KR102662432B1 - Apparatus for transferring liquid cargo - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid cargo transport device. The liquid cargo transfer device includes a loading arm; and a flexible hose connected to the loading arm and detachable from the loading arm, which flexibly responds to height differences caused by waves and enables stable transfer of liquid cargo.

Description

Liquid cargo transfer device {Apparatus for transferring liquid cargo}

The present invention relates to a liquid cargo transfer device, and more specifically, to a liquid cargo transfer device including a loading arm and a flexible hose.

LNG carriers are intended to carry LNG on the sea and unload LNG at land-based destinations. For this purpose, LNG storage tanks (commonly referred to as 'cargo holds') that can withstand the extremely low temperatures of LNG are provided. Typically, these LNG carriers unload the LNG in the LNG storage tank on land in its liquefied state, and the unloaded LNG is regasified by an LNG regasification facility installed on land and then transported through gas pipes to natural gas consumers. .

LNG carriers receive LNG from floating offshore structures or terminals on land, store it, and then move to a place of demand to load or unload the stored LNG. In this process, a pipeline for the transfer of liquefied gas is connected between the LNG carrier and the floating offshore structure or terminal on land.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an LNG transfer device according to an embodiment of the prior art.

A rotatable vertical support 10 is installed on the floating offshore structure, and a loading arm 20 is coupled to the vertical support. The loading arm 20 consists of a first arm 21 and a second arm 22. The first arm 21 is pivotably connected to the upper part of the vertical support 10 so that it can pivot within a certain angle, and the first arm 21 The second arm 22 is pivotably connected to the upper part of the first arm 21 so that it can pivot within a certain angle.

A transfer pipe (P) for transporting LNG is installed inside the second arm 22 via the vertical support 10 and the first arm 21 to supply LNG from an LNG storage tank inside the floating marine structure.

A connection part 30 is installed at the end of the transfer pipe, and is connected to the fluid inlet (hereinafter referred to as 'manifold') formed in the pipe line of the LNG carrier, allowing LNG to be transferred.

Meanwhile, in order to maintain the weight balance of the loading arm 20 due to the weight of the first arm 21, the first weight compensation unit 40 is installed at the end of the first arm 21. It is provided to extend to the opposite side of the longitudinal direction.

In addition, in order to maintain the weight balance of the loading arm 20 due to the weight of the second arm 22, a second weight compensation unit 50 is provided on the upper part of the vertical support support 10.

The LNG transfer device according to the prior art is a connection part 30 formed in the pipeline of an LNG carrier or ground terminal by the rotational movement of the vertical support 10 and the pivoting movement of the first arm 21 and the second arm 22. After moving to the manifold and combining, LNG is transferred.

However, in the LNG transfer device according to the prior art, in a rough marine environment, LNG carriers and floating marine structures are shaken by waves and wind, resulting in unexpected shocks to the loading arm 20 or fatigue damage to the connection. There is a problem. In addition, the LNG transfer device according to the prior art is usually applicable only when the significant wave height (Hs) is 2 m or less, so it is difficult to apply in rough marine environments. Significant wave height refers to the average height of the highest third of all wave heights that occur within a specific time period (usually 3 hours).

In particular, when LNG is supplied from a floating offshore structure to an LNG carrier, the floating offshore structure and the LNG carrier are generally connected by the SBS (Side by Side) mooring method, and the two floating structures are shaken by waves and wind, respectively. Not only does this occur, but there is also a height difference between the two floating bodies, which causes unexpected shocks to be applied to the loading arm 20 and the problem of fatigue damage to the connection becomes more serious. This is a very large risk factor that can lead to safety accidents such as LNG leakage.

1. Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0026848 (published on March 10, 2010)

Therefore, in order to solve the conventional problems described above, the present invention flexibly responds to the height difference caused by waves by combining a loading arm with proven stability and a flexible hose, and provides liquid cargo with high stability. The purpose is to provide a transfer device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a loading arm; and a flexible hose connected to the loading arm and detachable from the loading arm.

The loading arm is coupled to the deck so as to be rotatable left and right about an axis perpendicular to the deck of the floating marine structure, and includes a base detachable from the deck; a support vertically coupled to the base; a joint formed on the upper part of the support; and a post rotatably coupled to the joint.

The loading arm includes a first weight compensation unit for maintaining the center of gravity due to the weight of the post itself; and a second weight compensation unit for maintaining the center of gravity due to the weight of the flexible hose.

The post is characterized in that it includes a connection part formed so that the flexible hose can be connected.

A first pipe is formed inside the support, a second pipe is formed inside the post, the first pipe and the second pipe are connected to each other, and the second pipe and the flexible hose are connected to each other. Do this.

The connection between the first pipe and the second pipe and the connection between the second pipe and the flexible hose are each connected by a swivel joint.

