EP3122622B1 - System for transferring fluid between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship - Google Patents

System for transferring fluid between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3122622B1
EP3122622B1 EP15715788.4A EP15715788A EP3122622B1 EP 3122622 B1 EP3122622 B1 EP 3122622B1 EP 15715788 A EP15715788 A EP 15715788A EP 3122622 B1 EP3122622 B1 EP 3122622B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible pipe
mast
flexible
drum
guide surface
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP15715788.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3122622A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume GELIN
Patrick Englebert
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Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3122622A1 publication Critical patent/EP3122622A1/en
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Publication of EP3122622B1 publication Critical patent/EP3122622B1/en
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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 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63B25/02—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods
    • B63B25/08—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid
    • B63B25/12—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid closed
    • B63B25/16—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid closed heat-insulated
    • 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
    • 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
    • B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
    • B63B27/34—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures using pipe-lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
    • B67D9/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships using articulated pipes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of fluid transfer and relates more particularly to the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a ship and an installation, such as a customer ship.
  • the document WO0134460 discloses a system for transferring liquefied natural gas between a liquefied natural gas production vessel and a liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
  • the transfer system has three parallel flexible lines, two lines of which transfer the liquefied natural gas from the production vessel to the transport vessel, while the third line allows a transfer of gas from the transport vessel to the production vessel in order to to balance the pressures in the gaseous skies of the tanks of the two ships and thus to avoid that the pressure inside the tank of the production vessel does not fall.
  • the three flexible pipes are suspended from a mast mounted to move on the deck of the production vessel and have a free end equipped with a connecting element which cooperates with a connecting element complementary to the transport ship.
  • the connecting elements are equipped with emergency disconnection means for disconnecting them and interrupting the transfer of the liquefied natural gas.
  • the emergency disconnection means are remotely controlled from the transport vessel via a hydraulic circuit.
  • connection elements emergency disconnection being particularly heavy, their positioning at the free end of the flexible pipes makes the flexible pipes particularly complex to maneuver so that the connection operations are long to perform and insecure.
  • the presence of a hydraulic control circuit of the emergency disconnect means increases the cost and complexity of the transfer system.
  • An idea underlying the invention is to provide a system for transferring a fluid between a ship and an installation that is simple, secure, reliable and allows to adapt to a wide variety of configurations.
  • the emergency disconnect connection device does not require a hydraulic control circuit.
  • the guide element makes it possible to ensure that, when a tensile force is exerted between the ends of the flexible pipe, this tensile force is exerted substantially in the direction d of separation of the two separable elements of the pipe.
  • emergency disconnect connection device which limits the forces exerted on the flexible pipe.
  • the guide element also makes it possible to avoid untimely disconnections of the emergency disconnect connection device.
  • the guide element also makes it possible to limit the bending stresses acting on the flexible pipe at the connection of the first end of the flexible pipe to the transfer line.
  • the transfer system can adapt to many different configurations.
  • the invention also provides a vessel equipped with a transfer system as mentioned above.
  • the invention also provides a method of transferring a fluid in which, during the transfer operation, the mast is positioned in a position such that, when a tensile force is exerted between the first end and the second end of the flexible pipe, said flexible pipe is pressed against the convex guide surface.
  • the method includes a flexible pipe draining operation in which the mast is moved to a position in which the flexible pipe has a mast down to the manifold of the client vessel downwardly to allow flow by gravity of the fluid contained in the flexible pipe.
  • the invention also provides a braking device for controlling the falling speed of a plurality of flexible pipes equipped with an emergency disconnect connection device, the braking device comprising for each flexible pipe a drum and a cable which is, on the one hand, wound around the drum and, on the other hand, fixed to one of the separable elements of the emergency disconnect connection device; the braking device comprising a movable shaft; a positive displacement pump equipped with a rotor rotatably coupled to the shaft; and a closed loop hydraulic circuit, associated with the positive displacement pump, equipped with a flow regulator, each drum being associated with the shaft by means of a device, freewheel or nonreturn, unidirectional so that a rotation of the drum in a direction of unwinding of the cable drives the shaft in rotation in a first direction of rotation and that the shaft can freely rotate in the first direction of rotation without rotating the drum in the unwinding direction of the cable .
  • such a braking device can also find application to other transfer system that the transfer system which will be described below.
  • such a braking device can find applications in all transfer systems comprising a plurality of flexible pipes equipped with emergency disconnect connection device and whose fall is to be braked during emergency disconnections.
  • a transfer system will be described below for transferring fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), between a supply vessel and a facility, such as a customer ship.
  • the supply vessel is, for example, a bunkering vessel in charge of supplying LNG to other ships, and the client vessel, an LNG powered vessel.
  • the transfer system comprises a lattice mast 1 which is mounted on the deck 2 of the supplier ship 3.
  • the lattice mast 1 comprises three uprights assembled by a plurality of cross bracing extending between the uprights.
  • the mast 1 carries a plurality of transfer lines 4 which extend along the mast.
  • the transfer lines 4 consist of rigid elements.
  • the mast 1 carries, for example, three transfer lines 4.
  • Two of the transfer lines 4 are connected to a liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supply vessel 3 and make it possible to transfer liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel 3 to the vessel customer.
  • the third transfer line 4 allows the extraction of natural gas in the gaseous state from the client vessel 5 to the supply vessel 3.
  • This third transfer line 4 can be connected to a natural gas re-liquefaction plant, onboard the supplier ship 3.
  • the transfer lines 4 have a distal end 6 extending away from the distal end 7 of the mast 1. Each of the distal ends 6 of the transfer lines 4 is connected to a flexible pipe 8.
  • the flexible pipes 8 thus comprise a first end 9 which is connected to the transfer line 4 and a free second end 10 which is intended to be connected to a manifold 11 of the client vessel 5 to allow a transfer of fluid between the supply vessel 3 and the client vessel 4.
  • the flexible pipes 8 are advantageously made of cryogenic pipes, such as composite pipes or double wall pipes, made of stainless steel, the intermediate space of which is lined with an insulating material.
  • the insulating material is depressed to improve its insulation characteristics.
  • the mast 1 is articulated on the deck 2 of the supplier ship 3. To do this, the mast 1 is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis between a retracted position, shown on the figure 1 , and an extreme raised position, represented on the figure 4 . In its extreme raised position, the mast 1 is here inclined at an angle of about 60 ° with respect to the bridge 2 of the supplier ship 3.
  • the mast 1 is also rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. To do this, the mast 1 is mounted on a base 12 adapted to rotate about a vertical axis.
  • the transfer system is equipped with a set of actuating cylinders 13 which each comprise an articulated end mounted on the uprights of the mast 1 and a second end articulated on the base 12.
  • the transfer system comprises a saddle 14 for supporting the flexible pipes 8 which is suspended at the distal end 7 of the mast 1.
  • the saddle 14 is equipped with a convex upper surface 15 for supporting the flexible pipes 8.
  • the convex upper surface 15 is an arcuate surface whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the minimum permissible curvature radius of the flexible pipes 8.
  • the minimum admissible radius of curvature corresponds to the minimum value of the radius up to which the flexible pipes 8 can be flexed without deterioration or reducing their life. This value is usually specified by flexible pipe manufacturers.
  • the minimum permissible radius of curvature is of the order of 700 mm for cryogenic pipes having an outer diameter of the order of 170 mm and of the order of 500 mm for such cryogenic hoses with a diameter of outer diameter of the order of 100 mm.
  • the saddle 14 is suspended at the distal end 7 of the mast 1 by means of a lifting device.
  • the lifting device is a rope hoist.
  • the lifting device comprises a drum 16 adapted to be rotated by a motor, a deflection pulley 17 disposed at the distal end 7 of the mast 1 and a cable 18, cooperating with the pulley 17, which is on the one hand, wrapped around the drum 16 and, on the other hand, fixed to the saddle 14.
  • the flexible pipes 8 comprise near their first end 9 an emergency disconnection connection device 19.
  • an emergency disconnect connection device 19 is illustrated in a manner in a connected state, on the figure 7a , and in an offline state, on the figure 7b .
  • the emergency disconnect connection device 19 comprises two separable elements 20, 21.
  • the two elements 20, 21 are able to separate in a separation direction d when a separation force greater than a threshold is exerted.
  • the two elements 20, 21 each comprise a hollow cylindrical body 22 adapted to allow the circulation of the fluid.
  • the two elements 20, 21 each comprise a fastening flange 23 for ensuring a tight connection with the fastening flange 23 of the other element.
  • the fastening flanges 23 are secured to one another by means of a fastener 24 designed to break when a separation force greater than a determined threshold is exerted on the emergency disconnect connection device. 19.
  • Each of the separable elements 20, 21 is equipped with a valve 25 which is able to prevent the passage of the fluid, in the event of the elements 20, 21 being separated.
  • the valve 25 is mounted to move freely. inside of the hollow cylindrical body 22 between an open position, illustrated on the figure 7a in which the valve 25 allows the passage of fluid through the emergency disconnect connection device 19 and a closed position, illustrated in FIG. figure 7b , in which the valve 25 ensures a sealed contact against a shoulder 26 of the hollow cylindrical body 22 to prevent the passage of fluid.
  • the valves 25 are each returned to their closed position by means of a spring 27.
  • the valves 25 comprise pins 28 cooperating against each other when the two elements 20, 21 of the connecting device to emergency disconnection 19 are connected so as to compress the springs 27 and maintain the valves 25, in the open position.
  • valves are pivotally mounted between their open position and their closed position.
  • the transfer system is also equipped with a guide element 29 which guides the flexible pipes 8 so that when a tensile force is exerted on the flexible pipes 8 between their first end 9 and their second end 10, this force is exerted on the emergency disconnect connection device 19 in the direction of separation of separable elements 20, 21.
  • portion of the flexible pipe 8 extends between the emergency disconnect connection device 19 and the end 6 of the transfer line.
  • the guide member 29 has a convex guide surface 30.
  • the convex guide surface 30 has an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the minimum allowable curvature radius of the flexible conduits 8.
  • the convex guide surface 30 is directed towards the distal end 7 of the mast 1 when the 6 end of the transfer line is oriented towards the distal end 7 of the mast 1.
  • the end 6 of the transfer line 4 is also oriented tangentially to the convex guide surface 30.
  • the distance x between the guide element 29 and the distal end 7 of the mast 1 to which the saddle 14 is suspended is determined so that when the mast 1 is disposed in its extreme raised position, the flexible pipes 8 form a loop 31 whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the minimum permissible curvature radius of the flexible pipes 8.
  • the Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a succession of steps of maneuvering the transfer system during a fluid transfer operation between a supplier ship 3 and a client ship 5.
  • the mast 1 In a retracted position, illustrated on the figure 1 , the mast 1 extends substantially horizontally.
  • the mast 1 is moved so that its distal end 7 comes to be positioned near the manifold 11 of the client ship 5, as shown on the figure 2 .
  • the lifting device of the saddle 14 is then controlled so as to deposit the saddle 14 on the deck of the client ship 5.
  • the flexible pipes 8 are then connected to the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5 to allow the transfer of liquefied natural gas between the supply vessel 3 and the customer ship 5, as shown on the figure 3 .
  • the mast 1 When the transfer of the liquefied natural gas is complete, the mast 1 is erected in a drainage position, illustrated on the figure 4 , in which the flexible pipes 8 have a downward slope from the mast 1 towards the deck of the client vessel 4 so as to allow the gravity flow of the liquefied natural gas contained in the flexible pipes 8 to the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5.
  • the flexible pipes 8 are then disconnected from the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5 and the seat 14 can be raised by means of the lifting device, as shown in FIG. figure 5 in order to lift the end 10 of the flexible pipes 8.
  • the mat 1 is then returned to its retracted position, illustrated on the figure 1 .
  • FIGS. 9 to 13 schematically illustrate arrangements of the guide member 29 and the emergency disconnect connection device 19 according to a plurality of embodiments.
  • the rest position of the flexible pipe 8 is shown in solid lines while the position of the flexible pipe 8, when a tensile force is exerted, is shown in dashed lines.
  • the figure 9 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 .
  • the embodiment of the figure 10 differs from that of the figure 9 in that the emergency disconnect connection device 19 is arranged at the first end 9 of the flexible pipe 8, ie at the junction between the transfer line 4 and the flexible pipe 8, to ensure axial operation.
  • the emergency disconnect connection device 19 is therefore fixed relative to the mast 1. Therefore, the guide member 29 is fixed on the mast 1 in a position such that the separation direction d of the connection device disconnection 19 extends substantially tangentially to the convex guide surface 30.
  • the embodiment of the figure 11 differs from that of the figure 9 in that the emergency disconnection connection device 19 is arranged at a portion of the flexible pipe 8 extending between the guide member 29 and the second end of the flexible pipe 8.
  • the convexity of the convex guide surface 30 is directed towards the proximal end of the mast 1 because the end 6 of the transfer line has a longitudinal component oriented towards the proximal end 7 of the mast 1.
  • each flexible pipe 8 may be equipped with a buoy 45 making it possible to facilitate the recovery of the flexible pipe 8 in the event of emergency disconnection.
  • the buoy 44 is associated with the portion of the flexible pipe 8 intended to fall overboard in the event of emergency disconnection, that is to say the portion of the flexible pipe 8 which extends between the emergency disconnect connecting device 19 and the second end 10 of the flexible pipe 8.
  • the buoy 44 is fixed to the flexible pipe 8, close to the emergency disconnect connection device 19.
  • the guide member comprises for each flexible pipe 8 a guide groove 32.
  • Each of the grooves 32 is bordered by partitions 33 more or less advanced to provide lateral guidance of the flexible pipes 8.
  • the guide member 29 has a flared bell portion shape having a top equipped with an opening 33 for passage of the flexible pipes.
  • the convex guide surface 30 is covered with a non-stick coating in order to reduce the frictional forces between the convex guide surface 30 and the flexible conduits 8.
  • the non-stick coating is, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the guide surface 30 is equipped with a plurality of rollers mounted in rotation and thus making it possible to reduce the frictional forces exerted between the convex guide surface 30 and the flexible pipes 8.
  • the transfer system is equipped with a braking device 34 for controlling the speed of drop of flexible pipes 8 during an emergency disconnection, illustrated in detail on the figures 16 , 17 and 19 .
  • the braking device 34 comprises, for each flexible pipe 8, a drum 35 and a cable 36 which is, on the one hand, wound around its respective drum 35 and, on the other hand, connected to the element 20 of the device.
  • emergency disconnect connection 20 which is connected to the flexible pipe 8 or the portion of the flexible pipe 8 may fall during an emergency disconnection.
  • the drums 35 are each mounted on a shaft 37 by means of a device, freewheel or anti-return, unidirectional 38.
  • a rotation of the drum 35 in a unwinding direction of the cable drives the shaft in rotation in a first direction of rotation whereas, on the contrary, the shaft can freely rotate in this first direction of rotation without rotating the drum. in the unwinding direction of the cable.
  • the cables 36 of each of the drums 35 can therefore be unrolled independently.
  • the shaft 37 is associated with a speed control unit for controlling the falling speed of the flexible pipe.
  • the unit of speed control comprises a positive displacement pump 39 equipped with a rotor rotatably coupled to the shaft 37.
  • the positive displacement pump 39 is associated with a closed loop hydraulic circuit 40 equipped with a flow regulator 41, such as a constant flow valve.
  • the positive displacement pump 39 provides a flow rate proportional to its speed of rotation and, on the other hand, the flow regulator makes it possible to control the flow rate of the pump, it is possible to control the speed of rotation of the shaft 37 and thus to limit the speed of fall of the flexible pipes 8.
  • the braking device 34 is arranged to allow a release of the cables 36 when they are completely unrolled from their drum 35.
  • one end of the cable is fixed to a pin 42 provided with an eyelet 43 for the introduction and fixing of the cable 36.
  • the drum 35 has a groove 44 formed in the cylindrical surface of the drum 35, extending along A generatrix of the cylindrical surface of the drum 35.
  • the groove 44 is arranged to receive the pin 42.
  • the pin 42 can disengage the drum 35 only when the cable 36 is fully unwound.
  • a device for detecting an emergency disconnection 46 is associated with the braking device 4.
  • the detection device 46 comprises a plurality of motion sensors 47 which are each equipped with a roller co-operating with one of the drums 35 so as to allow detection of a rotational movement of the drums.
  • the motion sensors 47 are connected to a processing unit 48.
  • the processing unit 48 is able to process the signals delivered by the motion sensors 47 and to generate a detection signal when at least one of the motion sensors 47 delivers a signal representative of a rotation of the associated drum 35.
  • the processing unit 47 may in particular deliver an alarm signal for alerting the crew of an emergency disconnection and / or delivering a stop signal for the pumps transferring liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel to the client ship and vice versa.
  • an alarm signal for alerting the crew of an emergency disconnection
  • a stop signal for the pumps transferring liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel to the client ship and vice versa.
  • the embodiment shown on the figure 21 differs from that of the figure 19 , in that the motion sensors 49 are linear displacement sensors or feelers which are each able to cooperate with a contact piece 50 carried by one of the drums 35 so that a rotational movement of a drum causes a linear displacement of the motion sensor 49.
  • motion sensors 47 may also be non-contact sensors, such as magnetic sensors.
  • the motion sensors 51 are optical fiber sensors comprising a transmitter, a receiver and an optical fiber.
  • the motion sensors 51 comprise an optical fiber 52, one end of which is fixed on the drum 35 and which is thus arranged to break during a rotation of the drum 35 so that the sensor detects a rotation of the drum 35.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention se rapporte au domaine du transfert de fluide et se rapporte plus particulièrement au transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié entre un navire et une installation, telle qu'un navire client.The invention relates to the field of fluid transfer and relates more particularly to the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a ship and an installation, such as a customer ship.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

