EP4350203A1 - Device for supporting at least one instrument on a tower for loading and/or unloading a vessel of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas - Google Patents

Device for supporting at least one instrument on a tower for loading and/or unloading a vessel of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4350203A1
EP4350203A1 EP23194676.5A EP23194676A EP4350203A1 EP 4350203 A1 EP4350203 A1 EP 4350203A1 EP 23194676 A EP23194676 A EP 23194676A EP 4350203 A1 EP4350203 A1 EP 4350203A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
axis
loading
tank
unloading
ship
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23194676.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Franck CHAIGNEAU
Florian BARDIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gaztransport et Technigaz SA filed Critical Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Publication of EP4350203A1 publication Critical patent/EP4350203A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/004—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for large storage vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C6/00—Methods and apparatus for filling vessels not under pressure with liquefied or solidified gases
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/052—Size large (>1000 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/018—Supporting feet
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0355—Insulation thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F17C2250/0413—Level of content in the vessel with floats
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F17C2270/0107—Wall panels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0118—Offshore
    • F17C2270/0121—Platforms

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport of a cargo of liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas, ethane, ammonia, hydrogen or even liquefied petroleum gas.
  • a cargo of liquefied gas such as liquefied natural gas, ethane, ammonia, hydrogen or even liquefied petroleum gas.
  • It relates more particularly to a loading and/or unloading assembly comprising a loading and/or unloading tower for a sealed and thermally insulated tank of a ship intended to contain this liquefied gas.
  • Liquefied natural gas commonly known by the acronym “LNG”, or even by the acronym “LNG” for “Liquefied Natural Gas”
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • LNG is stored in the liquid state in a thermally insulated tank at a temperature close to -160°C, the LNG then occupying 1/600 of the volume that it would occupy in the gaseous state, thus making it easier to transport. transport from a first site to a second site.
  • LNG can thus be transported from one site to another by sea using ships called LNG tankers, it is then stored in the LNG tanker's waterproof and thermally insulating tanks.
  • LNG can also be used as fuel for a ship, such as a cargo ship, such as a container ship.
  • a ship such as a cargo ship, such as a container ship.
  • LNG can also be used as fuel for a ship, such as a cargo ship, such as a container ship.
  • the use of LNG as a fuel has an advantage compared to conventional fuels, particularly those derived from petroleum.
  • the LNG storage tank includes a loading and/or unloading tower suspended from a cover allowing the tank to be closed.
  • the tank loading and/or unloading tower may comprise, for example, a tripod type structure, that is to say comprising three vertical masts connected to each other by crosspieces, or struts, forming a lattice structure.
  • measuring instruments e.g. temperature sensors, monitoring instruments liquid level measurement
  • FIG. 1 represents a portion of loading and/or unloading tower 5, known from the prior art, along which extends at least one protective tube 40 for instrument(s) guided and maintained along the tower 5 of loading and/or unloading by different support devices 41.
  • the measuring instruments present in the tank we can cite temperature sensors for controlling the temperature of the liquefied gas, and/or instruments for measuring the liquid level of liquefied gas in the tank to determine the filling level of the tank.
  • These measuring instruments are arranged, with the associated wiring, in the protection tubes 40. These tubes extend vertically along the tower 5.
  • a support device 41 is, on the one hand, fixed to the protection tube 40 and, on the other hand, is supported on a strut 531 (oblique and horizontal).
  • a protective tube 40 generally comprises a holding part 43 having translational mobility along the protective tube 40.
  • the holding part 43 typically comprises a non-stick coating, for example PTFE (abbreviation of polytetrafluoroethylene) to guarantee the sliding of the part 43 along the tube 40 and allow the positioning of the holding part 43 according to the height of the tank.
  • a plate 42 is connected to the holding part 43. The plate 42 extends in a preferably radial direction relative to the protection tube 40.
  • the plate 42 takes the form of a flat surface which serves as surface contact for the protection device. support 41.
  • the support device 41 can be fixed to the plate 42.
  • the support device 41 constitutes a rigidity between the strut 531 and the plate 42 connected to the protection tube 40, thus guaranteeing the guidance of the protection tube 40 containing measuring instruments.
  • the support device has a shape (dimensions and angle) conditioned by the distance between the plate 42 connected to the protection tube 40 and the strut 531. Consequently, the same loading and/or unloading tower is currently equipped with support devices of different dimensions and shapes.
  • a device for supporting at least one instrument on tower 5 is a device for supporting at least one tube 40 via the plate 42.
  • the invention aims to overcome all or part of the problems cited above by proposing a single instrument support device adapted to guide and support the instrument along the loading and/or unloading tower, whatever its positioning in relation to the tower struts.
  • a single support device according to the invention can be positioned at any level of the tower and whatever the distance and geometry between the strut and the plate of the instrument protection tube.
  • the degrees of freedom of the support device can be combined so that the device can come into contact against the strut and the plate.
  • the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation around the second axis and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation along the third axis are independent. the other.
  • the support device comprises a bent part comprising the distal portion and the proximal portion, and a platform comprising the fixing surface and a positioning surface having a shape complementary to the proximal portion and intended to cooperate with the proximal portion.
  • the proximal part has a circular section defined by an exterior radius
  • the complementary shape of the positioning surface is an arc of a circle with a radius substantially equal to the exterior radius
  • the distal and proximal portions are at least partially hollow.
  • the support device according to the invention is made of metallic material, preferably stainless steel.
  • the invention also relates to a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising such a loading and/or unloading assembly.
  • the invention also covers a ship comprising a double hull and such a tank placed in the double hull.
  • the invention relates to a method of loading or unloading a ship as mentioned above in which a fluid is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship.
  • the invention relates to a transfer system for a fluid, the system comprising such a vessel, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the tank installed in the double hull of the vessel to a floating or terrestrial storage installation and a pump for driving fluid through insulated pipes from or to the floating or land storage facility to or from the vessel tank.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the support device according to the invention.
  • characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other.
  • variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described.
  • FIG. 1 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower of the prior art, and has been described previously.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a ship comprising a liquefied gas storage tank integrating a loading and/or unloading assembly according to the invention.
  • the ship 1 comprises at least one tank 2 intended for the storage of gas in the liquid state, particularly liquefied natural gas (abbreviated "LNG”), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or any other liquefied gas, such as liquefied gas. 'ammonia.
  • LNG liquefied natural gas
  • LPG liquefied petroleum gas
  • the gas transported is liquid at a cryogenic temperature.
  • the ship 1 comprises a supporting structure 3 intended to receive the walls of the tank 2.
  • the supporting structure 3 is in particular formed by the double hull of the ship 1.
  • the supporting structure 3 has a generally polyhedral shape.
  • the supporting structure 3 comprises front and rear transverse walls 31, called cofferdam walls of the ship extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ship 1.
  • the supporting structure 3 also comprises an upper wall 32 and a lower wall 33 extending in the longitudinal direction of the ship and connecting the front and rear transverse walls 31 .
  • the upper 32, lower 33 and side walls 31 form supporting walls of the supporting structure.
  • These load-bearing walls have a surface delimiting an internal space in which the tank 2 is housed.
  • the tank 2 comprises a plurality of tank walls, each tank wall is anchored on a respective load-bearing wall of the supporting structure 3.
  • the tank 2 is a membrane tank having a multilayer structure.
  • the tank comprises, in a thickness direction from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane resting on the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier resting on the waterproof membrane secondary and a primary waterproof membrane resting on the primary thermally insulating barrier and intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank 2.
  • the tank is waterproof and thermally insulated.
  • the tank 2 is equipped with a loading and/or unloading assembly 4 according to the invention which allows, depending on the desired mode of use, the extraction of liquefied gas from the tank, but also the supply of the tank in liquefied gas.
  • the loading and/or unloading assembly 4 comprises at least one loading and/or unloading tower 5, an unloading device 6 and a cover 7 intended to close a storage volume of the tank 2.
  • the loading and/or unloading tower will be named the tower for the sake of simplicity.
  • the tank 2 comprises an opening 21, formed in the upper wall 23 of the tank intended in particular to allow the passage of the tower 5 into the enclosure of the tank 2, for example during its installation.
  • the opening 21 is configured to cooperate with the cover 7 of the loading and/or unloading assembly 4, which, when the tower 5 is installed in the tank, extends parallel to the upper wall 23 of the tank 2 and closes the opening 21 to make the tank watertight and thermally insulated.
  • the cover 7 consists of a flat plate made integral with the upper wall 23 of the tank by welding and/or by means of fixing members, such as a screw/nut system.
  • the cover 7 is made up of a set of metal parts giving it mechanical resistance and can also include thermal insulation.
  • the cover 7 is configured to keep the tower 5 suspended in the tank.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a loading and/or unloading assembly.
  • the cover 7 is at least partly crossed by the tower 5 and by the unloading device 6.
  • the tower 5 comprises a structure 51 which extends in a direction of main elongation P in the vertical direction V, comprising, in this example and in a non-limiting manner, three masts 52. More precisely, the structure 51 of the tower 5 also includes a lattice structure 53 intended to connect the different masts 52 of the tower 5 together in order to stiffen the latter.
  • the lattice structure 53 is composed of a plurality of intersecting cylindrical beams extending between at least two masts 52 of the tower, over all or part of its height. These beams are also called crosspieces or struts.
  • each of the three masts 52 passes through the cover 7 of the tank.
  • a front mast 52a and two rear masts 52b defined according to a direction of advancement AV of the ship, visible at the figure 2 , under normal navigation conditions, the front mast 52a being the mast of the structure 51 most forward in the tank 2.
  • the tower 5 comprises a plurality of masts 52 extending from the cover 7 to the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2, to the right of the opening 21.
  • Each mast 52 of tower 5 consists of a hollow rod, of circular section and which can, for example, be made of stainless steel.
  • a mast 52 is composed of a plurality of cylindrical segments welded to each other. A first end of the mast extends near the upper wall 23 of the tank, a second end of the mast, opposite the first end, extends near the the bottom wall 22 of the tank.
  • the masts 52 each define a conduit which can, for example, contain at least one pump element.
  • the masts 52 of the tower 5 are, near their respective second ends, held together by means of a base frame 54 which passes at least partly through the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2. More precisely, the The base frame 54 may comprise at least one platform 541 secured to each of the masts 52 of the structure 51 of the tower 5 and a foot which extends from the platform 541 and is secured to the bottom wall 33 of the structure carrier 3 by crossing the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2.
  • one of the rear masts 52b of tower 5 is equipped with an unloading pump 55 housed at least partly in the hollow rod of mast 52b.
  • the other rear mast 52b and the front mast 52a are structural support masts for the tower and the unloading device 6.
  • These structural masts can also serve as support for a liquefied gas loading conduit, not shown, whose function is to allow the filling of the tank with liquefied gas, but also for a supply pump intended for supplying gas. liquefied from an engine, not shown, of the ship
  • the unloading device 6 distinct from the unloading pump 55 housed in one of the rear masts 52b of the tower 5, comprises an unloading conduit 61, a suction element (not visible) arranged at a first end 61a of the discharge conduit 61, and a drive assembly 62 disposed at a second end 61b of the discharge conduit 61.
  • the cover 7 is disposed between the suction element and the drive assembly 62. More precisely , the suction element is arranged in the storage volume of the tank 2 while the drive assembly 62 is arranged outside the storage volume of the tank 2 and is preferably carried by the exterior face of the cover 7.
