KR102165383B1 - Arrangements and a method for connection and disconnection of at least one hose carrying fluid especially lng and/or vaporized lng - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device for connecting one or more hoses carrying fluids such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG. Hose ends 63 of one or more hoses have a hose end connector 91 that is connected to the receiving assembly 90 on a first structure 80 located in the water. The hose end connector 91 is provided with guiding means 102 and the receiving assembly 90 is provided with receiving means 71. The connecting device comprises handling means for positioning the guiding means 102 in the receiving means 71 and for adjusting the hose end connector 91 to accommodate the guiding means 102 in the receiving means 71, The means 102 are supported within the receiving means 71 and the weight of the hose end connector 91 is transferred to the receiving means 71. The hose end connector 91 has a connection position with the receiving pipe coupling 15 in the receiving assembly 90, and one receiving pipe coupling 15 is provided for each hose end connector 91. In addition, the present invention includes a method for connecting and disconnecting one or more hoses carrying fluids such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG, among others.

Description

In particular, devices and methods for connecting and disconnecting one or more hoses carrying fluids, such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG.(ARRANGEMENTS AND A METHOD FOR CONNECTION AND DISCONNECTION OF AT LEAST ONE HOSE CARRYING FLUID ESPECIALLY LNG AND/OR VAPORIZED LNG}

The present invention relates in particular to an apparatus and method for connecting and disconnecting one or more hoses carrying fluids such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG.

The fluid delivered by the present invention may be any type of fluid, and may be used to deliver hydrocarbons, such as LNG and evaporated LNG and other fluids in gas and liquid form. have. In one application, the present invention can be used to deliver a fluid, such as LNG from a floating LNG production plant (FLNG), to an LNG carrier, wherein the delivery system comprises three separate hose lines, namely LNG to LNG. It may include two dedicated lines for delivery to the carrier and a line for sending the evaporated LNG back to FLNG.

The transfer of fluid between the two structures is an essential and dangerous process. In particular, when this delivery process is carried out in open seas, and the fluid is very flammable and explosive hydrocarbons and cryogenic fluids, the delivery process is particularly dangerous and special care should be taken.

As mentioned above, fluids can be transferred between structures located in water. Alternatively, fluid transfer may occur between a land-based structure in which one of the structures is located in water and the other is a land-based structure. Structures located in the water may include different types of vessels, bars, ships and platforms or other structures suitable for loading or offloading. Such structures or vessels may be floating, submersible, semi-submersible, or suspended on the seabed. Various systems can be used to hold the structures in place, for example, a system for anchoring devices such as a turret system, or a dynamic positioning system or a system for arranging anchors. have. Prior art solutions for fluid transfer between structures include tandem positon arrangements, rigid offloading or side-by-side configurations.

Several rigid systems have been proposed for fluid transfer between structures using a fixed arm and rigid articulated pipe. Rigid systems are relatively complex and heavy, and high loads are placed on the system when wave movement causes structures to move relative to each other.

The solutions of the prior art are WO 2010137990, US 2914080, WO 2007113203, GB 900877, US 2818891, US 2914080, US 2922446, US 3228421 and "The All" published by Charles Hughes and Renaud Le Devehat at the 2006 Abu Dhabi Gas Engineering Consultation. Metal LNG Offloading System for the Adriatic LNG Terminal".

As an alternative to a rigid pipe system for fluid delivery, a method using a flexible hose has been proposed. However, flexible lines are very difficult to handle while connecting to a manifold on a receiving structure, and prior art systems are used to regulate flexible hoses when the connection process is performed in open seas. Couldn't provide a satisfactory solution.

When one or both of these structures involved in fluid transfer are located in water, the problem is to provide a solution that can handle the movement caused by wave motion. In addition, although the present invention should be able to handle all kinds of fluid delivery, and in particular, should be able to deliver LNG, problems with functional features such as LNG delivery, which should be presented when handling cryogenic fluids. Due to the specific risks that are needed, it involves a very dangerous process.

Due to the high risk when delivering LNG and the stringent safety regulations required to apply these systems, one approved solution for LNG delivery that meets these limitations has been preferred in the market.

This solution is a rigid loading arm placed on the first structure, eg FLNG, for connection to a second structure, eg a manifold structure on the LNG carrier. The arms are balanced by counter weights and use rigid pipes to transfer fluid from one structure to another. In addition, the system uses a swivel system that can compensate for relative motion between the two structures. Due to the large weight of the system consisting of rigid pipes and heavy counterweights, in some cases high dynamic forces and significant impacts are provided on the manifold depending on the relative motion between the structures. This may occur during connection to the second structure, and also during use when the system is installed, and while fluid is transferred from one structure to another. In this situation, the manifold on the LNG carrier is particularly vulnerable. Accordingly, the forces acting on the system constitute the conditions necessary to set the height of the wave and thus act as a limiting requirement when a loading arm is used for fluid delivery.

In this technical field, the need to provide a solution that does not have the drawbacks of existing solutions is raised. This is a key factor in allowing the operator to deliver fluid out of the traditional conservative weather window of the rigid loading arm mentioned above.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device with features that allow the system to be used without the drawbacks of the conventional conservative wave restriction applied to the rigid loading arm mentioned above. A further object of the present invention is to construct a device having a low active dynamic mass with a small load impact acting on a connection. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which compensation for relative motion between two structures is processed more simply. Another object is to provide a solution that makes it possible to connect to a receiving assembly, for example a manifold on a structure, such as an LNG carrier, without exposing a large force to the manifold, even when the waves are high.

