Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
  • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
  • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
  • F16L1/26—Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
  • F16L37/002—Couplings of the quick-acting type which can be controlled at a distance
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
  • F16L37/62—Couplings of the quick-acting type pneumatically or hydraulically actuated

Definitions

• the present invention relates to bunker manifold systems, bunker systems for bunkering or debunkering vessels, hulls for vessels, vessels and methods of bunkering or debunkering vessels.
• Vessels such as marine vessels like container ships, tanker ships, bulker ships or passenger ships, consume fuel in systems of the vessels, such as in engines and propulsion systems.
• the fuel is stored in fuel tanks, which are often referred to as bunkers, aboard the vessels.
• the fuel is a fossil fuel.
• One such alternative fuel is ammonia, which, when combusted, does not produce carbon dioxide.
• ammonia must be handled with care, as it can release, as a gas or vapour for example, chemicals that could be harmful to a crew of the vessel and any other person working nearby the vessels when bunkering ammonia.
• Bunker barges or pipelines are provided at ports for bunkering fuel to vessels.
• the bunker barges or pipelines are connected to fuel tanks of the vessels via bunker hoses, when the vessels are docked, and fuel is supplied to the fuel tanks from fuel reservoirs of the bunker barges or pipelines.
• a bunker manifold system comprising: a bunker manifold comprising a chamber having an opening, wherein a distal end portion of a bunker hose is connectable to the bunker manifold such that an interior of the bunker hose is fluidically connected or connectable to the chamber via the opening; and a passage extending from the chamber to an outlet, whereby the passage is configured to avoid the opening and permit passage of a fluid from the chamber to the outlet.
• fluid is able to flow from the chamber to the outlet and avoid the opening.
• any unwanted fluid e.g. sea water
• the distal end portion of the bunker hose is insertable into the chamber via the opening, such as from a region external to the bunker manifold system.
• the outlet is fluidically connected or connectable to the region external to the bunker manifold system.
• the outlet is fluidically connected or connectable to a container configured to store fluid from the passage.
• the bunker manifold system is for a vessel.
• the bunker manifold system is configured so that the bunker manifold is located below a waterline of the hull of the vessel when the bunker manifold system is installed on the vessel.
• the bunker manifold is located below the waterline when connected to a bunker hose and before fuel passes through the bunker manifold.
• the fuel would be contained in the water.
• chemicals that could be harmful to a crew of the vessel, such as ammonia such as ammonia, such an arrangement helps to avoid or minimise such chemicals reaching the crew.
• the bunker manifold system is configured for installation at a wall of a hull of a vessel.
• the bunker manifold can be easily accessed from a neighbouring bunker station or bunker barge, in use, in order to bunker or debunker the vessel.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a cover which is moveable relative to the bunker manifold between a first position, at which the bunker manifold is substantially obstructed by the cover, and a second position, at which the bunker manifold is unobstructed or less obstructed by the cover.
• the cover is configured to isolate the bunker manifold from a region external to the bunker manifold system when in the first position. In this way, the cover substantially prevents fluid flow into the chamber from the region external to the bunker manifold system when the cover is in the first position.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a source of inert gas fluidically connected or connectable to the chamber, whereby a flow of an inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber in use. In this way, unwanted fluid within the chamber can be displaced from the chamber before flowing fuel through the bunker hose.
• the flow of the inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber to the outlet in use.
• the flow of the inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber through the passage.
• the source of inert gas comprises an accumulator.
• the inert gas is nitrogen.
• the bunker manifold system comprises the bunker hose.
• the distal end portion of the bunker hose is dimensioned such that fluid from the chamber is displaced when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber in use. In this way, the fluid can be displaced from the chamber in the same action of inserting the distal end of the bunker hose, simplifying the process.
• the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between an exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and a surface of the chamber when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• a substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises at least one O-ring configured to create the substantially fluid-tight seal.
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises a plurality of O-rings configured to create the substantially fluid-tight seal. Providing a plurality of O-rings helps to provide redundancy in the event that one O-ring fails.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a first substantially fluid-tight seal and the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create the first substantially fluid-tight seal at a first side, furthest from the opening, of a mouth of the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber, so as to restrict fluid flow between the bunker hose and the passage.
• the likelihood of fuel from the bunker hose flowing through the passage is reduced. As such, if fuel is detected to have flowed through the passage, this can indicate that a leak has occurred and the fuel flow can be stopped.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a second substantially fluid-tight seal and the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create the second substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and the surface of the chamber at a second side of the mouth of the passage between the opening and the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• the second substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the bunker manifold system is configured such that the second substantially fluid-tight seal is present between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and the surface of the bunker manifold system when the fluid flows through the bunker hose in use.