  • At least one drive shaft (not shown) connects the suction element to the drive assembly 62. More particularly, the drive shaft extends in an internal volume of the discharge conduit 61 and allows the suction element to be actuated under the effect of the driving element 62 in order to allow the pumping of the liquefied gas and its extraction from the tank.
  • a loading and/or unloading tower is generally equipped with measuring instruments intended for monitoring the cargo of liquefied gas present in the tank.
  • Measuring instruments can be temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the liquefied gas. They can also be instruments for measuring the level of liquefied gas liquid in the tank to determine the filling level of the tank. These measuring instruments must be guided along the tower. They are arranged, with the associated wiring to allow their wired connection, and/or electrical supply, in protection tubes 40. More precisely, in the case of a radar type level measuring instrument, the protection tube 40 serves to guide the radar wave to the bottom of the tube. In the case of float type level measuring instruments, small floats are installed with wiring in the protection tube 40. In the case of temperature measuring instruments, a sensor with its wiring is positioned in the tube protection. These tubes extend vertically along the tower and each have a plate 42 to allow the attachment of a support device.
  • FIG. 4 is a kinematic representation of the support device 100 according to the invention.
  • instrument we mean an assembly consisting of a protective tube 40 (containing the measuring instrument(s)) and its plate 42.
  • the support device 100 is intended to support/guide at least one instrument 40 on the tower 5 loading and/or unloading a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas.
  • the vertical masts 52 of the tower 5 are connected to each other, two by two, by struts 531, and each strut 531 extends locally along an axis called strut axis X. In other words, at each strut a strut axis X is associated.
  • the support device 100 comprises a distal portion 101 extending along a first axis Y, substantially perpendicular to the strut axis by a first surface 102 capable of forming a first surface contact with a strut 531 extending along its strut axis that is to say during its positioning on the tower, before fixing the support device to the tower), a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis X which is associated with it. This degree of freedom in rotation makes it possible to orient the support device relative to the instrument and around the strut 531 on which it rests.
  • the support device 100 comprises a proximal portion 103 extending along a second axis Z substantially perpendicular to the first axis Y.
  • the proximal portion 103 is integrally connected to the distal portion 101.
  • the support device 100 comprises a fixing surface 104 having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and a degree of freedom in translation 106 along a third axis Z' parallel to the second Z axis, the fixing surface 104 being intended to be immobilized by fixing to the instrument (and more precisely to the plate 42) in a final configuration.
  • the support device In its final configuration, the support device is in surface contact with a strut portion according to the first surface contact and in surface contact with the instrument (that is to say with the plate 42) by the fixing surface 104.
  • the support device is thus configured to exert a force against said strut portion along the Y axis perpendicular to the strut axis X and a force against the plate 42 along an axis perpendicular to the Z axis.
  • the two contact surfaces 102, 104 are spaced apart from each other in a projection in a plane containing the surface 104.
  • the support device can be seen as a strut between the strut 531 and plate 42.
  • the support device of the invention is suitable for supporting/guiding an instrument whatever its position along the tower 5.
  • the combination of the degrees of freedom of the support device allows it to position itself against a strut portion and position the fixing surface on the one hand around the X axis and on the other hand around the Z axis and along the Z axis to ensure support against the plate of the instrument.
  • the rotational degree of freedom of the first surface and the two degrees of freedom (rotation and translation) of the fixing surface allow adaptive implementation of the support device for any angle and any symmetry existing between the struts and the instruments.
  • a single and unique support device according to the invention can be used for the instrument support all along tower 5 despite the different distances/orientations of the support points between the plates and the struts.
  • the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation 106 along the third axis Z' can be dependent from one another, for example by means of a helical connection of the fixing surface 104 to the proximal portion 103.
  • This combined movement configuration is advantageous for a sufficiently low screw pitch to allow fine adjustment of the positioning of the fixing surface 104 along the Z axis in the desired orientation around this same Z axis.
  • the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation 106 along the third axis Z' are independent of each other. This configuration makes it possible to orient the fixing surface 104 around the axis Z and to position it along the axis Z' exactly as desired to ensure contact with the plate 42.
  • the support device 200 comprises a bent part 201 comprising the distal portion 101 and the proximal portion 103.
  • the support device 200 comprises a platform 202 comprising the fixing surface 104 and a positioning surface 203 having a shape complementary to the proximal portion 103 and intended to cooperate (that is to say come into contact) with the proximal portion 103.
  • the proximal portion has a circular section defined by an exterior radius
  • the complementary shape of the positioning surface is an arc of a circle with a radius substantially equal to the exterior radius
  • the platform 202 is shown alone for better visibility of the positioning surface 203.
  • the fixing surface 104 corresponds to one face of the platform 202 and the positioning surface 203 is located opposite of this side.
  • the positioning surface is composed of two curved surfaces spaced from one another for better stability of the platform 202 around the proximal portion 103.
  • the invention applies similarly to a positioning surface 203 with a single curved surface.
  • the radius of curvature of the curved surface(s) corresponds to the exterior radius of the circular section of the proximal portion as explained previously.
  • FIG. 6 represents the support device of the figure 5 in its installation configuration.
  • the bent part 201 is put in place by abutting the first surface 102 against the strut 531 and rotating the bent part around the axis X so as to position the proximal portion 103 above (or below) of the plate 42 in a vertical direction.
  • the platform 202 is positioned on the proximal portion of the bent part 201. More precisely, the positioning surface 203 abuts against the proximal portion and the platform 202 and rotates around the Z axis and/or in translation along the axis Z' parallel to the axis Z, so that the fixing surface 104 is parallel to the plate 42 and opposite the plate 42.
  • the holding part 43 can then be slid along of the tube 40 so that the plate 42 abuts against the surface 104.
  • FIG. 7 represents the support device of the Figure 5 in its final configuration.
  • the first surface 102 is then fixed (by rivet or screw/nut system or by welding) to the strut
  • the platform 202 is then fixed to the proximal portion 103, for example by welding
  • the fixing surface 104 can be fixed to the plate 42, for example by welding.
  • the bent part can be composed of a plurality of segments welded to each other, for example two cylindrical segments for the distal and proximal portions and a rounded segment to connect the distal and proximal portions together.
  • FIG 8 represents another embodiment of the support device 300 of the invention in its final configuration.
  • This embodiment is identical to the embodiment presented in Figure 7 with the difference that the bent part is composed of a cylindrical segment for the distal portion and a cylindrical segment for the proximal portion, the two cylindrical segments being directly fixed together, for example by welding, thanks to their beveled end.
  • FIG. 9 represents the embodiment of the support device of the invention similar to the embodiment presented in Figure 7 in a different orientation relative to the tower.
  • the combination of the degree of freedom in rotation of the distal portion 101 around the strut axis 531 and the degrees of freedom of the fixing surface 104 in rotation around the axis Z and in translation along the axis Z' responds to the problem of plurality of configurations between struts 531 and plates 42 and makes it possible to ensure support of instrument.
  • distal and proximal portions are at least partially hollow, for reasons of material costs and on-board mass.
  • distal and/or proximal portions that are at least partially full.
  • the support device according to the invention is made of metallic material, preferably stainless steel. This characteristic offers good resistance to the thermomechanical stresses to which the support device is subjected in the tank loaded with liquefied gas.
  • the invention also relates to a loading and/or unloading assembly for a tank 2 of a ship 1 intended to contain a liquefied gas
  • a loading and/or unloading tower 5 comprising a plurality of vertical masts 52 intended to extend into the tank 2 and connected together, two by two, by struts 531, each strut 531 extending along an axis called strut axis X, at least one instrument and at least one support device as described previously supporting at least one instrument on the loading and/or unloading tower 5.
  • FIG. 10 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower illustrating such an assembly according to the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a tank 2 of a ship 1 intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising such a loading and/or unloading assembly, as well as to a ship 1 comprising a double hull and said tank placed in the double hull.
  • FIG. 11 is a cut-away schematic representation of a ship 1 comprising a tank 2 for storing liquefied natural gas and a terminal loading/unloading of this tank.
  • the cutaway view of the ship 1 shows a watertight and insulated tank 2 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 11 of the ship.
  • loading/unloading pipes 12 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 2.
  • FIG. 11 also represents an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 13, an underwater pipeline 14 and an onshore installation 15.
  • the loading and unloading station 13 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a movable arm 16 and a tower 17 which supports the movable arm 16.
  • the movable arm 16 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 18 which can connect to the loading/unloading pipes 12.
  • the adjustable movable arm 16 adapts to all LNG carrier templates.
  • a connection pipe not shown extends inside the tower 17.
  • the loading and unloading station 13 allows the loading and unloading of the ship 1 from or to the shore installation 15. This includes liquefied gas storage tanks 19 and connecting pipes 24 connected by the underwater pipe 14 to the loading or unloading station 13.
  • the underwater pipe 14 allows the transfer of the liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 13 and the onshore installation 15 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the ship 1 at a long distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.
  • pumps on board the ship 2 and/or pumps fitted to the on-shore installation 15 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 13 are used.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the support device according to the invention.
  • the support device according to the invention can also be manufactured by other manufacturing processes, for example by welding the distal and proximal portions or bending the bent part from a cylindrical tube, and machining (for example for example by milling) of the platform.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de support (100) d'au moins un instrument sur une tour de chargement et/ou déchargement d'une cuve d'un navire, la tour comprenant une pluralité de mâts verticaux reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons (531) s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon (X), comprenant :une portion distale (101) s'étendant selon un premier axe (Y), la portion distale (101) se terminant par une première surface (102) apte à former un premier contact surfacique avec un étrésillon (531) s'étendant selon son axe d'étrésillon (X) sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe (Y), la première surface (102) présentant, dans une configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour dudit axe d'étrésillon (X) ;une portion proximale (103) s'étendant selon un deuxième axe (Z) sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe (Y), reliée à la portion distale (101) ;une surface de fixation (104) présentant, dans la configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation (105) autour du deuxième axe (Z) et un degré de liberté en translation (106) selon un troisième axe (Z') parallèle au deuxième axe (Z), la surface de fixation (104) étant destinée à être immobilisée par fixation à l'instrument dans une configuration finale.The invention relates to a support device (100) for at least one instrument on a tower for loading and/or unloading a tank from a ship, the tower comprising a plurality of vertical masts connected together, two by two , by struts (531) extending along an axis called strut axis (X), comprising: a distal portion (101) extending along a first axis (Y), the distal portion (101) ending in a first surface (102) capable of forming a first surface contact with a strut (531) extending along its strut axis (X) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (Y), the first surface (102) having, in a installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis (X); a proximal portion (103) extending along a second axis (Z) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (Y), connected to the distal portion (101); a fixing surface (104) having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation (105) around the second axis (Z) and a degree of freedom in translation (106) according to a third axis (Z') parallel to the second axis (Z), the fixing surface (104) being intended to be immobilized by fixing to the instrument in a final configuration.