In one aspect, the invention is for use in the case where fluid transfer occurs between two structures arranged side by side.

The invention is defined in the independent claims and embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention particularly comprises a device for connecting one or more hoses for conveying a fluid such as LNG and/or vaporized LNG, wherein the hose end of the one or more hoses is located in water. It has a hose end connector connected to the receiving assembly on the bed. The hose end connector is provided with guide means and the receiving assembly is provided with receiving means. In addition, the connection device comprises handling means for positioning the guiding means in the receiving means and for adjusting the hose end connector to receive the guiding means in the receiving means, the guiding means being supported in the receiving means The weight of the hose end connector is transmitted to the receiving means. The hose end connector is then brought into a connection position with a receiving pipe coupling, for example, a receiving pipe stud coupling in the receiving assembly. In the receiving assembly, one receiving pipe coupling is provided for each hose end connector. When three hoses are included in the device, the hose end connector of each hose fits in the receiving assembly with a corresponding receiving pipe coupling. In the connection position, the hose end connector can be fastened to the corresponding receiving pipe coupling by suitable fastening means.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for connecting one or more hoses, in particular for conveying fluids such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG, wherein the hose ends of the one or more hoses are connected to the receiving assembly on a first structure located in water It has a hose end connector.

The hose end is provided with guiding means and the receiving assembly is provided with receiving means, a handling means for adjusting the hose end connector and for positioning the guiding means relative to the receiving assembly, the method comprising:

-Positioning the guiding means to be received in the receiving means;

-Receiving the guiding means in the receiving means;

-Transferring the weight of the hose end connector to the receiving means;

-Moving the hose end connector to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling.

The guiding means can be arranged to fit easily within the receiving means. When the guiding means are arranged in the received position in the receiving means, the axial axis of the elongated guiding means may be arranged parallel to the axial axis of the receiving means.

The guiding means and/or the receiving means may have features that allow the guiding means to pivot within the receiving means. In one aspect, the guiding means can be formed as an elongated member and the guiding means can then be provided with a plurality of hose end connectors positioned side by side along the guiding means. At least some portions of the cross section of this hose end connector are configured in a circular shape which allows pivoting within the receiving means.

In one embodiment, the receiving means may be shaped as a cradle or may be a cradle-shaped structure fitted to receive the guiding means. According to this aspect, the elongated guiding means fits easily into the cradle-shaped receiving assembly. By means of this arrangement of the guiding means and the receiving means, the insertion of the guiding means into the receiving means is easily carried out, and the ends of the pipe-like elements are fitted like a target solution of the prior art, which is inserted in a correspondingly aligned cone. There is no need for an exact fit. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the receiving means may have a shape other than a cradle-shaped structure.

Parts of the guiding means configured for pivoting can be enlarged compared to the entire cross-section of the elongate member. In an alternative solution, the receiving means may be provided with features that allow the guiding means to pivot. In one embodiment, the receiving means may be shaped as a cradle fitted to receive the guiding means. As a further aspect of the above embodiment, the guiding means may be arranged to fit easily within the receiving means, and in one aspect, the guiding means may be configured as an elongate member. If the guiding means is formed as an elongate member, a plurality of hose end connectors can be arranged side by side along the guiding means. According to the above aspect, the elongated guiding means is easily fitted into the receiving means formed in a cradle shape, and at the received position in the receiving means, the axial axis of the elongated guiding means is the axial direction of the receiving means. It is arranged parallel to the axis. The arrangement of the receiving means and the guiding means in this way makes it easy to insert the guiding means into the receiving means and fits like a target solution of the prior art in which the ends of pipe-like elements are inserted in correspondingly aligned cones. It doesn't have to be accurate.

According to one embodiment of the device as defined above, the weight of the hose end connector is transferred from the handling means to the receiving means. Handling means are provided for accurately guiding and adjusting the guiding means to the receiving means prior to transferring the weight from the handling means to the receiving means, so the handling means conveys the weight of the hose end connector before receiving the guiding means in the receiving means. .

According to one embodiment of the device as defined above, when the hose end connector is connected to the receiving assembly, the hose end connector is guided and supported over the first structure to support the hose end and convey a portion of the hose end connector and the weight of the hose end. A structure is provided.

According to the connection device of the present invention, the hose end connector is connected to the receiving assembly on the structure located in the water. The other end of the hose may be connected or configured to be connected to another structure, such as a connection point on the FLNG. The weight of the hose device is relatively small compared to the weight of a prior art rigid loading arm as described above, so the force acting on the receiving assembly, such as the manifold, when connected to the hose is reduced. The further use of the hose arrangement allows a solution that does not always need to swivel, which is thus simpler compared to the rigid loading arm solution of the prior art.

In one embodiment, the receiving means may be located above the receiving pipe coupling of the receiving assembly. In one aspect of the above embodiment, in which the guiding means is arranged in the receiving means, when the hose end connector is brought into the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling, the guiding means is arranged to pivot within the receiving means so that the hose end connector pivots. work out.

In order to implement a pivotal rotation of the guiding means within the receiving means, the guiding means or the receiving means or both may be shaped so that the guiding means or the receiving means come into contact with each other to provide for pivoting of the guiding means. In one aspect, the guiding means may be provided with designated areas provided for pivoting of the guiding means, or the entire embodiment of the guiding means may be shaped, for example with a circular cross section. Thereby, the guiding means can pivotally rotate within the receiving means. Alternatively, additional means may be provided to enable pivoting of the guiding means.