Dans l'état de la technique, il est connu des systèmes permettant de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié, en mer, entre deux navires.In the state of the art, there are known systems for transferring liquefied natural gas at sea between two ships.

Le document WO0134460 divulgue un système permettant de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié entre un navire de production de gaz naturel liquéfié et un navire de transport de gaz naturel liquéfié. Le système de transfert comporte trois conduites flexibles parallèles dont deux conduites permettent de transférer le gaz naturel liquéfié du navire de production vers le navire de transport alors que la troisième conduite permet un transfert de gaz du navire de transport vers le navire de production afin d'équilibrer les pressions dans les ciels gazeux des cuves des deux navires et d'éviter ainsi que la pression à l'intérieur de la cuve du navire de production ne chute. Les trois conduites flexibles sont suspendues à un mât monté mobile sur le pont du navire de production et présentent une extrémité libre équipée d'un élément de raccordement qui coopère avec un élément de raccordement complémentaire du navire de transport. Les éléments de raccordement sont équipés de moyens de déconnexion d'urgence permettant de les déconnecter et d'interrompre le transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié. Les moyens de déconnexion d'urgence sont commandés à distance, à partir du navire de transport, via un circuit hydraulique.The document WO0134460 discloses a system for transferring liquefied natural gas between a liquefied natural gas production vessel and a liquefied natural gas transport vessel. The transfer system has three parallel flexible lines, two lines of which transfer the liquefied natural gas from the production vessel to the transport vessel, while the third line allows a transfer of gas from the transport vessel to the production vessel in order to to balance the pressures in the gaseous skies of the tanks of the two ships and thus to avoid that the pressure inside the tank of the production vessel does not fall. The three flexible pipes are suspended from a mast mounted to move on the deck of the production vessel and have a free end equipped with a connecting element which cooperates with a connecting element complementary to the transport ship. The connecting elements are equipped with emergency disconnection means for disconnecting them and interrupting the transfer of the liquefied natural gas. The emergency disconnection means are remotely controlled from the transport vessel via a hydraulic circuit.

Un tel système de transfert ne donne pas entièrement satisfaction. En effet, les éléments de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence étant particulièrement lourds, leur positionnement à l'extrémité libre des conduites flexibles rend les conduites flexibles particulièrement complexes à manoeuvrer de sorte que les opérations de raccordement sont longues à effectuer et peu sécurisées. En outre, la présence d'un circuit hydraulique de commande des moyens de déconnexion d'urgence augmente le coût et la complexité du système de transfert.Such a transfer system is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the connection elements emergency disconnection being particularly heavy, their positioning at the free end of the flexible pipes makes the flexible pipes particularly complex to maneuver so that the connection operations are long to perform and insecure. In addition, the presence of a hydraulic control circuit of the emergency disconnect means increases the cost and complexity of the transfer system.

Par ailleurs, il est également connu des systèmes de transfert entre un navire souteur et un navire client comportant des conduites flexibles équipées de dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence comportant deux éléments aptes à se séparer automatiquement lorsqu'un effort de séparation supérieur à un seuil est exercé. Aussi, de tels dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence ne nécessitent pas de circuits hydrauliques de commande. Les dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence sont disposés dans une portion médiane de chaque conduite flexible de telle sorte qu'ils sont sollicités en traction selon leur direction de séparation lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerce entre les extrémités des conduites flexibles.Furthermore, it is also known transfer systems between a bunk vessel and a customer ship having flexible pipes equipped with emergency disconnect connection devices having two elements capable of separating automatically when a separation effort greater than one threshold is exercised. Also, such emergency disconnect connection devices do not require hydraulic control circuits. The emergency disconnect connection devices are disposed in a medial portion of each flexible conduit such that they are biased in traction in their direction of separation when a tensile force is exerted between the ends of the flexible conduits.