Description

L'invention concerne le domaine du stockage et/ou transport d'une cargaison de gaz liquéfie, tels que du gaz naturel liquéfié, de l'éthane, de l'ammoniac, de l'hydrogène ou encore du gaz de pétrole liquéfié.The invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport of a cargo of liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas, ethane, ammonia, hydrogen or even liquefied petroleum gas.

Elle se rapporte plus particulièrement à un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement comprenant une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement pour une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolée d'un navire destinée à contenir ce gaz liquéfié.It relates more particularly to a loading and/or unloading assembly comprising a loading and/or unloading tower for a sealed and thermally insulated tank of a ship intended to contain this liquefied gas.

Le gaz naturel liquéfié, communément connu sous l'acronyme « GNL », ou encore sous l'acronyme « LNG » pour « Liquefied Natural Gas », est une source d'énergie importante, composée d'environ 95% de méthane. Plus particulièrement le GNL est stocké à l'état liquide dans une cuve isolée thermiquement à une température proche de -160°C, le GNL occupant alors 1/600 du volume qu'il occuperait à l'état gazeux, permettant ainsi de faciliter le transport d'un premier site vers un second site.Liquefied natural gas, commonly known by the acronym “LNG”, or even by the acronym “LNG” for “Liquefied Natural Gas”, is an important source of energy, composed of approximately 95% methane. More particularly, LNG is stored in the liquid state in a thermally insulated tank at a temperature close to -160°C, the LNG then occupying 1/600 of the volume that it would occupy in the gaseous state, thus making it easier to transport. transport from a first site to a second site.

Le GNL peut ainsi être transporté d'un site à l'autre par voie maritime à l'aide de navires appelés méthaniers, il est alors stocké dans des cuves étanches et thermiquement isolantes du méthanier.LNG can thus be transported from one site to another by sea using ships called LNG tankers, it is then stored in the LNG tanker's waterproof and thermally insulating tanks.

Le GNL peut aussi être utilisé comme carburant pour un navire, tel qu'un navire de transport de marchandises, tel qu'un porte-conteneurs. Pour des raisons écologiques et économiques, l'utilisation du GNL comme carburant présente un avantage par rapport aux carburants classiques, notamment dérivés du pétrole.LNG can also be used as fuel for a ship, such as a cargo ship, such as a container ship. For ecological and economic reasons, the use of LNG as a fuel has an advantage compared to conventional fuels, particularly those derived from petroleum.

Classiquement, la cuve de stockage du GNL comprend une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement suspendue à un couvercle permettant l'obturation de la cuve. La tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement de la cuve peut comporter, à titre d'exemple, une structure de type tripode, c'est-à-dire comportant trois mâts verticaux reliés les uns aux autres par des traverses, ou étrésillons, formant une structure en treillis.Conventionally, the LNG storage tank includes a loading and/or unloading tower suspended from a cover allowing the tank to be closed. The tank loading and/or unloading tower may comprise, for example, a tripod type structure, that is to say comprising three vertical masts connected to each other by crosspieces, or struts, forming a lattice structure.

Afin de surveiller l'état de la cargaison du gaz liquéfié dans la cuve, des instruments de mesure (par exemple capteurs de température, instruments de mesure du niveau de liquide) doivent être guidés le long de la tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement.In order to monitor the condition of the liquefied gas cargo in the tank, measuring instruments (e.g. temperature sensors, monitoring instruments liquid level measurement) must be guided along the loading and/or unloading tower.

La figure 1 représente une portion de tour 5 de chargement et/ou de déchargement, connue de l'art antérieur, le long de laquelle s'étend au moins un tube de protection 40 pour instrument(s) guidé et maintenu le long de la tour 5 de chargement et/ou de déchargement par différents dispositifs de support 41. Parmi les instruments de mesure présents dans la cuve, on peut citer des capteurs de température pour contrôler la température du gaz liquéfié, et/ou des instruments de mesure de niveau de liquide de gaz liquéfié dans la cuve pour déterminer le niveau de remplissage de la cuve. Ces instruments de mesure sont disposés, avec le câblage associé, dans les tubes de protection 40. Ces tubes s'étendent verticalement le long de la tour 5. Pour assurer le guidage et maintien d'un tube de protection 40 le long de la tour 5, un dispositif de support 41 est, d'une part, fixé au tube de protection 40 et, d'autre part, prend appui sur un étrésillon 531 (oblique et horizontal). Plus précisément, un tube de protection 40 comprend généralement une pièce de maintien 43 présentant une mobilité en translation le long du tube de protection 40. La pièce de maintien 43 comprend typiquement un revêtement antiadhésif, par exemple du PTFE (abréviation de polytétrafluoroéthylène) pour garantir le glissement de la pièce 43 le long du tube 40 et permettre le positionnement de la pièce de maintien 43 selon la hauteur de la cuve. Un plateau 42 est relié à la pièce de maintien 43. Le plateau 42 s'étend dans une direction préférentiellement radiale par rapport au tube de protection 40. Le plateau 42 prend la forme d'une surface plane qui sert de contact surfacique au dispositif de support 41. Ainsi, le dispositif de support 41 peut être fixé au plateau 42. Le dispositif de support 41 constitue une rigidité entre l'étrésillon 531 et le plateau 42 relié au tube de protection 40, garantissant ainsi le guidage du tube de protection 40 contenant des instruments de mesure.There figure 1 represents a portion of loading and/or unloading tower 5, known from the prior art, along which extends at least one protective tube 40 for instrument(s) guided and maintained along the tower 5 of loading and/or unloading by different support devices 41. Among the measuring instruments present in the tank, we can cite temperature sensors for controlling the temperature of the liquefied gas, and/or instruments for measuring the liquid level of liquefied gas in the tank to determine the filling level of the tank. These measuring instruments are arranged, with the associated wiring, in the protection tubes 40. These tubes extend vertically along the tower 5. To ensure the guidance and maintenance of a protection tube 40 along the tower 5, a support device 41 is, on the one hand, fixed to the protection tube 40 and, on the other hand, is supported on a strut 531 (oblique and horizontal). More precisely, a protective tube 40 generally comprises a holding part 43 having translational mobility along the protective tube 40. The holding part 43 typically comprises a non-stick coating, for example PTFE (abbreviation of polytetrafluoroethylene) to guarantee the sliding of the part 43 along the tube 40 and allow the positioning of the holding part 43 according to the height of the tank. A plate 42 is connected to the holding part 43. The plate 42 extends in a preferably radial direction relative to the protection tube 40. The plate 42 takes the form of a flat surface which serves as surface contact for the protection device. support 41. Thus, the support device 41 can be fixed to the plate 42. The support device 41 constitutes a rigidity between the strut 531 and the plate 42 connected to the protection tube 40, thus guaranteeing the guidance of the protection tube 40 containing measuring instruments.

Cependant, et comme cela est visible sur la figure 1, il en résulte que le dispositif de support a une forme (dimensions et angle) conditionnée par la distance entre le plateau 42 relié au tube de protection 40 et l'étrésillon 531. Par conséquent, une même tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement est actuellement munie de dispositifs de support de dimensions et formes différentes.However, and as is visible on the figure 1 , it results that the support device has a shape (dimensions and angle) conditioned by the distance between the plate 42 connected to the protection tube 40 and the strut 531. Consequently, the same loading and/or unloading tower is currently equipped with support devices of different dimensions and shapes.

La coexistence de ces différents dispositifs de support génère de la complexité au niveau de la fabrication. La mise en plan nécessite une vigilance accrue du fait des nombreux détails de forme et dimensions à prendre en compte. Enfin, lors du montage, l'opérateur doit s'assurer de disposer des bons dispositifs de support.The coexistence of these different support devices generates complexity at the manufacturing level. The drawing requires increased vigilance due to the numerous details of shape and dimensions to take into account. Finally, during assembly, the operator must ensure that they have the correct support devices.

Dans ce qui suit, pour des raisons de simplification, on désigne par instrument un ensemble constitué par un tube de protection 40 (contenant le ou les instruments de mesure) et son plateau 42. Ainsi, un dispositif de support d'au moins un instrument sur la tour 5 est un dispositif de support d'au moins un tube 40 par le biais du plateau 42.In what follows, for reasons of simplification, we designate by instrument an assembly consisting of a protective tube 40 (containing the measuring instrument(s)) and its plate 42. Thus, a device for supporting at least one instrument on tower 5 is a device for supporting at least one tube 40 via the plate 42.

L'invention vise à pallier tout ou partie des problèmes cités plus haut en proposant un unique dispositif de support d'un instrument adapté à guider et supporter l'instrument le long de la tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement, quel que soit son positionnement par rapport aux étrésillons de la tour.The invention aims to overcome all or part of the problems cited above by proposing a single instrument support device adapted to guide and support the instrument along the loading and/or unloading tower, whatever its positioning in relation to the tower struts.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de support d'au moins un instrument sur une tour de chargement et/ou déchargement d'une cuve d'un navire destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié, la tour de chargement et/ou déchargement comprenant une pluralité de mâts verticaux destinés à s'étendre dans la cuve et reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons, chaque étrésillon s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon, le dispositif de support étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend :

  • une portion distale s'étendant selon un premier axe, la portion distale se terminant par une première surface apte à former un premier contact surfacique avec un étrésillon s'étendant selon son axe d'étrésillon sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe, la première surface présentant, dans une configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour dudit axe d'étrésillon ;
  • une portion proximale s'étendant selon un deuxième axe sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe, reliée à la portion distale ;
  • une surface de fixation présentant, dans la configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour du deuxième axe et un degré de liberté en translation selon un troisième axe parallèle au deuxième axe, la surface de fixation étant destinée à être immobilisée par fixation à l'instrument dans une configuration finale.
To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for supporting at least one instrument on a loading and/or unloading tower of a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas, the loading and/or unloading tower or unloading comprising a plurality of vertical masts intended to extend in the tank and connected together, two by two, by struts, each strut extending along an axis called strut axis, the support device being characterized in what it includes:
  • a distal portion extending along a first axis, the distal portion ending in a first surface capable of forming a first surface contact with a strut extending along its strut axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the first surface having, in an installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis;
  • a proximal portion extending along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, connected to the distal portion;
  • a fixing surface having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around the second axis and a degree of freedom in translation along a third axis parallel to the second axis, the fixing surface being intended to be immobilized by fixing to the instrument in a final configuration.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, un unique dispositif de support selon l'invention peut être positionné à tout niveau de la tour et quelles que soient la distance et la géométrie entre l'étrésillon et le plateau du tube de protection de l'instrument. Les degrés de liberté du dispositif de support peuvent être combinés pour que le dispositif puisse venir en contact contre l'étrésillon et le plateau.Thanks to these characteristics, a single support device according to the invention can be positioned at any level of the tower and whatever the distance and geometry between the strut and the plate of the instrument protection tube. The degrees of freedom of the support device can be combined so that the device can come into contact against the strut and the plate.