Landing and damping means to control the pivoting movement of the hose end connector to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling, to prevent collision and incidental damage when the hose end connector is brought to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling. (landing and dampening means) can be provided. The landing and damping means may be provided as a fluid actuated means or a mechanical device or may be provided as a combination of the two.

When implementing the connection between the receiving assembly and the hose end connector, the relative motion between the receiving assembly and the hose end connector on the structure located in the water will result in significant contact force when implementing contact between the receiving assembly and parts of the hose end connector. ) Can be generated. Accordingly, in one embodiment, it may be desirable to provide a device according to the invention for adjusting the hose end connector to accommodate the guiding means in the receiving means according to the movement of the structure.

Handling means for adjusting the hose end connector may comprise lifting and lowering means for adjusting the hose end connector. The lifting and lowering means may be provided by a variety of devices, such as a rigid structure capable of steering a hose end connector into the receiving assembly. In an alternative aspect, the handling means may include lifting and lowering means, such as a line arrangement with a lifting and lowering device to unwind and wind the line connected to the hose end connector and thus adjust the position of the hose end connector. In one aspect, the lifting and lowering means both comprise a hose end guiding line and a hose end suspension line connected to the hose end connector. According to the above embodiment, the hose end suspension line can receive the weight of the hose end connector, and the lifting and lowering device adjusts the hose end suspension line by unwinding or winding the hose end suspension line and accordingly the position of the hose end connector. Can be adjusted. The lifting and lowering device unwinds or winds the hose end guide line, for example to attach the hose end guide line to the receiving assembly. The hose end guide line is arranged to guide the hose end connector to the receiving assembly.

The lifting and lowering device may have an operation mode that allows the line to be released. Thus, the lifting and lowering device may be provided with a fixing means or a fixed position to prevent the line from loosening. The hose end guide line can be arranged to slide through a suitable device, for example a passage formed in the hose end connector so that the hose end connector can be moved relative to the hose end guide line. In one embodiment, the hose end guide line and the hose end suspension line are suspended within the support structure as described above and are controlled by a lifting and lowering device. The hose end guide line can be attached to the receiving assembly and the unwinding and winding of the hose end guide line is controlled by a lifting and lowering device. The position of the hose end connector is adjusted by lowering the hose end suspension line that the hose end connector moves along the hose end guide line.

It would be desirable to safely lower the hose end connector so that the hose end guide line can be held in a tensioned state. In order to provide a tensioned hose end guide line, it may be necessary to compensate for the structure or relative motion between structures. In one embodiment, this is implemented by unwinding and winding the hose end guide line using a lifting and lowering device according to the wave movement.

In order to minimize the impact of the contact force when the guiding means are received in the receiving means, it is desirable to determine the time for adjusting the arrangement and receiving of the guiding means in the receiving means. Unwinding and winding the hose end guide line by means of a lifting and lowering device can be used as a reference or reflection of wave motion in determining the time to receive the guide means within the receiving means. One way to provide a realistic image of wave motion is to provide a sensor to register the unwinding and winding of the hose end guide line.

By means of this aspect of the device of the invention, the arrangement and receiving of the guiding means in the receiving means is regulated by the hose end guide line and the hose end suspension line.

As mentioned above, in particular according to the method of the invention for connecting one or more hose end connectors of a hose carrying fluid such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG to a receiving assembly, in one embodiment, the handling means are A hose end suspension line arranged with a belonging lifting and lowering device, the hose end suspension line suspended within the support structure and connected to the hose end connector. According to the above embodiment, the hose end guide line is hooked by the support structure and connected to the hose end, and is arranged with an attached lifting and lowering device, and in order to arrange and receive the guide means in the receiving means, the following steps are performed: do:

-A hose end guide line is attached to the receiving assembly to guide the hose end connector which is moved along the hose end guide line when the hose end suspension line descends to arrange and receive the guide means within the receiving means, as described above. Steps to become.

-When the guiding means is received in the receiving means, the hose end suspension line is lowered to further lower the hose end connector to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling.

-Preferably, pivoting within the guiding means receiving means and bringing the hose end connector into the connected position by pivoting movement, thereby bringing the hose end connector into the connected position.

In one embodiment, the weight of the hose end connector causes the hose end connector to descend along the hose end guide line. This lowering step may be performed otherwise, for example by bringing the winch into an operating mode and lowering the hose end connector regardless of the weight of the hose end connector.

In embodiments in which a counterweight is included in the lifting and lowering device, the hose end suspension line may be hung within the support structure such that the counterweight and hose end connector are positioned counterbalancing. In a further aspect, the weight of the hose end connector may be greater than the counterweight and causes the hose end connector to descend along the hose end guide line when the mode of operation is selected for loosening the hose end suspension line.

In one embodiment of the device, landing and damping means are provided to control the pivoting movement of the hose end connector to its connection position with the receiving pipe coupling. By controlling the motion of the hose end connector by using the landing and damping means, the impact force of the hose end connector when moved to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling is significantly reduced.

In addition, the apparatus may comprise means for being secured between the hose end connector and the receiving pipe coupling and positioning the hose end connector to fit accurately with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling at the connection position. The hose end connector can be connected to various receiving devices (receiving devices), and the receiving device can be changed from one receiving device to another, so that the hose end connector can be fitted to match a specific receiving device. It is particularly useful to provide the device so that it is possible.