Toutefois, de tels systèmes de transfert ne sont pas non plus totalement satisfaisants. En effet, afin de ne pas risquer d'endommager les flexibles en raison de sollicitations de flexion trop importantes au niveau des extrémités de la conduite flexible, les deux extrémités des conduites flexibles doivent être sensiblement alignées. De plus, les dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence peuvent se déconnecter de manière intempestive lorsqu'ils sont soumis à des efforts de traction ne s'exerçant pas selon leur direction de séparation. Or, il n'est, en pratique possible, d'aligner les deux extrémités des conduites flexibles que pour une position particulière du manifold du navire client. Aussi, un tel système de transfert ne permet pas de s'adapter à une grande variété de configurations du manifold du navire client. De plus, les dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence sont manipulés lors du raccordement des conduites flexibles au manifold du navire client ce qui risque de les endommager.However, such transfer systems are not completely satisfactory either. Indeed, in order not to risk damaging the hoses due to excessive bending stresses at the ends of the flexible pipe, the two ends of the flexible pipes must be substantially aligned. In addition, the emergency disconnect connection devices can disconnect inadvertently when they are subjected to tensile forces not acting in their direction of separation. However, it is in practice possible to align the two ends of the flexible pipes for a particular position of the manifold of the client ship. Also, such a transfer system does not adapt to a wide variety of manifold configurations of the client ship. In addition, the emergency disconnect connection devices are manipulated when connecting the flexible lines to the manifold of the client vessel which may damage them.

Résumésummary

Une idée à la base de l'invention est de proposer un système de transfert d'un fluide entre un navire et une installation qui soit simple, sécurisé, fiable et permette de s'adapter à une grande variété de configurations.An idea underlying the invention is to provide a system for transferring a fluid between a ship and an installation that is simple, secure, reliable and allows to adapt to a wide variety of configurations.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit un système pour transférer un fluide entre un navire et une installation comportant :

  • un mât comportant une extrémité proximale destinée à être montée pivotante sur un pont du navire et une extrémité distale ;
  • une ligne de transfert de fluide s'étendant le long du mât ;
  • une conduite flexible comportant une première extrémité raccordée à la ligne de transfert de fluide et une seconde extrémité destinée à être raccordée à un manifold de l'installation lors d'une opération de transfert de fluide, la conduite flexible étant équipée d'un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence comportant deux éléments aptes à se séparer automatiquement selon une direction d de séparation lorsqu'un effort de séparation supérieur à un seuil est exercé; et
  • un élément de guidage, porté par le mât, et comportant une surface convexe de guidage de la conduite flexible apte à reprendre un effort de traction de la conduite flexible s'exerçant entre la première et la seconde extrémités de la conduite flexible lorsque l'effort de traction plaque la conduite flexible contre la surface convexe de guidage, la surface convexe de guidage étant agencée par rapport au dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence de manière à ce que, lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerçant entre la première et la seconde extrémités de la conduite flexible plaque la conduite flexible contre la surface convexe de guidage, la direction d de séparation des éléments séparables s'étend tangentiellement à ladite surface convexe de guidage de telle sorte que cet effort s'exerce sur le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence dans la direction d de séparation.
According to one embodiment, the invention provides a system for transferring fluid between a ship and an installation comprising:
  • a mast having a proximal end for pivotal mounting on a deck of the vessel and a distal end;
  • a fluid transfer line extending along the mast;
  • a flexible pipe having a first end connected to the fluid transfer line and a second end intended to be connected to a manifold of the installation during a fluid transfer operation, the flexible pipe being equipped with a emergency disconnect connection comprising two elements able to separate automatically in a separation direction d when a separation effort greater than a threshold is exerted; and
  • a guide member, carried by the mast, and having a convex guide surface of the flexible pipe adapted to take up a tensile force of the flexible pipe exerted between the first and second ends of the flexible pipe when the effort traction force plates the flexible pipe against the convex guide surface, the convex guide surface being arranged with respect to the emergency disconnect connection device so that, when a tensile force exerted between the first and the second ends of the flexible pipe plate the flexible pipe against the convex guide surface, the separation direction of the separable elements extends tangentially to said convex guide surface so that this force is exerted on the connection device emergency disconnection in the separation direction d.

Ainsi, le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence ne nécessite pas de circuit hydraulique de commande.Thus, the emergency disconnect connection device does not require a hydraulic control circuit.

En outre, l'élément de guidage permet d'assurer que, lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerce entre les extrémités de la conduite flexible, cet effort de traction s'exerce sensiblement selon la direction d de séparation des deux éléments séparables du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence, ce qui permet de limiter les efforts s'exerçant sur la conduite flexible. L'élément de guidage permet aussi d'éviter des déconnexions intempestives du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence. L'élément de guidage permet également de limiter les sollicitations de flexion agissant sur la conduite flexible au niveau du raccordement de la première extrémité de la conduite flexible à la ligne de transfert.In addition, the guide element makes it possible to ensure that, when a tensile force is exerted between the ends of the flexible pipe, this tensile force is exerted substantially in the direction d of separation of the two separable elements of the pipe. emergency disconnect connection device, which limits the forces exerted on the flexible pipe. The guide element also makes it possible to avoid untimely disconnections of the emergency disconnect connection device. The guide element also makes it possible to limit the bending stresses acting on the flexible pipe at the connection of the first end of the flexible pipe to the transfer line.

Enfin, la conduite flexible étant suspendue à un mât mobile, le système de transfert peut s'adapter à de nombreuses configurations différentes.Finally, the flexible pipe being suspended from a mobile mast, the transfer system can adapt to many different configurations.