• a bunker manifold system comprising: a bunker manifold comprising a chamber, wherein a distal end portion of a bunker hose is connectable to the bunker manifold such that an interior of the bunker hose is fluidically connected or connectable to the chamber; and a source of inert gas fluidically connected or connectable to the chamber, whereby a flow of an inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber in use.
• the distal end portion of the bunker hose is insertable into the chamber from a region external to the bunker manifold system.
• the bunker manifold system is for a vessel.
• the bunker manifold system is configured so that the bunker manifold is located below a waterline of the hull of the vessel when the bunker manifold system is installed on the vessel.
• the bunker manifold is located below the waterline when connected to a bunker hose and before fuel passes through the bunker manifold. The benefits of this are discussed above.
• the bunker manifold system is configured so that the flow of the inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber to an outlet in use.
• the bunker manifold system comprises the bunker hose.
• the distal end of the bunker hose is dimensioned such that fluid from the chamber is displaced when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber in use.
• the fluid can be displaced from the chamber in the same action of inserting the distal end of the bunker hose, simplifying the process.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a passage extending from the chamber to the outlet, whereby the passage is configured to avoid the opening to permit passage of fluid from the chamber to the outlet and the flow of the inert gas from the source is able to displace fluid from the chamber through the passage.
• fluid is able to flow from the chamber and avoid the opening.
• any unwanted fluid e.g. sea water
• any unwanted fluid e.g. sea water
• the outlet is fluidically connected or connectable to a region external to the bunker manifold.
• the outlet is fluidically connectable to a container configured to store fluid.
• the bunker manifold system comprises the bunker hose.
• the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and a surface of the chamber when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• a substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises at least one O-ring configured to create the substantially fluid-tight seal.
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises a plurality of O-rings configured to create the substantially fluid-tight seal. Providing a plurality of O-rings helps to provide redundancy in the event that one O-ring fails.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a first substantially fluid-tight seal and the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create the first substantially fluid-tight seal at a first side, furthest from the opening, of a mouth of the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber, so as to restrict fluid flow between the bunker hose and the passage.
• the likelihood of fuel from the bunker hose flowing through the passage is reduced. As such, if fuel is detected to have flowed through the passage, this can indicate that a leak has occurred and the fuel flow can be stopped.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a second substantially fluid-tight seal and the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create the second substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and the surface of the chamber at a second side of the mouth of the passage between the opening and the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• the second substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the bunker manifold system is configured such that the second substantially fluid-tight seal is present between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and the surface of the bunker manifold system when the fluid flows through the bunker hose in use.
• the bunker manifold system is configured for installation at a wall of a hull of a vessel. In this way, the bunker manifold can be easily accessed from a neighbouring bunker station or bunker barge, in use, in order to bunker or debunker the vessel.
• the source for inert gas comprises an accumulator.
• the source for inert gas comprises the inert gas.
• the inert gas is nitrogen.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a cover which is moveable relative to the bunker manifold between a first position, at which the bunker manifold is substantially obstructed by the cover, and a second position, at which the bunker manifold is unobstructed or less obstructed by the cover.
• the cover is configured to isolate the bunker manifold from a region external to the bunker manifold system when in the first position. In this way, the cover substantially prevents fluid flow into the chamber from the region external to the bunker manifold system when the cover is in the first position.
• a bunker system for bunkering or debunkering a vessel, the bunker system comprising: a bunker manifold system comprising a bunker manifold, the bunker manifold comprising a chamber having an opening; and a bunker hose having a distal end portion for insertion into the chamber via the opening from a region external to the bunker manifold system; wherein an exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and a surface of the chamber when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• a substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises at least one O-ring configured to create the substantially fluid-tight seal.
• the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose comprises a plurality of O-rings. Providing a plurality of O-rings helps to provide redundancy in the event that one O-ring fails.
• the bunker manifold system is for a vessel.
• the bunker manifold system is configured so that the bunker manifold is located below a waterline of the hull of the vessel when the bunker system is installed on the vessel. The benefits of this are discussed above.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a passage extending from the chamber to an outlet, whereby the passage is configured to avoid the opening and permit passage of a fluid from the chamber to the outlet, and the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a first substantially fluid-tight seal, wherein the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create the first substantially fluid-tight seal at a first side, furthest from the opening, of a mouth of the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber, so as to substantially prevent fuel from the bunker hose passing through the passage to the outlet.
• the outlet is fluidically connected to the region external to the bunker manifold and the first substantially fluid-tight seal is to substantially prevent fuel from the bunker hose passing through the passage to the region external to the bunker manifold.
• the outlet is fluidically connected or connectable to a container configured to store fluid.
• the bunker manifold system comprises a main bunker valve, and the first side of the mouth of the passage is between the passage and the main bunker valve.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal comprises a second substantially fluid-tight seal and the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose is configured to create a second substantially fluid-tight seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the exterior of the distal end portion of the bunker hose and the surface of the chamber at a second side of the mouth of the passage between the opening and the passage, when the distal end portion of the bunker hose is inserted into the chamber.
