NO340943B1

NO340943B1 - A hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium

Info

Publication number: NO340943B1
Application number: NO20151575A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Kenneth Bertheussen
Original assignee: Vinje Ind As
Priority date: 2015-11-17
Filing date: 2015-11-17
Publication date: 2017-07-24
Also published as: NO20151575A1

Description

A HOSE ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSFERRING A FLOWABLE MEDIUM

Introduction

The present invention relates to a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit in a marine environment. The hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first end portion adapted to be connected to the first unit and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the second unit. The hose arrangement further comprises a fitting arrangement comprising flow connection means for establishing a flow connection between at least a first outlet at the first unit for providing the medium to the hose unit and a first opening of the hose unit. The hose arrangement further comprises a rotatable storage drum for storing the hose unit and a connection arrangement for connecting the storage drum to a fixture at the first unit.

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing a hose unit.

Prior art

Hose arrangements comprising the hose unit and the storage drum are used in variously industrial applications, such as marine environment, for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit. For example, in off-shore oil production, large amount of flowable medium is produced that needs to be transported for further processing. Large amount of fluids are also used in the production and accordingly needs to be transferred to the production site.

Hose units are in particular suitable for transferring flowable medium in a dynamic environment in that the hose unit is flexible. The hose unit is for example used for transferring the medium between a first and second unit that are separated from each other, such as in the case between an oil rig and a vessel.

The flowable medium may be a liquid or a flowable solid, such as powder with grain size that enables it to be transferred using the hose unit. The flowable medium may also comprise a mixture of different phases, such as a slurry of liquid and solids. These solids may be a brasi ve and result in intern al fractures in the hose unit resulting in a leakage of the medium. The medium is for example water, oil, drilling fluid, drilling mud, and etcetera. The hose unit may also be subjected external wear, such as external abrasion and bending, resulting in fractures and leakage of the medium. Accordingly, after certain duration of use, the hose unit needs to be replaced with a new hose unit. Normally, the hose unit comprises a plurality of conduits that are connected to a plurality of outlets at the first unit by means of a fitting arrangement comprising flow connection means.

In order not to damage the fitting arrangement, in prior art hose arrangements, the hose unit is replaced by disconnecting the plurality of conduits from the outlets of the first unit and unwinding

the worn hose unit from the storage drum. Thereafter, the replacement comprises rewinding a new hose unit to the storage drum and reconnecting the plurality of conduits of the new hose unit to the outlets of the first unit by means of the fitting arrangement. The worn unwinded hose unit is thereafter lifted away for possible restoration or recycling.

In marine environment, the available space is usually limited. The ref ore, it is necessary to lift the hose unit to a vessel and transport the hose unit for restoration or recycling on-shore. A further problem with the prior art hose arrangement is that the replacement of the hose unit may be difficult due to the limited available space. The replacement process is also time consuming resulting in reduced production of the industrial application.

WO2010041955A1 discloses a hose system comprising an inner hose, an outer hose and an air filled volume between the inner hose and the outer hose for providing buoyancy to the hose system.

WO2009/082241A discloses a safety hose for transferring fluids between a floating structure and another fixed or floating structure.

Summary of the invention

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. A first object of the invention is to provide a hose arrangement that facilitates replacement of the hose unit where the space for handling the hose unit is narrow and limited, such as in marine environment. A second object of the invention is to provide a hose arrangement that reduces the necessary time for replacing the hose unit.