The flexible hose is characterized in that it includes a connection port connected to a manifold installed at the loading and unloading location.

The flexible hose may further include an emergency cutoff device that blocks the connection between the flexible hose and the manifold in the event of an emergency.

The emergency blocking device includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member, and butterfly valves are installed on the first and second blocking members, respectively. When an emergency situation occurs, the first and second blocking members are provided with a butterfly valve. After each installed butterfly valve is locked, the first and second blocking members are separated from each other.

The flexible hose may further include a guide device that guides the flexible hose to the manifold.

The guide device is composed of a winch including a drum and a wire wound around the drum, and the wire is connected to the manifold to guide the movement path of the flexible hose.

The guide device includes a load cell inside the drum, measures the tension applied to the wire, and winds or unwinds the wire according to the measured tension to keep the tension applied to the wire constant, thereby forming a flexible It is characterized by allowing the hose to approach the manifold and be connected to the manifold.

By connecting a flexible hose with a flexible nature to the loading arm to transport liquid cargo, the flexible hose expands and rotates on its own to flexibly respond to shaking caused by waves and wind. As a result, it is possible to flexibly respond to the shaking caused by waves and wind, thereby adding tensile force or tension to the liquid cargo transfer device. By eliminating distortion, it is possible to stably transport liquid cargo.

In addition, by connecting the loading arm and the flexible hose with a swivel joint, twisting that may occur in the connection between the piping inside the loading arm and the flexible hose can be eliminated, which has the effect of stably transporting liquid cargo. It has the effect of further increasing.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an LNG transfer device according to an embodiment of the prior art.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a liquid cargo transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a view showing the other end of the flexible hose.
Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the emergency shutoff device of the flexible hose when an emergency situation occurs.
Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating step by step the process in which a flexible hose is guided to the manifold installed at the loading and unloading site using a guide device. In (a), the wire is unwound from the guide device for the transfer of liquid cargo and brought to the loading and unloading site. (b) is a diagram showing the steps in which the flexible hose is moved to the manifold side of the loading and unloading station by the guide device, and (c) is a diagram showing the steps in which the flexible hose is guided by the guide device. This is a diagram showing the steps in which the hose is connected to the manifold installed at the loading and unloading area.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection between the first pipe and the second pipe.
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection between the second pipe and the flexible hose.

In order to fully understand the present invention, its operational advantages, and the objectives achieved by practicing the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and the contents described in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same member.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Additionally, the following examples may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a liquid cargo transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid cargo transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a loading arm 100 and a flexible hose 200 detachable from the loading arm 100.

In this embodiment, the loading arm 100 uses a flexible hose when loading liquid cargo into a liquid cargo storage tank (for example, an LNG storage tank) or unloading liquid cargo from a liquid cargo storage tank. It serves as a guide so that it can be connected to the manifold installed at the loading and unloading location.

The loading arm 100 may be placed on the deck of a floating marine structure. The loading arm 100 may be provided in plural numbers.

The loading arm 100 may be placed in a terminal on the ground. Using the loading arm 100 placed at the terminal on the ground, the pipeline of the terminal and the pipeline of the LNG carrier are directly connected, making it possible to transfer liquid cargo.

In the following, an example will be described where the loading arm 100 is disposed on the deck of a floating marine structure.

The loading arm 100 includes a base 110 detachably coupled to the deck, a support 120 vertically coupled to the base 110, and a joint 130 formed on the upper part of the support 120. , and includes a post 140 rotatably coupled to the joint portion 130.

The base 110 is coupled to the deck so as to be rotatable left and right about an axis perpendicular to the deck, and the post 140 is coupled to the joint portion 130 so as to be rotatable up and down about an axis horizontal to the deck. Therefore, the loading arm 100 according to the present invention enables three-dimensional movement of one end of the post 140 by left and right rotation by the base 110 and up and down rotation by the post 140.

A connection portion 141 is formed at one end of the post 140 to allow the flexible hose 200 to be connected.

At the other end of the post 140, a first weight compensation unit 150 that holds the center of gravity of the post 140 is provided and extends in the opposite direction in the longitudinal direction of the post 140. Additionally, a second weight compensation unit 160 is provided at the joint unit 130 to maintain the center of gravity due to the weight of the flexible hose 200.

A first pipe (P1) is formed inside the support 120, and a second pipe (P2) is formed inside the post 140 and connected to the first pipe (P1). A transfer path for liquid cargo is provided from the liquid cargo storage tank provided inside the floating marine structure to the flexible hose 200 through the first and second pipes (P1 and P2).

The connection between the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) and the connection between the second pipe (P2) and the flexible hose 200 will be described in detail later.

