RU2774086C2 - System for pumping cryogenic product between two vessels placed next to each other - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: storage; transportation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a system for pumping a cryogenic product from first floating structure (800) designed to store and transport a cryogenic product to second stationary or floating structure (900) designed to store a cryogenic product by a pumping pipeline made with the possibility of transportation of a cryogenic product. The system contains a pumping pipeline that contains at least three rigid pipeline sections (12-17), each of which is connected via fluid to the next section, using connecting means (21-27) made with the possibility of transportation of a cryogenic product, while each of two end pipeline sections (12, 17) has a free end made in the form of an end element designed to connect to the connecting means of first floating structure (800) and, respectively, second floating structure (900). The invention also relates to a method for connecting a device designed to transport a cryogenic product via fluid.

EFFECT: improvement of operational characteristics of a system for pumping a cryogenic product.

11 cl, 16 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a system for transferring cryogenic products between two structures placed side by side during the transfer, the first structure being a floating structure for storing and transporting the cryogenic product, such as a methane tanker (referred to below as a "liquefied LNG Tanker (“LNGC”)), and the second structure is a fixed or floating (free floating or moored) structure, such as a methane tanker converted into a cryogenic product receiving and storage terminal, type FSRU (FSRU stands for Floating Storage and Regasification Unit - Floating Storage and Regasification Unit). The cryogenic product may be, inter alia, a liquefied gas such as liquefied natural gas (referred to below as "LNG" ("LNG")), liquid ethane, or liquid ethylene.

The first known solution is a pumping system containing at least one flexible pipe. However, this type of pumping system has a very limited range of motion. More specifically, this transfer hose contains flexible pipes. However, flexible pipes must not be bent beyond a certain limit so that they are not damaged. In addition, the flow rate is limited due to the high pressure losses in the coiled pipes, in particular in the vapor return line, in which pressure losses must be kept to a minimum.

The second solution is described in patent application WO 99/48752. However, the transfer hose described in this document has a limited range of movement. In addition, the sections of rigid pipe used in this application require support in the area between the two vessels.

This solution is also associated with very significant limitations, since it, in particular, requires the use of a crane during the entire time of transferring the cryogenic product between, for example, an LNG tanker and a floating storage and regasification unit.

The present invention is directed to a system for pumping a cryogenic product from a first floating structure intended for storing and transporting a cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure intended for storing a cryogenic product, wherein said structures are located next to each other in this system, and the system does not have the aforementioned disadvantages and, in addition, provides other advantages.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a system for pumping a cryogenic product from a first floating structure intended for storing and transporting a cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure intended for storing a cryogenic product, by means of a transfer pipeline configured to transport cryogenic product. The pumping system includes a pumping pipeline, which itself contains at least three rigid sections of the pipeline, each of which is connected to the next section in fluid medium by means of connecting means that enable the transport of a cryogenic product, while each of the two end sections of the pipeline has a free an end made in the form of an end element intended for connection with the connecting device of the first floating structure and, accordingly, the second floating structure.

Such a solution has numerous advantages, and in particular the advantages associated with rapid implementation, and avoids the constant use of a lifting device designed for pumping fluid.

According to other possible features, considered individually or in combination with each other:

- at least one of the connecting means comprises a cryogenic swivel connected to each of the ends of two successive pipeline sections by means of at least one bent pipe or connected to the bent end of each of the two successive pipeline sections;

- the transfer pipeline contains a short chain, which contains five cryogenic rotary joints, having an axis located in the vertical plane, and providing connection of each of the four rigid sections of the pipeline with the next section, and the short chain is connected to each of the connecting devices of these structures by means of a rigid tubular assembly , intended for connection of the conveying pipeline, and on each of which there is a set of two cryogenic swivel joints having an axis located relative to the swivel joints intended for connection with a short chain, so as to give them three degrees of freedom of rotation;

- the transfer pipeline passes freely in the form of a short circuit for part of its length between the connecting devices of the first and second floating structures during the transfer of the cryogenic product;