Selon des modes de réalisation, un tel système de transfert peut comporter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • l'élément de guidage est porté par le mât, à distance de l'extrémité distale du mât, le système comportant une selle suspendue à l'extrémité distale du mat et comportant une surface supérieure convexe de support de la conduite flexible.
  • la selle est suspendue à l'extrémité distale du mât par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de levage. Ainsi, l'extrémité libre de la conduite flexible peut être conduite de manière simple jusqu'au manifold de l'installation et cela sans solliciter mécaniquement la conduite flexible.
  • la distance entre l'élément de guidage et l'extrémité distale du mât est telle que, lorsque le mât est disposé dans une position extrême relevée, la conduite flexible forme une boucle entre l'élément de guidage et la selle dont le rayon de courbure est supérieur ou égal à un rayon de courbure minimum admissible de la conduite flexible.
  • l'élément de guidage comporte un rayon de courbure supérieur ou égal à un rayon de courbure minimum admissible de la conduite flexible.
  • dans la zone de raccordement entre la conduite flexible et la ligne de transfert du fluide, la ligne de transfert de fluide est orientée, selon une direction d'extrémité de la ligne de transfert présentant une composante longitudinale, selon l'axe du mat, qui est dirigée vers l'une des extrémités, distale ou proximale, du mât ; la surface convexe de guidage étant dirigée vers ladite extrémité distale ou proximale du mât vers laquelle la composante longitudinale de la direction d'extrémité de la ligne de transfert de fluide est dirigée.
  • la direction d'extrémité de la ligne de transfert de fluide est orientée tangentiellement à la surface convexe de guidage.
  • le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence est situé à la première extrémité de la conduite flexible afin de raccorder la conduite flexible et la ligne de transfert de fluide.
  • la conduite flexible comporte une première portion flexible s'étendant entre sa première extrémité et le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence et une seconde portion flexible s'étendant entre le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence et sa seconde extrémité.
  • la seconde portion flexible de la conduite flexible est associée à une bouée. De manière avantageuse, la bouée est fixée sur la seconde portion flexible à proximité du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence.
  • le système comporte une pluralité de lignes de transfert de fluide s'étendant le long du mât et une pluralité de conduites flexibles comportant chacune une première extrémité raccordée à la ligne de transfert de fluide, une seconde extrémité destinée à être raccordée à un manifold de l'installation et un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence comportant deux éléments aptes à se séparer automatiquement selon une direction d de séparation lorsqu'un effort de séparation supérieur à un seuil est exercé, la surface convexe de guidage étant agencée par rapport aux dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence de manière à ce que, lorsque des efforts de traction s'exerçant entre la première et la seconde extrémités des conduites flexibles plaquent les conduites flexibles contre la surface convexe de guidage, les directions d de séparation des éléments séparables s'étendent tangentiellement à ladite surface convexe de guidage de telle sorte que les efforts s'exercent sur les dispositifs de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence dans la direction d de séparation.
  • la surface convexe de guidage comporte, pour chaque conduite flexible, une rainure de guidage, chacun des rainures de guidage étant bordée par des cloisons.
  • l'élément de guidage présente une forme de portion de cloche évasée comportant un sommet équipé d'une ouverture de passage des conduites flexibles.
  • la surface convexe de guidage de l'élément de guidage est recouverte par un revêtement anti-adhérent.
  • la surface convexe de guidage est équipée d'une pluralité de galets montés en rotation.
  • le système comporte un dispositif de freinage pour contrôler la vitesse de chute de la conduite flexible lors d'une déconnexion d'urgence, le dispositif de freinage comportant :
    • un tambour ;
    • un câble qui est, d'une part, enroulé autour du tambour et, d'autre part, fixé, à un des éléments séparables du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence ;
    • un arbre mobile en rotation associé au tambour de telle sorte qu'une rotation du tambour dans un sens de déroulement du câble entraîne l'arbre en rotation ;
    • une pompe volumétrique équipée d'un rotor couplée en rotation à l'arbre; et
    • un circuit hydraulique en boucle fermée, associé à la pompe volumétrique, équipé d'un régulateur de débit.
  • le système comporte une pluralité de lignes de transfert de fluide s'étendant le long du mât et une pluralité de conduites flexibles comportant chacune une première extrémité raccordée à la ligne de transfert de fluide, une seconde extrémité destinée à être raccordée à un manifold de l'installation et un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence comportant deux éléments aptes à se séparer automatiquement ; le dispositif de freinage comportant pour chaque conduite flexible, un tambour et un câble enroulé autour dudit tambour et solidarisé à un des éléments séparables du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence de ladite conduite flexible ; chaque tambour étant associé à l'arbre au moyen d'un dispositif, à roue libre ou anti-retour, unidirectionnel de telle sorte que une rotation du tambour dans un sens de déroulement du câble entraîne l'arbre en rotation selon un premier sens de rotation et que l'arbre puisse librement tourner selon le premier sens de rotation sans entraîner en rotation le tambour dans le sens de déroulement du câble.
  • une extrémité du câble est fixée à une goupille, le tambour comportant une gorge de logement de ladite goupille.
  • le système comporte en outre un dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence apte à détecter une rotation du tambour du dispositif de freinage et à délivrer un signal de détection lorsqu'une rotation du tambour est détectée.
  • le dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence est agencé pour délivrer un signal d'alarme et/ou un signal d'arrêt d'une pompe qui est agencée pour assurer le transfert du fluide entre le navire et l'installation au travers de la ligne de transfert de fluide et de la conduite flexible.
  • le dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence comporte un ou plusieurs capteurs de mouvement qui sont chacun associé à un tambour. Le(s) capteur(s) de mouvement est choisi parmi les capteurs de mouvement, tels que les capteurs à galets, les capteurs de déplacement linéaire, les capteurs sans contact, tels que les capteurs magnétiques, et les capteurs à fibres optiques.
According to embodiments, such a transfer system may include one or more of the following features:
  • the guide element is carried by the mast, away from the distal end of the mast, the system having a saddle suspended at the distal end of the mat and having a convex upper surface for supporting the flexible pipe.
  • the saddle is suspended at the distal end of the mast by means of a lifting device. Thus, the free end of the flexible pipe can be driven in a simple manner to the manifold of the installation and this without mechanically soliciting the flexible pipe.
  • the distance between the guide element and the distal end of the mast is such that, when the mast is placed in an extreme raised position, the flexible pipe forms a loop between the guide element and the saddle whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to a minimum allowable bend radius of the flexible pipe.
  • the guide element has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to a minimum bending radius of the flexible pipe.
  • in the connection zone between the flexible pipe and the fluid transfer line, the fluid transfer line is oriented, in an end direction of the transfer line having a longitudinal component, along the axis of the mat, which is directed towards one of the distal or proximal ends of the mast; the convex guide surface being directed towards said distal or proximal end of the mast to which the longitudinal component of the end direction of the fluid transfer line is directed.
  • the end direction of the fluid transfer line is oriented tangentially to the convex guide surface.
  • the emergency disconnect connection device is located at the first end of the flexible conduit to connect the flexible conduit and the fluid transfer line.
  • the flexible pipe has a first flexible portion extending between its first end and the emergency disconnect connection device and a second flexible portion extending between the emergency disconnect connection device and its second end.
  • the second flexible portion of the flexible pipe is associated with a buoy. Advantageously, the buoy is attached to the second flexible portion near the emergency disconnect connection device.
  • the system comprises a plurality of fluid transfer lines extending along the mast and a plurality of flexible conduits each having a first end connected to the fluid transfer line, a second end for connection to a manifold of the fluid installation and an emergency disconnect connection device comprising two elements able to separate automatically in a separation direction d when a separation force greater than a threshold is exerted, the convex guide surface being arranged with respect to the devices emergency disconnect connection arrangement such that when traction forces exerted between the first and second ends of the flexible ducts press the flexible ducts against the convex guide surface, the separation directions of the separable elements extend tangentially to said convex conveying surface of such so that efforts are exerted on the emergency disconnect connection devices in the separation direction d.
  • the convex guide surface comprises, for each flexible pipe, a guide groove, each of the guide grooves being bordered by partitions.
  • the guide member has a flared bell portion shape having a top equipped with a passage opening of the flexible pipes.
  • the convex guide surface of the guide element is covered by a non-stick coating.
  • the convex guide surface is equipped with a plurality of rollers mounted in rotation.
  • the system comprises a braking device for controlling the fall speed of the flexible pipe during an emergency disconnection, the braking device comprising:
    • a drum ;
    • a cable which is, on the one hand, wound around the drum and, on the other hand, fixed to one of the separable elements of the emergency disconnect connection device;
    • a rotationally movable shaft associated with the drum such that a rotation of the drum in a unwinding direction of the cable drives the rotating shaft;
    • a positive displacement pump equipped with a rotor rotatably coupled to the shaft; and
    • a closed loop hydraulic circuit, associated with the positive displacement pump, equipped with a flow regulator.
  • the system comprises a plurality of fluid transfer lines extending along the mast and a plurality of flexible conduits each having a first end connected to the fluid transfer line, a second end for connection to a manifold of the fluid installation and an emergency disconnect connection device comprising two elements able to separate automatically; the braking device comprising for each flexible pipe, a drum and a cable wound around said drum and secured to one of the separable elements of the emergency disconnect connection device of said flexible pipe; each drum being associated with the shaft by means of a device, freewheel or nonreturn, unidirectional so that a rotation of the drum in a direction of unwinding of the cable drives the shaft in rotation in a first direction of rotation and that the shaft can freely rotate in the first direction of rotation without rotating the drum in the unwinding direction of the cable.
  • one end of the cable is attached to a pin, the drum having a housing groove of said pin.
  • the system further comprises an emergency disconnect detecting device adapted to detect rotation of the drum of the braking device and outputting a detection signal when rotation of the drum is detected.
  • the device for detecting an emergency disconnection is arranged to deliver an alarm signal and / or a stop signal of a pump which is arranged to ensure the transfer of the fluid between the ship and the installation through of the fluid transfer line and the flexible pipe.
  • the device for detecting an emergency disconnection comprises one or more motion sensors which are each associated with a drum. The motion sensor (s) is selected from motion sensors, such as roller sensors, linear displacement sensors, non-contact sensors, such as magnetic sensors, and fiber optic sensors.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit aussi un navire équipé d'un système de transfert tel que mentionné ci-dessus.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a vessel equipped with a transfer system as mentioned above.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit aussi un procédé de transfert d'un fluide dans lequel, lors de l'opération de transfert, le mât est positionné dans une position telle que, lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerce entre la première extrémité et la seconde extrémité de la conduite flexible, ladite conduite flexible est plaquée contre la surface convexe de guidage.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of transferring a fluid in which, during the transfer operation, the mast is positioned in a position such that, when a tensile force is exerted between the first end and the second end of the flexible pipe, said flexible pipe is pressed against the convex guide surface.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le procédé comporte une opération de drainage de la conduite flexible lors de laquelle le mât est déplacé vers une position dans laquelle la conduite flexible présente du mât vers le manifold du navire client une pente descendante de sorte à permettre un écoulement par gravité du fluide contenu dans la conduite flexible.In one embodiment, the method includes a flexible pipe draining operation in which the mast is moved to a position in which the flexible pipe has a mast down to the manifold of the client vessel downwardly to allow flow by gravity of the fluid contained in the flexible pipe.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit également un dispositif de freinage pour contrôler la vitesse de chute d'une pluralité de conduites flexibles équipées d'un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence, le dispositif de freinage comportant pour chaque conduite flexible un tambour et un câble qui est, d'une part, enroulé autour du tambour et, d'autre part, fixé, à un des éléments séparables du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence ; le dispositif de freinage comportant un arbre mobile ; une pompe volumétrique équipée d'un rotor couplée en rotation à l'arbre; et un circuit hydraulique en boucle fermée, associé à la pompe volumétrique, équipé d'un régulateur de débit, chaque tambour étant associé à l'arbre au moyen d'un dispositif, à roue libre ou anti-retour, unidirectionnel de telle sorte que une rotation du tambour dans un sens de déroulement du câble entraîne l'arbre en rotation selon un premier sens de rotation et que l'arbre puisse librement tourner selon le premier sens de rotation sans entraîner en rotation le tambour dans le sens de déroulement du câble.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a braking device for controlling the falling speed of a plurality of flexible pipes equipped with an emergency disconnect connection device, the braking device comprising for each flexible pipe a drum and a cable which is, on the one hand, wound around the drum and, on the other hand, fixed to one of the separable elements of the emergency disconnect connection device; the braking device comprising a movable shaft; a positive displacement pump equipped with a rotor rotatably coupled to the shaft; and a closed loop hydraulic circuit, associated with the positive displacement pump, equipped with a flow regulator, each drum being associated with the shaft by means of a device, freewheel or nonreturn, unidirectional so that a rotation of the drum in a direction of unwinding of the cable drives the shaft in rotation in a first direction of rotation and that the shaft can freely rotate in the first direction of rotation without rotating the drum in the unwinding direction of the cable .

Notons qu'un tel dispositif de freinage peut également trouver à s'appliquer à d'autres système de transfert que le système de transfert qui sera décrit ci-dessous. De manière générale, un tel dispositif de freinage pourra trouver des applications dans tous les systèmes de transfert comportant une pluralité de conduites flexibles équipées de dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence et dont on veut freiner la chute lors de déconnexions d'urgence.Note that such a braking device can also find application to other transfer system that the transfer system which will be described below. In general, such a braking device can find applications in all transfer systems comprising a plurality of flexible pipes equipped with emergency disconnect connection device and whose fall is to be braked during emergency disconnections.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description suivante de plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, donnés uniquement à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés.

  • Les figures 1 à 5 sont des vues d'un système de transfert de fluide, illustrant les étapes de manoeuvre du système de transfert pour le raccordement d'un navire à une installation.
  • La figure 6 est une vue détaillée de l'extrémité du mât du système de transfert des figures 1 à 5.
  • Les figures 7a et 7b illustrent un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence respectivement dans un état connecté et dans un état déconnecté.
  • La figure 8 illustre schématiquement le support et le guidage d'une conduite flexible d'un système de transfert selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • Les figures 9 à 13 sont des vues schématiques de systèmes de transfert, selon cinq modes de réalisation distincts, qui illustrent, en trait plein, une position de repos d'une conduite flexible et, en traits pointillés, une position de la conduite flexible lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerçant entre la première et la seconde extrémités de la conduite flexible plaque la conduite flexible contre l'élément de guidage.
  • La figure 14 illustre un élément de guidage de conduites flexibles selon un mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 15 illustre un élément de guidage de conduites flexibles selon un autre mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 16 est une vue, en perspective, d'un dispositif de freinage pour contrôler la vitesse de chute de conduites flexibles lors d'une déconnexion d'urgence.
  • La figure 17 est une vue en perspective, illustrant partiellement le dispositif de freinage de la figure 16.
  • La figure 18 illustre un tambour du dispositif de freinage des figures 16 et 17 équipé d'une goupille permettant une libération du câble.
  • La figure 19 est une vue schématique, en coupe, du dispositif de freinage des figures 16 et 17.
  • La figure 20 illustre un dispositif de freinage associé à un dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence selon un premier mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 21 illustre un dispositif de freinage associé à un dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence selon un second mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 22 illustre un dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence selon un troisième mode de réalisation.
The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the course of the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • The Figures 1 to 5 are views of a fluid transfer system, illustrating the steps of maneuvering the transfer system for connecting a ship to an installation.
  • The figure 6 is a detailed view of the mast end of the transfer system of Figures 1 to 5 .
  • The Figures 7a and 7b illustrate an emergency disconnect connection device respectively in a connected state and in a disconnected state.
  • The figure 8 schematically illustrates the support and guidance of a flexible pipe of a transfer system according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • The Figures 9 to 13 are schematic views of transfer systems, according to five distinct embodiments, which illustrate, in a solid line, a rest position of a flexible pipe and, in dotted lines, a position of the flexible pipe when a traction force exerting between the first and second ends of the flexible pipe plates the flexible pipe against the guide element.
  • The figure 14 illustrates a flexible pipe guide member according to one embodiment.
  • The figure 15 illustrates a flexible pipe guide member according to another embodiment.
  • The figure 16 is a perspective view of a braking device for controlling the fall speed of flexible pipes during emergency disconnection.
  • The figure 17 is a perspective view, partially illustrating the braking device of the figure 16 .
  • The figure 18 illustrates a drum of the braking device figures 16 and 17 equipped with a pin allowing a release of the cable.
  • The figure 19 is a schematic sectional view of the braking device of the figures 16 and 17 .
  • The figure 20 illustrates a braking device associated with a device for detecting an emergency disconnection according to a first embodiment.
  • The figure 21 illustrates a braking device associated with a device for detecting an emergency disconnection according to a second embodiment.
  • The figure 22 illustrates a device for detecting an emergency disconnection according to a third embodiment.