In this embodiment, the flexible hose 200 has one end connected to the connection portion 141 formed on the post 140 of the loading arm 100, and the other end is connected to a manifold installed on another LNG carrier or at a loading and unloading station on land. It is connected to and provides a transfer path for liquid cargo.

The flexible hose 200 has flexible properties. Even if the floating offshore structure or LNG carrier is shaken by waves and wind, the flexible hose 200 expands and rotates on its own, thereby minimizing tension or twisting in the liquid cargo transfer device, thereby ensuring a stable Liquid cargo transfer is possible.

Figure 3 is a view showing the other end of the flexible hose.

Referring to FIG. 3, a connection port 210 is formed at the other end of the flexible hose 200, and is connected to a manifold installed at the loading and unloading location to connect the first and second pipes ( It provides a transfer path for fluid to the liquid cargo storage facility at the loading and unloading station via P1, P2) and the flexible hose 200.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the emergency shutoff device of the flexible hose when an emergency situation occurs.

Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible hose 200 may include an emergency shutoff device 220 at the rear end of the connection port 210. The emergency blocking device 220 serves to block the transfer of liquid cargo by separating the flexible hose 200 from the manifold (M) installed at the loading and unloading area when an emergency situation occurs.

The emergency blocking device 220 consists of a first blocking member 221 and a second blocking member 222. Butterfly valves (not shown) are installed in each of the first and second blocking members 221 and 222, and in an emergency situation, the butterfly valves installed in each of the first and second blocking members 221 and 222 are closed. Later, the first blocking member 221 and the second blocking member 222 are separated from each other to prevent leakage of liquid cargo.

The flexible hose 200 may include a guide device 230 installed at the rear end of the connection port 210. The guide device 230 serves to guide the flexible hose 200 to the manifold (M) installed at the loading and unloading station.

The guide device 230 may be composed of a winch, and may include a drum inside the winch and a wire wound around the drum.

Figure 5 is a diagram to explain step by step the process in which the flexible hose is guided to the manifold installed at the loading and unloading station using a guide device. In (a), the wire is unwound from the guide device to transfer the liquid cargo to the loading and unloading station. It is a drawing showing the steps connected to the manifold side of the location, (b) is a drawing showing the steps in which the flexible hose moves to the manifold side of the loading and unloading location by a guide device, and (c) is a drawing showing the steps guided by the guide device. This is a diagram showing the steps in which the flexible hose is connected to the manifold installed at the loading and unloading station.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, in order to transfer liquid cargo, the wire 231 wound around the drum (not shown) inside the guide device 230 is unwound and placed on the manifold (M) side installed at the loading and unloading station. Connect. A guiding member 232 may be installed on the manifold (M) side to assist in guiding the flexible hose 200, and the wire 231 may be connected to the guiding member 232.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, the wire 231 extending from the guide device 230 and connected to the guide member 232 on the manifold (M) side is again connected to a drum (not shown) inside the guide device 230. By winding it, the flexible hose 200 is guided along the wire 231 and can move toward the manifold (M).

Referring to (c) of FIG. 5, the flexible hose 200 moved to the side of the manifold (M) installed at the loading and unloading station may be coupled to the manifold (M) by the guidance of the guide device 230. The guide member 232 may be provided in a shape that can accommodate the guide device 230 so that the connection port 210 of the flexible hose 200 can be accurately fitted into the manifold (M).

As described above, in the process of guiding the flexible hose 200 to the manifold (M) installed at the loading and unloading station, if the wire 231 becomes too loose, the flexible hose 200 cannot approach the manifold (M) and falls into the surrounding area. There is a risk of collision with a structure, and if the wire 231 becomes too tight, there is a risk of strain being applied to the flexible hose 200 or the connection between the loading arm 100 and the flexible hose 200 being broken. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the tension on the flexible hose 200 constant.

For this purpose, the guide device 230 may include a load cell inside the drum (not shown). The load cell measures the tension applied to the wire 231, and when it falls below a certain value, it winds the wire 231 to increase the tension applied to the wire 231, thereby preventing the flexible hose 200 from loosening and preventing the flexible hose 200 from loosening more than a certain value. When it rises, the wire 231 is loosened to lower the tension applied to the wire 231, thereby preventing the risk of the connection between the wire 231 and the manifold (M) being excessively tight and broken.

The operation of the winch, which winds or unwinds the wire 231 from the drum (not shown), can use hydraulic pressure.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the connection between the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) and the connection configuration between the second pipe (P2) and the flexible hose 200 will be described.

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection between the first pipe and the second pipe. For simplification of the drawing, only one end of the first pipe (P1), one end of the second pipe (P2), and the joint between the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) are shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) may be connected to a first swivel joint (S1). The first swivel joint (S1) includes a first seam (S11) and a second seam (S12). The first seam (S11) can rotate 360 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the deck, and the second seam (S12) can rotate 360 degrees about an axis horizontal to the deck. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to the twist between each pipe that may occur due to the three-dimensional movement of one end of the post 140.

