed at a first location and having a pipeline compass mounted by the one of its ends on a base and provided at the other end thereof with a connection system adapted to connect the line compass to a coupling means installed at the second location. This assembly further comprises a cable connected on the one hand to means integral with the base and adapted to subject the cable to a constant voltage and adapted to be connected, on the other hand, to the second location (the manifold of the ship) . It further comprises guiding means adapted to cooperate with the cable so as to guide the connection system along a path materialized by said cable to bring the connection system in a connection position to the coupling means.

Being not protected by dikes, these facilities therefore have an articulated arm in a compass equipped with a system for guiding and synchronization cable, hereinafter called cable guiding means, to bring about the flanges. from the manifold of the ship or boat the connecting valve located on the platform, without being hampered by the movements of the ship consecutive to the swell. [0007] FIG. 1, adapted from document FR-A-2 854 156, shows an example of cable guiding means fitted to a loading arm 1 of natural gas. liquefied. This one is composed of:

a winch with constant tension 2;

- an approach winch 3;

a cable 4; A return pulley 5;

an end journal and the motorization of rotation 6;

a female cone for alignment 7;

a spool 8 with a male receiver cone and means for fixing the cable.

The purpose of the cable guide means is to progressively apply the movements of the boat related to the presence of waves or waves to the loading arm during the connection time on the manifold of the boat. The cable 4 is kept under constant tension so as to guide the end of the arm towards the manifold of the boat 9. During this phase, the arm 1 is in "freewheeling" and is guided only by the cable 4. [0009] Cable 4 is kept energized between the manifold of the boat 9 and the base 10 of each arm. This tension is applied thanks to the constant tension winch 2 placed at the base of the base 10. This winch uses a hydraulic motor which is fed by a constant hydraulic pressure. If the distance between the boat and the pier increases, the winch will let the cable run while keeping the cable taut. If the distance between the boat and the pier decreases, the winch will wind the cable always maintaining constant tension in the cable.

For the approach of the arm 1 to the manifold of the boat 9, the end of the arm placed in "Free wheel" is guided by the cable 4 and a specific winch called "approach winch" 3 placed at the end of the arm 1 pulls it in one direction or another using the friction of the cable. The cable 4 passes through a female cone 7 also located at the end of the arm 1. The cable 4 is then attached to the male cone 8 located on the manifold of the boat 9. [0012] At the end of the phase approach, the cones 7, 8 engage one into the other which ensures proper alignment. Once the arm is connected, the constant voltage is released. The other arms are connected using the same procedure. For disconnection, the same principle is used. The only difference is that the approach winch 3 will be activated in the other direction. The maximum axial force allowed at the manifolds of the boat is a few tons. There is a hydraulic valve releasing the pressure in case of hydraulic problem on the winch with constant tension, located at arm's length.

In case of emergency disconnection, the guide wire is unwound from the winch drum of the arm and falls into the water. However, in case of mechanical locking of the winch at constant tension, the cable remains hooked at both ends and the cable can not unwind. If the boat continues to move with the waves or to move away due to a large drift, the force applied to the manifold of the boat is absolutely no longer controlled and can exceed very much the threshold allowable for these manifolds. If there is a mechanical blockage of this type, the risk is to damage the manifolds of the boat before the cable breaks.

To solve this problem, it is appropriate to implement an automatic cable disconnector, which has the ability to cut the guide wire regardless of the operating phase of the loading arm (connection or disconnection of the arm on the manifolds of the boat, loading or unloading).