Description détaillée de modes de réalisationDetailed description of embodiments

On décrira ci-dessous un système de transfert permettant de transférer du fluide, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL), entre un navire fournisseur et une installation, tel qu'un navire client. Le navire fournisseur est par exemple un navire souteur chargé de ravitailler en GNL d'autres navires, et le navire client, un navire propulsé au GNL.A transfer system will be described below for transferring fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), between a supply vessel and a facility, such as a customer ship. The supply vessel is, for example, a bunkering vessel in charge of supplying LNG to other ships, and the client vessel, an LNG powered vessel.

En référence aux figures 1 à 6, on observe que le système de transfert comporte un mât treillis 1 qui est monté sur le pont 2 du navire fournisseur 3. Le mât treillis 1 comporte trois montants assemblés par une pluralité de traverses de contreventement s'étendant entre les montants.With reference to Figures 1 to 6 it is observed that the transfer system comprises a lattice mast 1 which is mounted on the deck 2 of the supplier ship 3. The lattice mast 1 comprises three uprights assembled by a plurality of cross bracing extending between the uprights.

Le mât 1 porte une pluralité de lignes de transfert 4 qui s'étendent le long du mât. Les lignes de transfert 4 sont constituées d'éléments rigides. Le mât 1 porte, par exemple, trois lignes de transfert 4. Deux des lignes de transfert 4 sont raccordées à une cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfie du navire fournisseur 3 et permettent de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur 3 vers le navire client. La troisième ligne de transfert 4 permet l'extraction du gaz naturel à l'état gazeux du navire client 5 vers le navire fournisseur 3. Cette troisième ligne de transfert 4 peut être raccordée à une installation de re-liquéfaction du gaz naturel, embarquée sur le navire fournisseur 3. Pour engendrer la pression nécessaire au transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié, on met avantageusement en oeuvre des pompes embarquées sur le navire fournisseur 3 et/ou des pompes embarquées sur le navire client 5.The mast 1 carries a plurality of transfer lines 4 which extend along the mast. The transfer lines 4 consist of rigid elements. The mast 1 carries, for example, three transfer lines 4. Two of the transfer lines 4 are connected to a liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supply vessel 3 and make it possible to transfer liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel 3 to the vessel customer. The third transfer line 4 allows the extraction of natural gas in the gaseous state from the client vessel 5 to the supply vessel 3. This third transfer line 4 can be connected to a natural gas re-liquefaction plant, onboard the supplier ship 3. To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of liquefied natural gas, it is advantageous to use pumps on board the supplier ship 3 and / or pumps on board the client vessel 5.

Les lignes de transfert 4 présentent une extrémité distale 6 s'étendant à distance de l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1. Chacune des extrémités distales 6 des lignes de transfert 4 est raccordée à une conduite flexible 8. Les conduites flexibles 8 comportent donc une première extrémité 9 qui est raccordée à la ligne de transfert 4 et une seconde extrémité 10, libre, qui est destinée à être raccordée à un manifold 11 du navire client 5 afin de permettre un transfert de fluide entre le navire fournisseur 3 et le navire client 4.The transfer lines 4 have a distal end 6 extending away from the distal end 7 of the mast 1. Each of the distal ends 6 of the transfer lines 4 is connected to a flexible pipe 8. The flexible pipes 8 thus comprise a first end 9 which is connected to the transfer line 4 and a free second end 10 which is intended to be connected to a manifold 11 of the client vessel 5 to allow a transfer of fluid between the supply vessel 3 and the client vessel 4.

Les conduites flexibles 8 sont avantageusement constituées de tuyaux cryogéniques, tels que des tuyaux composites ou des tuyaux à double paroi, en acier inoxydable, dont l'espace intermédiaire est garni d'un matériau isolant. Dans un mode de réalisation, le matériau isolant est mis en dépression afin d'améliorer ses caractéristiques d'isolation.The flexible pipes 8 are advantageously made of cryogenic pipes, such as composite pipes or double wall pipes, made of stainless steel, the intermediate space of which is lined with an insulating material. In one embodiment, the insulating material is depressed to improve its insulation characteristics.

Le mât 1 est monté articulé sur le pont 2 du navire fournisseur 3. Pour ce faire, le mât 1 est monté pivotant autour d'un axe horizontal entre une position escamotée, représentée sur la figure 1, et une position extrême relevée, représentée sur la figure 4. Dans sa position extrême relevée, le mât 1 est ici incliné d'un angle d'environ 60° par rapport au pont 2 du navire fournisseur 3. Le mât 1 est également monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe vertical. Pour ce faire, le mât 1 est monté sur un socle 12 apte à tourner autour d'un axe vertical. Afin de permettre, le déplacement du mât 1 entre sa position escamotée et sa position extrême relevée, le système de transfert est équipé d'un jeu de vérins d'actionnement 13 qui comportent chacun une extrémité montée articulée sur les montants du mât 1 et une seconde extrémité montée articulée sur le socle 12.The mast 1 is articulated on the deck 2 of the supplier ship 3. To do this, the mast 1 is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis between a retracted position, shown on the figure 1 , and an extreme raised position, represented on the figure 4 . In its extreme raised position, the mast 1 is here inclined at an angle of about 60 ° with respect to the bridge 2 of the supplier ship 3. The mast 1 is also rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. To do this, the mast 1 is mounted on a base 12 adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. In order to allow the movement of the mast 1 between its retracted position and its extreme raised position, the transfer system is equipped with a set of actuating cylinders 13 which each comprise an articulated end mounted on the uprights of the mast 1 and a second end articulated on the base 12.

Le système de transfert comporte une selle 14 de support des conduites flexibles 8 qui est suspendue à l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1. La selle 14 est équipée d'une surface supérieure convexe 15 de support des conduites flexibles 8. La surface supérieure convexe 15 est une surface arquée dont le rayon de courbure est supérieur ou égal au rayon de courbure minimum admissible des conduites flexibles 8. Le rayon de courbure minimum admissible correspond à la valeur minimum du rayon jusqu'auquel les conduites flexibles 8 peuvent être fléchies sans détérioration ou réduction de leur durée de vie. Cette valeur est généralement spécifiée par les fabricants de conduites flexibles. A titre d'exemple, le rayon de courbure minimum admissible est de l'ordre de 700 mm pour des tuyaux cryogéniques présentant un diamètre extérieur de l'ordre de 170 mm et de l'ordre de 500 mm pour de tels tuyaux cryogéniques présentant un diamètre extérieur de l'ordre de 100 mm.The transfer system comprises a saddle 14 for supporting the flexible pipes 8 which is suspended at the distal end 7 of the mast 1. The saddle 14 is equipped with a convex upper surface 15 for supporting the flexible pipes 8. The convex upper surface 15 is an arcuate surface whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the minimum permissible curvature radius of the flexible pipes 8. The minimum admissible radius of curvature corresponds to the minimum value of the radius up to which the flexible pipes 8 can be flexed without deterioration or reducing their life. This value is usually specified by flexible pipe manufacturers. By way of example, the minimum permissible radius of curvature is of the order of 700 mm for cryogenic pipes having an outer diameter of the order of 170 mm and of the order of 500 mm for such cryogenic hoses with a diameter of outer diameter of the order of 100 mm.

La selle 14 est suspendue à l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1 par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de levage. Le dispositif de levage est un dispositif de levage à câble. Le dispositif de levage comporte un tambour 16 apte à être entraîné en rotation par un moteur, une poulie de renvoi 17 disposée à l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1 et un câble 18, coopérant avec la poulie de renvoi 17, qui est, d'une part, enroulé autour du tambour 16 et, d'autre part, fixé à la selle 14.The saddle 14 is suspended at the distal end 7 of the mast 1 by means of a lifting device. The lifting device is a rope hoist. The lifting device comprises a drum 16 adapted to be rotated by a motor, a deflection pulley 17 disposed at the distal end 7 of the mast 1 and a cable 18, cooperating with the pulley 17, which is on the one hand, wrapped around the drum 16 and, on the other hand, fixed to the saddle 14.

En référence à la figure 6, l'on observe que les conduites flexibles 8 comportent à proximité de leur première extrémité 9 un dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19. A titre d'exemple, un tel dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 est illustré de manière détaillée dans un état connecté, sur la figure 7a, et dans un état déconnecté, sur la figure 7b.With reference to the figure 6 , it is observed that the flexible pipes 8 comprise near their first end 9 an emergency disconnection connection device 19. For example, such an emergency disconnect connection device 19 is illustrated in a manner in a connected state, on the figure 7a , and in an offline state, on the figure 7b .

Le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 comporte deux éléments séparables 20, 21. Les deux éléments 20, 21 sont aptes à se séparer selon une direction d de séparation lorsqu'un effort de séparation supérieur à un seuil est exercé. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, les deux éléments 20, 21 comportent chacun un corps cylindrique creux 22 apte à permettre la circulation du fluide. Les deux éléments 20, 21 comportent chacun une bride de fixation 23 permettant d'assurer une connexion étanche avec la bride de fixation 23 de l'autre élément. Les brides de fixation 23 sont solidarisées l'une à l'autre au moyen d'un organe de fixation 24 conçu pour se rompre lorsqu'un effort de séparation supérieur à un seuil déterminé est exercé sur le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19.The emergency disconnect connection device 19 comprises two separable elements 20, 21. The two elements 20, 21 are able to separate in a separation direction d when a separation force greater than a threshold is exerted. In the embodiment shown, the two elements 20, 21 each comprise a hollow cylindrical body 22 adapted to allow the circulation of the fluid. The two elements 20, 21 each comprise a fastening flange 23 for ensuring a tight connection with the fastening flange 23 of the other element. The fastening flanges 23 are secured to one another by means of a fastener 24 designed to break when a separation force greater than a determined threshold is exerted on the emergency disconnect connection device. 19.

Chacun des éléments séparables 20, 21 est équipé d'un clapet 25 qui est apte à empêcher le passage du fluide, en cas de séparation des éléments 20, 21. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, le clapet 25 est monté mobile à l'intérieur du corps cylindrique creux 22 entre une position ouverte, illustrée sur la figure 7a, dans laquelle le clapet 25 autorise le passage du fluide au travers du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 et une position fermée, illustrée sur la figure 7b, dans laquelle le clapet 25 assure un contact étanche contre un épaulement 26 du corps cylindrique creux 22 afin d'empêcher le passage du fluide. Les clapets 25 sont chacun rappelés vers leur position fermée par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort 27. Par ailleurs, les clapets 25 comportent des pions 28 coopérant l'un contre l'autre lorsque les deux éléments 20, 21 du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 sont connectés de sorte à comprimer les ressorts 27 et maintenir les clapets 25, en position ouverte.Each of the separable elements 20, 21 is equipped with a valve 25 which is able to prevent the passage of the fluid, in the event of the elements 20, 21 being separated. In the embodiment shown, the valve 25 is mounted to move freely. inside of the hollow cylindrical body 22 between an open position, illustrated on the figure 7a in which the valve 25 allows the passage of fluid through the emergency disconnect connection device 19 and a closed position, illustrated in FIG. figure 7b , in which the valve 25 ensures a sealed contact against a shoulder 26 of the hollow cylindrical body 22 to prevent the passage of fluid. The valves 25 are each returned to their closed position by means of a spring 27. Furthermore, the valves 25 comprise pins 28 cooperating against each other when the two elements 20, 21 of the connecting device to emergency disconnection 19 are connected so as to compress the springs 27 and maintain the valves 25, in the open position.

Dans un mode de réalisation non représenté, les clapets sont montés pivotants entre leur position ouverte et leur position fermée.In an embodiment not shown, the valves are pivotally mounted between their open position and their closed position.

En revenant à la figure 6, l'on observe que le système de transfert est également équipé d'un élément de guidage 29 qui permet de guider les conduites flexibles 8 de telle sorte que lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerce sur les conduites flexibles 8 entre leur première extrémité 9 et leur seconde extrémité 10, cet effort s'exerce sur le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 dans la direction d de séparation des éléments séparables 20, 21. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, l'on observe qu'une portion de la conduite flexible 8 s'étend entre le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 et l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert. Un tel agencement permet d'assurer que la direction d de séparation du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 soit idéalement positionnée lorsqu'un effort de traction est exercé sur la conduite flexible 8.Returning to figure 6 , it is observed that the transfer system is also equipped with a guide element 29 which guides the flexible pipes 8 so that when a tensile force is exerted on the flexible pipes 8 between their first end 9 and their second end 10, this force is exerted on the emergency disconnect connection device 19 in the direction of separation of separable elements 20, 21. In the embodiment shown, it is observed that portion of the flexible pipe 8 extends between the emergency disconnect connection device 19 and the end 6 of the transfer line. Such an arrangement makes it possible to ensure that the separation direction of the emergency disconnect connection device 19 is ideally positioned when a tensile force is exerted on the flexible pipe 8.

L'élément de guidage 29 comporte une surface convexe de guidage 30. La surface convexe de guidage 30 présente une forme arquée présentant un rayon de courbure supérieur ou égal au rayon de courbure minimum admissible des conduites flexibles 8.The guide member 29 has a convex guide surface 30. The convex guide surface 30 has an arcuate shape having a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the minimum allowable curvature radius of the flexible conduits 8.

Lorsqu'un effort de traction s'exerce entre la première extrémité 9 et la seconde extrémité 10 des conduites flexibles 8, les conduites flexibles 8 sont plaquées contre la surface de guidage 29 qui reprend alors l'effort de traction. La portion des conduites flexibles 8 s'étendant entre l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert 4 et l'élément de guidage 28 est alors mise en tension de telle sorte que la direction d de séparation s'étende tangentiellement à la surface convexe de guidage 30. Ainsi, l'effort de traction s'exerce sur le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 dans la direction d de séparation.When a tensile force is exerted between the first end 9 and the second end 10 of the flexible pipes 8, the flexible pipes 8 are pressed against the guide surface 29 which then takes up the tensile force. The portion of the flexible pipes 8 extending between the end 6 of the transfer line 4 and the guide element 28 is then tensioned so that the separation direction d extends tangentially to the convex surface of the Thus, the tensile force is exerted on the emergency disconnect connection device 19 in the separation direction d.

Afin de limiter les sollicitations de flexion agissant sur les conduites flexibles au niveau du raccordement de la première extrémité 9 des conduites flexibles 8 aux lignes de transfert 8, la surface convexe de guidage 30 est dirigée vers l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1 lorsque l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert est orientée vers l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1. Au contraire, comme nous le verrons par la suite en relation avec d'autres modes de réalisation, il convient d'orienter la convexité de la surface de convexe de guidage 30 vers l'extrémité proximale du mât 1, lorsque l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert 4 est globalement dirigée vers l'extrémité proximale du mât 1. Par ailleurs, il est également avantageux que l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert 4 soit également orientée tangentiellement à la surface convexe de guidage 30.In order to limit the bending stresses acting on the flexible pipes at the connection of the first end 9 of the flexible pipes 8 to the transfer lines 8, the convex guide surface 30 is directed towards the distal end 7 of the mast 1 when the 6 end of the transfer line is oriented towards the distal end 7 of the mast 1. On the contrary, as we shall see subsequently in connection with other embodiments, it is advisable to orient the convexity of the guide convex surface 30 towards the proximal end of the mast 1, when the end 6 of the transfer line 4 is globally directed towards the proximal end of the mast 1. Furthermore, it is also advantageous that the end 6 of the transfer line 4 is also oriented tangentially to the convex guide surface 30.

Par ailleurs, comme représenté sur la figure 8, la distance x entre l'élément de guidage 29 et l'extrémité distale 7 du mât 1 à laquelle est suspendue la selle 14 est déterminée de telle sorte que lorsque le mât 1 est disposé dans sa position extrême relevée, les conduites flexibles 8 forment une boucle 31 dont le rayon de courbure est supérieur ou égal au rayon de courbure minimum admissible des conduites flexibles 8.Moreover, as represented on the figure 8 the distance x between the guide element 29 and the distal end 7 of the mast 1 to which the saddle 14 is suspended is determined so that when the mast 1 is disposed in its extreme raised position, the flexible pipes 8 form a loop 31 whose radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the minimum permissible curvature radius of the flexible pipes 8.

Les figures 1 à 5 illustrent une succession d'étapes de manoeuvre du système de transfert lors d'une opération de transfert de fluide entre un navire fournisseur 3 et un navire client 5.The Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a succession of steps of maneuvering the transfer system during a fluid transfer operation between a supplier ship 3 and a client ship 5.

Dans une position escamotée, illustrée sur la figure 1, le mât 1 s'étend sensiblement horizontalement. Lorsque le navire fournisseur 3 et le navire client 5 sont amarrés l'un à l'autre, le mât 1 est déplacé de telle sorte que son extrémité distale 7 vienne se positionner à proximité du manifold 11 du navire client 5, tel que représenté sur la figure 2. Le dispositif de levage de la selle 14 est ensuite commandé de sorte à venir déposer la selle 14 sur le pont du navire client 5. Les conduites flexibles 8 sont alors raccordées aux manifolds 11 du navire client 5 afin de permettre le transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié entre le navire fournisseur 3 et le navire client 5, tel que représenté sur la figure 3.In a retracted position, illustrated on the figure 1 , the mast 1 extends substantially horizontally. When the supplier ship 3 and the client ship 5 are moored to one another, the mast 1 is moved so that its distal end 7 comes to be positioned near the manifold 11 of the client ship 5, as shown on the figure 2 . The lifting device of the saddle 14 is then controlled so as to deposit the saddle 14 on the deck of the client ship 5. The flexible pipes 8 are then connected to the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5 to allow the transfer of liquefied natural gas between the supply vessel 3 and the customer ship 5, as shown on the figure 3 .

Lorsque le transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié est terminé, le mât 1 est dressé dans une position de drainage, illustrée sur la figure 4, dans laquelle les conduites flexibles 8 présentent, du mât 1 vers le pont du navire client 4, une pente descendante de sorte à permettre un écoulement par gravité du gaz naturel liquéfié contenu dans les conduites flexibles 8 vers les manifolds 11 du navire client 5. Les conduites flexibles 8 sont alors déconnectées des manifolds 11 du navire client 5 puis la selle 14 peut être relevée au moyen du dispositif de levage, tel que représenté sur la figure 5, afin de soulever l'extrémité 10 des conduites flexibles 8. Le mat 1 est alors ramené vers sa position escamotée, illustrée sur la figure 1.When the transfer of the liquefied natural gas is complete, the mast 1 is erected in a drainage position, illustrated on the figure 4 , in which the flexible pipes 8 have a downward slope from the mast 1 towards the deck of the client vessel 4 so as to allow the gravity flow of the liquefied natural gas contained in the flexible pipes 8 to the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5. The flexible pipes 8 are then disconnected from the manifolds 11 of the client vessel 5 and the seat 14 can be raised by means of the lifting device, as shown in FIG. figure 5 in order to lift the end 10 of the flexible pipes 8. The mat 1 is then returned to its retracted position, illustrated on the figure 1 .

Les figures 9 à 13 représentent schématiquement des agencements de l'élément de guidage 29 et du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 selon plusieurs modes de réalisation. Sur ces figures, la position de repos de la conduite flexible 8 est illustrée en traits pleins alors que la position de la conduite flexible 8, lorsqu'un effort de traction est exercé, est représentée en traits pointillés.The Figures 9 to 13 schematically illustrate arrangements of the guide member 29 and the emergency disconnect connection device 19 according to a plurality of embodiments. In these figures, the rest position of the flexible pipe 8 is shown in solid lines while the position of the flexible pipe 8, when a tensile force is exerted, is shown in dashed lines.

La figure 9 est une représentation schématique du mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 6.The figure 9 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 .

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 10 diffère de celui de la figure 9 en ce que le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 est disposé au niveau de la première extrémité 9 de la conduite flexible 8, c'est à dire à la jonction entre la ligne de transfert 4 et la conduite flexible 8, pour assurer un fonctionnement axial. Le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 est donc fixe par rapport au mât 1. Dès lors, l'organe de guidage 29 est fixé sur le mât 1 dans une position telle que la direction de séparation d du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 s'étende sensiblement tangentiellement à la surface convexe de guidage 30.The embodiment of the figure 10 differs from that of the figure 9 in that the emergency disconnect connection device 19 is arranged at the first end 9 of the flexible pipe 8, ie at the junction between the transfer line 4 and the flexible pipe 8, to ensure axial operation. The emergency disconnect connection device 19 is therefore fixed relative to the mast 1. Therefore, the guide member 29 is fixed on the mast 1 in a position such that the separation direction d of the connection device disconnection 19 extends substantially tangentially to the convex guide surface 30.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 11 diffère de celui de la figure 9 en ce que le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 est disposé au niveau d'une portion de la conduite flexible 8 s'étendant entre l'organe de guidage 29 et la seconde extrémité 10 de la conduite flexible 8.The embodiment of the figure 11 differs from that of the figure 9 in that the emergency disconnection connection device 19 is arranged at a portion of the flexible pipe 8 extending between the guide member 29 and the second end of the flexible pipe 8.