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection between the second pipe and the flexible hose. For simplification of the drawing, only one end of the second pipe (P2) and one end of the flexible hose 200, and the joint between the second pipe (P2) and the flexible hose 200 are shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 7, the second pipe (P2) and the flexible hose 200 may be connected to the second swivel joint (S2). The second swivel joint (S2) includes a third seam (S23). The third joint (S23) can rotate 360 degrees around an axis parallel to the deck. Therefore, even if the flexible hose 200 is shaken due to waves or wind, etc., it can flexibly respond to the twist that may occur in the connection between the second pipe P2 and the flexible hose 200.

As described above, the connection between the first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) and the connection between the second pipe (P2) and the flexible hose 200 are formed by the first and second swivel joints (S1, S2). , the effect of stably transporting liquid cargo can be further increased.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, and as long as it is configured to eliminate twisting that may occur in the connection between each pipe or the connection between the pipe and the hose, it is within the scope of the present invention. Of course, various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate.

The floating offshore structure equipped with a liquid cargo transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention described above can flexibly respond to the shaking of the structure caused by waves and wind by expanding and rotating on its own due to the flexible nature of the flexible hose. This is possible, and as a result, tension or twisting in the liquid cargo transfer device can be eliminated, making it possible to stably transport liquid cargo.

In addition, by connecting the connection between the first pipe and the second pipe and the connection between the second pipe and the flexible hose with a swivel joint, twisting that may occur in the connection between each pipe or between the pipe and the hose can be eliminated. , which has the effect of further increasing the effect of stably transporting liquid cargo.

Although the description has been made above with a focus on specific embodiments of the present invention, various variations, changes, or modifications may occur in the technical field within the spirit of the present invention and the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the above description and drawings are intended to refer to the present invention. It should be construed as illustrating the present invention rather than limiting the technical idea of the invention.

100: loading arm
110: base
120: support
130: joint part
140: post
141: connection part
150: 1st weight compensation unit
160: 2nd weight compensation unit
200: Flexible hose
210: connection port
220: Emergency shutoff device
221: first blocking member
222: second blocking member
230: Guide device
231: wire
232: Guide member
P1: 1st pipe
P2: 2nd pipe
S1: first swivel joint
S2: Second swivel joint
S11: first seam
S12: 2nd seam
S23: Third seam

Claims (12)

loading arm; and
a flexible hose connected to the loading arm and detachable from the loading arm;
Including,
The loading arm is,
A base that is coupled to the deck so that it can rotate left and right about an axis perpendicular to the deck of the floating marine structure and is detachable from the deck;
a support vertically coupled to the base;
a joint formed on the upper part of the support; and
It includes a post rotatably coupled to the joint,
The post said,
A liquid cargo transfer device including a connection part formed so that the flexible hose can be connected. delete In claim 1,
The loading arm is,
a first weight compensation unit for maintaining the center of gravity due to the weight of the post itself; and
a second weight compensation unit to maintain the center of gravity due to the weight of the flexible hose;
A liquid cargo transfer device further comprising a. delete In claim 1,
A first pipe is formed inside the support,
A second pipe is formed inside the post,
The first pipe and the second pipe are connected to each other,
Liquid cargo transfer device, characterized in that the second pipe and the flexible hose are interconnected. In claim 5,
A liquid cargo transfer device, characterized in that the connection between the first pipe and the second pipe and the connection between the second pipe and the flexible hose are each connected by a swivel joint. In claim 1,
The flexible hose is a liquid cargo transfer device including a connection port connected to a manifold installed at the loading and unloading station. In claim 7,
The flexible hose,
A liquid cargo transfer device further comprising an emergency shutoff device that blocks the connection between the flexible hose and the manifold in the event of an emergency. In claim 8,
The emergency blocking device includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member,
A butterfly valve is installed in each of the first and second blocking members,
When an emergency situation occurs, a liquid cargo transfer device characterized in that the first and second blocking members are separated from each other after the butterfly valves installed in each of the first and second blocking members are locked. In claim 7,
The flexible hose,
A liquid cargo transfer device further comprising a guide device that guides the flexible hose to the manifold. In claim 10,
The guide device is,
It consists of a winch including a drum and a wire wound around the drum,
A liquid cargo transfer device, wherein the wire is connected to the manifold to guide the movement path of the flexible hose. In claim 11,
The guide device includes a load cell inside the drum,
A liquid cargo transport device, characterized in that the tension applied to the wire is measured and the tension applied to the wire is kept constant by winding or unwinding the wire according to the measured tension.

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