Moreover, the loading / unloading arms of the aforementioned type evolve in classified environments "Atmospheres Explosibles". They must therefore be in accordance with the European directive "94-9-CE ATEX". Thus, in the case of implementation of an automatic disconnector for loading / unloading arm cable of the aforementioned type, this directive also applies to such a disconnector. There is therefore a need, not satisfied to date, to have a technical solution to cut automatically, reliably and accurately, and without risk of explosion, such a wire cable loading / unloading d an LNG carrier or an oil tanker, if the arm winch is blocked. There are also many other applications in an explosive environment in which there is a need, not satisfied to date, to have a technical solution to automatically section quickly and reliably, without risk of explosion, a mechanical connection by cable or rope, in case of abnormal and excessive tension exerted on the mechanical link. It is for example all applications implementing an element that is docked or anchored, such as an oil or gas platform, a tanker, a tanker, etc., and for which there is also a need to have a technical solution to automatically cut quickly and reliably and without risk of explosion, the mechanical connection mooring or anchoring, in case of abnormal and excessive tension exerted on said mechanical link. Such applications are described, for example, in the following patent applications: EP-A1 462 358, EP-A-0 729 882, EP-AI 705 112, WO-A-2005/045302, WO-A-99/57008, WO-A-98/15449. It has also been proposed in the prior art to use pyrotechnic disconnectors to cut cables. For example, document FR-A-2 897 548 discloses a safety system for a boat comprising a cable connected to the boat by a first end and being immersed by its second end to which is attached an object likely to drag from immersed way, for example a fishing net. This system comprises means for detecting the position of the boat, means for detecting the tension of the cable, at least one alarm system controlled by electronic means and a remotely controllable cable disconnector and having means for positioning the cable. cable likely to scroll. Thus, it is possible to cut a cable according to the abnormal conditions of attitude, that is to say, position of the boat and cable tension, that is to say in abnormal conditions of the boat's flotation due to a very high resistance due to the object attached to the end of the cable, such as the fishing net. Also known cable disconnectors. US 6,878,024 B1 discloses a hydrostatic release system for slicing a cable securing a floating object to a maritime machine, when the latter is immersed to a predetermined depth. The firing of a pyrotechnic disconnector is triggered when said depth is detected. WO 2007/096335 A1 discloses a pyrotechnic cable disconnector, by means of a hollow charge, having a section of "V" transverse structure and a partially annular shape, so as to partially surround the piece of circular section to be sectioned and comprising means for priming the hollow charge and means for positioning the circular section piece to be sectioned with respect to the hollow charge. Other pyrotechnic disconnectors are described in US 5,177,317 A, WO 94/25212 A1 and US 6,349,474 B1.

All the aforementioned pyrotechnic disconnectors of the prior art implement an explosive charge for the triggering of the pyrotechnic shear, and are not suitable for use, without risk of explosion, in an area with conditions of explosive atmosphere. It was therefore inconceivable until today to seek to use a pyrotechnic disconnector to automatically cut a mechanical link, in an explosive atmosphere, such as in particular the cable of a loading / unloading arm of a LNG tanker and / or oil tanker, or the mooring or anchoring link of an oil or gas platform, an oil tanker, or an LNG tanker. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0025] The present invention is aimed primarily at proposing a new technical solution that can be used in an explosive environment, and that automatically and reliably releases, without risk of explosion, a mechanical cable connection or rope between two elements, in particular in case of excessive tension exerted on the mechanical link. In addition, but optionally, the technical solution of the invention should preferably meet the requirements of the European directive "94-9-CE ATEX".

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for automatically releasing a mechanical connection by cable or rope between two elements, in a zone having explosive atmosphere conditions; said device comprises:

a mechanical assembly in the form of an enclosure which is adapted to be traversed by a cable or rope and which encloses at least one disconnector comprising a chisel associated with an anvil and means for moving the chisel with respect to the anvil for the cutting the cable or rope, cable positioning means or rope for passing the cable or rope between the anvil and the chisel, and means for measuring the tension of the rope or rope, - Control and control means (12) for automatically controlling the tripping of the disconnector, the chisel of the disconnector, being in an anti-spark material.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for automatically releasing a mechanical connection by cable or rope between two elements, in a zone having explosive atmosphere conditions; said device comprises:

a mechanical assembly in the form of an enclosure which is adapted to be traversed by a cable or rope and which encloses at least one disconnector for cutting the cable or rope, means for positioning the cable or rope, and measuring means cable tension or rope,

- Control and control means for automatically controlling the tripping of the disconnector, wherein the device is subdivided into at least two chambers: a main chamber which is adapted to be traversed by the cable or rope and which contains at least said disconnector, said cable or rope positioning means and said cable tension or rope tensioning means, and at least one adjacent lateral expansion chamber, the inner wall separating the main chamber from said lateral expansion chamber being provided with a plurality of orifices and serving as a flame guard. According to particular embodiments of the invention, the device mentioned above may further comprise in combination one or more of the following features:

the anvil is in an anti-spark material;

the device comprises one or more fixed guides which allow guiding in the enclosure of the cable or rope and which are in an anti-spark material;

the anti-spark material is a copper-beryllium alloy (Cu-Be); the anti-spark material is a metal chosen from the following group: brass, bronze, copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, titanium;

the disconnector is a pyrotechnic disconnector;

- The control and control means (12) allow the automatic tripping of the disconnector, based on the measurement of the voltage in the cable or rope, when a predetermined threshold voltage is reached;

- The chamber comprises an inlet and an outlet of the cable or rope, the two holes being equipped with rollers, preferably PTFE, configured to limit the entry of air or external gas inside the enclosure;

the enclosure is subdivided into at least two chambers: a main chamber which is able to be traversed by the cable or rope and which encloses at least said disconnector, said positioning means of the cable or cordage and said measuring means (16) cable tension or rope, and at least one adjacent lateral expansion chamber, the inner wall separating the main chamber from said chamber lateral expansion device being provided with a plurality of orifices and acting as a flame shield;

the enclosure is subdivided into at least three chambers: the main chamber, which is capable of being traversed by the cable or cord, and which encloses at least said disconnector, said cable or cord positioning means and said voltage measuring means; cable or rope (4), and two lateral expansion chambers contiguous and on either side of the main chamber, each inner wall separating the main central chamber of each of the two lateral expansion chambers being provided with a plurality of holes and acting as a flame shield;

said orifices of each flame-resistant inner wall of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter of less than 15 mm;

- said orifices are initially obstructed by plugs during the cable voltage measurement phase before a possible tripping of the device.

each lateral expansion chamber comprises a flame-resistant outer wall provided with a plurality of orifices which allow the lateral chamber to communicate with the outside;

- said orifices of each outer wall (P ') flame shield of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter less than 15 mm; said openings of each outer wall (P ') flame shield of each lateral expansion chamber are initially obstructed by plugs during the phase of cable tension measurement before a possible tripping of the device;

- The disconnector comprises a chisel (25) associated with an anvil and means for moving the chisel relative to the anvil for cutting the cable or rope, the chisel being in a non-sparking material;

the means for measuring the tension of the cable or rope are configured so that the cable or rope exerts on said measuring means a radial force proportional to the tension of the rope or rope;

the means for measuring the tension of the cable comprise a central pulley as well as two pulleys framing the central pulley, which ensure a constant angle between the cable and the central pulley upstream and downstream of said central pulley, and a dynamometric system located inside the axis of the central pulley; said dynamometric system comprises two strain gages;

the control and control means are located outside the enclosure, are connected to said mechanical assembly, preferably by a wire connection, and are able to be positioned outside the zone having explosive atmosphere conditions; .

The invention further relates to a safety system for loading / unloading vessel arm carrying liquid or gaseous fuel, said arm being equipped with a mechanical connection system and cable guidance of said arm, called more simply cable guide means, for connection / disconnection to a manifold of said vessel, said system comprising a previously referred device for automatically releasing the aforementioned cable mechanical connection.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned security system further comprises in combination one or more of the following features: - the cable guide means comprises a constant voltage winch located at an end where the cable is secured to the arm;

said mechanical assembly of the device for automatically releasing the mechanical connection by the abovementioned cable is secured to a base of the arm or to the winch with constant tension;

Said mechanical assembly is at the same electrical potential as the winch or the ship.

The invention also relates to: - the use of the device referred to above to automatically cut a mechanical connection cable or rope between two elements in a zone with explosive atmosphere conditions; - use of the device referred to above to automatically cut the cable of a loading / unloading arm of a ship; the use of the device referred to above to automatically cut a connection linkage or anchoring of a floating element, under conditions of explosive atmosphere; - Use of the device referred to above to automatically cut a docking or anchoring connection of a floating element, such as an oil or gas platform, a tanker, or a tanker.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1, already mentioned, schematically shows an example of liquefied natural gas loading arm, installed on a pier to load and unload a LNG carrier and equipped with a cable guide means.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the same loading arm equipped with the cable guide means and provided with the safety device according to the present invention, consisting of a mechanical assembly for measuring and positioning the pyrotechnic disconnector, station on the cable along the loading arm of Figure 1 and an acquisition and control unit located outside the hazardous area. Figures 3A, 3B show detailed views of the mechanical part of the safety device of the present invention.

Figure 3C is a longitudinal sectional view of the enclosure of another alternative embodiment of the safety device of the present invention.

Figures 4A and 4B show an exemplary embodiment of the pyrotechnic disconnector used according to the invention, respectively before and after firing said disconnector. Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

The present invention provides a safety equipment 11, 12, 13 comprising an automatic pyrotechnic disconnector that can be used in an explosive atmosphere and is equipped with a cable tension measuring element and means for cutting the cable if the measured voltage of the cable exceeds a predetermined critical threshold. In the particular and non-limiting application of the invention, illustrated in Figure 2, this safety equipment is mounted on the cable of a loading arm of a tanker type tanker and / or LNG carrier , and automatically cut the cable of this arm if the measured voltage of the cable exceeds a predetermined critical threshold that may lead to damage to the loading arm or the vessel carrying the fuel. In this device, the measurement of the voltage of the cable is carried out continuously. If the cable tension therefore exceeds a predefined value, the device sends the cutting order of the cable. This cutting is advantageously carried out using either a pyrotechnic cable disconnector or a pyrotechnic cable cutter, or again using any hydraulic, electrical or pneumatic disconnector.

The safety equipment according to the invention comprises not only a mechanical assembly 11 for measuring and positioning the pyrotechnic disconnector along each loading arm but also an acquisition unit, control and control 12 advantageously located and preferably outside the potentially explosive area (see Figure 2). The connection between the mechanical assembly 11 and the control and control unit 12 is preferably a wired connection 13, but could also be a wireless connection.

Preferably, the mechanical assembly 11 will advantageously have the same electrical potential as the winch with constant voltage 2.

Figure 3A shows a longitudinal section of the mechanical device of the invention installed station on the cable 4. This device comprises an enclosure 21 subdivided into a main chamber 21a and two lateral chambers 21b, 21c for expansion of the gas. The main chamber 21a respectively contains pulleys 15A, 15B, 15C for guiding and positioning the cable, a torque axis 16 in the form of two strain gauges located inside the axis of the pulley, a fixed guide 17 for guiding the cable, PTFE rollers 18, a pyrotechnic disconnector 19 with an anvil 20. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the same device. This is shown with its attachment means 22 to the loading arm.

Principle of cable tension measurement In the device shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cable 4 exerts on the central pulley 15A a force proportional to the tension of the cable. This voltage is also a function of the variation of the angle of the cable upstream and downstream of the central pulley, the two end pulleys 15B, 15C provide a constant angle.

Control of the disconnector The signals delivered by the strain gauges of the dynamic axis 16 are characteristic of the mechanical tension in the cable 4 and are processed by the remote control and control unit 12. This control and control unit 12 comprises electronic control means for automatically comparing the measured voltage with a predefined threshold, and control means connected to the disconnector 19 and for automatically controlling the tripping of the disconnector 19 for cutting the cable 4 if the tension of the cable detected by the load axis 16 exceeds the predefined threshold.

Principle of the pyrotechnic shear The pyrotechnic disconnector 19 is preferably a pyrotechnic shear commonly used to cut cables in the industry. A pyrotechnic shear is preferably used which will not allow the hot gas to escape to the outside (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The pyrotechnic shear for example consists of a hollow cylindrical body 23 and an anvil 20. The first end of the body 23 contains the powder cartridge 24 and the other end is opposite the cable 4 to be sectioned . The hollow cylindrical body contains the burin 25 which will sever the cable 4 when it is projected on it by the blast. After Deflagment of the powder cartridge 24, the hot gas 27 is confined in the body 23 of the shears, at the rear of the chisel 25 (Figure 4B).

Taking into account the environment (ATEX)

Several barriers have been provided in the device of the invention to prevent the device from communicating a deflagration to the outside environment in the event of pyrotechnic cutting of the cable (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C):

- in order to prevent the explosive gas mixture (air / methane or other) from being introduced inside the device, the openings on the outside are reduced by means of PTFE rollers 18. Thus, only a minimum gas mixture can be introduced inside the device. The size of the passage openings of the cable is advantageously adapted to the type of gas mixture; - In order to avoid ignition of the explosive gas mixture if it still happens to be in significant concentration inside the device, the chisel 25, and preferably the anvil 20 of the pyrotechnic disconnector, are chosen in anti-spark material; preferably, this non-sparking material is a special copper alloy (CuBe2). This specific alloy makes it possible to avoid any risk of sparks inside the device during the impact of the chisel 25 on a metal element, and in particular on the cable and on the anvil 20. This therefore prevents the ignition of the gas that might be there;

- Lastly, to prevent the transmission of the generated explosion to the external environment if the gas inside it was to ignite, it is expected that the small surface of exchange with the outside prevents the propagation of the deflagration. To do this, we use as anti-flame barriers (see miner's lamp).