These objects are achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. In particular, the objects of the invention are achieved by mean of a hose arrangement according to claim 1. The hose arrangement ischaracterized in thatthe fitting arrangement comprises a displaceable fitting device holding the flow connection means, and where the fitting device comprises an engaged state in which the flow connection means establish the flow connection between at least the first outlet at the first unit and the first opening of the hose unit, and an disengaged state in which the flow connection means disestablish the flow connection between at least the first outlet and the first opening of the hose unit, wherein the fitting device is adapted to be controllable displaced between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

The displaceable fitting device enables the flow connection between the one or more outlets of the first unit and the one or more openings at the hose unit to be established and disestablished in a quick manner. Furthermore, the displacement of the fitting device enables the flow connections means to be displaced to a position safe from interaction with an end portion of the hose unit and the storage drum. Accordingly, the hose arrangement allows the storage drum to be disconnected from the fixture and lifted away from fixture while the hose unit is maintained winded on the storage drum.

The hose arrangement of the invention enables the storage drum together with the stored hose unit to be quickly detached from the fixture of the first unit. Thereby, the storage drum together with the stored hose unit can easily be lifted away from the first unit and be replaced with a replacement storage drum storing a new hose unit. The hose arrangement of the invention enables likewise a new storage drum to be quickly attached to the fixture of the first unit.

The hose arrangement of the invention has the advantage that the necessary time for replacing a worn hose unit with a new hose unit is significantly reduced compared with prior art hose arrangements. Furthermore, the hose arrangement of the invention has the advantage that the replacement of the hose unit requires less space compared with prior art hose arrangements. A further advantage of the hose arrangement of the invention is that the flow connection between the one or more outlets and the one or more openings can be established and disestablished in a quick and reliable manner remotely by an operator. Thereby, also the risk of damage to the flow connection means and injuries to the operator or personal is reduced.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixture is arranged to dispatch the storage drum in a dispatch direction that is directed away from a rotational axis of the storage drum, wherein, in the disengaged state, the fitting device has a position that enables the storage drum to be dispatched from the fixture in said dispatch direction without obstruction with the fitting device.

The storage drum is adapted to be rotated around the rotational axis when the storage drum is connected to the fixture. By displacing the fitting device from the engaged state to the disengaged state so that the position of the fitting device in the disengaged state is without obstruction when dispatching the storage drum in the dispatch direction, the storage drum with the hose unit can be safely removed in the dispatch direction from the fixture without damage to the flow connection means. Accordingly, the hose arrangement of the invention enables the hose unit to be replaced together with the storage drum by lifting the storage drum away from the fixture.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixture is arranged to receive the storage drum in a receipt direction that is directed towards a rotational axis of the storage drum, wherein, in the disengaged state, the fitting device has a position that enables the storage drum to be received by the fixture in said receipt direction without obstruction with the fitting device.

The storage drum is adapted to be rotated around the rotational axis when the storage drum is connected to the fixture. By displacing the fitting device from the engaged state to the disengaged state so that the position of the fitting device in the disengaged state is without obstruction when receiving the storage drum in the receipt direction, the storage drum with the hose unit can be safely received by the fixture without damage to the flow connection means. Accordingly, the hose arrangement of the invention enables the hose unit to be replaced together with the storage drum.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the dispatch direction is more than 30 degrees in regards to the rotational axis of the storage drum. Preferably, the dispatch direction is perpendicu-larto the rotational axis of the storage drum.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the receipt direction is more than 30 degrees in regards to the rotational axis of the storage drum. Preferably, the receipt direction is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the storage drum.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the dispatch direction and the receipt direction are directed in opposite directions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fitting arrangement comprises a first drive unit for displacing the fitting device between the engaged state and the disengaged state. The first drive unit enables the fitting device to controllably be displaced between the engage state and the disengaged state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first drive unit is one of a pneumatic, hydraulic and electric drive unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fitting arrangement comprises control means for controlling the first drive unifs displacement of the fitting device between the engaged state and the disengaged state. Preferably, the control means comprises a control unit adapted to transmit control information to the first drive unit. The hose arrangement of the invention enables an operator to remotely control the displacement of the fitting device between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flow connection means comprises one or more sealing elements for sealing the flow connection between at least the first outlet at the first unit and the first opening of the hose unit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection arrangement comprises a first connection member at the fixture and a second connection member at the storage drum, wherein the first connection member and the second connection member are arranged to establish an attachment when the storage drum is received by the fixture in the receipt direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first connection member comprises an open ring shaped first receipt portion and the second connection member comprises a closed ring shaped second receipt portion, wherein the first receipt portion and the second receipt portion are adapted to engage with each other so that a rotatable connection of the storage drum to the fixture is provided.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first receipt portion and the second receipt portion provide a rotatable connection of the storage drum when the first receipt portion and the second receipt portion are in engagement with each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose arrangement comprises a second drive unit that is adapted to act on one of the connection arrangement and the storage drum so to enable the storage drum to be rotated around said rotational axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose arrangement comprises an operation state in which the hose unit is fully unwinded from the storage drum and an non-operational state in which the hose unit is at least part ly winded on the storage drum, wherein hose arrangement comprises an attachment for holding a portion of the hose unit attached to the storage drum when the hose arrangement is in the operation state.

