GB2480155A - Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures - Google Patents
Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2480155A GB2480155A GB1107481A GB201107481A GB2480155A GB 2480155 A GB2480155 A GB 2480155A GB 1107481 A GB1107481 A GB 1107481A GB 201107481 A GB201107481 A GB 201107481A GB 2480155 A GB2480155 A GB 2480155A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- offshore
- probe
- replenishment
- replenishment system
- offshore structure
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 title description 2
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 73
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000002283 diesel fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- -1 power Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000010304 firing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G67/00—Loading or unloading vehicles
- B65G67/60—Loading or unloading ships
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)
Abstract
An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure has one or more replenishment probes 3 capable of remote operation, one or more probe receivers 2 with connections to fluid or energy storage or consumption devices 5 within the offshore structure, one or more fluid or energy supply conduits 9 or valves connected to the replenishment probe(s) at one end and to a supply vessel 8 at the other end. The offshore structure can be a taut moored buoyant structure 1, or can be fixed to the seabed. A gravity base 6 can be used to anchor the structure and to locate the probe receiver(s). The probe receiver(s) are located externally to or on the offshore structure. The supply conduits 9 can be semi-buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or surface mounted. Replenishment items include diesel fuel, oil, chemicals, lube oil, water, power, gas, electrical power.
Description
OFFSHORE REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM FOR FIXED AND FLOAT[NG OFFSHORE
STRUCTURES
This invention relates to the fluid replenishment of offshore structures designed for use in the offshore oil, gas, energy and other offshore industries.
Current offshore fixed and floating structures often use consumable fluids for a variety of reasons including fuel for power units, injection chemicals for flow-lines and weliheads, lubricating oil, fresh water etc. These fluids are required to be replaced at regular intervals.
The replenishment operation usually requires the connection of single or multiple hoses or multiple core hoses at connection points at or above the surface of the sea (or lake). Such systems usually require manned intervention and always require a benign sea-state for the replenishment vessel to approach the structure being replenished.
The current invention describes a system which enables replenishment to be conducted remotely and in most weather conditions. In this system a single or multi port refuelling probe (male or female) is remotely inserted into or onto a receiver (female or male) located on the structure below mean sea level and below the zone of high wave energies. The probe is positioned and controlled using a standard or purpose built remotely operated vehicle (ROy).
Fluid or energy or both is passed to the ROV mounted probe via semi-buoyant or neutrally buoyant single or multiple hose strings or via a multiple cored hose or cables.
According to the present invention there is provided an offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure comprising of one or more replenishment probes capable of remote operation, one or more probe receivers located externally to or on the offshore structure with connections to fluid or energy or fluid and energy storage or consumption devices or both within said offshore structure, one or more semi-buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or surface mounted fluid or energy or fluid and energy supply conduits or valves connected to said replenishment probe(s) at one end and to a supply vessel with connected fluid or energy or fluid and energy sources at the other end.
Replenishment fluids include diesel fuel, oil, chemicals, lube oil, water. The system can also be used to transmit power or pressurised gas. An inductive coupler can be used to transmit electrical power.
The offshore structure can be a buoyant structure with taut moorings or can be fixed to the seabed.
In the case where a buoyant structure is used said structure can be unmanned, with controls that can be remotely accessed and monitored, with a hull that has a surface piercing tubular section and provides housing under the water surface for location of control, power, or other equipment, with excess buoyancy provided by the hull. In a further embodiment said buoyant structure can support a telescopically extendable shaft.
When used with a buoyant structure one embodiment has one or more of the probe receivers located on the structure near to or at the bottom of said structure below the high energy wave zone.
A gravity base can be used to anchor the structure or its moorings to the seabed. In this case one embodiment has one or more of the probe receivers located on the gravity base.
In the case where a fixed structure is used one embodiment has one or more of the probe receivers located on the structure near to the seabed.
The replenishment probe(s) can be single or multi port.
In one embodiment of the invention the probe receiver(s) is fitted with a mating plate designed to allow ease of docking with the replenishment probe(s).
In one embodiment of the invention the replenishment probe(s) and probe receiver(s) are fitted with a mechanical or magnetic locking catch device such that they can be locked together prior to replenishment. In this case the locking device can be either automatically locked on contact or can be operated remotely.
In one embodiment of the invention the replenishment probe(s) is attached to an ROV allowing remote operation for connection and deployment of said probe(s).
Preferably, but not exclusively the fluid conduit is a hose. The energy conduit can be a cable or cables within a hose or protective covering.
The hose can be single or multiple core.
The connections from the probe receiver(s) to the fluid storage or consumption devices can be by way of hose. The connections from the probe receiver(s) to the energy storage or consumption devices can be by way of cable.
In one embodiment of the invention the fluid or energy supply conduits and the connections to the probe receiver(s) from the offshore structure are sealed by valves which can be opened for replenishment operations. These can be automatically activated by contact or can be activated remotely. For automatic activation a ball bearing and push rod type mechanism can be used.