In one embodiment of the present apparatus, a first correction of the position of the hose end connector is implemented to fit the hose end connector and the receiving pipe coupling so as to be aligned parallel to the corresponding receiving pipe coupling at the connection position. Adjustment means are provided for doing so. In order to correct the position of the hose end connector relative to the corresponding receiving pipe coupling, the adjusting means can have the flexibility to adjust the hose end connector along three axes, so that the hose end connector can be pivoted. It can be assured that it is correctly positioned during, which occurs when the hose end connector is in the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling. The guiding means of the hose end connector can be arranged in a raised position above the hose end connector by an arrangement of distance members.

In order to realize the flexibility of the adjustment means, the adjustment means may comprise a joint to regulate the displacement of the hose end connector relative to the guiding means. The joint may include a first joint portion coupled to the hose end connector and a second joint portion coupled to the guiding means. The first joint part and the second joint part are provided as separate structures or as arcs formed as part of an existing structure. The first joint part and the second joint part are joined to each other by means of an adjustment element, for example an adjustment screw or a flexible element constituting a flexible joint, the adjustment element moving in three axes. An axis displacement can be performed such that the hose end connector to the guiding means is arranged to fit with the receiving pipe coupling. In one embodiment, the distance member may be divided into two parts, each of which joint parts are connected to respective distance member parts.

Alternatively, the adjusting means may comprise a groove, a mechanical alignment alignment screw provided in the receiving pipe coupling or a guide plate.

In one embodiment, the device is provided with alignment means for further correcting the position of the hose end connector so that the hose end connector is aligned and fitted with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling. If the hose end connector is aligned parallel to the receiving pipe coupling, a tight connection is provided when the hose end connector is secured to the receiving pipe coupling by suitable fastening means. The alignment means comprise an cooperating alignment device, such as a first alignment device, for example a conical guide pin contained in the receiving assembly, and a second alignment device, for example a conical recess formed in the hose end connector ( recess). When approaching the receiving pipe coupling to which the hose end connector is connected, the first and second alignment devices are arranged in an interacting position, and as mentioned above, in the example above, this means that the conical pin is conical. It means to be accommodated in the recess. The alignment means accordingly means that the hose end connector is arranged to fit into the corresponding receiving pipe coupling at the connection position. As mentioned above, when the connection between the receiving pipe coupling and the hose end connector is generated by the pivoting motion, the alignment means corrects the position of the hose end connector during the pivoting motion.

In one embodiment, the alignment means, for example the first alignment device, may comprise landing and damping means for regulating the movement of the hose end connector to its connection position with the receiving pipe coupling.

In one embodiment, fastening means, such as hydraulically actuated claws, may be provided to secure the hose end connector to the receiving pipe coupling in the connection position.

As explained above, adjustment means and alignment means are provided for arranging the hose end connector in alignment with the receiving pipe coupling. In addition, some parts of the receiving device, for example the receiving means and/or the receiving pipe coupling may be arranged to be adjustable to fit with the hose end connector.

When a plurality of hose end connectors are included in the device, the receiving device is first adjusted, for example by adjusting the position of the receiving pipe coupling or the receiving means, and the pivot axis of the guiding means is properly positioned and the hose It is preferred that the pivoting movement performed by the end connectors brings the plurality of hose end connectors to the connection position with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling. The individual hose end connectors are then adjusted by means of adjustment and alignment means and will fit correctly with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling as described above.

The device according to the invention will not only be suitable for connecting a hose end connector to a receiving assembly, but will of course also be suitable for disconnecting a hose end connector from the receiving assembly. During the disconnection step, the hose end connector connected to the receiving pipe coupling in the receiving assembly is first disconnected from the receiving pipe coupling and moved to a disconnection position away from the receiving pipe coupling. In this situation, the guiding means is still accommodated in the receiving means and a disconnection movement is preferably carried out by pivoting the guiding means in the receiving means and removing the hose end connector from the connected position by a pivoting motion. . The guiding means is then relieved from the received position in the receiving means, and the weight of the hose end connector is transferred from the receiving means to the handling means, after which the hose end connector is moved away from the receiving assembly.

The handling means adjusts the position of the hose end connector and thus the movement of the hose end connector from the connected position to the disconnected position. When the handling means comprises a hose end suspension line and a hose end guide line, the hose end suspension line is lifted by a lifting and lowering device so that the hose end connector is moved away from the receiving pipe coupling and into a disconnected position. When the guiding means are removed from the receiving means, the weight of the hose end connector is transferred from the receiving means to the hose end suspension line. Further lifting of the hose end suspension line moves the hose end connector away from the receiving assembly, and the hose end connector is guided along the hose end guide line.

The invention particularly includes a receiving assembly for connecting one or more hose end connectors for conveying fluids such as LNG and/or evaporated LNG. In addition to being provided with a receiving means configured to receive the guiding means in the receiving assembly, the receiving assembly is arranged with a receiving pipe coupling provided with adaptation means for fitting one or more receiving pipe couplings into a specific hose end connector. do. The adaptation means comprises an interface element having a shape configured to preset an interface element for fitting into each hose end connector of a specific value/outlay, the hose end connector Has an interface element with an adaptable configuration such that a hose end connector of varying cost can be fitted in connection with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling. The interface element has a shape that can be configured to pre-set the interface element to fit into a hose end connector of a specific value/cost of the hose end connector. Interface elements can be provided with a high level of positioning accuracy.

Now, an example of an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
1A-1D are side views showing an example of installation of a hose end connector for a structure located in water.
2A-2D are views showing an installation example of a hose end connector as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, but in these drawings, the landing and damping means according to the first embodiment are shown.
3A-3D show a second embodiment of attenuation means.
3E-3I show a third embodiment of the landing and attenuation means.
4A-4G illustrate the sequence of associating line devices to structures.
Figures 5a-5b show an embodiment of a device according to the invention provided with means for connecting a hose end connector to a pipe on a structure located in water.

1A-1D illustrate a device for connecting one or more hose end connectors 91 to a receiving assembly 90 on a first structure 80 located in water, such as an LNG carrier. The hose end connector 91 is arranged in particular at the hose end 63 of the hose carrying fluid such as LNG and/or vaporized LNG. The hose end connector 91 has guiding means 102 arranged in a raised state from the hose end connector 91 by a distance member 94. The receiving assembly 90 has a connection area, which is shown in FIGS. 1A-1D as a receiving coupling pipe 15 attached to the pipe 16. In addition, the receiving assembly 90 comprises a receiving means 71, which is shown here as a cradle. Additional fastening means may be provided for securing the guiding means 102 within the receiving means 71. The receiving means 71 is located above the receiving coupling pipe 15. The position of the hose end connector 91 is adjusted by appropriate handling means (not shown). The handling means may comprise lifting and lowering means, for example a line arrangement provided with a lifting and lowering device. One example of lifting and lowering means for adjusting the hose end connector 91 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4G. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the hose end connector 91 comprises a hose end coupler valve 14 and a hose end connector valve 13 for regulating the flow of fluid through the hose end connector 91. do.

A hose guide and support structure 300 is positioned above the first structure 80 and is configured to support the hose end 63 when the hose end connector 91 is connected to the receiving assembly 90. Hose guidance and support structure 300 is provided for receiving assembly 90 to receive at least a portion of the load provided by hose end connector 91 and portions of hose end 63. In addition to the load receiving purpose, the hose guide and support structure 300 has a bending restriction function. The support structure 300 has a bend limiting portion 302 with curvature that provides a curved hose end 63 to prevent damage to the hose. As shown in the figure, the structure 301 is a fence.

In FIG. 1A, the handling means positions the guiding means 102 directly above the receiving means 71 to prepare the guiding means 102 to be guided into the receiving means 71. In this position, the weight of the hose end connector 91 is carried by the handling means.

FIG. 1B shows the lowered position of the guiding means 102 to be received in the receiving means 71 by using the handling means. When the guiding means 102 is supported in the receiving means, the weight of the hose end connector 91 is transferred from the handling means to the receiving means 71. The guiding means 102 can be fixed in the receiving means 71 by means of additional fastening means.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the form of the receiving means is here shown as a cradle, and lowering the guiding means into the open-shaped receiving means provides an interacting arrangement, wherein: It is quite simple to correctly position the guiding means in the receiving means.

1C and 1D illustrate the steps of bringing the hose end connector 91 into a connection position with the receiving coupling pipe 15 within the receiving arrangement 90. When the hose end connector 91 is brought to the connection position, the guiding means are arranged to pivot with the hose end connector 91 within the receiving means 71 and form a pivoting movement. The hose end connector 91 is brought to a connection position with the receiving coupling pipe 15 and the hose end 63 is received within the guide and support structure 300. In this position, the guiding and support structure 300 carries a portion of the load of the hose end connector 91 and the hose end 63.

The guiding means 102 and/or the receiving means 71 have features that allow the guiding means 102 to pivot within the receiving means 71. In one aspect, the guiding means 102 can be configured as an elongated member in which at least some portions of the cross section are configured in a circular shape and can pivot within the receiving means 71. These parts, configured to pivot, can be expanded relative to the entire cross-section of the elongate member. In an alternative solution, the receiving means 71 may be provided with features that allow the guiding means to pivot. FIG. 1D shows a belonging of the receiving assembly 90, received in the hose end connector 91 and the hose end support structure 300 in a connected position, for example, by engaging coupler claws. ) Shows the hose end 63 ready to be fixed to the receiving coupling pipe 15.

In the case where the device comprises a first structure located in the water, for example a plurality of hoses connected to the illustrated LNG carrier, the hose end connectors belonging to each hose may be arranged side by side along the guiding means and accordingly The connection to the receiving assembly can be implemented almost simultaneously. The mounting process implemented in the same order as when mounting a single hose end connector will be described below.

Figures 2a-2d show a hose end connector 91 arranged with a first embodiment of landing and attenuating means to bring the hose end connector 91 into a connection position with the receiving coupling pipe 15 in an adjustable manner. do. The attenuation means is shown as one or more cylinders and piston units 120 comprising a cylinder 124 and a piston rod 121, which is received in the cylinder 124 at one end and protrudes from the cylinder 124 at the other end. Wheel 122 is provided. In the situation of FIG. 2A, the piston rod 121 has a maximum stroke emerging from the cylinder 124. The cylinder space within the cylinder is filled with fluid preloading the cylinder rod, thereby providing resistance to the piston rod moving back into the cylinder.

The cylinder unit 120 is located under the hose end connector 91 and is connected to the hose end connector 91 by a hinge device to enable limited hinged motion of the cylinder unit 120. In this position, the piston rod points in the direction of the receiving assembly 90 and the wheel 122 is inserted into the recess 123a located under the receiving coupling pipe 15. The hose end connector 91 is connected to the receiving device according to the steps shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and described above. As shown in FIG. 2B, the piston rod 121 with the wheel 122 is inserted in the recess 123a when the guiding means 102 is received in the receiving means 71. When the guide means 102 pivotally rotates within the receiving means 71 and the hose end connector 91 performs pivotal rotation, the hose end connector 91 comes to a connection position with the receiving coupling pipe 15, the wheel 122 travels within the recess 123a until reaching the end stop 126, as shown in FIG. 2C. When the hose end connector 91 performs an additional pivoting motion to bring it into the connection position with the receiving coupling pipe 15, the resistance to the piston rod 121 moving back into the cylinder is exceeded (exceeded), The pivoting movement is performed in an adjustable manner, thereby providing a dampening effect for the connection between the receiving coupling pipe 15 and the hose end connector 91.

Figures 3a-3d show a second embodiment of the landing and attenuating means with features as shown in Figures 2a-2d, in which each cylinder unit is a piston rod 121 with a wheel 122 Two cylinder units 120 having a are included. The device differs from the device shown in FIGS. 2A-2D in that the cylinder unit 120 is positioned in the vertical direction. A recess 123b is provided for each piston rod 121 and the recesses 123b are arranged at a location away from the receiving device. However, the interaction between the wheel 122 inserted in the recess 123 and the piston end and the operating principle of the cylinder unit 120 are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D.

3E-3I show a third embodiment of the landing and attenuation means. The landing and attenuation means comprises a frame structure 403 for fixing a cylinder unit 120 formed by a cylinder 124 with a piston rod 121, the cylinder units in FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3D. It has the same operating principle as the cylinder unit 120 described in FIG. However, according to the third embodiment of the landing and attenuation means, the wheel 122 is included in the wheel unit 400 to which the piston rod 121 is pivotably connected to the first pivot 402. The wheel unit 400 further has a second pivot 401 pivotably connecting the wheel unit to the frame structure 403. A spring 404 is included in the wheel unit 400 to provide additional damping when the wheel is in contact with the hose support structure 300. The landing and attenuating means has an attachment point 407 for connection of the suspension line 27 (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3E-3G, the piston rod 121 extends from the cylinder 124. Using this position of the piston rod, the wheel unit 400 is prepared for contact with the hose support structure 300, and the guiding means 102 is accommodated in the receiving means 71 and pivoted within the receiving means. When this occurs, the wheel 122 reaches and comes into contact with the hose support structure 300 as shown in FIG. 3G. In this position, a process of inspecting and wiping off the contact surfaces 405 and 406 may be performed to form a connection between the receiving pipe coupling 15 and the receiving assembly 90. The location for inspecting and wiping the contact surfaces 405 and 406 is shown in Figures 2b and 3b for the first and second embodiments, where the wheel 122 has reached and is as shown in Figures 2b and 3b. Likewise, it contacts the recesses 123a and 123b, wherein the guide means 102 is accommodated in the receiving means 71 and pivotally rotates within the receiving means 71.

As shown in FIG. 3G, when a contact is formed between the hose support structure 300 and the wheel 122, the cylinder unit 120 starts to contract the piston rod 121 to enter the cylinder 124. . Accordingly, the wheel unit 400 is folded and the hose end 63 is in supportive contact with the hose support structure 300, and the hose end connector 91 is as shown in FIG. 3i. It is brought to a connection position with the receiving assembly 90.

4A-4G illustrate the process of mounting the hose end connector 91 into the receiving assembly 90 by handling means such as lifting and lowering means including a line device and an accessory lifting and lowering device. The mounting process of the hose end connector 91 is carried out using a support structure 200, wherein the structure is a vertical structure 1 arranged with one arm 106 arranged in a transverse direction. Is shown. In the installation process as shown in Figures 4a-4g, the support structure 200 is located on the FLNG (70) and the hose end connector 91 is on the first structure 80 located in the water, for example, on the LNG carrier. Is connected within the receiving assembly 90 located at. Alternatively, the support structure 200 may be located on any other structure related to the task to be performed.

For the mounting of the hose end connector 91, the line arrangement comprises a hose end guide line 35 connected to the hose end connector 91. The hose end guide line 35 includes a lifting and lowering device, such as a winch 33 that pays out and rewinds the hose end guide line 35 to adjust the position of the hose end connector 91 accordingly. ) Is provided. The hose end guide line 35 is shown as being suspended by the support structure 200 and arranged on the arm 106 of the support structure 200 by the sheaves 38 and 34.

The device also includes a hose end suspension line 27 connected to a hose end connector 91. Hose end suspension line 27 is attached to support structure 200 by sheaves 28 and 31 and is a winch for lifting and lowering devices such as counterweight 22 and hose end connector suspension line 27 to unwind and wind. (24) is provided. The counterweight 22 is arranged to be movable within the counterweight guide passage 21 as shown in Figs. 4A-4G. The weights of the hose end connector 91 and the hose end connector 91 are larger than the counterweight 22 so that the counterweight 22 is moved to the end stop position at the end stop 25. When the counterweight 22 is positioned in the end stop position, the process of unwinding and winding the hose end suspension line 27 is performed by the winch 24. As an alternative to the combination of the counterweight 22 and the winch 33 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4G, the lifting and lowering means may comprise only one winch 22.

The guiding means 102 of the hose end 63 are arranged in an elevated position above the hose end connector 91 by means of a distance member 94 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and described above. The receiving means 71 for receiving the guiding means 102 are shown as cradles in FIGS. 4A-4G and are arranged in a raised state above the pipe 16.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4G, when mounting the hose end connector 91, the hose end guide line 35 may be connected to the attachment point provided in the receiving assembly 90. This attachment point is in the form of a weight 107 which acts as a fixing means for a hole or recess, for example a key hole, and a key hole that holds the hose end guide line 35 in one position. It may be an opening of (this keyhole is not shown in the figure). As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the hose end connector guide line 35 is lowered to the LNG carrier by using a messenger line 93. The hose end guide line 35 has a weight 107 arranged at the end, and when the weight 107 is in a position substantially at the hose end connector 91, the hose end connector 91 is in a substantially horizontal position. It is fixed in (leveled position). When the winch 33 is brought into an operation mode where the hose end guide line 35 can be released due to the weight 107, the hose end guide line 35 together with the weight 107 is the LNG carrier. Go down to (70). Then, the hose end suspension line 27 carries the weight of the hose end connector 91 and the hose end 63. When the weight 107 is moved away from the hose end connector 91 and the hose end guide line 35 is released above the sheave 38, the hose end connector 91 returns to the receiving assembly 90 as shown in FIG. 4B. It can be tilted downward in the direction of. Thus, the tilting of the hose end connector 91 is controlled by the weight balance of the hose end connector 91 and the hose end 63 facing the suspension point of the line 28.

4C shows the arrival of the hose end guide line 35 and the weight 107 on the first structure 80. The weight 107 is located in temporary storage on the LNG carrier as shown in FIG. 4C. The winch 33 pays out the hose end guide line 35 by a sufficient amount as illustrated by the arrow A, so that the hose end guide line 35 is loosely arranged on the deck of the LNG carrier. Let it be. Then, the hose end guide line 35 will be connected to the receiving assembly 90 in order to be securely attached to the receiving assembly 90 without transferring movement from the FLNG to the LNG carrier as shown in FIG. 4D. Ready to be able.

After the hose end guide line 35 is attached to the receiving assembly 90, the winch 33 starts winding the hose end guide line 35 as shown in Fig. 4e, and the relative motion between the FLNG and the LNG carrier As illustrated by the arrow AB according to, the hose end guide line 35 is unwound and wound. Accordingly, the hose end guide line 35 is arranged stretched or tensioned to guide the hose end connector 91 along the hose end guide line to connect with the receiving assembly 90 on the LNG carrier. Can be.

When the hose end guide line 35 is in a tensioned state as shown in FIG. 4F, the winch 24 is also in an operating mode in which the winch 24 is unwound and wound, and is automatically offset against the relative motion between the FLNG and the LNG carrier ). Then, the counterweight 22 descends from the guide passage 21 to an intermediate position. Thus, the counterweight 22 maintains the suspension line 27 in a uniform tension state, and the balance is adjusted against the relative motion between the FLNG and LNG carriers by weight.

When disconnecting the hose end connector 91 from the receiving assembly 90, a process following the mounting steps of the hose end connector is implemented, but in the reverse order.

5A shows the device of the invention provided with means for adjusting the fit of the hose end connector 91 to the receiving pipe coupling 15. In FIG. 5A, the guiding means 102 are received in the receiving means 71. The receiving assembly 90 may be provided with means for arranging the receiving means 71. 5b shows the hose connector 91 in its connection position with the receiving pipe coupling 15. Adjustment means 160 are provided for correcting the position of the hose end connector 91 in order to fit into the corresponding receiving pipe coupling 15 in the connection position. The adjustment means 160 are arranged so that the hose end connectors 91 can be adjusted along three axes III arranged perpendicular to each other as illustrated in FIG. 5A. By adjusting the hose end connector 91 along the three axes, the hose end connector 91 is positioned to fit with the receiving pipe coupling 15. The adjusting means 160 are shown contained within a distance element 94, which is shown here as a two-part element.

Here, a suitable fastening means 157, shown as a locking claw, to engage the receiving pipe coupling 15, is provided to accommodate the hose end connector 91, as shown in FIG. 5B. Fix it on the ring (15). The arrangement is shown with alignment means arranged to achieve sealing upon fastening by accurately positioning the hose end connector 91 relative to the receiving pipe coupling 15. The alignment means are shown in FIG. 5A as a first alignment device 150 in the form of a conical guiding pin arranged in the receiving assembly 90. The second alignment device 151 is shown here with a conical recess formed in the hose end connector 91. When the hose end connector 91 is pivotally rotated to the connection position with the attached receiving pipe coupling 15, the first alignment device 150 is inserted into the second alignment device 151, accordingly in Fig. 5B. As shown, the hose end connector 91 is aligned with the receiving pipe coupling 15.

Claims (26)

A device for connecting one or more hoses for transferring LNG or a fluid containing evaporated LNG, wherein the hose ends 63 of one or more hoses are connected to the receiving assembly 90 on the first structure 80 located in the water The hose end connector 91 is provided with a guiding means 102 and the receiving assembly 90 is provided with a receiving means 71, and the device for connecting one or more hoses is guided. For connecting one or more hoses comprising handling means for locating the means 102 within the receiving means 71 and adjusting the hose end connector 91 to receive the guiding means 102 within the receiving means 71 In the device,
The guide means 102 is supported in the receiving means 71 and the weight of the hose end connector 91 is transferred to the receiving means 71, and the hose end connector 91 is accommodated in the receiving assembly 90. Having a connection position with the pipe coupling 15, one receiving pipe coupling 15 is provided for each hose end connector 91, and the receiving means is located above the receiving pipe coupling of the receiving assembly 90 When the hose end connector 91 comes to the connection position with the receiving pipe coupling 15, the guiding means 102 pivotally rotates within the receiving means 71 so that the hose end connector 91 pivots. In motion, both the lifting and lowering means comprise a hose end guide line (35) and a hose end suspension line (27) connected to the hose end connector (91), the hose end guide line (35) and the hose end. The suspension line 27 is suspended in the support structure and is controlled by a lifting and lowering device, the hose end guide line 35 is connected to the receiving assembly 90, and the positioning of the hose end connector 91 is A device for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that by lowering the hose end suspension line (27) the hose end connector (91) is adjusted by moving along the hose end guide line (35). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight of the hose end connector (91) is transferred from the handling means to the receiving means (71). One or more according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hose end connector (91) is adjusted according to the movement of the first structure (80) for receiving the guiding means (102) into the receiving means (71). Device for connecting hoses. Device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means (71) is shaped as a cradle fitted to receive the guiding means (102). The method of claim 1, wherein when the hose end connector (91) is connected to the receiving assembly (90), to support the hose end (63) and to receive a portion of the weight of the hose end connector (91) and the hose end (63). A device for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that a hose guide and support structure (300) is provided on the first structure (80). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling means comprise lifting and lowering means for adjusting the hose end connector (91). According to claim 1, the hose end guide line (35) is attached to the receiving assembly (90) and tensioned by unwinding and winding the hose end guide line (35) according to the movement of the receiving assembly (90) relative to the support structure (200). Apparatus for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that it is kept in a closed state. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is used to implement a reference for receiving the guide means (102) in the receiving means (71) according to the motion of the structure by unwinding and winding the hose end guide line (35). A device for connecting one or more hoses. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight of the hose end connector (91) causes the hose end connector (91) to descend along the hose end guide line (35). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that landing and damping means are provided for regulating the pivotal movement of the hose end connector (91) into its connection position with the receiving pipe coupling. The method of claim 1, wherein the hose end connector (91) and the receiving pipe coupling are provided with adjustment means (160) for arranging the hose end connector (91) to fit into a corresponding receiving pipe coupling (15). Device for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that. 12. Connecting one or more hoses according to claim 11, characterized in that the adjusting means (160) comprise one or more flexible joints for controlling the movement of the hose end connector (91) relative to the guiding means (102). Device for doing. Connecting one or more hoses according to claim 1, characterized in that fixing means (157) such as hydraulically actuated claws are provided for fixing the hose end connector (91) to the receiving pipe coupling (15) in the connection position. Device for doing. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that alignment means are provided for positioning the hose end connector to further fit with the corresponding receiving pipe coupling. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving assembly (90) is provided with one or more receiving pipe couplings (15) provided with adaptation means for fitting to the one or more receiving pipe couplings (15) with a specific hose end connector (91). ) Device for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that arranged together. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the adaptation means comprises an interface element having a shape configured to preset an interface element for fitting into each hose end connector (91). . One according to claim 16, characterized in that the receiving pipe coupling (15) is provided with adjustment means (160) for arranging the hose end connector (91) to fit into the corresponding receiving pipe coupling (15). Device for connecting more than one hose. A method for connecting one or more hoses for transporting LNG or a fluid containing evaporated LNG, wherein the hose ends of the one or more hoses are connected to the receiving assembly 90 on the first structure 80 located in the water. Has a connector 91, the hose end connector 91 is provided with a guiding means 102 and the receiving assembly 90 is provided with a receiving means 71, adjusting the hose end connector 91 and receiving the guiding means Positioning handling means are provided with respect to the assembly 90, the handling means comprising a hose end suspension line arranged with a lifting and lowering device, the hose end suspension line 27 suspended within the support structure. A hose end guide line 35 connected to the hose end connector and arranged with a belonging lifting and lowering device to connect one or more hoses, supported by the support structure 200 and connected to the hose end. In the way for,
The method is:
-Connecting the hose end guide line 35 to the receiving assembly 90;
-Lowering the hose end suspension line 27;
-Guiding the hose end connector 91 along the hose end guide line 35;
-Positioning the guiding means 102 so as to be received in the receiving means 71;
-Receiving the guiding means (102) in the receiving means (71);
-Transferring the weight of the hose end connector 91 to the receiving means 71;
-A method for connecting one or more hoses, characterized in that it comprises the step of moving the hose end connector (91) to a connection position with the receiving pipe coupling (15). A method for disconnecting one or more hoses for transporting LNG or a fluid containing evaporated LNG, wherein the hose ends of the one or more hoses are the receiving pipe couple of the receiving assembly 90 on the first structure 80 located in the water. It has a hose end connector 91 in a connection position with the ring, the hose end connector 91 belongs to a hose conveying a fluid containing LNG or evaporated LNG, and the hose end connector 91 has a receiving assembly ( Guiding means 102 received in the receiving means 71 contained within 90) are provided, the receiving means being positioned above the receiving pipe coupling of the receiving assembly 90, and guiding means 102 for the receiving assembly 90 A handling means is provided to adjust the positioning of the hose end connector 91 and the hose end suspension line 27 is hung within the support structure and connected to the hose end connector 91, with an accessory lifting and lowering device. In a method for disconnecting one or more hoses, the hose end guide lines 35 arranged together are supported by a support structure and connected to the hose end connector 91,
The method is:
-Lifting the hose end suspension line 27;
-Guiding the hose end connector 91 along the hose end guide line 35;
-Moving the hose end connector 91 from its connected position with the receiving pipe coupling 15 in the receiving assembly 90 to a disconnecting position away from the receiving pipe coupling 15;
-Transferring the weight of the hose end connector 91 from the receiving means 71 to the handling means by relieving the guiding means 102 from the position received in the receiving means 71; And
-A method for disconnecting one or more hoses carrying fluid, comprising the step of moving the hose end connector (91) away from the receiving assembly (90). delete delete delete delete delete delete

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