By means of the attachment, it is assured that the portion of the hose unit stays attached to the storage drum even when the hose unit is fully unwinded from the storage drum. Accordingly, the hose unit and the storage drum will be maintained as a unit both when in the operational state and the non-operational state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose unit further comprises a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit when the hose unit is in the operational state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose unit further comprises a third conduit arranged in the space and comprising at least a second opening, wherein the flow connection means further is adapted to establish the flow connection between a second outlet/inlet at the first unit and the second opening to the third conduit when the fitting device is displaced from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the third conduit is arranged in said space between the first conduit and the second conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hose unit further comprises a fourth conduit comprising a third opening, where the flow connection means further is adapted to establish a flow connection between a third outlet/inlet at the first unit and the third opening at the fourth conduit when the fitting device is displaced from the disengaged state to the engaged state

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fitting device is adapted to establish flow connections between the first outlet, the second outlet/inlet, the third outlet/inlet and the respective first opening, second opening and third opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fitting arrangement further comprises a swivel arrangement between said opening and the hose unit adapted to enable rotation of at least the first end portion in relation to said opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, swivel arrangement comprises a respective swivel element for at least two of the conduits, which swivel elements enable a separate rotation of its respective conduit.

The objects of the invention is further achieved by means of a method of replacing a hose unit according to claim 15. The method comprises

- attaching a lifting device to a first storage drum connected to a fixture of the first unit,

- disconnect the connection arrangement from the fixture of the first unit,

- displacing a fitting device from the engaged state to the disengaged state,

- lifting and displacing the first storage drum away from the fixture of the first unit,

- disattaching the lifting device from the first storage drum,

- attaching the lifting device to a second storage drum comprising a hose unit,

- lifting and displacing the second storage drum to the fixture of the first unit,

- connecting the connection arrangement to the fixture of the first unit, and

- displacing a fitting device from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 discloses a hose arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, where a hose unit extends between a first and a second unit; Fig. 2a discloses an example of the hose unit in fig. 1, where the hose unit is in an open state; Fig. 2b discloses an example of the hose unit in fig. 1, where the hose unit is in a compressed state; Fig. 3 discloses a cross section of an example of an intermediate portion of the hose unit in fig. 2a, where the hose unit is in the open state; Fig. 4a discloses a cross section of an example of a stress release unit of the hose unit in fig. 2, where the stress release unit is in an engaged state; Fig. 4b discloses a cross section of the stress release unit in fig. 4a, where the stress release unit is in a disengaged state; Fig. 5a discloses a hose arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention, where a displaceable fitting device is in an engaged state; Fig. 5b discloses the hose arrangement in fig. 5a, where the displaceable fitting device is in a disengaged state; Fig. 6a discloses a side view of the hose arrangement in fig. 5, where the fitting device is in the engaged state and the storage drum is connected to a fixture; Fig. 6b discloses a side view of the hose arrangement in fig. 5, where the fitting device in the disengaged state and the storage drum is disconnected from the fixture; Fig. 7a discloses a side view of a hose arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention, where the fitting device is in an engaged state and the storage drum is connected to a fixture; Fig. 7b discloses a side view of hose arrangement in fig. 7a, where the fitting device in a

disengaged state and the storage drum is disconnected from the fixture.

Fig. 1 discloses an overview of a hose arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The hose arrangement 1 comprises an elongated hose unit 3 for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit 5 and a second unit 7. The hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7. The hose unit 3 further comprises a stress release unit 10, such as a breakaway unit. In fig. 1, the first unit 5 comprises an oil rig and the second unit 7 comprises a vessel.

The hose unit 3 comprises a first end portion 12 connected to the first unit 5 and a second end portion 14 connected to the second unit 7. The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a storage drum 16 for storing the hose unit 3.

In fig. 2a, the hose unit 3 has been fully unwinded from the storage drum 16 and is in an open state. In fig. 2b, the hose unit 3 is partly winded to the storage drum 16 and partly unwinded from the storage drum 16, and the hose unit 3 is in the compressed state.

For the sake of illustration, in fig. 2b, the unwinded part of the hose unit 3 is shown as if it was in the open state. This would be the case for the unwinded part when the hose unit 3 is being winded on the storage drum 16 after use of the hose unit 3. On the other hand, when the hose unit 3 is being unwinded from the storage drum after being fully winded on the storage drum 16, the whole length of the hose unit 3 would be in the compressed state. The whole length of the hose unit 3 would then change from the compressed state to the open state when the hose unit 3 would start transfer the medium.

Fig. 3 discloses a cross section at an example of an intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 in fig. 2a, where the hose unit 3 is in the open state. The intermediate portion 18 of the hose unit 3 constitutes a main part of the extension of the hose unit 3. The hose unit 3 comprises a first conduit 20 adapted to guide the medium when the medium is transferred between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7.

The hose unit 3 further comprises a second conduit 22 arranged around the first conduit 20 in order to protect the first conduit 20 from fracture due to abrasion or hits to its exterior surface. The second conduit 22 is further arranged so that a closed space 24 is formed between the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22 when the hose unit 3 is in the open state. The space 24 extends along the extension of the hose unit 3. Preferably, the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22 have uniform wall thickness along the extension of the hose unit 3. Accordingly, the space 24 is preferably uniformly arranged along the extension of the hose unit 3.

The hose unit 3 further comprises a third conduit 50 and a fourth conduit 52 arranged in the space 24. In the disclosed example, the space 24 comprises an evacuation portion 30 to which the medium is adapted to flow in case of a leakage of the first conduit 20.

The hose unit 3 further comprises a connection arrangement 53 for providing an attachment of the third conduit 50 and the fourth conduit 52 to at least one of the first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22 for holding an extension of the third conduit 50 and the fourth conduit 52 in a fixed position within the space 24. The connection arrangement 53 comprises a connection element 54 for providing the attachment of the third conduit 50 and the fourth conduit 52. Preferably, the connection arrangement 53 comprises a plurality of connection elements 54 intermittent distributed along the length of the hose unit 3.

Referring to fig. 1, 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b, the hose unit 3 comprises a first hose portion 26 and a second hose portion 28 that are connected with each other by means of the stress release unit 10. The stress release unit 10 has the function to release the connection between the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 in the event that stress release unit 10 is subjected to a stress that exceeds a certain value. In fig. 4a the stress release unit 10 is in an engaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are connected. In fig. 4b the stress release unit 10 is in a disengaged state, where the first hose portion 26 and the second hose portion 28 are disconnected from each other.

An example a cross section of the stress release unit 10 is disclosed in further detail in fig. 4a and 4b. The hose unit 3 comprises the evacuation portion 30 of the space 24 that is adapted to receive the medium in case of a leakage of the first conduit 20. In particular, the evacuation portion 30 of the space 24 is adapted to be arranged at a centre of mass of the hose unit 3 in its fully extended configuration. Accordingly, when the hose unit 3 extends between the first unit 5 and the second unit 7, the evacuation portion 30 of the space 24 will constitute the lowest point of the hose unit 3. In case of a leakage anywhere along the length of the hose unit 3, the medium will flow to the evacuation portion 30 of the space 24.

A stream of gas is adapted to be injected into the evacuation portion 30 by means of the third conduit 50 so that the evacuation portion 30 is pressurized to a first pressure P1 that is higher than a second pressure P2 relating to the ambient air pressure. Due to the pressure difference between the evacuation portion 30 and the outside, possible leakage of the medium will be transferred to the outside by means of the fourth conduit 52.

In fig. 4a and 4b, the stress release unit 10 comprises means for closing openings to the first conduit 20, the second conduit 22 and the third conduit 50 in the event that the stress release unit 10 is changed from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

The first conduit 20, the second conduit 22, third conduit 50 and fourth conduit 52 comprise mainly elastic material that enables the hose unit 3 to be bended for facilitating connection to specific locations on the first unit 5 and the second unit 7, and to be coiled on the drum 16. The material comprises for example mainly a polymeric material, such as one of nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, and synthetic or natural rubbers, or mixture thereof.

In fig. 5a and 5b the hose arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a fitting arrangement 70 that comprises a first outlet 71 for providing the medium to the hose unit 3. In the disclosed embodiment, the fitting arrangement 70 also comprises a second outlet/inlet 72 and a third outlet/inlet 73 for receiving or discharging a further medium, such as pressurized air, to/from the hose unit 3.

The fitting arrangement 70 further comprises a displaceable fitting device 74 and flow connection means 75 for establishing flow connections between the first outlet 71 and a first opening 71a of the hose unit 3, between the second outlet/inlet 72 and a second opening 72a of the hose unit 3, and between the third outlet/inlet 73 and a third opening 73a of the hose unit 3. The flow connection means 75 comprises one or more sealing elements for providing a fluid tight flow connection between the outlets/inlets 71, 72, 73 and the openings 71a, 72a, 73a. In fig. 5a and 5b, the outlets/inlets 71, 72, 73 are feed by a corresponding conduit 71 b, 72b, 73b on the first unit 5.

The fitting device 74 holds the flow connection means 75 so that they are displaceable between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the flow connection means 75 establish the flow connection between the outlets/inlets 71, 72, 73 at the first unit 5 and the openings

71a, 72a, 73a of the hose unit 3. Fig. 5a discloses the fitting device 74 in the engaged state. In the disengaged state, the flow connection means 75 disestablish the flow connection between the outlets/inlets 71, 72, 73 at the first unit 5 and the openings 71a, 72a, 73a of the hose unit 3. Fig. 5b discloses the fitting device 74 in the disengaged state.

The fitting arrangement 70 further comprises a first drive unit 77 that is adapted to controllably dis place the fitting device 74 between the engaged state and the disengaged state. In the disclosed embodiment, the first drive unit 77 is a pneumatic drive unit comprising a first drive inlet 80 and a first drive outlet 82 for pressurized air in order to controllable displacing the fitting device 74.

Referring to fig, 6a and 6b, the hose arrangement 1 further comprises a fixture 76 for holding the storage drum 16. The storage drum 16 is rotatably attached to the fixture 76 and comprises a rotational axis R1, thereby enabling the hose unit 3 to be winded and unwinded to/from the storage drum 16. Fig. 6a and 6b discloses the two different positions of the fitting device 74. In fig. 6a the fitting device 74 is in the engaged state. In fig. 6b the fitting device 74 is in the disengaged state.

The storage drum 16 is adapted to be lifted away from the fixture 76 in a dispatch direction D1 that is directed away from a rotational axis R1 of the storage drum 16. The displacement of the fitting device 74 is such that the fitting device 74 in the disengaged state has a position that enables the storage drum 16 to be dispatched from the fixture 76 in the dispatch direction D1 without obstruction with the fitting device 74, see fig. 6b. Preferably, a lifting device, such as a crane, is used for removing the storage drum 16 with the hose unit 3 from the fixture 76. Accordingly, the dispatch direction D1 is preferably approximately perpendicular to the rotational axis R1 of the storage drum 16.

Correspondingly, the storage drum 16 is adapted to be received by the fixture 76 in a receipt direction D2 that is directed towards the rotational axis R1 of the storage drum 16. The displacement of the fitting device 74 is such that the fitting device 74 in the disengaged state has a position that enables the storage drum 16 to be received by the fixture 76 in the receipt direction D2 without obstruction with the fitting device 74, see fig. 6b. Preferably, a lifting device, such as a crane, is used for remounting the storage drum 16 with the hose unit 3 to the fixture 76. Accordingly, the receipt direction D2 is preferably approximately perpendicular to the rotational axis R1 of the storage drum 16.

By means of the configuration of the displaceable fitting device 74, it is assured that there will be no interaction between the storage drum 16 or the hose unit 3 with the fitting device 74 when lifting the storage drum 16 away from the fixture 76 in the dispatch direction D1. Correspondingly, it is assured that there will be no interaction between the storage drum 16 or the hose unit 3 with the fitting device 74 when mounting a new storage drum 16 to the fixture 76 in the receipt direction D2.

Accordingly, the invention enables the necessary time for replacing a hose unit 3 to be reduced. The invention has also the advantage that the replacement of the hose unit 3 requires less space, which is of particular importance in a marine environment.

The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a connection arrangement 84 for connecting the storage drum 16 to the fixture 76 at the first unit 5. The connection arrangement 84 comprises a first connection member 85 at the fixture 76 and a second connection member 86 at the storage drum 16, see fig. 6b. The first connection member 85 and the second connection member 86 are arranged to establish an attachment when the storage drum 16 is received by the fixture 76 in the receipt direction D2.

In the disclosed embodiment, the first connection member 85 comprises an open ring shaped first receipt portion and the second connection member 86 comprises a closed ring shaped second receipt portion. The first receipt portion and the second receipt portion are adapted to engage with each other so that a rotatable connection of the storage drum 16 to the fixture 76 is provided. Thereby, the storage drum 16 is adapted to be rotated in respect to the rotational axis R1.

The hose arrangement 1 comprises a second drive unit 87 that is adapted to act on one of the connection arrangement and the storage drum 16 so to enable the storage drum 16 to be rotated around said rotational axis R1. In the disclosed embodiment, the second drive unit 87 acts on a receiving portion on the storage drum 16.

In fig. 7a and 7b a hose arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment is disclosed. The hose arrangement 1 in fig. 7a and 7b differs from the hose arrangement 1 in fig. 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b in that the fitting arrangement 70 in fig. 7a and 7b comprises a first device 74a and a second fitting device 74b arranged from opposite sides of the storage drum 16, whereas in the hose arrangement 1 in fig. 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b comprises a single fitting device 74 arranged at one side of the storage drum 16. The hose arrangement 1 in fig. 7a and 7b further comprises a respective first drive unit 77a, 77b and a second drive units 87a, 87b .

The first fitting device 74a is configured to establish flow connection between the first outlet 71 and the first opening 71 of the hose unit 3. The first fitting device 74a is adapted to be displaced between the engaged state and the disengaged state from a first side of the storage drum 16. The second fitting device 74b is configured to establish flow connection between the second outlet/inlet 72 and a second opening 72a of the hose unit 3, and between the third outlet/inlet 73 and the third opening 73a of the hose unit 3. The second fitting device 74b is adapted to be displaced between the engaged state and the disengaged state from a second side of the storage drum 16. The first side and the second side of the storage drum 16 are opposite sides.

In fig. 7a, the first fitting device 74a and the second fitting device 74b are in the engaged state and the storage drum 16 is connected to the fixture 76. In fig. 7b, the first fitting device 74a and the second fitting device 74b are in the disengaged state and the storage drum 16 has been disconnected from the fixture 76.

The arrangement with the first fitting device 74a and the second fitting device 74b provides an advantage when providing flow connection between a plurality of conduit, in particular when the conduits are of different size. In the disclosed embodiment, the first conduit 20 is considerably larger conduit compared to the second conduit 50 and third conduit 52.

In Fig. 7a and 7b, the hose arrangement 1 further comprises a compressor device 100 for injecting compressed gas to the space 24 of the hose unit 3 by means of the third conduit 50 so that the space 24 is pressurized to the first pressure P1 and enabling discharge of possible medium from the space 24 by means of the fourth conduit 52. Preferably, the compressor device 100 is adapted to inject a stream of air into the space 24.

The hose arrangement 1 further comprise separation unit 105 and means for discharging medium that has been evacuated from the space 24. The separation unit 105 is adapted to separate the medium from the gas. In 7a and 7b , the hose arrangement 1 comprises a container 110 and a discharge conduit 112 that is adapted to guide medium from the separation unit 105 to the container 110 in the event of a leakage that has been evacuated from the space 24.

The hose arrangement 1 further comprises a detection unit 120 for detecting receipt of medium that has been removed from the space 24. The detection unit 120 comprises a sensor device 121. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the sensor device 121 is arranged in a further container 114. The sensor device 121 is for example a liquid sensor that detects receipt of a liquid based change in conductivity, capacitance, optical interface, and etcetera.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detection unit 120 comprises a chamber with a float that is adapted to be displaced between a first and a second position relating to no leakage respectively a leakage of the medium. According to an alternative embodiment, the evacuated medium is transferred back to its original source, such a tank. In this case, the sensor unit 120 may for example comprise an optical sensor arranged at an inlet to the original source.

The detection unit 120 further comprises a logic unit 122 and signalling means 124. The logic unit 122 is adapted to receive information from the sensor device 121 and generate a control signal to the signalling means 124 in dependency of the received information. The signalling means 124 is adapted to generate an alarm upon receipt of the control signal. The signalling means 124 is for example an indication lamp, a buzzer, a vibration device, and etcetera.

The sensor device 121 is configured to measure an amount of the medium and the logic unit 122 is adapted to determine an extent of the leakage of the medium based on information from the sensor device 121 over time. The detection unit 120 further comprises a display unit 126 that is adapted to receive information on the determined rate of leakage and transmit information on the determined

rate of leakage for display by the display unit 126.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate ratherthan limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The arti ele "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A hose arrangement (1) for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit (5) and a second unit (7) in a marine environment, the hose arrangement (1) comprises - a hose unit (3) comprising a first end portion (12) adapted to be connected to the first unit (5) and a second end portion (14) adapted to be connected to the second unit (7), - a fitting arrangement (70) comprising flow connection means (75) for establishing a flow connection between at least a first outlet (71) at the first unit (5) for providing the medium and a first opening (71a) of the hose unit (3), - a rotatable storage drum (16) for storing the hose unit (3), - a connection arrangement (84) for connecting the storage drum (16) to a fixture (76) at the first unit (5), characterized in that the fitting arrangement (70) comprises a displaceable fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) holding the flow connection means (75), and where the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) comprises an engaged state in which the flow connection means (75) establish the flow connection between at least the first outlet (71) at the first unit (5) and the first opening (71a) of the hose unit (3), and a disengaged state in which the connection means (75) disestablish the flow connection between at least the first outlet (71) and the first opening (71a) of the hose unit (3), wherein the fitting arrangement (70) comprises a first drive unit (77, 77a, 77b) for controllable displacing the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) between the engaged state and the disengaged state.

2. The hose arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixture (76) is arranged to dispatch the storage drum (16) in a dispatch direction (D1) that is directed away from a rotational axis (R1) of the storage drum (16), wherein, in the disengaged state, the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) has a position that enables the storage drum (16) to be dispatched from the fixture (76) in said dispatch direction (D1) without obstruction with the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b).

3. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the fixture (76) is arranged to receive the storage drum (16) in a receipt direction (D2) that is directed towards a rotational axis (R1) of the storage drum (16), wherein, in the disengaged state, the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) has a position that enables the storage drum (16) to be received by the fixture (76) in said receipt direction without obstruction with the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b).

4. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first drive unit (77, 77a, 77b) is one of a pneumatic, hydraulic and electric drive unit.

5. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the flow connection means (75) comprises one or more sealing elements for sealing the flow connection between at least the first outlet (71) at the first unit (5) and the first opening (71a) of the hose unit (3).

6. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the connection arrangement (84) comprises a first connection member (85) at the fixture (76) and a second connection member (86) at the storage drum (16), wherein the first connection member (85) and the second connection member (86) are arranged to establish an attachment when the storage drum (16) is received by the fixture (76) in the receipt direction (D2).

7. The hose arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first connection member (85) comprises an open ring shaped first receipt portion and the second connection member (86) comprises a closed ring shaped second receipt portion, wherein the first receipt portion and the second receipt portion are adapted to engage with each other so that a rotatable connection of the storage drum (16) to the fixture (76) is provided.

8. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hose arrangement (1) comprises a second drive unit (87, 87a, 87b) that is adapted to act on one of the connection arrangement (84) and the storage drum (16) so to enable the storage drum (16) to be rotated around said rotational axis (R1).

9. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hose unit (3) further comprises - a second conduit (22) arranged around the first conduit (20) so that a space (24) is formed between the first conduit (20) and the second conduit (22) when the hose unit (3) is in the operational state.

10. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the hose unit (3) further comprises - a third conduit (50) arranged in the space (24) and comprising at least a second opening (72a), wherein the flow connection means (75) further is adapted to establish a flow connection between a second outlet/inlet (72) at the first unit (5) and the second opening (72a) to the third conduit (50) when the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) is displaced from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

11. The hose arrangement (1) according to claim 9-10, wherein the hose unit (3) further comprises - a fourth conduit (52) comprising a third opening (73a), where the flow connection means (75) further is adapted to establish a flow connection between a third outlet/inlet (73) at the first unit (5) and the third opening (73a) at the fourth conduit (52) when the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) is displaced from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

12. The hose arrangement (1) according to claim 11, wherein the fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) is adapted to establish flow connections between the first outlet (71), the second outlet/inlet (72), the third outlet/inlet (73) and the respective first opening (71a), second opening (72a) and third opening (73a).

13. The hose arrangement (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the fitting arrangement (70) further comprises a swivel arrangement between said first outlet (71) and the first opening (71a) at the hose unit (3), wherein the swivel arrangement is adapted to enable rotation between the first outlet (71) and the first opening (71a).

14. A method for replacing a hose unit (3) for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit (5) and a second unit (7) in a marine environment, wherein the method comprises - attaching a lifting device to a first storage drum (16) connected to a fixture (76) of the first unit (5), - disconnect the connection arrangement (84) from the fixture (76) of the first unit (5), - displacing a fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) from the engaged state to the disengaged state, - lifting and displacing the first storage drum (16) away from the fixture (76) of the first unit (5), - disattaching the lifting device from the first storage drum (16), - attaching the lifting device to a second storage drum (16) comprising a hose unit (3), - lifting and displacing the second storage drum (16) to the fixture (76) of the first unit (5), - connecting the connection arrangement (84) to the fixture (76) of the first unit (5), and - displacing a fitting device (74, 74a, 74b) from the disengaged state to the engaged state.