Dans un mode de réalisation du dispositif de support selon l'invention, le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en rotation autour du deuxième axe et le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en translation selon le troisième axe sont indépendants l'un de l'autre.In one embodiment of the support device according to the invention, the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation around the second axis and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation along the third axis are independent. the other.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le dispositif de support selon l'invention comprend une pièce coudée comprenant la portion distale et la portion proximale, et une plateforme comprenant la surface de fixation et une surface de positionnement présentant une forme complémentaire à la portion proximale et destinée à coopérer avec la portion proximale.In one embodiment, the support device according to the invention comprises a bent part comprising the distal portion and the proximal portion, and a platform comprising the fixing surface and a positioning surface having a shape complementary to the proximal portion and intended to cooperate with the proximal portion.

Dans un mode de réalisation du dispositif de support selon l'invention, la partie proximale a une section circulaire définie par un rayon extérieur, et la forme complémentaire de la surface de positionnement est un arc de cercle de rayon sensiblement égal au rayon extérieur.In one embodiment of the support device according to the invention, the proximal part has a circular section defined by an exterior radius, and the complementary shape of the positioning surface is an arc of a circle with a radius substantially equal to the exterior radius.

Avantageusement, les portions distale et proximale sont au moins partiellement creuses.Advantageously, the distal and proximal portions are at least partially hollow.

Avantageusement, le dispositif de support selon l'invention est en matériau métallique, préférentiellement en acier inoxydable.Advantageously, the support device according to the invention is made of metallic material, preferably stainless steel.

L'invention concerne aussi un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement pour une cuve d'un navire destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement comprenant une pluralité de mâts verticaux destinés à s'étendre dans la cuve et reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons, chaque étrésillon s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon, au moins un instrument et au moins un dispositif de support tel que décrit précédemment supportant le au moins un instrument sur la tour de chargement et/ou déchargement. Plus précisément, l'invention porte sur un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement pour une cuve d'un navire destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement comprenant une pluralité de mâts verticaux destinés à s'étendre dans la cuve et reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons, chaque étrésillon s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon, au moins un instrument et au moins un dispositif de support de l'au moins un instrument l'ensemble de chargement et/ou déchargement étant caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de support comprend :

  • une portion distale s'étendant selon un premier axe, la portion distale se terminant par une première surface formant un premier contact surfacique avec un étrésillon s'étendant selon son axe d'étrésillon sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe, la première surface présentant, dans une configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour dudit axe d'étrésillon ;
  • une portion proximale s'étendant selon un deuxième axe sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe, reliée à la portion distale ;
  • une surface de fixation présentant, dans la configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour du deuxième axe et un degré de liberté en translation selon un troisième axe parallèle au deuxième axe, la surface de fixation étant immobilisée par fixation à l'instrument dans une configuration finale.
The invention also relates to a loading and/or unloading assembly for a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising a loading and/or unloading tower comprising a plurality of vertical masts intended to extend in the tank and connected together, two by two, by struts, each strut extending along an axis called strut axis, at least one instrument and at least one support device as described above supporting the at least one instrument on the loading and/or unloading tower. More specifically, the invention relates to a loading assembly and/or unloading for a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising a loading and/or unloading tower comprising a plurality of vertical masts intended to extend into the tank and connected together, two by two , by struts, each strut extending along an axis called strut axis, at least one instrument and at least one support device for the at least one instrument, the loading and/or unloading assembly being characterized in that that the support device comprises:
  • a distal portion extending along a first axis, the distal portion ending in a first surface forming a first surface contact with a strut extending along its strut axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the first surface having, in a installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis;
  • a proximal portion extending along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, connected to the distal portion;
  • a fixing surface having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around the second axis and a degree of freedom in translation along a third axis parallel to the second axis, the fixing surface being immobilized by fixing to the instrument in a final configuration.

L'invention porte aussi sur une cuve d'un navire destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant un tel ensemble de chargement et/ou déchargement.The invention also relates to a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising such a loading and/or unloading assembly.

L'invention couvre également un navire comportant une double coque et une telle cuve disposée dans la double coque.The invention also covers a ship comprising a double hull and such a tank placed in the double hull.

L'invention porte sur un procédé de chargement ou déchargement d'un navire tel que mentionné précédemment dans lequel on achemine un fluide à travers des canalisations isolées depuis ou vers une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve du navire.The invention relates to a method of loading or unloading a ship as mentioned above in which a fluid is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship.

L'invention porte sur un système de transfert pour un fluide, le système comportant un tel navire, des canalisations isolées agencées de manière à relier la cuve installée dans la double coque du navire à une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre et une pompe pour entrainer un fluide à travers les canalisations isolées depuis ou vers l'installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve du navire.The invention relates to a transfer system for a fluid, the system comprising such a vessel, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the tank installed in the double hull of the vessel to a floating or terrestrial storage installation and a pump for driving fluid through insulated pipes from or to the floating or land storage facility to or from the vessel tank.

L'invention porte aussi sur un programme informatique comprenant des instructions exécutables par ordinateur qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par un processeur, amènent le processeur à commander un appareil de fabrication additive pour fabriquer le dispositif de support selon l'invention.The invention also relates to a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the support device according to the invention.

Enfin, l'invention porte sur un procédé de fabrication d'un tel dispositif de support par fabrication additive, le procédé comprenant :

  • obtenir un fichier électronique représentant une géométrie dudit dispositif de support ; et
  • commander un appareil de fabrication additive pour fabriquer, en une ou plusieurs étapes de fabrication additive, le dispositif de support selon la géométrie spécifiée dans le fichier électronique.
Finally, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such a support device by additive manufacturing, the method comprising:
  • obtain an electronic file representing a geometry of said support device; And
  • order an additive manufacturing device to manufacture, in one or more additive manufacturing steps, the support device according to the geometry specified in the electronic file.

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.

  • [Fig. 1] La figure 1 représente une portion d'une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement de l'art antérieur ;
  • [Fig. 2] La figure 2 est une vue schématique d'un navire comportant une cuve de stockage de gaz liquéfié intégrant un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon l'invention ;
  • [Fig. 3] La figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement;
  • [Fig. 4] La figure 4 est une représentation cinématique du dispositif de support selon l'invention ;
  • [Fig. 5] La figure 5 représente un mode de réalisation du dispositif de support de l'invention ;
  • [Fig. 6] La figure 6 représente le dispositif de support de la figure 5 dans sa configuration de mise en place ;
  • [Fig. 7] La figure 7 représente le dispositif de support de la figure 5 dans sa configuration finale ;
  • [Fig. 8] La figure 8 représente un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif de support de l'invention dans sa configuration finale ;
  • [Fig. 9] La figure 9 représente le mode de réalisation du dispositif de support de l'invention similaire au mode de réalisation présenté à la figure 7 dans une orientation différente par rapport à la tour ;
  • [Fig. 10] La figure 10 représente une portion d'une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon l'invention ;
  • [Fig. 11] La figure 11 est une représentation schématique écorchée d'un navire comportant une cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié et d'un terminal de chargement/déchargement de cette cuve.
The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation. , with reference to the attached drawings.
  • [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower of the prior art;
  • [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic view of a ship comprising a liquefied gas storage tank integrating a loading and/or unloading assembly according to the invention;
  • [ Fig. 3 ] There Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a loading and/or unloading assembly;
  • [ Fig. 4 ] There Figure 4 is a kinematic representation of the support device according to the invention;
  • [ Fig. 5 ] There Figure 5 represents an embodiment of the support device of the invention;
  • [ Fig. 6 ] There Figure 6 represents the support device of the figure 5 in its installation configuration;
  • [ Fig. 7 ] There Figure 7 represents the support device of the figure 5 in its final configuration;
  • [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents another embodiment of the support device of the invention in its final configuration;
  • [ Fig. 9 ] There Figure 9 represents the embodiment of the support device of the invention similar to the embodiment presented in Figure 7 in a different orientation relative to the tower;
  • [ Fig. 10 ] There Figure 10 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower according to the invention;
  • [ Fig. 11 ] There Figure 11 is a cut-away schematic representation of a ship comprising a liquefied natural gas storage tank and a loading/unloading terminal for this tank.

Les caractéristiques, variantes et les différentes formes de réalisation de l'invention peuvent être associées les unes avec les autres, selon diverses combinaisons, dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas incompatibles ou exclusives les unes par rapport aux autres. On pourra notamment imaginer des variantes de l'invention ne comprenant qu'une sélection de caractéristiques décrites par la suite de manière isolée des autres caractéristiques décrites.The characteristics, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive with respect to each other. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently in isolation from the other characteristics described.

La figure 1 représente une portion d'une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement de l'art antérieur, et a été décrite précédemment.There figure 1 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower of the prior art, and has been described previously.

La figure 2 est une vue schématique d'un navire comportant une cuve de stockage de gaz liquéfié intégrant un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon l'invention.There figure 2 is a schematic view of a ship comprising a liquefied gas storage tank integrating a loading and/or unloading assembly according to the invention.

Le navire 1 comprend au moins une cuve 2 destinée au stockage de gaz à l'état liquide, particulièrement du gaz naturel liquéfié (abrégé « GNL »), du gaz de pétrole liquéfié (GPL) ou tout autre gaz liquéfié, tel que de l'ammoniac. De préférence, le gaz transporté est liquide à une température cryogénique.The ship 1 comprises at least one tank 2 intended for the storage of gas in the liquid state, particularly liquefied natural gas (abbreviated "LNG"), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or any other liquefied gas, such as liquefied gas. 'ammonia. Preferably, the gas transported is liquid at a cryogenic temperature.