• a second substantially fluid-tight seal such as a circumferential seal
• the bunker manifold system is according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
• a hull for a vessel comprising: a bunker manifold that is fluidically connectable to a bunker hose and located below a waterline of the hull.
• the bunker manifold is located below the waterline when connected to the bunker hose and before fuel passes through the bunker manifold.
• the hull comprises a plurality of such bunker manifolds.
• the vessel when the hull is installed on the vessel, the vessel can be bunkered and/or debunkered from a variety of positions.
• the vessel can be bunkered and/or debunkered by using the plurality of bunker manifolds simultaneously, speeding up the bunkering and/or debunkering process.
• the bunker manifold is provided at a wall of the hull.
• the bunker manifold is provided at a wall on a port side or starboard side of the hull. In this way, the bunker manifold can be easily accessed from a neighbouring bunker station or bunker barge, in use.
• a hull for a vessel comprising the bunker manifold system of the first aspect of the present invention or of the second aspect of the present invention, or comprising the bunker system of the third aspect of the present invention.
• the bunker manifold of the bunker manifold system is located below a waterline of the hull. The benefits of this are discussed above.
• a vessel comprising the bunker manifold system of the first aspect of the present invention or of the second aspect of the present invention, or comprising the bunker system of the third aspect of the present invention, or comprising the hull of the fourth aspect of the present invention or of the fifth aspect of the present invention.
• the vessel is a marine vessel.
• the vessel is a container ship.
• the vessel is a bunker barge.
• a method of bunkering or debunkering a vessel comprising connecting a bunker hose to a bunker manifold when the bunker manifold is submerged below a water surface.
• the bunker manifold is comprised by the vessel.
• the bunker manifold is comprised by a bunker barge that is to be used to bunker the vessel.
• the connecting comprises driving a hydraulic arm to connect the bunker hose to the bunker manifold.
• the hydraulic arm may be operable remotely from the bunker manifold and/or the vessel. In this way, safety can be increased by allowing the user of the hydraulic arm to be remote from connection.
• the method comprises creating a seal, such as a circumferential seal, between the bunker hose and the bunker manifold. In this way, the chance of fuel leaking from the bunker manifold is reduced.
• the method comprises commencing passage of a fluid through the bunker hose when the seal is present.
• the method comprises moving a cover relative to the bunker manifold between a first position, at which the bunker manifold is substantially obstructed by the cover, and a second position, at which the bunker manifold is unobstructed or less obstructed by the cover.
• the method comprises connecting the bunker hose to the bunker manifold when the cover is in the second position.
• the method comprises connecting the bunker hose to the bunker manifold by inserting a distal end portion of the bunker hose into a chamber of the bunker manifold through an opening of the bunker manifold.
• the method comprises passing an inert gas through the chamber to displace a fluid, such as sea water, from the chamber.
• the passing the inert gas occurs before the connecting the bunker hose.
• the passing the inert gas occurs during or after the connecting the bunker hose. In this way, unwanted fluid, such as sea water, within the chamber can be displaced from the chamber before flowing fuel through the bunker hose.
• the method comprises connecting the bunker hose to the bunker manifold from a region external to the bunker manifold, and the method comprises displacing the fluid from the chamber to the region external to the bunker manifold.
• the method comprises displacing the fluid from the chamber to the region external to the bunker manifold through a passage which is configured to avoid the opening.
• the method comprises passing an inert gas through the bunker hose when the bunker hose is disconnected from the bunker manifold to displace fluid from within the bunker hose.
• any unwanted fluids can be removed from the bunker hose after use, allowing the bunker hose to be stored safely or used in another application without contamination.
• this helps to reduce the likelihood of potentially dangerous chemicals remaining in or emanating from the bunker hose.
• Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a vessel according to an example
• FIGS 2a to 2c are schematic cross-sectional views of a bunker system according to an example, the bunker system comprising a bunker manifold system and a bunker hose;
• Figures 3a and 3b are schematic partial cross-sectional views of alternative example bunker hoses.
• Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of bunkering or debunkering a vessel according to an example.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an example vessel 1 comprising a hull 2.
• the vessel 1 is a marine vessel to be bunkered and/or debunkered, for example a container ship, but in other examples it may be a bunker barge for bunkering and/or debunkering another vessel.
• the vessel 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured to be bunkered and/or debunkered.
• the vessel 1 is configured to store and be fuelled by an ammonia-based fuel. When combusted, ammonia does not produce carbon dioxide and is much more environmentally friendly than conventional fossil fuels.
• the vessel 1 is a bunker barge, which is configured to store and bunker and/or debunker the ammonia-based fuel into/from other vessels.
• the bunker barge may also be fuelled by the ammonia-based fuel.