Davy, 1817) hole plates with holes 26, 26 'such that 2R / ÔL <30, where D = 2R is the diameter of the orifice and δL is the combustion length of the mixture (<9L = 0.5mm for the methane / air mixture, 2R = D <15mm). These holes 26, 26 'are preferably hermetically blocked by plugs in order to prevent the fresh mixture of explosive gases (air / methane) from entering them during the phase of measurement of cable tension before a possible tripping. of the device. Note that, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, the main central chamber 21a which is in communication with the outside limited by the inlet and outlet ports of the cable, is positioned between two lateral gas expansion chambers 21b, 21c which are contiguous with the main chamber 21a and located on either side of the main chamber 21a. These will serve to relax the flue gas, to reduce their temperature below the self-ignition temperature of the explosive gas mixture, before their ejection to the outside. They are in communication with the central chamber 21a by flamethrower plates P with holes 26 whose function has been described above. In FIGS. 3A, 3B, only the flame-resistant internal wall P separating the main chamber 21a from the lateral chamber 21b is visible; for the sake of clarity of the drawings, the flame barrier wall P separating the main chamber 21a from the other side chamber 21c has not been shown. Preferably, but not necessarily, the orifices 26 are preferably hermetically blocked by removable plugs 26a.

(visible in the variant of FIG. 3C), in order to prevent the fresh mixture of explosive gas (for example air / methane) from entering the main chamber 21a while passing through the orifices 26 during the measurement phase of cable tension before a possible tripping of the device.

The device therefore behaves as an explosion-proof enclosure and resists the explosion of explosive gas mixture possibly found inside.

In the particular embodiment variants illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, each lateral expansion chamber (21b, 21c) also comprises an external wall P 'pierced with a plurality of orifices 26' which make it possible to communicate the side chamber with the outside, and evacuate if necessary too high gas pressure inside the side chamber. As explained above, these orifices 26 'are dimensioned so that the outer wall P' also acts as flame arrestor. In another variant, these orifices 26 ' may not be provided, the outer wall P 'being in this case a sealed wall.

In the variant of Figure 3C, and optionally, the orifices 26 'of each outer wall P' are preferably hermetically blocked by removable plugs 26 ', to prevent the fresh mixture of explosive gas ( for example air / methane) does not penetrate from the outside into the corresponding lateral chamber 21b or 21c by passing through the orifices 26 'during the cable voltage measurement phase before a possible tripping of the device.

Significant difference with the application for fishing vessel (FR-A-0 650 587)

The presence of the explosive atmosphere is the first significant differences, hence the establishment of different explosion-proof barriers mentioned above. The cable tension measurement is performed using three pulleys and not two, which allows the central pulley to receive a radial force proportional to the tension of the cable. The voltage sensor is a set of two strain gauges placed inside the axis of the central pulley.

The pyrotechnic disconnector is different because of the nature of the environment. The alert modes are different since the information is not visible by the men present in the control cabin, the cutting being done automatically beyond a certain threshold of voltage.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of Figures 3A, 3B, 3C or the particular application of Figure 2 (loading / unloading arm of a vessel type LNG or oil).

In another embodiment, it is possible to provide a single lateral expansion chamber 21b contiguous to the main chamber 21a, instead of two lateral expansion chambers 21b, 21c.

[0059] The disconnector 19 is not necessarily a pyrotechnic disconnector whose chisel moving means 25 with respect to ^Λ anvil 20 would be constituted by the propelling means of the powder cartridge-type 24. In another embodiment, for moving the chisel 25, it is also possible to implement other types of actuators, in particular electric, hydraulic or pneumatic, to move or propel the chisel 25 in contact with the cable 4 with a speed sufficient to cut the cable 4. When the chisel 25 and optionally the anvil 20 are made of an anti-spark material, the latter is not necessarily a copper-beryllium alloy (Cu-Be), but can also be one of the following metals: brass, bronze, copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, titanium. The main chamber 21a of the device in which the cable 4 passes may comprise one or more fixed elements for guiding the cable 4, such as the aforementioned guide 17, against which the cable is rubbing. When the cable 4 is metallic, so to avoid the formation of sparks during the sliding of the metal cable 4 in contact with these guide elements, such as the aforementioned guide 17, it is also preferable that these fixed guide elements are also made of a spark-proof material. The control and control unit 12 is not necessarily located outside the chamber 21 of the device. In another variant, the control and control unit 12 may be in the form of an electronic circuit placed inside the chamber 12 of the cutting device, and in particular inside the main chamber 21a. In this case, it is preferably ensured that the electrical connections of this circuit are protected from the gas contained in the enclosure, for example by encapsulating these electrical connections in a resin. The device of the invention may more generally be used to automatically cut a mechanical connection by cable or rope between two elements, in a zone having explosive atmosphere conditions.

More particularly, the device of the invention can be used to automatically cut a docking or anchoring connection of a floating element, in potentially explosive atmosphere conditions, such as in particular a mooring link or anchoring of a floating element, of the oil or gas platform type, oil tanker, methane tanker.

Claims

A device for automatically releasing a mechanical cable or cord connection (4) between two elements, in an area having potentially explosive atmosphere conditions, said device comprising:

a mechanical assembly (11) in the form of an enclosure

(21) which is adapted to be traversed by a cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least one disconnector comprising a chisel (25) associated with an anvil (20) and means (23, 24) for moving the chisel ( 25) relative to the anvil for cutting the cable or rope (4), positioning means (15A, 15B, 15C) of the cable or rope (4) for passing the cable or rope (4) between the anvil (20) and the chisel (25), and means (16) for measuring the tension of the rope or rope (4),

- Control and control means (12) for automatically controlling the tripping of the disconnector, the chisel (25) of the disconnector being in a spark-proof material.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the anvil (20) is in a non-sparking material.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more fixed guides (17) which allow the guidance in the enclosure of the cable or rope (4) and which are in an anti-spark material.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-spark material is a copper-beryllium alloy (Cu-Be).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anti-spark material is a metal selected from the following group: brass, bronze, copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, titanium.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disconnector is a pyrotechnic disconnector (19).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and control means (12) allow the automatic tripping of the disconnector (19), based on the measurement of the voltage in the cable or rope ( 4), when a predetermined threshold of voltage is reached.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enclosure (21) comprises an inlet and an outlet of the cable or rope (4), the two orifices being equipped with rollers (18). ), preferably made of PTFE, configured to limit the entry of air or external gas into the enclosure (21).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enclosure (21) is subdivided into at least two chambers: a main chamber (21a) which is adapted to be traversed by the cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least said disconnector, said positioning means (15A, 15B, 15C,) of the cable or rope (4) and said measuring means (16) of the tension of the cable or rope (4), and at least one an adjoining lateral expansion chamber (21b), the inner wall (P) separating the main chamber from the said lateral expansion chamber being provided with a plurality of orifices (26) and acting as a flame shield.

10. Device according to claim 9 wherein the enclosure (21) is subdivided into at least three chambers: the main chamber (21a) which is adapted to be traversed by the cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least said disconnector , said positioning means (15A, 15B, 15C) of the rope or rope (4) and said measuring means (16) of the tension of the rope or rope (4), and two adjacent lateral expansion chambers (21b, 21c). and on either side of the main chamber, each inner wall (P) separating the central main chamber of each of the two lateral expansion chambers being provided with a plurality of orifices (26) and serving as a flame shield.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said orifices (26) of each inner flame wall (P) of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter less than 15 mm.

12. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said orifices (26) are initially obstructed by plugs (26a) during the cable voltage measurement phase before a possible tripping of the device.

13. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein each lateral expansion chamber comprises an outer wall (P ') flame retardant provided with a plurality of orifices (26') which allow to communicate the chamber lateral with the outside.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein said orifices (26 ') of each outer wall (P') flame retardant of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter less than 15 mm.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said orifices (26 ') of each outer wall (P') flame retardant of each lateral expansion chamber are initially obstructed by plugs (26a) during the measurement phase of cable tension before a possible tripping of the device.

Device for automatically releasing a mechanical connection by cable or rope (4) between two elements, in an area having conditions of explosive atmosphere, said device comprising:

- a mechanical assembly (11) in the form of a housing (21) which is adapted to be traversed by a cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least one disconnector for cutting the cable or rope (4), means positioning (15A, 15B, 15C) of the cable or rope (4), and means (16) for measuring the tension of the rope or rope (4),

- Control and control means (12) for automatically controlling the tripping of the disconnector, device in which the enclosure (21) is subdivided into at least two chambers: a main chamber (21a) which is adapted to be traversed by the cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least said disconnector, said positioning means (15A, 15B, 15C) of the cable or rope (4) and said measuring means (16) of the tension of the cable or rope (4) ), and at least one adjoining lateral expansion chamber (21b), the inner wall (P) separating the main chamber from the said lateral expansion chamber being provided with a plurality of orifices (26) and acting as a flame shield.