Le navire 1 comprend une structure porteuse 3 destinée à recevoir les parois de la cuve 2. La structure porteuse 3 est notamment formée par la double coque du navire 1. La structure porteuse 3 présente une forme générale polyédrique. La structure porteuse 3 comporte des parois transversales 31 avant et arrière, dites parois de cofferdam du navire s'étendant transversalement à la direction longitudinale du navire 1. La structure porteuse 3 comporte également une paroi supérieure 32 et une paroi inférieure 33 s'étendant selon la direction longitudinale du navire et reliant les parois transversales 31 avant et arrière.The ship 1 comprises a supporting structure 3 intended to receive the walls of the tank 2. The supporting structure 3 is in particular formed by the double hull of the ship 1. The supporting structure 3 has a generally polyhedral shape. The supporting structure 3 comprises front and rear transverse walls 31, called cofferdam walls of the ship extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ship 1. The supporting structure 3 also comprises an upper wall 32 and a lower wall 33 extending in the longitudinal direction of the ship and connecting the front and rear transverse walls 31 .

Ainsi, les parois supérieure 32, inférieure 33 et latérales 31 forment des parois porteuses de la structure porteuse. Ces parois porteuses présentent une surface délimitant un espace interne dans lequel est logée la cuve 2. La cuve 2 comporte une pluralité de parois de cuve, chaque paroi de cuve est ancrée sur une paroi porteuse respective de la structure porteuse 3.Thus, the upper 32, lower 33 and side walls 31 form supporting walls of the supporting structure. These load-bearing walls have a surface delimiting an internal space in which the tank 2 is housed. The tank 2 comprises a plurality of tank walls, each tank wall is anchored on a respective load-bearing wall of the supporting structure 3.

De préférence (mais de manière non-limitative de l'invention), la cuve 2 est une cuve à membrane présentant une structure multicouche. La cuve comprend, dans une direction d'épaisseur de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur de la cuve, une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire, une membrane étanche secondaire reposant sur la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire, une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire reposant sur la membrane étanche secondaire et une membrane étanche primaire reposant sur la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire et destinée à être en contact avec le gaz liquéfié contenu dans la cuve 2. Ainsi, afin de maintenir le gaz à l'état liquide, la cuve est étanche et thermiquement isolée.Preferably (but in a non-limiting manner of the invention), the tank 2 is a membrane tank having a multilayer structure. The tank comprises, in a thickness direction from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane resting on the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier resting on the waterproof membrane secondary and a primary waterproof membrane resting on the primary thermally insulating barrier and intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank 2. Thus, in order to maintain the gas in the liquid state, the tank is waterproof and thermally insulated.

La cuve 2 est équipée d'un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement 4 selon l'invention qui permet selon le mode d'utilisation souhaité, l'extraction du gaz liquéfié hors de la cuve, mais également l'alimentation de la cuve en gaz liquéfié.The tank 2 is equipped with a loading and/or unloading assembly 4 according to the invention which allows, depending on the desired mode of use, the extraction of liquefied gas from the tank, but also the supply of the tank in liquefied gas.

L'ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement 4 comprend au moins une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement 5, un dispositif de déchargement 6 et un couvercle 7 destiné à fermer un volume de stockage de la cuve 2. Dans la suite de la description, la tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement sera nommée la tour par souci de simplicité.The loading and/or unloading assembly 4 comprises at least one loading and/or unloading tower 5, an unloading device 6 and a cover 7 intended to close a storage volume of the tank 2. In the following description, the loading and/or unloading tower will be named the tower for the sake of simplicity.

Plus particulièrement, la cuve 2 comprend une ouverture 21, ménagée dans la paroi supérieure 23 de la cuve destinée notamment à permettre le passage de la tour 5 dans l'enceinte de la cuve 2, par exemple lors de son installation. L'ouverture 21 est configurée pour coopérer avec le couvercle 7 de l'ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement 4, qui, lorsque la tour 5 est installée dans la cuve, s'étend parallèlement à la paroi supérieure 23 de la cuve 2 et vient obturer l'ouverture 21 pour rendre la cuve étanche et thermiquement isolée.More particularly, the tank 2 comprises an opening 21, formed in the upper wall 23 of the tank intended in particular to allow the passage of the tower 5 into the enclosure of the tank 2, for example during its installation. The opening 21 is configured to cooperate with the cover 7 of the loading and/or unloading assembly 4, which, when the tower 5 is installed in the tank, extends parallel to the upper wall 23 of the tank 2 and closes the opening 21 to make the tank watertight and thermally insulated.

Le couvercle 7 consiste en une plaque plane rendue solidaire de la paroi supérieure 23 de la cuve par soudage et/ou au moyen d'organes de fixation, tels qu'un système vis/écrou. Le couvercle 7 est constitué d'un ensemble de pièces métalliques lui conférant une résistance mécanique et peut aussi comprendre une isolation thermique. Le couvercle 7 est configuré pour maintenir la tour 5 suspendue dans la cuve.The cover 7 consists of a flat plate made integral with the upper wall 23 of the tank by welding and/or by means of fixing members, such as a screw/nut system. The cover 7 is made up of a set of metal parts giving it mechanical resistance and can also include thermal insulation. The cover 7 is configured to keep the tower 5 suspended in the tank.

La figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement.There Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a loading and/or unloading assembly.

Tel que visible à la figure 3, le couvercle 7 est au moins en partie traversé par la tour 5 et par le dispositif de déchargement 6.As visible at Figure 3 , the cover 7 is at least partly crossed by the tower 5 and by the unloading device 6.

La tour 5 comprend une structure 51 qui s'étend suivant une direction d'allongement principal P selon la direction verticale V, comprenant, dans cet exemple et de manière non-limitative, trois mâts 52. De manière plus précise, la structure 51 de la tour 5 comprend également une structure en treillis 53 destinée à relier entre eux les différents mâts 52 de la tour 5 afin de rigidifier cette dernière. La structure en treillis 53 est composée d'une pluralité de poutrelles cylindriques entrecroisées s'étendant entre au moins deux mâts 52 de la tour, sur tout ou partie de sa hauteur. Ces poutrelles sont également appelées traverses ou étrésillons.The tower 5 comprises a structure 51 which extends in a direction of main elongation P in the vertical direction V, comprising, in this example and in a non-limiting manner, three masts 52. More precisely, the structure 51 of the tower 5 also includes a lattice structure 53 intended to connect the different masts 52 of the tower 5 together in order to stiffen the latter. The lattice structure 53 is composed of a plurality of intersecting cylindrical beams extending between at least two masts 52 of the tower, over all or part of its height. These beams are also called crosspieces or struts.

Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 3 et de préférence, chacun des trois mâts 52 traverse le couvercle 7 de la cuve. On définit alors un mât avant 52a et deux mâts arrière 52b, définis selon un sens d'avancement AV du navire, visible à la figure 2, dans des conditions normales de navigation, le mât avant 52a étant le mât de la structure 51 le plus en avant dans la cuve 2.In the example illustrated in Figure 3 and preferably, each of the three masts 52 passes through the cover 7 of the tank. We then define a front mast 52a and two rear masts 52b, defined according to a direction of advancement AV of the ship, visible at the figure 2 , under normal navigation conditions, the front mast 52a being the mast of the structure 51 most forward in the tank 2.

Ainsi, la tour 5 comporte une pluralité de mâts 52 s'étendant du couvercle 7 jusqu'à la paroi de fond 22 de la cuve 2, au droit de l'ouverture 21.Thus, the tower 5 comprises a plurality of masts 52 extending from the cover 7 to the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2, to the right of the opening 21.

Chaque mât 52 de la tour 5 consiste en une tige creuse, de section circulaire et pouvant, par exemple, être réalisé en acier inoxydable. Un mât 52 est composé d'une pluralité de segments cylindriques soudés les uns aux autres. Une première extrémité du mât s'étend aux abords de la paroi supérieure 23 de la cuve, une deuxième extrémité du mât, opposée à la première extrémité, s'étend aux abords de la paroi de fond 22 de la cuve. Ainsi, les mâts 52 définissent chacun un conduit pouvant, par exemple, contenir au moins un élément de pompe.Each mast 52 of tower 5 consists of a hollow rod, of circular section and which can, for example, be made of stainless steel. A mast 52 is composed of a plurality of cylindrical segments welded to each other. A first end of the mast extends near the upper wall 23 of the tank, a second end of the mast, opposite the first end, extends near the the bottom wall 22 of the tank. Thus, the masts 52 each define a conduit which can, for example, contain at least one pump element.

Les mâts 52 de la tour 5 sont, aux abords de leur deuxième extrémité respective, maintenus solidaires au moyen d'une armature de base 54 qui traverse au moins en partie la paroi de fond 22 de la cuve 2. De manière plus précise, l'armature de base 54 peut comprendre au moins une plateforme 541 solidaire de chacun des mâts 52 de la structure 51 de la tour 5 et un pied qui s'étend depuis la plateforme 541 et est rendu solidaire de la paroi de fond 33 de la structure porteuse 3 en traversant la paroi de fond 22 de la cuve 2.The masts 52 of the tower 5 are, near their respective second ends, held together by means of a base frame 54 which passes at least partly through the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2. More precisely, the The base frame 54 may comprise at least one platform 541 secured to each of the masts 52 of the structure 51 of the tower 5 and a foot which extends from the platform 541 and is secured to the bottom wall 33 of the structure carrier 3 by crossing the bottom wall 22 of the tank 2.

Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 3, l'un des mâts arrière 52b de la tour 5 est équipé d'une pompe de déchargement 55 logée au moins en partie dans la tige creuse du mât 52b. L'autre mât arrière 52b et le mât avant 52a sont des mâts structurels de soutien de la tour et du dispositif de déchargement 6.In the example illustrated in Figure 3 , one of the rear masts 52b of tower 5 is equipped with an unloading pump 55 housed at least partly in the hollow rod of mast 52b. The other rear mast 52b and the front mast 52a are structural support masts for the tower and the unloading device 6.