In one embodiment of the invention a powered reel is provided to control the position of the probe receiver(s), said receiver(s) being connected to a fluid or energy receiving conduit attached to the powered reel, and said reel being attached to the offshore structure above the water level. In one embodiment of this case the probe receiver(s) is fitted with a catch device that allows said probe(s) to be retrieved without boarding said offshore structure. A line with attached engagement device can be fired from a distance in order to engage with the catch device on the probe receiver and allow remote retrieval. In a further embodiment of this case a cantilevered support from the reel allows extension of the fluid or energy receiving conduit and probe receiver further away from the offshore structure to ease retrieval of said probe.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -Figure 1 shows a general arrangement view of the replenishment system used with a buoyant structure.
Figure 2 shows a view of a remotely operated replenishment probe and a receiving probe. 4)
Referring to Figure 1, the replenishment system comprises of a buoyant structure 1, a receiving probe 2, a replenishment probe 3, an ROV 4, refill fluid tanks 5, a gravity base 6, taut moorings 7, a supply vessel 8, and fluid supply hose (conduit) 9. A powered reel 10 is also included.
Referring to Figure 2, the receiving probe 2 is formed so as to allow ease of docking with the replenishment probe 3.
In operation the replenishment probe 3 is positioned using the ROV 4, and is docked with the receiving probe 2. The two probes 3, 2 are locked together using a mechanical or magnetic locking catch device within the probes 3, 2. This can be automatically locked on contact or can be operated remotely, in which case a signal can be sent to the operator to indicate contact.
Valves are then used to lock and seal the fluid conduits (supply and receiving) together. These valves can be automatically activated due to contact e.g. ball bearing and push rod, or can be activated remotely. Fluid from the supply vessel 7 is then pumped through the supply hose 9 into the replenishment probe 3 and receiving probe 2, and onwards into the refill fluid tanks 5.
The fluid tanks 5 are joined to the receiving probe 2 with internal hoses (not shown).
The buoy 1 is held in position above the base 6 using taut moorings 7.
An alternative method of replenishment is provided by use of the powered reel 10. This allows replenishment without an ROy. In this case the receiving probe 2 is attached to the end of a hose supported by the powered reel 10 connected to the refill tanks 5. The hose is coiled within the buoy 1 ready for deployment. The receiving probe 2 is moved outwards and downwards using the powered reel 10, then connected to the replenishment probe 3. The replenishment probe 3 could be located on the supply vessel 7, or could be supported in the water. If supported in the water an RIB or small boat may be required in order to access, deploy and connect the two probes. Alternatively the receiving probe 2 is fitted with a catch device (e.g. a line and hook) which is engaged from the supply vessel 7 by firing a line with engagement device attached. The receiving probe 2 and hose are then pulled onto the supply vessel 7, and attached to the replenishment probe 3 ready for refuelling operations. The powered reel 10 can be hydraulically tensioned or spring balanced to control the amount of hose deployed.
Claims (29)
- CLAIMSI. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure comprising of one or more replenishment probes capable of remote operation, one or more probe receivers located externally to or on the offshore structure with connections to fluid or energy or fluid and energy storage or consumption devices or both within said offshore structure, one or more semi-buoyant, neutrally buoyant, or surface mounted fluid or energy or fluid and energy supply conduits or valves connected to said replenishment probe(s) at one end and to a supply vessel with connected fluid or energy or fluid and energy sources at the other end.
- 2. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 1, wherein replenishment fluids include diesel fuel, oil, chemicals, lube oil, or water.
- 3. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is used to transmit power or pressurised gas.
- 4. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 3, wherein an inductive coupler is used to transmit electrical power.
- 5. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the offshore structure is a buoyant structure with taut moorings.
- 6. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the offshore structure is fixed to the seabed.
- 7. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the taut moored buoyant structure is unmanned, has controls that can be remotely accessed and monitored, with a hull that has a water surface piercing tubular section and provides housing under the water surface for location of control, power, or other equipment, with excess buoyancy provided by the hull.
- 8. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 7, wherein the taut moored buoyant structure provides support for a telescopically extendable shaft.
- 9. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any of claims 5, 7, or 8, wherein one or more of the probe receivers are located on the structure near to or at the bottom of said structure below the high energy wave zone.
- 10. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a gravity base is employed and one or more of the probe receivers are located on the gravity base.
- I I. An offshore replenishment system br an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 6, wherein one or more of the probe receivers are located on the structure near to the seabed.
- 12. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the replenishment probe(s) can be single or multi port.
- 13. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the probe receiver(s) is fltted with a mating plate designed to allow ease of docking with the replenishment probe(s).
- 14. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the replenishment probe(s) and probe receiver(s) are fitted with a mechanical or magnetic locking catch device such that they can be locked together prior to replenishment.
- 15. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the locking device can be either automatically locked on contact or can be operated remotely.