• the vessel 1 comprises a bunker manifold system 10.
• the vessel 1 comprises a plurality of bunker manifold systems 10.
• a first of the bunker manifold systems 10 is provided on a starboard side of the vessel 1 and a second of the bunker manifold systems 10 is provided on a port side of the vessel 1.
• plural bunker manifold systems 10 may be provided on a single side of the vessel 1 (e.g. on the starboard side). Where plural bunker manifold systems 10 are provided, this allows the vessel 1 to be bunkered and/or debunkered from multiple positions.
• bunker manifold systems 10 are used to bunker and/or debunker the marine vessel 1 simultaneously, the bunkering and/or debunkering process can be completed more quickly.
• only a single bunker manifold system 10 is provided at the port side, starboard side, stern or bow of the marine vessel.
• the bunker manifold systems 10 are provided below a predetermined waterline X1 of the hull 2 of the vessel 1.
• the waterline X1 is the line or level at which the surface of the water in which the vessel 1 is disposed meets the hull 2 of the vessel 1.
• the depth at which the vessel 1 sits in the water varies depending on the weight of the vessel 1 (whether loaded or unloaded) or the properties of the water in which the vessel 1 is disposed.
• the waterline X1 is the line or level at which the surface of the water meets the hull 2 when the vessel 1 is at its lightest weight during normal operation - i.e. when the vessel 1 is unladen and carrying minimal or no ballast and minimal or no fuel.
• the waterline X1 is below the Plimsoll line of the vessel 1 and above the maximum effective radius of each propeller 3 of the vessel 1, such that the propellers 3 remain below the surface of the water during operation to provide propulsion.
• the waterline X1 might be elsewhere, such as below the Plimsoll line of the vessel 1 and above the axis of rotation of each propeller 3 of the vessel 1.
• FIGS 2a to 2c show respective schematic cross-sectional views of a bunker system 1000.
• the bunker system 1000 includes one of the bunker manifold systems 10 of Figure 1 and a bunker hose 100, at successive stages of connection between a bunker manifold 11 of the bunker manifold system 10 and the bunker hose 100. It will be appreciated that only a distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is shown.
• the bunker manifold 11 comprises a chamber 12 and an opening 13.
• the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is connectable to the bunker manifold 11 such that an interior 102 of the bunker hose 100 is fluidically connected or connectable to the chamber 12 via the opening 13.
• connecting the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11 comprises inserting the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 into the chamber 12 via the opening 13.
• the connection may be achieved without inserting part of the bunker hose 100 into the chamber 12, such as by connecting respective flanges of the bunker hose 100 and the bunker manifold 11 to each other, e.g. through the use of fasteners such as bolts.
• the opening 13 is provided in a wall 14 of the hull 2 of the vessel 1.
• the bunker manifold 11 can be easily accessed from a neighbouring bunker station or bunker barge, in use, in order to bunker or debunker the vessel 1.
• the opening 13 is provided at another area of the vessel 1 , for example at a deck level of the vessel 1.
• the bunker manifold system 10 comprises a passage 15 which extends from the chamber 12 to an outlet 16.
• the passage 15 is configured to avoid the opening 13 and permit passage of a fluid from the chamber 12 to the outlet 16. In this way, fluid is able to flow from the chamber 12 to the outlet 16 and avoid the opening 13. As such, any unwanted fluid (e.g. sea water) within the chamber 12 can be removed from the chamber 12 either before, during or after connection of the bunker hose 100.
• the outlet 16 of the passage 15 shown in Figure 2a is fluidically connected to, or opens into, a region 17 external to the bunker manifold 11 and the bunker manifold system 10.
• the outlet is fluidically connected or connectable to a container 18 configured to store fluid from the passage 15.
• the container 18 is removable such that it can be removed from the vessel 1 to allow its contents to be safely disposed of and/or analysed.
• the container 18 forms part of, and is permanently comprised in, the vessel 1.
• the contents of the container 18 can be analysed to determine if a leak has occurred in the bunker manifold 11.
• the flow through the passage 15 is analysed to determine the presence of any leaking fluid (for example ammonia) during use.
• one or more sensors are provided in the passage 15 and/or at the outlet 16 to monitor flow through the passage to determine the presence of any leaking fluid. For example, a camera with a view of the outlet 16 can monitor for indicators of a leak, such as bubbles emerging from the outlet 16.
• the one or more sensors comprises one or more density sensors configured to take continuous density measurements at the outlet 16.
• the bunker manifold 11 and more specifically the opening 13 thereof, in Figure 2a is disposed below the waterline X1 of the vessel 1. This helps to ensure that, were a leak to occur at the bunker manifold 11 during passage of the fuel through the bunker manifold 11, the fuel would be contained in the water. In cases where the fuel is prone to releasing, as a gas or vapour for example, chemicals that could be harmful to a crew of the vessel 1 , such as ammonia, such an arrangement helps to avoid or minimise such chemicals reaching the crew. Moreover, a leak can more easily be detected by detecting the presence of bubbles when using fuel such as ammonia.
• the bunker manifold system 10 may be arranged such that the opening 13 is above a waterline X2 and the outlet 16 is below the waterline X2. This allows easy access to the opening 13 for connection of the bunker hose 100 but ensures that any leaks through the passage 15 flow into the water at the outlet 16.
• both the opening 13 and the outlet 16 are above a waterline X3 such that the bunker manifold system 10 can be easily accessed.
• the bunker manifold system 10 comprises a cover 19 which is moveable relative to the bunker manifold 11 between a first position (shown in Figure 2a), at which the bunker manifold 11 is substantially obstructed by the cover 19, and a second position (shown in Figures 2b and 2c), at which the bunker manifold 11 is unobstructed or less obstructed by the cover 19.
• the cover 19 is configured to isolate the bunker manifold 11 from the region 17 external to the bunker manifold system 10 when in the first position. In this way, the cover 19 substantially prevents fluid flow into the chamber 12 from the region 17 external to the bunker manifold system 10 when the cover 19 is in the first position.
• the cover 19 can prevent sea water from flowing into the chamber 12 when the bunker manifold is not connected to a bunker hose. Moreover, the cover 19 helps ensure that the hull 2 of the vessel 1 remains substantially smooth to improve movement through a waterway in which the vessel 1 is disposed.
• the cover 19 of the example of Figure 2a is configured to slide in the direction of the wall 14 of the hull 2 between the first position and the second position. In other examples, the cover 19 is configured to move in another way, for example through the use of a hinge.
• the bunker manifold system 10 comprises a source of inert gas 21.
• the source 21 is fluidically connectable to the chamber 12.
• a flow of an inert gas, for example nitrogen, from the source 21 is able to displace fluid from the chamber 12 in use. In this way, unwanted fluid within the chamber 12 can be displaced from the chamber 12 before flowing fuel through the bunker hose 100.
• the flow of the inert gas from the source 21 displaces fluid from the chamber 12 to the outlet 16 via the passage 15.
• the source 21 shown in Figure 2a comprises a compressed gas storage container, such as an accumulator.
• the bunker manifold system shown in Figure 2a comprises a bunker manifold valve 20.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is configured to control fluid flow through the bunker manifold system 10.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 comprises a first configuration (as shown in Figures 2a and 2b) and a second configuration (as shown in Figure 2c). In the second configuration, fluid flow through the bunker manifold system 10 is less restricted by the bunker manifold valve 20 than when the bunker manifold valve 20 is in the first configuration. As such, fluid can more easily flow past the bunker manifold valve 20 in the second configuration.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is biased into the first configuration by a biasing device 28, for example a spring.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is biased into the first configuration in another way, for example by fluid pressure from the source of inert gas 21. In this way, the bunker manifold valve 20 remains closed or more restrictive to fluid flow when not in use, preventing unwanted foreign substances from passing the bunker manifold valve 20.
• the bunker manifold system 10 comprises a main bunker valve 22 which is configured to control flow of fluid that has passed through the bunker manifold valve 20 from the bunker hose 100, when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11.
• the main bunker valve 22 is configured to be opened during bunkering and/or debunkering of the vessel 1 and closed before and/or after bunkering and/or debunkering is complete.
• the chamber 12 is fluidically connectable to a bunker of the vessel 1 via the main bunker valve 22, and the main bunker valve 22 is operable to control flow between the chamber 12 and the bunker.
• the bunker hose 100 comprises a bunker hose valve 103 at the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100.
• the bunker hose valve 103 is configured to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the bunker hose 100 in at least one direction.
• the bunker hose valve 103 prevents fluid flow into a distal end o of the bunker hose 100 from the region 17 external to the bunker manifold system 10, and thus external to the bunker hose 100. In this way, fluid flow through the bunker hose 100 can be controlled to aid bunkering and/or debunkering of the vessel 1.
• bunker hose valve 103 shown in Figure 2a is disposed inwardly of the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100. This helps to protect the bunker hose valve 103 and reduce the chance of damaging the bunker hose valve 103 were the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100 to contact another object, such as during insertion into, or removal from, the opening 13.
• the bunker hose valve 103 is changeable from a first configuration (as shown in Figures 2a and 2b) to a second configuration (as shown in Figure 2c), in which a degree of restriction by the bunker hose valve 103 to fluid flow through the bunker hose 100 is different than when the bunker hose valve 103 is in the first configuration.
• the degree of restriction is less in the second configuration than in the first configuration.
• the bunker hose valve 103 is changeable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a fluid flow through the bunker hose 100 towards the distal end 104 in use.
• the pressure of the fuel flow causes the bunker hose valve 103 to change from the first configuration to the second configuration, allowing the fuel to pass out of the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100.
• This allows the configuration of the bunker hose valve 103 to be changed without the need for an additional device to control the bunker hose valve 103, simplifying the system.
• the bunker hose valve 103 comprises a biasing device 105 to bias the bunker hose valve 103 into the first configuration. This helps to ensure that the bunker hose valve 103 remains closed when not in use, preventing unwanted foreign substances from passing the bunker hose valve 103 and entering the interior 102 of the bunker hose 100.
• the biasing device 105 is a spring.
• the bunker hose valve 103 is biased into the first configuration by, for example, fluid pressure, such as in use.
• the bunker hose valve 103 of Figure 2a acts as a non-return valve such that fuel flows out of the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100 by moving the bunker hose valve 103 from the first configuration to the second configuration, whereas any fluid attempting to flow in the opposite direction and enter the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100 will drive the bunker hose valve 103 from the second configuration to the first configuration, thereby closing the bunker hose valve 103 and substantially preventing ingress of fluid into the interior 102.
• Other examples and operations of bunker hose valves 103 are discussed in relation to Figures 3a and 3b below.
• the bunker hose 100 is weighted such that the bunker hose 100 sits below the water surface in use.
• the bunker hose 100 has a density which is greater than 1000 kg/m 3 at 4°C and atmospheric pressure. In other examples, the density is greater than 1000 kg/m 3 at 4°C and atmospheric pressure, such as between 1020 kg/m 3 and 1030 kg/m 3 at 4°C and atmospheric pressure.
• the fuel would be contained in the water.
• chemicals that could be harmful to a crew of the vessel 1 such as ammonia
• such an arrangement helps to avoid or minimise such chemicals reaching the crew.
• the bunker hose 100 shown in Figure 2a comprises an engagement mechanism 106 configured to engage with a part of the bunker manifold 11 so as to hold the bunker hose 100 in place relative to the bunker manifold 11 when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11. In this way, the bunker hose 100 is secured to the bunker manifold 11 during use, helping to reduce the likelihood of the bunker hose 100 detaching from the bunker manifold 11 , thus reducing the chances of a fuel leak.
• the engagement mechanism 106 comprises two engagement features 107 or arms which are configured to extend radially from the bunker hose 100 and engage with an undercut 23 of the bunker manifold 11 , when the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is in the chamber 12.
• greater or fewer engagement features 107 are provided.
• the engagement mechanism 106 comprises a hydraulic collar that is actuatable to cause an increase in a degree of radial protrusion of the engagement features 107 from the rest of the bunker hose 100.
• the chamber 12 of the bunker manifold 11 is dimensioned to allow the engagement features 107 to move and engage with the undercut 23 when the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is inserted into the chamber 12.
• the bunker hose 100 comprises a projection 111 configured to engage with a drive mechanism (not shown).
• the drive mechanism is to drive the bunker hose 100 into connection with the bunker manifold 11 in use.
• the bunker hose 100 can be more easily held and directed by the drive mechanism, for example a hydraulic arm.
• the manner in which the bunker hose 100 is engageable with a drive mechanism may be different to that shown, and in some examples the bunker hose 100 may not have any dedicated feature(s) for engagement with a drive mechanism.
• Figure 2b shows the cover 19 having been moved to its second position, and the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 partially inserted into the chamber 12 of the bunker manifold 11 via the opening 13.
• the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 creates a substantially fluid-tight seal 29 between an exterior 108 of the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 and a surface 24 of the chamber 12.
• the bunker hose 100 comprises first and second O-rings 109a, 109b to create the substantially fluid-tight seal 29, although greater or fewer (e.g. none) O-rings 109a, 109b can be provided in other examples.
• the substantially fluid-tight seal 29 is created before the bunker hose 100 is fully inserted into the chamber 12.
• the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is dimensioned such that fluid from the chamber 12 is displaced when the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 is inserted into the chamber 12. This allows fluid to be displaced via the passage 15 from the chamber 12 in the same action of inserting the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100, simplifying the process.
• FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional schematic view of the bunker manifold system 10 when the bunker hose 100 is fully inserted into the chamber 12.
• a first substantially fluid-tight seal 29a is created by the first O-ring 109a between the exterior 103 of the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 and the surface 24 of the chamber 12 at a first side 25, furthest from the opening 13, of a mouth 27 of the passage 15.
• the first substantially fluid-tight seal 29a helps to substantially prevent fuel flowing through the bunker hose 100 from passing between the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 and the surface 24 of the chamber 12. This reduces the chance of fuel leaking to the region 17 external to the bunker manifold system 10.
• a leak can be determined by detecting fuel flowing through the passage 15.
• a second substantially fluid-tight seal 29b is created by the second O- ring 109b between the exterior 108 of the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 and the surface 24 of the chamber 12 at a second side 26 of the mouth 27 of the passage 15 between the opening 13 and the passage 15.