Dans les modes de réalisation des figures 12 et 13, la convexité de la surface de convexe de guidage 30 est dirigée vers l'extrémité proximale du mât 1 car l'extrémité 6 de la ligne de transfert présente une composante longitudinale orientée vers l'extrémité proximale 7 du mât 1.In the embodiments of figures 12 and 13 the convexity of the convex guide surface 30 is directed towards the proximal end of the mast 1 because the end 6 of the transfer line has a longitudinal component oriented towards the proximal end 7 of the mast 1.

Comme représenté sur la figure 9, chaque conduite flexible 8 peut être équipée d'une bouée 45 permettant de faciliter la récupération de la conduite flexible 8 en cas de déconnexion d'urgence. Pour ce faire, la bouée 44 est associée à la portion de la conduite flexible 8 destinée à tomber à la mer en cas de déconnexion d'urgence, c'est-à-dire à la portion de la conduite flexible 8 qui s'étend entre le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19 et la seconde extrémité 10 de la conduite flexible 8. De préférence, la bouée 44 est fixée à la conduite flexible 8, à proximité du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 19.As shown on the figure 9 each flexible pipe 8 may be equipped with a buoy 45 making it possible to facilitate the recovery of the flexible pipe 8 in the event of emergency disconnection. To do this, the buoy 44 is associated with the portion of the flexible pipe 8 intended to fall overboard in the event of emergency disconnection, that is to say the portion of the flexible pipe 8 which extends between the emergency disconnect connecting device 19 and the second end 10 of the flexible pipe 8. Preferably, the buoy 44 is fixed to the flexible pipe 8, close to the emergency disconnect connection device 19.

Les figures 14 et 15 illustrent des organes de guidage selon deux modes de réalisation alternatifs. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 14, l'organe de guidage comporte pour chaque conduite flexible 8 une rainure de guidage 32. Chacune des rainures 32 est bordée par des cloisons 33 plus ou moins avancées afin d'assurer un guidage latérale des conduites flexibles 8. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 15, l'organe de guidage 29 présente une forme de portion de cloche évasée comportant un sommet équipé d'une ouverture 33 de passage des conduites flexibles.The figures 14 and 15 illustrate guide members according to two alternative embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated on the figure 14 , the guide member comprises for each flexible pipe 8 a guide groove 32. Each of the grooves 32 is bordered by partitions 33 more or less advanced to provide lateral guidance of the flexible pipes 8. In the illustrated embodiment on the figure 15 , the guide member 29 has a flared bell portion shape having a top equipped with an opening 33 for passage of the flexible pipes.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la surface convexe de guidage 30 est recouverte d'un revêtement anti-adhérent afin de réduire les forces de frottement entre la surface convexe de guidage 30 et les conduites flexibles 8. Le revêtement anti-adhérent est par exemple du polytétrafluoroéthylène (PTFE). Selon un autre mode de réalisation, non représenté, la surface de guidage 30 est équipée d'une pluralité de galets montés en rotation et permettant ainsi diminuer les forces de frottement s'exerçant entre la surface convexe de guidage 30 et les conduites flexibles 8.According to one embodiment, the convex guide surface 30 is covered with a non-stick coating in order to reduce the frictional forces between the convex guide surface 30 and the flexible conduits 8. The non-stick coating is, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). According to another embodiment, not shown, the guide surface 30 is equipped with a plurality of rollers mounted in rotation and thus making it possible to reduce the frictional forces exerted between the convex guide surface 30 and the flexible pipes 8.

Par ailleurs, le système de transfert est équipé d'un dispositif de freinage 34 pour contrôler la vitesse de chute de conduites flexibles 8 lors d'une déconnexion d'urgence, illustré de manière détaillée sur les figures 16, 17 et 19. Le dispositif de freinage 34 comporte, pour chaque conduite flexible 8 un tambour 35 et un câble 36 qui est, d'une part, enroulé autour de son tambour 35 respectif et, d'autre part, connecté à l'élément 20 du dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence 20 qui est lié à la conduite flexible 8 ou à la portion de la conduite flexible 8 susceptible de chuter lors d'une déconnexion d'urgence. Les tambours 35 sont chacun montés sur un arbre 37 au moyen d'un dispositif, à roue libre ou à anti-retour, unidirectionnel 38.Furthermore, the transfer system is equipped with a braking device 34 for controlling the speed of drop of flexible pipes 8 during an emergency disconnection, illustrated in detail on the figures 16 , 17 and 19 . The braking device 34 comprises, for each flexible pipe 8, a drum 35 and a cable 36 which is, on the one hand, wound around its respective drum 35 and, on the other hand, connected to the element 20 of the device. emergency disconnect connection 20 which is connected to the flexible pipe 8 or the portion of the flexible pipe 8 may fall during an emergency disconnection. The drums 35 are each mounted on a shaft 37 by means of a device, freewheel or anti-return, unidirectional 38.

Ainsi, une rotation du tambour 35 dans un sens de déroulement du câble entraîne l'arbre en rotation selon un premier sens de rotation alors que, au contraire, l'arbre peut librement tourner selon ce premier sens de rotation sans entraîner en rotation le tambour dans le sens de déroulement du câble. Les câbles 36 de chacun des tambours 35 peuvent donc être déroulés de manière indépendante.Thus, a rotation of the drum 35 in a unwinding direction of the cable drives the shaft in rotation in a first direction of rotation whereas, on the contrary, the shaft can freely rotate in this first direction of rotation without rotating the drum. in the unwinding direction of the cable. The cables 36 of each of the drums 35 can therefore be unrolled independently.

Par ailleurs, l'arbre 37 est associé à une unité de contrôle de la vitesse permettant de contrôler la vitesse de chute de la conduite flexible. L'unité de contrôle de la vitesse comporte une pompe volumétrique 39 équipée d'un rotor couplé en rotation à l'arbre 37. La pompe volumétrique 39 est associée à un circuit hydraulique 40 en boucle fermée équipé d'un régulateur de débit 41, tel qu'une vanne à débit constant. Ainsi, dans la mesure où, d'une part, la pompe volumétrique 39 assure un débit proportionnel à sa vitesse de rotation et, d'autre part, le régulateur de débit permet de contrôler le débit de la pompe, il est possible de contrôler la vitesse de rotation de l'arbre 37 et ainsi de limiter la vitesse de chute des conduites flexibles 8.Furthermore, the shaft 37 is associated with a speed control unit for controlling the falling speed of the flexible pipe. The unit of speed control comprises a positive displacement pump 39 equipped with a rotor rotatably coupled to the shaft 37. The positive displacement pump 39 is associated with a closed loop hydraulic circuit 40 equipped with a flow regulator 41, such as a constant flow valve. Thus, insofar as, on the one hand, the positive displacement pump 39 provides a flow rate proportional to its speed of rotation and, on the other hand, the flow regulator makes it possible to control the flow rate of the pump, it is possible to control the speed of rotation of the shaft 37 and thus to limit the speed of fall of the flexible pipes 8.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le dispositif de freinage 34 est agencé pour permettre une libération des câbles 36 lorsque ceux-ci sont complètement déroulés de leur tambour 35. Pour ce faire, comme illustré sur la figure 18, une extrémité du câble est fixée à une goupille 42 pourvue d'un oeillet 43 permettant l'introduction et la fixation du câble 36. Le tambour 35 comporte une gorge 44 ménagée dans la surface cylindrique du tambour 35, s'étendant le long d'une génératrice de la surface cylindrique du tambour 35. La gorge 44 est agencée pour recevoir la goupille 42. Ainsi, la goupille 42 ne peut se désengager du tambour 35 que lorsque le câble 36 est complètement déroulé.In one embodiment, the braking device 34 is arranged to allow a release of the cables 36 when they are completely unrolled from their drum 35. To do this, as shown in FIG. figure 18 , one end of the cable is fixed to a pin 42 provided with an eyelet 43 for the introduction and fixing of the cable 36. The drum 35 has a groove 44 formed in the cylindrical surface of the drum 35, extending along A generatrix of the cylindrical surface of the drum 35. The groove 44 is arranged to receive the pin 42. Thus, the pin 42 can disengage the drum 35 only when the cable 36 is fully unwound.

Sur la figure 20, un dispositif de détection d'une déconnexion d'urgence 46 selon un premier mode de réalisation est associé au dispositif de freinage 4. Le dispositif de détection 46 comporte une pluralité de capteurs de mouvement 47 qui sont chacun équipés d'un galet coopérant avec un des tambours 35 de sorte à permettre une détection d'un mouvement de rotation des tambours. Les capteurs de mouvement 47 sont connectés à une unité de traitement 48. L'unité de traitement 48 est apte à traiter les signaux délivrés par les capteurs de mouvement 47 et à générer un signal de détection lorsqu'au moins un des capteurs de mouvement 47 délivre un signal représentatif d'une rotation du tambour 35 associé. L'unité de traitement 47 peut notamment délivrer un signal d'alarme permettant d'alerter l'équipage d'une déconnexion d'urgence et/ou délivrer un signal d'arrêt des pompes assurant le transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur vers le navire client et inversement. Ainsi, en arrêtant les pompes en cas de déconnexion d'urgence, on évite de créer des surpressions dans la ligne de transfert 4 et dans la première portion de la conduite flexible 8 - c'est-à-dire dans la portion entre l'extrémité de la conduite flexible raccordée à la ligne de transfert 4 et le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence - s'agissant d'un transfert de fluide du navire fournisseur vers le navire client ; et dans la seconde portion de la conduite flexible 8 - c'est-à-dire dans la portion s'étendant entre l'extrémité de la conduite flexible raccordée au manifold du navire client et le dispositif de raccordement à déconnexion d'urgence - s'agissant d'un transfert de fluide du navire client vers le navire fournisseur.On the figure 20 a device for detecting an emergency disconnection 46 according to a first embodiment is associated with the braking device 4. The detection device 46 comprises a plurality of motion sensors 47 which are each equipped with a roller co-operating with one of the drums 35 so as to allow detection of a rotational movement of the drums. The motion sensors 47 are connected to a processing unit 48. The processing unit 48 is able to process the signals delivered by the motion sensors 47 and to generate a detection signal when at least one of the motion sensors 47 delivers a signal representative of a rotation of the associated drum 35. The processing unit 47 may in particular deliver an alarm signal for alerting the crew of an emergency disconnection and / or delivering a stop signal for the pumps transferring liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel to the client ship and vice versa. Thus, by stopping the pumps in case of emergency disconnection, it avoids creating overpressures in the transfer line 4 and in the first portion of the flexible pipe 8 - that is to say in the portion between the end of the flexible pipe connected to the transfer line 4 and the emergency disconnect connection device - being a transfer of fluid from the ship supplier to the customer ship; and in the second portion of the flexible pipe 8 - that is, in the portion extending between the end of the flexible pipe connected to the manifold of the client vessel and the emergency disconnect connection device - acting on a fluid transfer from the customer ship to the supply ship.