- the system contains connecting devices, made with the possibility of their placement on the first structure and on the second floating structure, respectively, each connecting device contains an extension pipe, made with the possibility of attaching to the receiving device of the corresponding design and to the end element of the pumping pipeline;

- at least one of the end tubular sections of the pumping pipeline contains a means of engagement for engagement with the lifting means;

- the connecting device of the first design includes a centering part having a cutout open upwards, made with the possibility of directing the complementary part of the end element of the pumping pipeline to the connection position of the end element located in the lower part of the cutout;

- the system contains a mounting support for the free end of each extension pipe;

- a gap is provided between the extension pipe of the first design and the mounting support for it, or between the mounting support and the structure that carries it, to allow a given bending of the extension pipe after connecting the end element of the transfer pipeline to this extension pipe;

- the system contains a device for storage of the transfer pipeline in a folded state, containing a vertical support mounted on the base of the device for each free end of the transfer pipeline, to enable the transfer pipeline to be placed in a configuration in which it is folded with a trapezoidal shape in the storage device.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for fluidly connecting a system, comprising the following steps:

- formation of a connection between the pumping pipeline and the extension pipe of the second design;

- moving the transfer pipeline over the extension pipe of the first design by using a cable connected to a lifting device such as a crane;

- lowering the free end element of the pumping pipeline to the extension pipe coupling located on the first structure;

- connection of the free end element to the extension pipe by means of the centering part and the complementary part; and

- attaching a free end element to the coupling.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description of non-limiting examples, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figure 2 is a detailed side view according to an embodiment of the invention, showing in particular the mounting support for the free end of the extension pipe;

- Fig.3A is a detailed side view of the mounting support of the system on the first floating structure according to the embodiment;

- figv is a detailed view of the connection between the mounting support related to the LNG tanker, and an extension pipe according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig.4A is a detailed side view of the coupled pumping system according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figv is a detailed side view of the centering part of the guide and retaining system according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figs is a detailed side view of the complementary part of the guide and retention system according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig.5A is a side view of the device in the process of connection according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figv is a side view of the device before connection according to an embodiment of the invention;

- figs is a side view of the connected device according to an embodiment of the invention;

- Fig.6A is a largely schematic representation of the device and the main valves needed to purge the device, in side view;

- figv is a largely schematic representation of the connected device with the passage of nitrogen in the pipeline sections to purge the device, shown in side view;

- Fig.6C is a largely schematic representation of the connected device when the device is disconnected, shown in side view;

- Fig.7A and 7B are two largely schematic representations of the device according to the embodiment in side view at the stage of loading onto the container platform;

- figs is a side view of the device according to the embodiment at the final stage of loading onto the platform.

1 shows a schematic side view of a short circuit transfer system for transferring cryogenic product from a first cryogenic storage floating structure 800 (in this case an LNG tanker) to a second fixed or floating structure 900 for storage of the cryogenic product (in this case, a floating storage and regasification unit), wherein the system comprises a transfer pipeline formed from rigid sections of the pipeline configured to transport the cryogenic product between the extension pipe 18 attached to the first structure 800 and the extension pipe 11 attached to a second structure 900, each of the pipeline sections being fluidly connected to the next section by means of connecting means 21-27 configured to transport a cryogenic product.

The extension pipe 11 is connected at one of its ends to the second structure by means of a receiving device 910 and at its other end to a section of the pumping pipeline by means of two couplings 46 connected by bolts.

The curved part 12 is connected by means of a cryogenic swivel 21 to the end element 12' of the transfer conduit carrying a sleeve designed to be connected to the sleeve of the extension pipe 11 (see two sleeves 46 in Fig. 1).

The cryogenic swivel 21 has a horizontal main axis extending in the plane of the drawing paper. Thus, this design provides the ability to rotate the pumping system in a vertical plane.

The curved part 12 is connected to the rest of the pumping system by means of an emergency release system 30 (ERS - Emergency Release System), which will be described later.

The emergency release system includes, in particular, the lower part 32, connected to the section of the pipeline, having a general semicircular shape.