• the bunker manifold system 10 is configured such that the second substantially fluid-tight seal 29b is present between the exterior 108 of the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 and the surface 24 of the bunker manifold system 10 when the fluid flows through the bunker hose 100. This helps to reduce the chance of fuel leaking to the region 17 external to the bunker manifold system 10 by ensuring that the seal is present before beginning to flow fuel.
• the engagement features 107 of the engagement mechanism 106 have radially extended (as compared to the state in Figure 2b) to engage with the undercut 23 of the bunker manifold 11.
• the bunker hose 100 is substantially prevented from being removed from the bunker manifold 11 while the engagement features 107 are extended. This helps to reduce the chance of an accidental disconnection between the bunker manifold 11 and the bunker hose 100 caused, for example, by the vessel 1 moving due to rough sea conditions.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is configured to be actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11. In this way, the bunker manifold valve 20 is in the second configuration when the bunker hose is connected to the bunker manifold, allowing for the passage of fuel to begin through the bunker hose.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 in Figure 2c is configured such that connection of the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11 causes the actuation of the bunker manifold valve 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration.
• the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100 interacts with the bunker manifold valve 20 to cause actuation of the bunker manifold valve 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is biased such that, when the bunker hose 100 is subsequently disconnected from the bunker manifold 11, the bunker manifold valve 20 returns to the first configuration. In this way, the configuration of the bunker manifold valve 20 can be changed without the need for an additional device to control the bunker manifold valve 20, simplifying the operation.
• the bunker manifold valve 20 is configured to be actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration by an actuator other than the bunker hose 100. This allows independent control of the bunker manifold valve 20, such that connection of the bunker hose 100 can be confirmed before the bunker manifold valve 20 is actuated.
• FIGs 3a and 3b are schematic cross-sectional views of alternative bunker hoses 100.
• the bunker hose valve 103 is configured to change from the first configuration (as shown) to the second configuration (not shown, but in which the degree of restriction to fluid flow is less than in the first configuration) upon contact between the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100 and an external object (for example the bunker manifold valve 20). This pushes the bunker hose valve 103 away from a seat 110 in the bunker hose 100, to allow fluid flow past the bunker hose valve 103.
• FIG. 3b shows an alternative example of a bunker hose 100 in which the bunker hose valve 103 is configured to change from the first configuration (as shown) to the second configuration (not shown, but in which the degree of restriction to fluid flow is less than in the first configuration) in response to fluid flow into the distal end 104 of the bunker hose 100.
• a bunker hose valve 103 can, for example, be used at an end of the bunker hose 100 for connection to a bunker barge to be used for bunkering a vessel using the bunker hose 100.
• the bunker hose 100 has one end as shown in Figures 2a-2c and its other end as shown in Figure 3b.
• the bunker hose 100 comprises an actuator configured to drive the bunker hose valve 103 between the first configuration and the second configuration. This allows independent control of the bunker hose valve 103, such that connection of the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11 and/or presence of the seals 29 can be confirmed before the bunker hose valve 103 is actuated.
• the actuator is configured to drive the bunker hose valve 103 on connection of the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11.
• FIG 4 is a flow diagram of a method 300 of bunkering or debunkering a vessel 1.
• the method 300 may be performed using the bunker system 1000 shown in Figures 2a-2c or any compatible variant thereof discussed herein.
• the method 300 comprises moving 301 a cover 19 relative to a bunker manifold 11 between a first position, at which the bunker manifold 11 is substantially obstructed by the cover 19, and a second position, at which the bunker manifold 11 is unobstructed or less obstructed by the cover 19.
• the method 300 comprises passing 302 an inert gas, for example nitrogen, through a chamber 12 of the bunker manifold 11 to displace a fluid from the chamber 12, such as sea water that may have entered the chamber 12 on movement of the cover 19.
• an inert gas for example nitrogen
• the passing 302 the inert gas occurs before connecting 304 a bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11, discussed below.
• the passing 302 the inert gas also or alternatively occurs during or after the connecting 304 the bunker hose 100. In this way, unwanted fluid, such as sea water, within the chamber 12 can be displaced from the chamber 12 before flowing fuel through the bunker hose 100.
• the passing 302 the inert gas comprises displacing the fluid from the chamber 12 to a region 17 external to the bunker manifold 11 through a passage 15, such as the passage 15 described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c above, which is configured to avoid an opening 13 via which the hose 100 is insertable into the chamber 12.
• the fluid is displaced from the chamber 12 to the region 17 external to the bunker manifold 11 without passing through the passage 15.
• the method 300 comprises moving 303 the bunker hose 100 from a first position remote from the bunker manifold system 10 to a second position in which the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11.
• the moving 303 comprises driving a drive mechanism, for example a hydraulic arm, to move the bunker hose 100 from the first position to the second position.