- 16. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the replenishment probe(s) is attached to an ROV allowing remote operation for connection and deployment of said probe(s).
- 17. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid conduit is a hose.
- 18. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the energy conduit is a cable or cables within a hose or protective covering.
- 19. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the hose can be single or multiple core.
- 20. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connections from the probe receiver(s) to the fluid storage or consumption devices are by way of hose.
- 21. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connections from the probe receiver(s) to the energy storage or consumption devices are by way of cable.
- 22. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid or energy supply conduits and the connections to the probe receiver(s) from the offshore structure are sealed by valves which can be opened for replenishment operations.
- 23. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the valves can be automatically activated by contact or can be activated remotely.
- 24. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 23, wherein automatic activation is achieved using a ball bearing and push rod type mechanisiii,
- 25. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a powered reel is provided to control the position of the probe receiver(s), said receiver(s) being connected to a fluid or energy receiving conduit attached to the powered reel, and said reel being attached to the offshore structure above the water level.
- 26. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 25, wherein the probe receiver(s) is fitted with a catch device that allows said probe(s) to be retrieved without boarding said offshore structure.
- 27. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 26, wherein a line with an attached engagement device can be fired from a distance in order to engage with the catch device on the probe receiver and allow remote retrieval.
- 28. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure as claimed in Claim 25, wherein a cantilevered support from the reel allows extension of the fluid or energy receiving conduit and probe receiver further away from the offshore structure to ease retrieval of said probe.
- 29. An offshore replenishment system for an offshore structure substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1007467.2A GB201007467D0 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2010-05-05 | Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201107481D0 GB201107481D0 (en) | 2011-06-22 |
| GB2480155A true GB2480155A (en) | 2011-11-09 |
Family
ID=42290071
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1007467.2A Ceased GB201007467D0 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2010-05-05 | Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures |
| GB1107481A Withdrawn GB2480155A (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2011-05-05 | Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB1007467.2A Ceased GB201007467D0 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2010-05-05 | Offshore replenishment system for fixed and floating offshore structures |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB201007467D0 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2895384A4 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2016-04-20 | Us Gov Sec Navy | Magnetically attracted connector system and method |
| US20220056881A1 (en) * | 2020-05-18 | 2022-02-24 | Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd. | Hydrogen production and conveyance system |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3199553A (en) * | 1959-11-19 | 1965-08-10 | Parker Hannifin Corp | Ship to ship refueling device |
| US3754581A (en) * | 1971-06-01 | 1973-08-28 | R Taggart | Method and apparatus for cargo transfer system |
| GB2118657A (en) * | 1978-12-27 | 1983-11-02 | Smith International | Connection of underwater lines |
| US4786266A (en) * | 1985-07-17 | 1988-11-22 | British Aerospace Public Limited Company | Open sea transfer of fluids |
| WO2008093812A1 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2008-08-07 | Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. | Supply apparatus for ballast-treated water, and ballast-treated water supply ship |
| KR20110006253A (en) * | 2009-07-14 | 2011-01-20 | 대우조선해양 주식회사 | Movable loading and unloading equipment, and managment method for improving maintaining and repairing performance of marine structure |
-
2010
- 2010-05-05 GB GBGB1007467.2A patent/GB201007467D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2011
- 2011-05-05 GB GB1107481A patent/GB2480155A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3199553A (en) * | 1959-11-19 | 1965-08-10 | Parker Hannifin Corp | Ship to ship refueling device |
| US3754581A (en) * | 1971-06-01 | 1973-08-28 | R Taggart | Method and apparatus for cargo transfer system |
| GB2118657A (en) * | 1978-12-27 | 1983-11-02 | Smith International | Connection of underwater lines |
| US4786266A (en) * | 1985-07-17 | 1988-11-22 | British Aerospace Public Limited Company | Open sea transfer of fluids |
| WO2008093812A1 (en) * | 2007-02-01 | 2008-08-07 | Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. | Supply apparatus for ballast-treated water, and ballast-treated water supply ship |
| KR20110006253A (en) * | 2009-07-14 | 2011-01-20 | 대우조선해양 주식회사 | Movable loading and unloading equipment, and managment method for improving maintaining and repairing performance of marine structure |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2895384A4 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2016-04-20 | Us Gov Sec Navy | Magnetically attracted connector system and method |
| US9803787B2 (en) | 2012-09-14 | 2017-10-31 | The United States Of America, As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Magnetically attracted fluid transfer system |
| US20220056881A1 (en) * | 2020-05-18 | 2022-02-24 | Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd. | Hydrogen production and conveyance system |
| US20220056880A1 (en) * | 2020-05-18 | 2022-02-24 | Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd. | Hydrogen production and conveyance system |
| US20220349374A1 (en) * | 2020-05-18 | 2022-11-03 | Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd. | Hydrogen production and conveyance system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201007467D0 (en) | 2010-06-16 |
| GB201107481D0 (en) | 2011-06-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |