NL2020141B1 - Assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure and floating structure provided therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure comprises a gimbal connector device with 5 tube sections that are rotatably connected to rotating joints which define at least a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation sub- stantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, which gimbal connector device has a first end intended to be 10 connected to the cryogenic hose and a second end intended to be connected to on-board piping of the floating structure and wherein the gimbal connector device at one of its first and second ends is provided with a quick disconnect device positionable in a connect position and a disconnect posi-15 tion. The gimbal connector device has a centre of gravity which substantially is positioned on the first axis of rota- tion.

Description

Patent center

Θ 2020141

(2?) Application number: 2020141 (22) Application submitted: December 21, 2017

Int. CL:

B63B 27/25 (2018.01)

0 Application registered: 0 Patent holder (s): July 1, 2019 Bluewater Energy Services B.V. in Hoofddorp. 0 Request published: - 0 Inventor (s): Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van der 0 Patent granted: Wet in The Hague. July 1, 2019 Hendricus Petrus Johannes Brouwer in Noordwijk. 0 Patent issued: Michiel Cornells Kloosterboer in Haarlem. July 1, 2019 0 Authorized representative: ir. A.R. Aalbers in Amsterdam.

54) Assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure and floating structure provided therewith (57) Assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure comprising a gimbal connector device with tube sections that are rotatably connected to rotating joints which define at least a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, which gimbal connector device has a first end intended to be connected to the cryogenic hose and a second end intended to be connected to on-board piping of the floating structure and the gimbal connector device at one of its first and second ends is provided with a quick disconnect device positionable in a connect position and a disconnect position. The gimbal connector device has a center of gravity which is substantially positioned on the first axis of rotation.

NL B1 2020141

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

NL26911 Vo / id

Assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure and floating structure provided therewith

The invention firstly related to an assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure, including a gimbal connector device with tube sections that are rotatably connected to rotating joints which define at least a substantial horizontal first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, which gimbal connector device has a first end intended to be connected to the cryogenic hose and a second end intended to be connected to on-board piping or the floating structure and be the gimbal connector device at one of its first and second ends are provided with a quick disconnect device positionable in a connect position and a disconnect position. The first and second axis of rotation generally also are substantially perpendicular to the line of the cryogenic hose which is preferably near the vertical departure line.

A main field of application or such an assembly is the transfer of fully refrigerated or semi refrigerated liquefied gas between floating structures or between a floating structure and an earth fixed structure. A state of the art assembly consists of a loading arrangement for oil shuttle tankers as described in US 6,484,658 Bl. Such a loading arrangement uses flexible hoses to transfer liquids between a floating structure or an earth fixed structure and a shuttle tanker bow loading station. To keep the bending or the hose within its design limits, the hose end or such a bow loading station may include a ramp-type bend restrictor or the hose end may be connected to a number of rotation hinges. The rotation hinges allow the hose end coupler to rotate typically 35 degrees in each direction around the horizontal axis of the shuttle tanker, and typically 120 degrees outwards and 40 degrees inwards (to a stowed position) from the vertical axis of the tanker. In some instances the gimbal connector device is also allowed to rotate around the axis or the in-line coupler to avoid torsion in the hose. The gimbal connector device includes swivels and / or a ball joint to allow these rotations in the fluid path.

The coupler is typically also provided with a quick disconnect device used for quick disconnection or the hose in case it is required to avoid overloading or the hose. This quick disconnect device generally includes valves that, upon disconnection, close both the hose end and the piping end attached to the floating structure or fixed structure. Due to the large weight of the quick disconnect device, the center of gravity of the gimbal connector device is well below the rotation axis in the (near) horizontal plane of the gimbal connector device. Thus typically a hydraulic cylinder is provided in the gimbal connector device to allow alignment in the vertical plane during the connection between the hose and the gimbal connector device. For a LNG transfer between an LNG production vessel and an LNG tanker vessel a similar assembly is described in patent WO99 / 38762 (A1).

A disadvantage of the assemblies of the state of the art is the bending load on the hose that is required to align the hose with the gimbal connector device. Although such a required bending moment for this alignment at the hose end is typically within the capabilities of hoses that are applied for oil transfer, cryogenic hoses that are applied for cryogenic liquid transfer, like composite hoses, metal bellow hoses or fiber reinforced plastic / resin hoses have a limited fatigue capability for resisting cyclic bending loads at the end couplings. Furthermore composite hoses have limited fatigue capability for absorbing local contact loads as typically imposed by bend restrictors like a ramp-type structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose to a floating structure that minimizes the bending loads and optionally torsion loads on the cryogenic hose when attached to the floating structure.

In accordance with the present invention the assembly is characterized in that the gimbal connector device has a center of gravity which is substantially positioned on the first axis of rotation.

In such an assembly the bending loads on the cryogenic hose are minimized to only friction in the rotating joints (such as bearings, rotating hinges or ball joints) and inertia loads from the mass of the cryogenic hose end fitting and the rotating joints. It is noted that the center of gravity may also be defined as the cryogenic hose end.

In one embodiment the quick disconnect device is provided at the second end of the gimbal connector device. The quick disconnect device is typically used for quick disconnection of the cryogenic hose in case it is required to avoid overloading of the hose.

In another embodiment the gimbal connector device is supported by a support structure defining axes of rotation that is also coincide with the first and second axis of rotation.

In such an embodiment the load transfer path (which is then defined by the support structure) and the fluid path (as defined by the gimbal connector device) are separated, each having its own rotation axes, which, however, must be fully aligned to ensure smooth rotation of the entire assembly. Alternatively, however, the load transfer path and the fluid path may also use the same components (thus the components of the gimbal connector device) requiring the fluid path to have sufficient load capacity to carry the static and dynamic loads from the cryogenic hose with its hose end.

In such an embodiment it is conceivable that the support structure comprises a support arm which supports the gimbal connector device through joints defining axes of rotation that respectively coincide with the first and second axis of rotation.

In such an embodiment the joints may be combined into a single universal joint, such as a ball joint, which is positioned at the intersection of the first and second axis of rotation.

Further it is conceivable that the gimbal connector device is supported by a slide which is intended to be supported by a ramp on the floating structure in such a manner that the slide may automatically move along the ramp away from the on-board piping of the floating structure when the second end of the gimbal connector device is in the disconnect position or the quick disconnect device is disconnected from the on-board piping or the floating structure. Generally the slide in such a situation will also be disconnected from the floating structure.

The support by the slide may be direct or indirect (for example through the support structure, when provided).

In an alternative embodiment the gimbal connector device is supported by a gimbal frame structure with a stationary frame part intended to be attached directly to the floating structure, a rotatable first frame part which can rotate with respect to the stationary frame part and a rotatable second frame part which can rotate with respect to the rotatable first frame part, featuring the gimbal frame structure defines axes of rotation that respectively coincide with the first and second axis of rotation and being the rotatable frame parts support respective ones of the tube sections of the gimbal connector device.

In such an embodiment the quick disconnect device may be provided at the first end of the gimbal connector device and the cryogenic hose is attached to a slide which is intended to be supported on the second frame part in such a manner that the slide may automatically move on the second frame part away from the gimbal connector device when the first end of the gimbal connector device is in the disconnect position or the quick disconnect device is disconnected from the cryogenic hose. The second frame part, in such an embodiment, may define a slot-like structure for receiving the slide.

When such a slide is present, means may be provided for pulling the slide to a position in which the quick disconnect device is positionable in the connect position.

Further it is conceivable that the slide supports piping and valves for draining and purging the cryogenic hose.

The gimbal connector device may be intended to be directly attached to the floating structure. Also, the gimbal connector device further may include a rotating joint defining a third axis or rotation substantially perpendicular to the first and second axis of rotation.

In one embodiment the center of gravity or the gimbal connector device is substantially positioned on the first and second axes of rotation. This may further reduce loads on the cryogenic hose

In another embodiment the gimbal connector device is provided with at least one counter weight for achieving the desired position of the center of gravity.

Although the assembly may be used with a single cryogenic hose, it is also possible that the cryogenic hose is implemented as a multiple hose assembly.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a floating structure provided with an assembly according to the present invention. For example, such a floating structure may be a vessel, such as a shuttle tanker.

Hereinafter the invention will be elucidated while referring to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 in a schematic perspective view illustrates a first embodiment of the assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 in a schematic perspective view illustrates a second embodiment of the assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 in a schematic perspective view illustrates a third embodiment of the assembly in accordance with the present invention, and

Figure 4 in a schematic perspective view illustrates a fourth embodiment of the assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Firstly referring to figure 1 the bow section of a vessel 1, such as a shuttle tanker, is shown which is provided with a first edition of an assembly for connecting a cryogenic hose 2 to an on-board piping 3 of the vessel. The assembly comprises a gimbal connector device 4 with tube sections 5 that are rotatably connected to rotating joints 6. These rotating joints 6 define a substantially horizontal first axis of rotation 7 and a second axis of rotation 8. Moreover, a third axis of rotation 9 is defined which extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second axis. These axes of rotation allow rotations in three directions in the fluid path.

The gimbal connector device 4 including the cryogenic hose end has a center of gravity which is substantially positioned on the first axis of rotation 7 and preferably also on the second axis of rotation 8, thus preferably on the intersection 11 of these axes.

The gimbal connector device 4 has a first end intended to be connected to the cryogenic hose 2 and a tube section 10 with a second end intended to be connected to the on-board piping 3 of the vessel 1, and is provided at its second end with a quick disconnect device 12 (also sometimes referred to as a breakaway coupler) which is positionable in a connect position and a disconnect position.

The breakaway coupler 12 can be connected directly to the on-board piping 3 or the vessel 1 when a so-called quick connector and quick disconnector type coupler is used. This type of coupler is used to quickly connect the coupler to an appropriate flange or the on-board piping 3. The breakaway coupler can be connected indirectly to the piping 3 when the breakaway coupler is connected by a separate piping connection, typically a flanged type connection that is not quick connectable.

The gimbal connector device 4, or more specifically its tube section 10, is supported by a slide 13 which is intended to be supported by a ramp 14 on the vessel 1 in such a manner that the slide may automatically move along the ramp away from the on-board piping 3 of the vessel when the second end of the gimbal connector device 4 in the disconnect position of the quick disconnect device 12 is disconnected from said on-board piping, for example to avoid overloading of the cryogenic hose 2. The slide 13 may be pulled on the ramp (arrow 15) by means not illustrated (eg a winch and cable) to its connect position.

The slide 13 may also support piping and valves for draining and purging the cryogenic hose 2. This piping between the breakaway coupler 12 and the cryogenic hose 2 thus may also include connections for draining and purging the hose. For ease of handling, typically flexible hoses are applied to this drain / purge connections to provide the flow path between the drain / purge system on the vessel 1 and this piping.

In figure 2 a second embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment the gimbal connector device 4 is supported by a support structure 15 (particularly a support arm attached to the slide 13) defining axes of rotation that respectively coincide with the first axis of rotation 7 and second axis of rotation 8. The support structure 15 supports the gimbal connector device through a universal joint (or ball joint) 16 defining axes of rotation that respectively coincide with the first and second axis of rotation. The support structure 15 defines a load transfer path and thus rotating joints of the gimbal connector device 4 are relieved.

One or more counter weights 17 may be used to shift the center or gravity to the desired position as defined above.

The embodiment according to figure 3 is similar to that according to figure 2, but the universal joint has been replaced by distinct hinges 18 (for example linear (plain sliding), ball or roller type bearings).

Finally, figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment the gimbal connector device 4 is supported by a gimbal frame structure. This gimbal frame structure is provided with a stationary frame part 18 intended to be directly attached to the vessel 1, a rotatable first frame part 19 which can rotate with respect to the stationary frame part 18 around vertical axis 8 and a rotatable second frame part 20 which can rotate with respect to the rotatable first frame part 19 around horizontal axis 7. The in-line rotating joint 6 at the end of the cryogenic hose 2 defines the third axis 9.