• the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the bunker manifold 11. In some examples, the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the vessel 1. In this way, safety can be increased by allowing the user of the drive mechanism to be remote from the connection.
• the method 300 comprises connecting 304 the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11 , for example from the region 17 external to the bunker manifold 11 , when the bunker manifold 11 is submerged below a water surface.
• the connecting 304 occurs when the cover 19 is in the second position.
• the connecting 304 comprises inserting a distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 into a chamber 12 of the bunker manifold 11 through the opening 13 of the bunker manifold 11.
• the method 300 further comprises creating 305 a seal 29, for example a circumferential seal, between the bunker hose 100 and the bunker manifold 11. In this way, the chance of fuel leaking from the bunker manifold 11 is reduced.
• the seal 29 may be a seal 29 as described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c above.
• the inserting comprises displacing fluid from the chamber 12 to an outlet 16, for example the outlet 16 described in relation to Figures 2a to 2c.
• the method comprises displacing the fluid from the chamber 12 to the outlet 16 the passage 15 which is configured to avoid the opening 13.
• the outlet 16 is fluidically connected to the region 17 external to the bunker manifold 11.
• the connecting 304 comprises driving the drive mechanism to connect the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11.
• the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the bunker manifold 11.
• the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the vessel 1. In this way, safety can be increased by allowing the user of the drive mechanism to be remote from the connection.
• the connecting 304 comprises manually connecting the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11 without the use of a drive mechanism, such as through the use of a dive team.
• the method 300 of Figure 4 comprises the bunker hose 100 causing 306 actuation of a valve of the bunker manifold system 10, for example the bunker manifold valve 20 discussed above, from a first configuration to a second configuration, in which fluid flow through the bunker manifold system is less restricted by the valve 20 than when the valve 20 is in the first configuration, when the bunker hose 100 is connected to a bunker manifold 11 of the bunker manifold system 10.
• the distal end portion 101 of the bunker hose 100 interacts with the valve 20 of the bunker manifold system to cause the actuation of the valve 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration.
• the moving the bunker hose 100 to the second position causes the actuation of the valve 20 from the first configuration to the second configuration.
• the valve of the bunker manifold system is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration by an actuator, for example operable by a user interface.
• the causing 306 actuation occurs after the seal 29 has been created. In other examples, the causing 306 actuation occurs before or during creation of the seal 29.
• the method 300 comprises commencing 307 a flow of fuel through the bunker hose 100 when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11. As such, fuel flow only begins when the bunker hose 100 is connected to the bunker manifold 11, reducing the risk of leaks.
• the method 300 comprises disconnecting 308 the bunker hose 100 from the bunker manifold 11.
• the disconnecting 308 comprises driving the drive mechanism to disconnect the bunker hose 100 to the bunker manifold 11.
• the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the bunker manifold 11 to disconnect the bunker hose 100.
• the drive mechanism is operated remotely from the vessel 1.
• the disconnecting 308 comprises manually disconnecting the bunker hose 100 from the bunker manifold 11 without the use of a drive mechanism, such as through the use of a dive team.
• the method 300 further comprises passing 309 an inert gas through the bunker hose 100 to displace fluid from within the bunker hose 100.
• the passing 309 can occur before, during or after the disconnecting 308 the bunker hose 100 from the bunker manifold 11. In this way, any unwanted fluids can be removed from the bunker hose 100 after use, allowing the bunker hose 100 to be stored safely or used in another application without contamination. Moreover, this helps to reduce the likelihood of potentially dangerous chemicals remaining in the bunker hose 100.
• the moving 301 the cover, the passing 302 the inert gas through the chamber, the moving 303 the bunker hose 100, the connecting 304, the creating 305 the seal, the causing 306 actuation, the commencing 307 the flow of fuel, the disconnecting 308 and the passing 309 the inert gas through the bunker hose are performed when the bunker manifold 11 is below the water surface.
• one or more of the passing 302 the inert gas through the chamber, the moving 303 the bunker hose 100, the connecting 304, the creating 305 the seal, the causing 306 actuation, the commencing 307 the flow of fuel, the disconnecting 308 or the passing 309 the inert gas through the bunker hose is performed when the bunker manifold 11 is above the water surface.
• any one or more of the moving 301 the cover, the passing 302 the inert gas through the chamber, the moving 303 the bunker hose 100, the creating 305 the seal, the causing 306 actuation, the commencing 307 the flow of fuel, the disconnecting 308 or the passing 309 the inert gas through the bunker hose is omitted from the method 300.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
• Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

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• 2022
  • 2022-06-17 EP EP22737583.9A patent/EP4355645A2/de active Pending
  • 2022-06-17 WO PCT/EP2022/066568 patent/WO2022263634A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2022-06-17 CN CN202280043281.1A patent/CN117545684A/zh active Pending

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