Ces mâts structurels peuvent également servir de soutien à un conduit de chargement en gaz liquéfié, non représenté, dont la fonction est de permettre le remplissage de la cuve en gaz liquéfié, mais également à une pompe d'alimentation destinée à l'alimentation en gaz liquéfié d'un moteur, non représenté, du navireThese structural masts can also serve as support for a liquefied gas loading conduit, not shown, whose function is to allow the filling of the tank with liquefied gas, but also for a supply pump intended for supplying gas. liquefied from an engine, not shown, of the ship

Comme visible à la figure 3, le dispositif de déchargement 6, distinct de la pompe de déchargement 55 logée dans l'un des mâts arrière 52b de la tour 5, comporte un conduit de déchargement 61, un élément d'aspiration (non visible) disposé à une première extrémité 61a du conduit de déchargement 61, et un ensemble d'entrainement 62 disposé à une deuxième extrémité 61b du conduit de déchargement 61. Le couvercle 7 est disposé entre l'élément d'aspiration et l'ensemble d'entrainement 62. De manière plus précise, l'élément d'aspiration est disposé dans le volume de stockage de la cuve 2 tandis que l'ensemble d'entrainement 62 est disposé en dehors du volume de stockage de la cuve 2 et est de préférence porté par la face extérieure du couvercle 7. Au moins un arbre d'entrainement (non représenté) relie l'élément d'aspiration à l'ensemble d'entrainement 62. Plus particulièrement, l'arbre d'entrainement s'étend dans un volume interne du conduit de déchargement 61 et permet à l'élément d'aspiration d'être actionné sous l'effet de l'élément d'entrainement 62 afin de permettre le pompage du gaz liquéfié et son extraction hors de la cuve.As visible at Figure 3 , the unloading device 6, distinct from the unloading pump 55 housed in one of the rear masts 52b of the tower 5, comprises an unloading conduit 61, a suction element (not visible) arranged at a first end 61a of the discharge conduit 61, and a drive assembly 62 disposed at a second end 61b of the discharge conduit 61. The cover 7 is disposed between the suction element and the drive assembly 62. More precisely , the suction element is arranged in the storage volume of the tank 2 while the drive assembly 62 is arranged outside the storage volume of the tank 2 and is preferably carried by the exterior face of the cover 7. At least one drive shaft (not shown) connects the suction element to the drive assembly 62. More particularly, the drive shaft extends in an internal volume of the discharge conduit 61 and allows the suction element to be actuated under the effect of the driving element 62 in order to allow the pumping of the liquefied gas and its extraction from the tank.

Comme expliqué précédemment en référence à la figure 1, une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement est généralement équipée d'instruments de mesure destinés à la surveillance de la cargaison du gaz liquéfié présent dans la cuve. Les instruments de mesure peuvent être des capteurs de température pour contrôler la température du gaz liquéfié. Il peut également s'agir d'instruments de mesure de niveau de liquide de gaz liquéfié dans la cuve pour déterminer le niveau de remplissage de la cuve. Ces instruments de mesure doivent être guidés le long de la tour. Ils sont disposés, avec le câblage associé pour permettre leur connexion filaire, et/ou alimentation électrique, dans des tubes de protection 40. Plus précisément, dans le cas d'un instrument de mesure de niveau de type radar, le tube de protection 40 sert à guider l'onde radar jusqu'en bas du tube. Dans le cas d'instruments de mesure de niveau de type float, de petits flotteurs sont installés avec des câblages dans le tube de protection 40. Dans le cas d'instruments de mesure de température, un capteur avec son câblage est positionné dans le tube de protection. Ces tubes s'étendent verticalement le long de la tour et disposent chacun d'un plateau 42 pour permettre la fixation d'un dispositif de support.As explained previously with reference to the figure 1 , a loading and/or unloading tower is generally equipped with measuring instruments intended for monitoring the cargo of liquefied gas present in the tank. Measuring instruments can be temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the liquefied gas. They can also be instruments for measuring the level of liquefied gas liquid in the tank to determine the filling level of the tank. These measuring instruments must be guided along the tower. They are arranged, with the associated wiring to allow their wired connection, and/or electrical supply, in protection tubes 40. More precisely, in the case of a radar type level measuring instrument, the protection tube 40 serves to guide the radar wave to the bottom of the tube. In the case of float type level measuring instruments, small floats are installed with wiring in the protection tube 40. In the case of temperature measuring instruments, a sensor with its wiring is positioned in the tube protection. These tubes extend vertically along the tower and each have a plate 42 to allow the attachment of a support device.

La figure 4 est une représentation cinématique du dispositif de support 100 selon l'invention. Pour rappel, on entend par instrument un ensemble constitué par un tube de protection 40 (contenant le ou les instruments de mesure) et son plateau 42. Le dispositif de support 100 est destiné à supporter/guider au moins un instrument 40 sur la tour 5 de chargement et/ou déchargement d'une cuve d'un navire destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié. Comme mentionné précédemment, les mâts verticaux 52 de la tour 5 sont reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons 531, et chaque étrésillon 531 s'étend localement selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon X. Autrement dit, à chaque étrésillon est associé un axe d'étrésillon X. Selon l'invention, le dispositif de support 100 comprend une portion distale 101 s'étendant selon un premier axe Y, sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe d'étrésillon X. La portion distale 101 se termine par une première surface 102 apte à former un premier contact surfacique avec un étrésillon 531 s'étendant selon son axe d'étrésillon X sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe Y. Et la première surface 102 présente, dans une configuration de mise en place (c'est-à-dire lors de son positionnement sur la tour, avant la fixation du dispositif de support à la tour), un degré de liberté en rotation autour dudit axe d'étrésillon X qui lui est associé. Ce degré de liberté en rotation permet d'orienter le dispositif de support par rapport à l'instrument et autour de l'étrésillon 531 sur lequel il prend appui.There Figure 4 is a kinematic representation of the support device 100 according to the invention. As a reminder, by instrument we mean an assembly consisting of a protective tube 40 (containing the measuring instrument(s)) and its plate 42. The support device 100 is intended to support/guide at least one instrument 40 on the tower 5 loading and/or unloading a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas. As mentioned previously, the vertical masts 52 of the tower 5 are connected to each other, two by two, by struts 531, and each strut 531 extends locally along an axis called strut axis X. In other words, at each strut a strut axis X is associated. According to the invention, the support device 100 comprises a distal portion 101 extending along a first axis Y, substantially perpendicular to the strut axis by a first surface 102 capable of forming a first surface contact with a strut 531 extending along its strut axis that is to say during its positioning on the tower, before fixing the support device to the tower), a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis X which is associated with it. This degree of freedom in rotation makes it possible to orient the support device relative to the instrument and around the strut 531 on which it rests.

Le dispositif de support 100 comprend une portion proximale 103 s'étendant selon un deuxième axe Z sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe Y. La portion proximale 103 est reliée solidairement à la portion distale 101.The support device 100 comprises a proximal portion 103 extending along a second axis Z substantially perpendicular to the first axis Y. The proximal portion 103 is integrally connected to the distal portion 101.

Le dispositif de support 100 comprend une surface de fixation 104 présentant, dans la configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation 105 autour du deuxième axe Z et un degré de liberté en translation 106 selon un troisième axe Z' parallèle au deuxième axe Z, la surface de fixation 104 étant destinée à être immobilisée par fixation à l'instrument (et plus précisément au plateau 42) dans une configuration finale.The support device 100 comprises a fixing surface 104 having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and a degree of freedom in translation 106 along a third axis Z' parallel to the second Z axis, the fixing surface 104 being intended to be immobilized by fixing to the instrument (and more precisely to the plate 42) in a final configuration.

Dans sa configuration finale, le dispositif de support est en contact surfacique avec une portion d'étrésillon selon le premier contact surfacique et en contact surfacique avec l'instrument (c'est-à-dire avec le plateau 42) par la surface de fixation 104. Le dispositif de support est ainsi configuré pour exercer une force contre ladite portion d'étrésillon selon l'axe Y perpendiculairement à l'axe d'étrésillon X et une force contre le plateau 42 selon un axe perpendiculaire à l'axe Z.In its final configuration, the support device is in surface contact with a strut portion according to the first surface contact and in surface contact with the instrument (that is to say with the plate 42) by the fixing surface 104. The support device is thus configured to exert a force against said strut portion along the Y axis perpendicular to the strut axis X and a force against the plate 42 along an axis perpendicular to the Z axis.

Avantageusement, les deux surfaces de contact 102, 104 sont distantes l'une de l'autre dans une projection dans un plan contenant la surface 104. Autrement dit, le dispositif de support peut être vu comme une jambe de force entre l'étrésillon 531 et le plateau 42.Advantageously, the two contact surfaces 102, 104 are spaced apart from each other in a projection in a plane containing the surface 104. In other words, the support device can be seen as a strut between the strut 531 and plate 42.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le dispositif de support de l'invention convient pour le support/guidage d'un instrument quelle que soit sa position le long de la tour 5. La combinaison des degrés de liberté du dispositif de support lui permet de se positionner contre une portion d'étrésillon et de positionner la surface de fixation d'une part autour de l'axe X et d'autre part autour de l'axe Z et le long de l'axe Z pour assurer l'appui contre le plateau de l'instrument. Le degré de liberté en rotation de la première surface et les deux degrés de liberté (rotation et translation) de la surface de fixation permettent une mise en place adaptative du dispositif de support pour tout angle et toute symétrie existants entre les étrésillons et les instruments. Il en résulte qu'un seul et unique dispositif de support selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour le support des instruments tout le long de la tour 5 malgré les différentes distances/orientations des points d'appui entre les plateaux et les étrésillons.Thanks to these characteristics, the support device of the invention is suitable for supporting/guiding an instrument whatever its position along the tower 5. The combination of the degrees of freedom of the support device allows it to position itself against a strut portion and position the fixing surface on the one hand around the X axis and on the other hand around the Z axis and along the Z axis to ensure support against the plate of the instrument. The rotational degree of freedom of the first surface and the two degrees of freedom (rotation and translation) of the fixing surface allow adaptive implementation of the support device for any angle and any symmetry existing between the struts and the instruments. As a result, a single and unique support device according to the invention can be used for the instrument support all along tower 5 despite the different distances/orientations of the support points between the plates and the struts.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en rotation 105 autour du deuxième axe Z et le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en translation 106 selon le troisième axe Z' peuvent être dépendants l'un de l'autre, par exemple par le biais d'une liaison hélicoïdale de la surface de fixation 104 sur la portion proximale 103. Cette configuration à mouvement combiné est intéressante pour un pas de vis suffisamment faible pour permettre un réglage fin du positionnement de la surface de fixation 104 le long de l'axe Z dans l'orientation souhaitée autour de ce même axe Z.In one embodiment of the invention, the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation 106 along the third axis Z' can be dependent from one another, for example by means of a helical connection of the fixing surface 104 to the proximal portion 103. This combined movement configuration is advantageous for a sufficiently low screw pitch to allow fine adjustment of the positioning of the fixing surface 104 along the Z axis in the desired orientation around this same Z axis.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, et de manière préférentielle, le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en rotation 105 autour du deuxième axe Z et le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en translation 106 selon le troisième axe Z' sont indépendants l'un de l'autre. Cette configuration permet d'orienter la surface de fixation 104 autour de l'axe Z et de la positionner le long de l'axe Z' exactement comme souhaité pour assurer la mise en contact avec le plateau 42.In another embodiment of the invention, and preferably, the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation 105 around the second axis Z and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation 106 along the third axis Z' are independent of each other. This configuration makes it possible to orient the fixing surface 104 around the axis Z and to position it along the axis Z' exactly as desired to ensure contact with the plate 42.