The semi-circular section of the conduit comprises two curved sections joined end-to-end so as to form a semi-circle. The upper part of the semicircular section of the pipeline is connected to the lower part 32 of the emergency release system through a cryogenic swivel 22 and at its other end is connected to a curved section 13 of the pipeline through a cryogenic swivel 23.

The cryogenic swivel 22 has a vertical main axis extending in the plane of the drawing paper and allows rotation about the main axis of the emergency release system 30.

The cryogenic swivel 23 has a horizontal main axis extending in a plane perpendicular to the drawing paper and allows movement in the plane of the drawing paper.

Thus, the particular arrangement of the three cryogenic swivel joints 21-23 makes it possible to obtain movements in three directions of a system intended for pumping between two structures.

Next are four bent sections 13-16 of the pipeline, connected to each other by means of cryogenic rotary joints 24-26.

In other words, the bent section 13 of the pipeline is connected to the bent section 14 of the pipeline through a cryogenic rotary connection 24, the horizontal main axis of which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing paper.

The bent section 14 of the pipeline is connected to the bent section 15 of the pipeline by means of a cryogenic swivel 25, the horizontal main axis of which is also perpendicular to the plane of the drawing paper.

The curved section 15 of the pipeline is connected to the curved section 16 of the pipeline through a cryogenic rotary connection 26, the horizontal main axis of which is also perpendicular to the plane of the drawing paper.

The bent section 16 of the conduit is connected to the extension pipe 18 by means of three end-to-end, bent sections fixed relative to each other.

In other words, the bent section 16 of the conduit is connected to the bent section of the conduit 17 by a section containing three bent sections butt-joined so as to form a semicircle ending in a section bent at an angle of 90° relative to its top. The lower part of the semicircular section is connected to the curved section 16 of the pipeline through a cryogenic rotary connection 27. The upper part of the section is fixed relative to the curved section 17 of the pipeline.

The cryogenic swivel 27 has a horizontal main axis extending in a plane perpendicular to the drawing paper and allows movement in the plane of the drawing paper.

The upper part of the bent section 17 of the pipeline is connected to the extension pipe 18 by means of a cryogenic swivel 28, a bent part, a second cryogenic swivel 29 and a connecting end element, forming together with the sleeve of the extension pipe 18 a pair of sleeves 45.

Cryogenic swivel 28 has a vertical main axis, passing in the plane of the drawing paper, and allows rotation around the main axis of the curved section 17 of the pipeline.

The cryogenic swivel 29 has a horizontal main axis extending in the plane of the drawing paper. Thus, this design makes it possible to rotate the pumping sleeve in a vertical plane.

In addition, the short circuit part 100 of the transfer conduit is formed in this case by conduit sections 13-16, each of which is connected to the next section and which are connected to the rest of the structure via cryogenic swivel joints 23-27. The number of such pipeline sections may in practice be reduced to three, or may be more than four.

At the location of each metal bent part, at least one reinforcing flange is located, which makes it possible to avoid flattening of the metal bent part under high loads. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the reinforcing flange is formed by a metal circle welded to the periphery of the curved part.

In this regard, it should be noted that a pipeline section may in practice only be represented by a curved portion.

In addition, the location of the axes and planes mentioned above, in practice, corresponds to the location of the structures 800 and 900 when they are placed next to each other without inclination or offset in the longitudinal direction relative to each other.

In addition, it should be noted that each extension pipe in the area close to the edge of the structure and its coupling form a connection device for the transfer pipeline.

The connecting means in this case are cryogenic swivel joints with an axis of rotation. Alternatively, the use of flexible tubing sections may be envisaged.

In addition, all pipes or all pipeline sections 11-18 in this case are designed with the same size, preferably from 6 to 20 inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm) (15.24 to 50.8 cm). However, they may alternatively be different.

The extension tube 11 on the second floating structure 900 is supported by a support 950 and is connected to a cryogenic product storage device (not shown in FIG. 1) via a receiving device 910.