Le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 21 diffère de celui de la figure 19, en ce que les capteurs de mouvement 49 sont des capteurs de déplacement linéaire ou palpeurs qui sont chacun aptes à être coopérer avec une pièce de contact 50 portée par l'un des tambours 35 de telle sorte qu'un mouvement de rotation d'un tambour entraîne un déplacement linéaire du capteur de mouvement 49.The embodiment shown on the figure 21 differs from that of the figure 19 , in that the motion sensors 49 are linear displacement sensors or feelers which are each able to cooperate with a contact piece 50 carried by one of the drums 35 so that a rotational movement of a drum causes a linear displacement of the motion sensor 49.

De manière alternative, les capteurs de mouvement 47 peuvent également être des capteurs sans contact, tels que des capteurs magnétiques.Alternatively, motion sensors 47 may also be non-contact sensors, such as magnetic sensors.

Enfin, dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 22, les capteurs de mouvement 51 sont des capteurs à fibre optique comportant un émetteur, un récepteur ainsi qu'une fibre optique. Selon un mode de réalisation, les capteurs de mouvement 51 comportent une fibre optique 52 dont une extrémité est fixée sur le tambour 35 et qui est ainsi agencée pour se rompre lors d'une rotation du tambour 35 de telle sorte que le capteur détecte une rotation du tambour 35.Finally, in the embodiment shown on the figure 22 the motion sensors 51 are optical fiber sensors comprising a transmitter, a receiver and an optical fiber. According to one embodiment, the motion sensors 51 comprise an optical fiber 52, one end of which is fixed on the drum 35 and which is thus arranged to break during a rotation of the drum 35 so that the sensor detects a rotation of the drum 35.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention.Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.

L'usage du verbe « comporter », « comprendre » ou « inclure » et de ses formes conjuguées n'exclut pas la présence d'autres éléments ou d'autres étapes que ceux énoncés dans une revendication. L'usage de l'article indéfini « un » ou « une » pour un élément ou une étape n'exclut pas, sauf mention contraire, la présence d'une pluralité de tels éléments ou étapes.The use of the verb "to include", "to understand" or "to include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps other than those set out in a claim. The use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" for an element or a step does not exclude, unless otherwise stated, the presence of a plurality of such elements or steps.

Dans les revendications, tout signe de référence entre parenthèses ne saurait être interprété comme une limitation de la revendication.In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses can not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims (23)

  1. A system for transferring a fluid between a ship and a facility, the system comprising:
    - a mast (1) comprising a proximal extremity intended to be pivotally mounted on a deck (2) of the ship (3) and a distal extremity (7);
    - a fluid transfer line (4) extending along the mast (1);
    - a flexible pipe (8) comprising a first extremity (9) connected to a fluid transfer line (4) and a second extremity (10) intended to be connected to a manifold (11) of the facility during a fluid transfer operation, the flexible pipe (8) being fitted with an emergency disconnection connecting device (19) comprising two elements (20, 21) capable of separating automatically in a direction of separation d when a separating force greater than a threshold is exerted; and
    - a guide element (29), carried by the mast (1), comprising a convex guide surface (30) for the flexible pipe (8) capable of taking up a pulling force on the flexible pipe (8) exerted between the first and second ends (9, 10) of the flexible pipe (8) when the pulling force presses the flexible pipe (8) against the convex guide surface (30), the convex guide surface (30) being arranged in relation to the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) in such a way that when a pulling force is exerted between the first and second ends (9, 10) of the flexible pipe (8), the flexible pipe (8) is pressed against the convex guide surface (30), the direction of separation d in which the separable elements (20, 21) separate extends tangentially to the said convex guide surface (30) in such a way that the said pulling force is exerted on the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) in the direction of separation d.
  2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide element (29) is carried by the mast (1) at a distance from the distal extremity (7) of the mast (1), the system comprising a saddle (14) suspended from the distal extremity (7) of the mast (1) and comprising a convex upper surface (15) supporting the flexible pipe (8).
  3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the saddle (14) is suspended from the distal extremity (7) of the mast (1) by means of a lifting device.
  4. The system as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the distance between the guide element (29) and the distal extremity (7) of the mast (1) is such that when the mast (1) is located in an extreme raised position the flexible pipe (8) forms a loop (31) between the guide element (29) and the saddle (14), the radius of curvature of which is greater than or equal to a minimum permissible radius of curvature for the flexible pipe (8).
  5. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide element (29) has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to a minimum permissible radius of curvature for the flexible pipe (8).
  6. The system as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the connection zone between the flexible pipe (8) and the fluid transfer line (4), the fluid transfer line (4) is orientated, in relation to an end direction of the fluid transfer line (4) having a longitudinal component in relation to the axis of the mast (1), directed toward one of the distal or proximal extremities of the mast (1) and wherein the convexity of the convex guide surface (30) is directed toward said distal or proximal extremity of the mast toward which the longitudinal component of the end direction of the fluid transfer line is directed.
  7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the direction of the end of the fluid transfer line (4) is orientated tangentially to the convex guide surface (30).
  8. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) is located at the first end (9) of the flexible pipe (8) to connect the flexible pipe (8) and the fluid transfer line (4).
  9. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flexible pipe (8) comprises a first flexible portion extending between its first end (9) and the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) and a second flexible portion extending between the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) and its second end (10).
  10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second flexible portion of the flexible pipe (8) is associated with a buoy (45).
  11. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a plurality of fluid transfer lines (4) extending along the mast (1) and a plurality of flexible pipes (8) each comprising a first end (9) connected to the fluid transfer line (4), a second end (10) intended to be connected to a manifold (11) of the facility and an emergency disconnection connecting device (19) comprising two elements (20, 21) which can separate automatically in a direction of separation d when a separation force greater than a threshold is exerted, the convex guide surface (30) being arranged in relation to the emergency disconnection connecting devices (19) in such a way that when the pulling forces acting between the first and second ends (9, 10) of the flexible pipes (8) press the flexible pipes (8) against the convex guide surface (30) the directions of separation d in which the separable elements (20, 21) separate extend tangentially to said convex guide surface (30) so that the pulling forces act on the emergency disconnection connecting devices (19) in the direction of separation d.
  12. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein for each flexible pipe (8) the convex guide surface (30) comprises a guide groove (32), each of the guide grooves (32) being edged by separating walls (33).
  13. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the guide element (29) is in the shape of a hollow bell portion comprising a summit equipped with an opening (33) for passage of the flexible pipes (8).
  14. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the guide surface (30) is covered with a non-stick coating.
  15. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the guide surface (30) is fitted with a plurality of rollers mounted so as to rotate.
  16. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a braking device (34) to control the rate of fall of the flexible pipe (8) during emergency disconnection, the braking device comprising:
    - a drum (35);
    - a cable (36) wound around the drum (35) and also attached to one of the separable elements (20, 21) of the emergency disconnection connecting device (19);
    - a shaft (37), which can move in rotation, associated with the drum (35) so that rotation of the drum in a direction in which the cable (36) unwinds causes the shaft to rotate;
    - a metering pump (39) fitted with a rotor rotationally coupled to the shaft (37); and
    - a closed-loop hydraulic circuit (40) associated with the metering pump (39) and fitted with a flow regulator (41).
  17. The system as claimed in claim 16, comprising a plurality of fluid transfer lines (4) extending along the mast (1) and a plurality of flexible pipes (8) each comprising a first end (9) connected to the fluid transfer line (4), a second end (10) intended to be connected to a manifold (11) of the facility and an emergency disconnection connecting device (19) comprising two elements (20, 21) capable of separating automatically; the braking device (34) comprising for each flexible pipe (8) a drum (35) and a cable (36) wound around said drum (35) and firmly attached to one of the separable elements (20) of the emergency disconnection connecting device (19) of said flexible pipe (8); each drum (35) being associated with the shaft (37) by means of a device having a wheel free to move in one direction or non-return device (38) such that rotation of the drum (35) in a direction in which the cable (36) unwinds causes the shaft (37) to rotate in a first direction of rotation and that the shaft (37) can turn freely in the first direction of rotation without causing the drum (37) to rotate in the direction in which the cable unwinds.
  18. The system as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein one end of the cable is attached to a pin (42), the drum (35) comprising a groove (44) for housing said pin (42).
  19. The system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising an emergency disconnection detection device capable of detecting rotation of the drum (35) of the braking device and producing a detection signal when rotation of the drum (35) is detected.
  20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the emergency disconnection detection device (46) is arranged to produce an alarm signal and/or a signal stopping a pump intended to ensure the transfer of fluid between the ship and the facility through the fluid transfer line (4) and the flexible pipe (8).
  21. A ship equipped with a transfer line as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.
  22. A process for the transfer of a fluid between a ship and a facility by means of a transfer system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein during the transfer operation the mast (1) is positioned in a position such that when a pulling force is exerted between the first end (9) and the second end (10) of the flexible pipe (8), said flexible pipe (8) is pressed against the convex guide surface (30).
  23. The process for the transfer of a fluid as claimed in claim 22, comprising an operation of draining the flexible pipe (8) in which the mast (1) is moved into a position in which the flexible pipe follows a descending slope from the mast (1) toward the manifold (11) of the facility (5) so that fluid present within the flexible pipe can flow by gravity.
EP15715788.4A 2014-03-24 2015-03-16 System for transferring fluid between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship Active EP3122622B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1452471A FR3018766B1 (en) 2014-03-24 2014-03-24 SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSFER OF FLUID BETWEEN VESSEL AND A FACILITY, SUCH AS A CLIENT SHIP
PCT/FR2015/050628 WO2015145020A1 (en) 2014-03-24 2015-03-16 System for transferring fluid between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship

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EP3122622A1 EP3122622A1 (en) 2017-02-01
EP3122622B1 true EP3122622B1 (en) 2018-05-09

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US (1) US10086914B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3122622B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6461188B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102301507B1 (en)
CN (1) CN106458300B (en)
AU (1) AU2015238099B2 (en)
ES (1) ES2674528T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3018766B1 (en)
MY (1) MY178828A (en)
PH (1) PH12016501869A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2657146C2 (en)
SG (1) SG11201607823PA (en)
WO (1) WO2015145020A1 (en)

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JP2017510495A (en) 2017-04-13
US10086914B2 (en) 2018-10-02
AU2015238099A1 (en) 2016-10-06
FR3018766B1 (en) 2016-04-01
WO2015145020A1 (en) 2015-10-01
EP3122622A1 (en) 2017-02-01
CN106458300B (en) 2018-09-28
KR20160133493A (en) 2016-11-22
RU2657146C2 (en) 2018-06-08
CN106458300A (en) 2017-02-22
RU2016140525A3 (en) 2018-04-25
FR3018766A1 (en) 2015-09-25
RU2016140525A (en) 2018-04-25
US20170096195A1 (en) 2017-04-06
KR102301507B1 (en) 2021-09-14
MY178828A (en) 2020-10-20
AU2015238099B2 (en) 2018-06-28
ES2674528T3 (en) 2018-07-02
JP6461188B2 (en) 2019-01-30
SG11201607823PA (en) 2016-11-29
PH12016501869A1 (en) 2016-12-19

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