La figure 5 représente un mode de réalisation du dispositif de support 200 de l'invention. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le dispositif de support 200 comprend une pièce coudée 201 comprenant la portion distale 101 et la portion proximale 103. Et le dispositif de support 200 comprend une plateforme 202 comprenant la surface de fixation 104 et une surface de positionnement 203 présentant une forme complémentaire à la portion proximale 103 et destinée à coopérer (c'est-à-dire venir en contact) avec la portion proximale 103.There figure 5 represents an embodiment of the support device 200 of the invention. In this embodiment, the support device 200 comprises a bent part 201 comprising the distal portion 101 and the proximal portion 103. And the support device 200 comprises a platform 202 comprising the fixing surface 104 and a positioning surface 203 having a shape complementary to the proximal portion 103 and intended to cooperate (that is to say come into contact) with the proximal portion 103.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, la portion proximale a une section circulaire définie par un rayon extérieur, et la forme complémentaire de la surface de positionnement est un arc de cercle de rayon sensiblement égal au rayon extérieur.In this embodiment, the proximal portion has a circular section defined by an exterior radius, and the complementary shape of the positioning surface is an arc of a circle with a radius substantially equal to the exterior radius.

En bas à gauche de la figure, la plateforme 202 est représentée seule pour une meilleure visibilité de la surface de positionnement 203. La surface de fixation 104 correspond à une face de la plateforme 202 et la surface de positionnement 203 est située à l'opposé de cette face. Dans cet exemple, la surface de positionnement est composée de deux surfaces courbes espacées l'une de l'autre pour une meilleure stabilité de la plateforme 202 autour de la portion proximale 103. Toutefois, l'invention s'applique de façon analogue à une surface de positionnement 203 avec une seule surface courbe. Dans tous les cas, le rayon de courbure de la ou les surface(s) courbe(s) correspond au rayon extérieur de la section circulaire de la portion proximale comme expliqué précédemment.At the bottom left of the figure, the platform 202 is shown alone for better visibility of the positioning surface 203. The fixing surface 104 corresponds to one face of the platform 202 and the positioning surface 203 is located opposite of this side. In this example, the positioning surface is composed of two curved surfaces spaced from one another for better stability of the platform 202 around the proximal portion 103. However, the invention applies similarly to a positioning surface 203 with a single curved surface. In all cases, the radius of curvature of the curved surface(s) corresponds to the exterior radius of the circular section of the proximal portion as explained previously.

La figure 6 représente le dispositif de support de la figure 5 dans sa configuration de mise en place. La pièce coudée 201 est mise en place par mise en butée de la première surface 102 contre l'étrésillon 531 et rotation de la pièce coudée autour de l'axe X de sorte à positionner la portion proximale 103 au-dessus (ou en dessous) du plateau 42 selon une direction verticale. Puis la plateforme 202 est positionnée sur la portion proximale de la pièce coudée 201. Plus précisément, la surface de positionnement 203 vient en butée contre la portion proximale et la plateforme 202 et mise en rotation autour de l'axe Z et/ou en translation selon l'axe Z' parallèle à l'axe Z, de sorte à ce que la surface de fixation 104 soit parallèle au plateau 42 et en vis-à-vis du plateau 42. La pièce de maintien 43 peut alors être coulissée le long du tube 40 pour que le plateau 42 vienne en butée contre la surface 104.There Figure 6 represents the support device of the figure 5 in its installation configuration. The bent part 201 is put in place by abutting the first surface 102 against the strut 531 and rotating the bent part around the axis X so as to position the proximal portion 103 above (or below) of the plate 42 in a vertical direction. Then the platform 202 is positioned on the proximal portion of the bent part 201. More precisely, the positioning surface 203 abuts against the proximal portion and the platform 202 and rotates around the Z axis and/or in translation along the axis Z' parallel to the axis Z, so that the fixing surface 104 is parallel to the plate 42 and opposite the plate 42. The holding part 43 can then be slid along of the tube 40 so that the plate 42 abuts against the surface 104.

La figure 7 représente le dispositif de support de la figure 5 dans sa configuration finale. La première surface 102 est alors fixée (par rivet ou système vis/écrou ou par soudage) à l'étrésillon, la plateforme 202 est alors fixée à la portion proximale 103, par exemple par soudage, et la surface de fixation 104 peut être fixée au plateau 42, par exemple par soudage.There Figure 7 represents the support device of the Figure 5 in its final configuration. The first surface 102 is then fixed (by rivet or screw/nut system or by welding) to the strut, the platform 202 is then fixed to the proximal portion 103, for example by welding, and the fixing surface 104 can be fixed to the plate 42, for example by welding.

Dans le mode de réalisation présenté à la figure 7, la pièce coudée peut être composée d'une pluralité de segments soudés les uns aux autres, par exemple deux segments cylindriques pour les portions distale et proximale et un segment de forme arrondie pour relier les portions distale et proximale entre elles.In the embodiment presented in Figure 7 , the bent part can be composed of a plurality of segments welded to each other, for example two cylindrical segments for the distal and proximal portions and a rounded segment to connect the distal and proximal portions together.

La figure 8 représente un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif de support 300 de l'invention dans sa configuration finale. Ce mode de réalisation est identique au mode de réalisation présenté à la figure 7 à la différence que la pièce coudée est composée d'un segment cylindrique pour la portion distale et un segment cylindrique pour la portion proximale, les deux segments cylindriques étant directement fixés entre eux, par exemple par soudage, grâce à leur terminaison biseautée.There figure 8 represents another embodiment of the support device 300 of the invention in its final configuration. This embodiment is identical to the embodiment presented in Figure 7 with the difference that the bent part is composed of a cylindrical segment for the distal portion and a cylindrical segment for the proximal portion, the two cylindrical segments being directly fixed together, for example by welding, thanks to their beveled end.

La figure 9 représente le mode de réalisation du dispositif de support de l'invention similaire au mode de réalisation présenté à la figure 7 dans une orientation différente par rapport à la tour. On voit ainsi que quelle que soit l'orientation du dispositif de support selon l'invention, la combinaison d'une part du degré de liberté en rotation de la portion distale 101 autour de l'axe d'étrésillon 531 et des degrés de liberté de la surface de fixation 104 en rotation autour de l'axe Z et en translation de long de l'axe Z' d'autre part répond à la problématique de pluralité de configurations entre étrésillons 531 et plateaux 42 et permet d'assurer le support d'instrument.There Figure 9 represents the embodiment of the support device of the invention similar to the embodiment presented in Figure 7 in a different orientation relative to the tower. We thus see that whatever the orientation of the support device according to the invention, the combination of the degree of freedom in rotation of the distal portion 101 around the strut axis 531 and the degrees of freedom of the fixing surface 104 in rotation around the axis Z and in translation along the axis Z' on the other hand responds to the problem of plurality of configurations between struts 531 and plates 42 and makes it possible to ensure support of instrument.

Avantageusement, les portions distale et proximale sont au moins partiellement creuses, pour des raisons de coûts de matière et de masse embarquée. Néanmoins, on peut également envisager des portions distale et/ou proximale au moins partiellement pleines.Advantageously, the distal and proximal portions are at least partially hollow, for reasons of material costs and on-board mass. However, we can also consider distal and/or proximal portions that are at least partially full.

Avantageusement, le dispositif de support selon l'invention est en matériau métallique, préférentiellement en acier inoxydable. Cette caractéristique offre une bonne résistance aux contraintes thermomécaniques auxquelles le dispositif de support est soumis dans la cuve chargée en gaz liquéfié.Advantageously, the support device according to the invention is made of metallic material, preferably stainless steel. This characteristic offers good resistance to the thermomechanical stresses to which the support device is subjected in the tank loaded with liquefied gas.

L'invention concerne aussi un ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement pour une cuve 2 d'un navire 1 destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant une tour 5 de chargement et/ou de déchargement comprenant une pluralité de mâts 52 verticaux destinés à s'étendre dans la cuve 2 et reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons 531, chaque étrésillon 531 s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon X, au moins un instrument et au moins un dispositif de support tel que décrit précédemment supportant le au moins un instrument sur la tour 5 de chargement et/ou déchargement. La figure 10 représente une portion d'une tour de chargement et/ou de déchargement illustrant un tel ensemble selon l'invention.The invention also relates to a loading and/or unloading assembly for a tank 2 of a ship 1 intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising a loading and/or unloading tower 5 comprising a plurality of vertical masts 52 intended to extend into the tank 2 and connected together, two by two, by struts 531, each strut 531 extending along an axis called strut axis X, at least one instrument and at least one support device as described previously supporting at least one instrument on the loading and/or unloading tower 5. There Figure 10 represents a portion of a loading and/or unloading tower illustrating such an assembly according to the invention.

L'invention porte aussi sur une cuve 2 d'un navire 1 destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant un tel ensemble de chargement et/ou déchargement, ainsi que sur un navire 1 comportant une double coque et ladite cuve disposée dans la double coque.The invention also relates to a tank 2 of a ship 1 intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising such a loading and/or unloading assembly, as well as to a ship 1 comprising a double hull and said tank placed in the double hull.

La figure 11 est une représentation schématique écorchée d'un navire 1 comportant une cuve 2 de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié et d'un terminal de chargement/déchargement de cette cuve. La vue écorchée du navire 1 montre une cuve étanche et isolée 2 de forme générale prismatique montée dans la double coque 11 du navire.There Figure 11 is a cut-away schematic representation of a ship 1 comprising a tank 2 for storing liquefied natural gas and a terminal loading/unloading of this tank. The cutaway view of the ship 1 shows a watertight and insulated tank 2 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 11 of the ship.

De manière connue en soi, des canalisations de chargement/déchargement 12 disposées sur le pont supérieur du navire peuvent être raccordées, au moyen de connecteurs appropriées, à un terminal maritime ou portuaire pour transférer une cargaison de GNL depuis ou vers la cuve 2.In a manner known per se, loading/unloading pipes 12 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 2.