17. Device according to the claim

16, characterized in that the enclosure (21) is subdivided into three chambers: the main chamber (21a) which is able to be traversed by the cable or rope (4) and which encloses at least said disconnector, said positioning means (15A, 15B, 15C) of the cable or rope (4) and said measuring means (16). ) the cable or rope tension (4), and two adjoining lateral expansion chambers (21b, 21c) and on either side of the main chamber, each inner wall (P) separating the central main chamber from each of the two lateral expansion chambers being provided with a plurality of orifices (26) and serving as a flame guard.

18. Device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said orifices (26) of each inner flame wall (P) of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter less than 15 mm.

19. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said orifices (26) are initially obstructed by plugs during the cable voltage measurement phase before a possible tripping of the device.

20. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein each lateral expansion chamber comprises an outer wall (P ') flame retardant provided with a plurality of orifices (26') for communicating the chamber lateral with the outside.

21. Device according to claim 20, wherein said orifices (26 ') of each outer wall (P') flame retardant of each lateral expansion chamber have a diameter less than 15 mm.

22. Device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said orifices (26 ') of each outer wall (P') flame shield of each lateral expansion chamber are initially obstructed by plugs (26a) during the measurement phase of cable tension before a possible tripping of the device.

23. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the disconnector comprises a chisel (25) associated with an anvil (20) and means for moving the chisel (25) relative to the anvil for cutting cable or rope (4), the chisel (25) being in an anti-spark material.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein the anvil (20) is in an anti-spark material.

25. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that it comprises one or more fixed guides (17) which allow guiding in the main chamber (21a) of the cable or rope (4) and which are in an anti-spark material.

26. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the anti-spark material is a copper-beryllium alloy (Cu-Be).

27. Device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the anti-spark material is a metal selected from the following group: brass, bronze, copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, titanium.

28. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the disconnector is a pyrotechnic disconnector.

29. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the control and control means (12) allow the automatic tripping of the disconnector (19), based on the measurement of the voltage in the cable or rope ( 4), when a predetermined threshold of voltage is reached.

30. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 28, characterized in that the enclosure (21) comprises an inlet and an outlet of the cable or rope (4), the two orifices being equipped with rollers (18), preferably PTFE, configured to limit the entry of air or external gas into the enclosure (21).

31. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the means (16) for measuring the tension of the rope or rope (4) are configured so that the rope or rope (4) exerts on said measuring means. (16) a radial force proportional to the tension of the rope or rope (4).

32. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that the means for measuring the tension of the cable (4) comprise a central pulley.

(15A) as well as two pulleys (15B, 15C) flanking the central pulley, which provide a constant angle between the cable (4) and the central pulley (15A) upstream and downstream of said central pulley (15A), and a dynamometric system (16) located within the axis of the central pulley (15A).

33. Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the dynamometric system comprises two strain gages.

34. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the control and control means (12) are located outside the enclosure (21), are connected to said mechanical assembly (11), preferably by a wire connection (13), and are able to be positioned outside the zone with conditions of explosive atmosphere.

35. Safety system for a loading / unloading arm (1) of a ship carrying liquid or gaseous fuel, said arm being equipped with a mechanical connection and cable guiding system (4) of said arm (1), called more merely cable guiding means, for connection / disconnection to a manifold (9) of said vessel, said system comprising a device for automatically releasing the aforementioned cable mechanical connection, according to any one of the preceding claims.

36. Safety system according to claim 35, characterized in that the cable guide means comprises a constant voltage winch (2) located at one end where the cable (4) is integral with the arm (1).

37. A security system according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that said mechanical assembly (11) of the device for automatically releasing the mechanical connection cable above is secured to a base (10) of the arm (1) or on the winch at constant voltage (2).

38. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 34 to automatically cut a mechanical connection by cable or rope between two elements, in an area with conditions of explosive atmosphere.

39. Use of the device referred to in any one of claims 1 to 34 to automatically cut the cable of a loading / unloading arm of a ship.

40. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 34 for automatically cutting a connection or mooring anchor a floating element, in potentially explosive atmosphere conditions.

41. Use of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 34 for automatically cutting a docking or anchoring connection of a floating element, such as an oil or gas platform, a tanker, or a tanker.