Again, the gimbal frame structure defines axes of rotation that respectively coincide with the first and second axis of rotation 7.8 and the rotatable frame parts 19.20 support respective ones of the tube sections 5 of the gimbal connector device 4.

In this embodiment the quick disconnect device 12 is provided at the first end of the gimbal connector device 4 (in figure 4 only the part is connected to the cryogenic hose 2 is visible and the quick disconnect device is in its disconnect position) and the cryogenic hose 2 is attached to a slide 13 which is intended to be supported on the second frame part 20 (which therefore may be constructed lock-like for allowing the slide to be pulled in) in such a manner that the slide may automatically move on the second frame part away from the gimbal connector device 4 when the first end of the gimbal connector device in the disconnect position or the quick disconnect device 12 is disconnected from the cryogenic hose 2.

The weight distribution is such that the center of gravity of the cryogenic hose end, the slide 13 and the gimbal connector device 4 with its swivels and / or ball joints is located close to or near its rotation axis 7 in the horizontal plane.

The invention is not limited to the described described before which may be varied widely within the scope of the invention as defined by the appending claims. Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units or any other floating objects that are suitable to transfer any type of liquids. to or from.

Claims (16)

CONCLUSIONS An assembly for coupling a cryogenic hose with a floating structure, comprising a gimbal coupling device with tubular portions rotatably coupled to rotary connections defining at least a substantially horizontal first rotation axis and a second rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis, gimbal coupling device has a first end intended to be coupled to the cryogenic hose and a second end intended to be coupled to onboard pipes of the floating structure and wherein the gimbal coupling device to one of its first and second ends is provided with a quick-release device which is positionable in a coupled position and a disengaged position, characterized in that the gimbal coupling device has a center of gravity which is placed substantially on the first axis of rotation. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the quick-release device is applied at the location of the second end of the gimbal-coupling device. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gimbal coupling device is supported by a support structure that defines rotational axes which coincide with the first and second rotational axes, respectively. Assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the support structure is provided with a support arm which supports the gimbal coupling device via connections which define rotation axes which coincide with the first and second rotation axis respectively. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the connections are combined in a single universal connection, such as a ball joint, which is placed at the point of intersection of the first and second axis of rotation. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gimbal coupling device is supported by a slide which is intended to be supported by a slope on the floating structure in such a way that the slide can automatically move away from the on-board lines of the floating structure when the second end of the gimbal-coupling device is disconnected from the on-board lines of the floating structure in the disconnection position of the quick-release device. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the gimbal coupling device is supported by a gimbal frame structure with a stationary frame portion intended to be directly attached to the floating structure, a rotatable first frame portion that can rotate relative to the stationary frame portion and a rotatable second frame member that can rotate relative to the rotatable first frame member, wherein the gimbal frame structure defines rotational axes which coincide with the first and second rotational axis, respectively, and wherein the rotatable frame members carry respective tube sections of the gimbal coupling device. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein the quick release device is applied at the first end of the gimbal coupling device and wherein the cryogenic hose is attached to a slide intended to be supported on the second frame part in such a way that the slide can automatically move away from the gimbal coupling device on the second frame part when the first end of the gimbal coupling device is disconnected from the cryogenic hose in the disconnection position of the quick disconnection device. Assembly as claimed in claim 6 or 8, wherein means are provided for pulling the carriage to a position in which the quick-release device can be positioned in the coupling position. An assembly according to claim 6, 8 or 9, wherein the carriage supports conduits and valves for emptying and flushing the cryogenic hose. The assembly of any one of claims 1-5 or 7, wherein the gimbal coupling device is intended to be directly connected to the floating structure. 12. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gimbal coupling device is further provided with a rotating connection that defines a third axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axis of rotation. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the center of gravity of the gimbal coupling device is substantially placed on the first and second axis of rotation. Assembly as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the gimbal coupling device is provided with at least one counterweight for effecting the desired position of the center of gravity. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cryogenic tubing is implemented as a multiple tubing assembly. A floating structure provided with an assembly according to any one of the preceding claims. 1/3 3/3