La figure 11 représente également un exemple de terminal maritime comportant un poste de chargement et de déchargement 13, une conduite sous-marine 14 et une installation à terre 15. Le poste de chargement et de déchargement 13 est une installation fixe off-shore comportant un bras mobile 16 et une tour 17 qui supporte le bras mobile 16. Le bras mobile 16 porte un faisceau de tuyaux flexibles isolés 18 pouvant se connecter aux canalisations de chargement/déchargement 12. Le bras mobile 16 orientable s'adapte à tous les gabarits de méthaniers. Une conduite de liaison non représentée s'étend à l'intérieur de la tour 17. Le poste de chargement et de déchargement 13 permet le chargement et le déchargement du navire 1 depuis ou vers l'installation à terre 15. Celle-ci comporte des cuves de stockage de gaz liquéfié 19 et des conduites de liaison 24 reliées par la conduite sous-marine 14 au poste de chargement ou de déchargement 13. La conduite sous-marine 14 permet le transfert du gaz liquéfié entre le poste de chargement ou de déchargement 13 et l'installation à terre 15 sur une grande distance, par exemple 5 km, ce qui permet de garder le navire 1 à grande distance de la côte pendant les opérations de chargement et de déchargement.There Figure 11 also represents an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 13, an underwater pipeline 14 and an onshore installation 15. The loading and unloading station 13 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a movable arm 16 and a tower 17 which supports the movable arm 16. The movable arm 16 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 18 which can connect to the loading/unloading pipes 12. The adjustable movable arm 16 adapts to all LNG carrier templates. A connection pipe not shown extends inside the tower 17. The loading and unloading station 13 allows the loading and unloading of the ship 1 from or to the shore installation 15. This includes liquefied gas storage tanks 19 and connecting pipes 24 connected by the underwater pipe 14 to the loading or unloading station 13. The underwater pipe 14 allows the transfer of the liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 13 and the onshore installation 15 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the ship 1 at a long distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

Pour engendrer la pression nécessaire au transfert du gaz liquéfié, on met en oeuvre des pompes embarquées dans le navire 2 et/ou des pompes équipant l'installation à terre 15 et/ou des pompes équipant le poste de chargement et de déchargement 13.To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 2 and/or pumps fitted to the on-shore installation 15 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 13 are used.

L'invention concerne également un programme informatique comprenant des instructions exécutables par ordinateur qui, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par un processeur, amènent le processeur à commander un appareil de fabrication additive pour fabriquer le dispositif de support selon l'invention.The invention also relates to a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the support device according to the invention.

L'invention porte enfin sur un procédé de fabrication d'un tel dispositif de support par fabrication additive, le procédé comprenant :

  • obtenir un fichier électronique représentant une géométrie du dispositif de support selon l'invention; et
  • commander un appareil de fabrication additive pour fabriquer, en une ou plusieurs étapes de fabrication additive, le dispositif de support selon la géométrie spécifiée dans le fichier électronique.
The invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing such a support device by additive manufacturing, the method comprising:
  • obtain an electronic file representing a geometry of the support device according to the invention; And
  • order an additive manufacturing device to manufacture, in one or more additive manufacturing steps, the support device according to the geometry specified in the electronic file.

A noter que le dispositif de support selon l'invention peut également être fabriqué par d'autres procédés de fabrication, par exemple par soudage des portions distale et proximale ou cintrage de la pièce coudée à partir d'un tube cylindrique, et usinage (par exemple par fraisage) de la plateforme.Note that the support device according to the invention can also be manufactured by other manufacturing processes, for example by welding the distal and proximal portions or bending the bent part from a cylindrical tube, and machining (for example for example by milling) of the platform.

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, telle que définie par les revendications.Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

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.The use of the verb “include”, “understand” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

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

Il apparaîtra plus généralement à l'Homme du métier que diverses modifications peuvent être apportées aux modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus, à la lumière de l'enseignement qui vient de lui être divulgué. Dans les revendications qui suivent, les termes utilisés ne doivent pas être interprétés comme limitant les revendications aux modes de réalisation exposés dans la présente description, mais doivent être interprétés pour y inclure tous les équivalents que les revendications visent à couvrir du fait de leur formulation et dont la prévision est à la portée de l'Homme du métier se basant sur ses connaissances générales.It will appear more generally to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them. In the claims which follow, the terms used should not be construed as limiting the claims to the embodiments set forth in the present description, but should be construed to include all equivalents which the claims are intended to cover by their wording and the prediction of which is within the reach of those skilled in the art based on their general knowledge.

Claims (10)

Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement pour une cuve (2) d'un navire (1) destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant une tour (5) de chargement et/ou de déchargement comprenant une pluralité de mâts (52) verticaux destinés à s'étendre dans la cuve (2) et reliés entre eux, deux à deux, par des étrésillons (531), chaque étrésillon (531) s'étendant selon un axe dit axe d'étrésillon (X), au moins un instrument et au moins un dispositif de support (100, 200, 300) de l'au moins un instrument l'ensemble de chargement et/ou déchargement étant caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de support (100, 200) comprend : - une portion distale (101) s'étendant selon un premier axe (Y), la portion distale (101) se terminant par une première surface (102) formant un premier contact surfacique avec un étrésillon (531) s'étendant selon son axe d'étrésillon (X) sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe (Y), la première surface (102) présentant, dans une configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation autour dudit axe d'étrésillon (X) ; - une portion proximale (103) s'étendant selon un deuxième axe (Z) sensiblement perpendiculaire au premier axe (Y), reliée à la portion distale (101) ; - une surface de fixation (104) présentant, dans la configuration de mise en place, un degré de liberté en rotation (105) autour du deuxième axe (Z) et un degré de liberté en translation (106) selon un troisième axe (Z') parallèle au deuxième axe (Z), la surface de fixation (104) étant immobilisée par fixation à l'instrument dans une configuration finale. Loading and/or unloading assembly for a tank (2) of a ship (1) intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising a loading and/or unloading tower (5) comprising a plurality of vertical masts (52) intended to extend in the tank (2) and connected together, two by two, by struts (531), each strut (531) extending along an axis called strut axis (X), at least one instrument and at least one support device (100, 200, 300) of the at least one instrument, the loading and/or unloading assembly being characterized in that the support device (100, 200) comprises: - a distal portion (101) extending along a first axis (Y), the distal portion (101) ending in a first surface (102) forming a first surface contact with a strut (531) extending along its axis strut (X) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (Y), the first surface (102) having, in an installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation around said strut axis (X); - a proximal portion (103) extending along a second axis (Z) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (Y), connected to the distal portion (101); - a fixing surface (104) having, in the installation configuration, a degree of freedom in rotation (105) around the second axis (Z) and a degree of freedom in translation (106) along a third axis (Z ') parallel to the second axis (Z), the fixing surface (104) being immobilized by attachment to the instrument in a final configuration. Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en rotation (105) autour du deuxième axe (Z) et le degré de liberté de la surface de fixation en translation (106) selon le troisième axe (Z') sont indépendants l'un de l'autre.Loading and/or unloading assembly according to claim 1, in which the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in rotation (105) around the second axis (Z) and the degree of freedom of the fixing surface in translation (106 ) along the third axis (Z') are independent of each other. Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le dispositif de support comprend : - une pièce coudée (201) comprenant la portion distale (101) et la portion proximale (103) ; - une plateforme (202) comprenant la surface de fixation (104) et une surface de positionnement (203) présentant une forme complémentaire à la portion proximale (103) et destinée à coopérer avec la portion proximale (103). Loading and/or unloading assembly according to claim 1 or 2, in which the support device comprises: - an elbow part (201) comprising the distal portion (101) and the proximal portion (103); - a platform (202) comprising the fixing surface (104) and a positioning surface (203) having a shape complementary to the proximal portion (103) and intended to cooperate with the proximal portion (103). Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon la revendication 3, dans lequel la partie proximale a une section circulaire définie par un rayon extérieur, et la forme complémentaire de la surface de positionnement est un arc de cercle de rayon sensiblement égal au rayon extérieur.Loading and/or unloading assembly according to claim 3, in which the proximal part has a circular section defined by an exterior radius, and the complementary shape of the positioning surface is an arc of a circle with a radius substantially equal to the exterior radius. Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel les portions distale et proximale sont au moins partiellement creuses.Loading and/or unloading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the distal and proximal portions are at least partially hollow. Ensemble de chargement et/ou de déchargement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, en matériau métallique, préférentiellement en acier inoxydable.Loading and/or unloading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, made of metallic material, preferably stainless steel. Cuve (2) d'un navire (1) destinée à contenir un gaz liquéfié comprenant un ensemble de chargement et/ou déchargement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6.Tank (2) of a ship (1) intended to contain a liquefied gas comprising a loading and/or unloading assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Navire (1) comportant une double coque et une cuve selon la revendication 7 disposée dans la double coque.Ship (1) comprising a double hull and a tank according to claim 7 arranged in the double hull. Procédé de chargement ou déchargement d'un navire (1) selon la revendication 8 dans lequel on achemine un fluide à travers des canalisations isolées depuis ou vers une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve du navire.A method of loading or unloading a ship (1) according to claim 8 in which a fluid is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship. Système de transfert pour un fluide, le système comportant un navire selon la revendication 8, des canalisations isolées agencées de manière à relier la cuve (2) installée dans la double coque du navire (1) à une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre et une pompe pour entraîner un fluide à travers les canalisations isolées depuis ou vers l'installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve (2) du navire (1).Transfer system for a fluid, the system comprising a ship according to claim 8, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the tank (2) installed in the double hull of the ship (1) to a floating or terrestrial storage installation and a pump for driving a fluid through the insulated pipelines from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the tank (2) of the vessel (1).
EP23194676.5A 2022-10-03 2023-08-31 Device for supporting at least one instrument on a tower for loading and/or unloading a vessel of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas Pending EP4350203A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2210066A FR3140343A1 (en) 2022-10-03 2022-10-03 Device for supporting at least one instrument on a loading and/or unloading tower of a tank of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas

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EP4350203A1 true EP4350203A1 (en) 2024-04-10

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EP23194676.5A Pending EP4350203A1 (en) 2022-10-03 2023-08-31 Device for supporting at least one instrument on a tower for loading and/or unloading a vessel of a ship intended to contain a liquefied gas

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US (1) US20240110672A1 (en)
EP (1) EP4350203A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2024053559A (en)
KR (1) KR20240046847A (en)
CN (1) CN117818819A (en)
FR (1) FR3140343A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20120013255A (en) * 2011-12-16 2012-02-14 삼성중공업 주식회사 Structure of pump-tower for lng storage tank
KR20140041065A (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-04-04 삼성중공업 주식회사 Joint unit, and pipe structure of pump tower having the same

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2806106B1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2002-10-11 Freyssinet Int Stup ADJUSTABLE ANCHOR FOR A CABLE CARRYING A CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURE COMPRISING SUCH ANCHORAGES, AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SUCH ANCHORING
FR3025491A1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2016-03-11 Assystem France RAIDI PANEL FOR AIRCRAFT.

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20120013255A (en) * 2011-12-16 2012-02-14 삼성중공업 주식회사 Structure of pump-tower for lng storage tank
KR20140041065A (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-04-04 삼성중공업 주식회사 Joint unit, and pipe structure of pump tower having the same

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CN117818819A (en) 2024-04-05
JP2024053559A (en) 2024-04-15
US20240110672A1 (en) 2024-04-04
FR3140343A1 (en) 2024-04-05
KR20240046847A (en) 2024-04-11

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