The extension tube 18 is supported on the first floating structure 800 by a mounting support 850 to accommodate some of the bending stresses that the receiving device 810 of the floating structure 800 is subjected to when the pumping system is connected via the extension tube 18.

The two extension tubes 11, 18 are connected to the pumping system by means of bolted couplings 45, 46 allowing a cryogenic connection to be made in the pumping system. Alternatively, one of the sleeves from each pair of sleeves (or only one of the two pairs) may be replaced by a connector.

In practice, when performing the pumping of the fluid, at least two pumping systems are installed. The pumping system provides for the pumping of useful cryogenic fluid, i.e. liquefied gas. A second pumping system of the same type provides for the return of cold vapor (which in practice is cryogenic) in parallel with the pumping of the cryogenic fluid.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the short chain pumping system comprises a self-supporting short chain 100. In other words, no lifting device is required during the cryogenic fluid pumping phase.

As already indicated, this short circuit 100 comprises at least three rigid curved conduit sections, in this case four conduit sections 13, 14, 15, 16, arranged in a vertical plane and configured to transport cryogenic fluid.

In this case, bent means that the sections are bent at their ends, or that the bent parts are welded to the ends of the straight sections.

Four bent sections 13-16 of the pipeline are connected together with each other through three cryogenic rotary joints 24-26.

As also indicated above, the short chain 100 is connected to the extension pipes 11, 18 by means of a conduit section 17, bent parts and connecting means 21-23 and 27-29.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the emergency release system 30, commonly referred to as the ERS system, is located adjacent to the curved portion 12. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the emergency release system 30 may be located adjacent to another section of pipeline, such as section 17 of the pipeline connected to the extension pipe 18 on the first floating structure 800.

The emergency release system 30 comprises two parts: an upper part 31 connected to the curved part 12 and a lower part 32 connected to the connecting means 22. In the event of an emergency stop, the two parts of the emergency release system 30 are separated. The lower part 32 is kept from free fall by means of a cable, not shown, connected to a winch 33 located on the deck 920 of the second floating structure 900.

The winch allows the lowering of the short chain 100 to be controlled to a vertical equilibrium position along the hull of the LNG tanker 800. Shock absorbers 47-50, in this case made of neoprene and located on the short chain (at the locations of the connecting means), provide the ability to protect the hull.

The cable is not attached to the winch drum and naturally disengages from the drum at the end of the unwind.

In this case, the extension pipe 11 is attached to the moored or floating structure 900 by means of a mounting support 950 comprising two vertical rigid beams 951 attached at one end to the deck of the second floating structure 900 and at the second end to a cross member 952 designed to support the extension pipe. eleven.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a mounting support for connecting pipe 850 ' is shown.

The support 850 shown here comprises a rectangular base 513 on which two substantially vertical beams 514 rest. These beams carry a horizontal beam 515 on which in this case a spacer 512 is placed. The support for the extension pipe 18 is formed by a roller 516.

The mounting support 850 allows the stresses on the receiver 810 to be reduced when the pumping system is connected.

There is a gap before connecting the short chain 100. When the short chain 100 is attached, the extension pipe 18 bends and is in a position where it rests on the spacer 512.

This is a means of reducing the vertical load transmitted to the platform of the LNG tanker by acting on the receiver 810 to its maximum bearing capacity during bending.

This design is possible, but optional.

In addition, a support 850 is provided to allow the extension tube 18 to thermally shrink.

If desired, the mounting support may include side stops 511 to accommodate side loads from the short chain 100. In normal operation, these loads are small and do not create excessive bending moment on the receiver 810.

In one alternative embodiment, the mounting leg 850 forms part of the extension tube 18 and the space to accommodate the spacer is between the deck 820 of the first floating structure 820 and the base 513 of the mounting leg 850.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a connection system 40 is shown.

The connection system 40 makes it possible to facilitate the formation of a connection between the extension pipe 18 and the pipe section 17 during the connection step. In this way, in particular, optimization of the maintenance time is ensured.

More specifically, the connection system 40 comprises two parts cooperating with each other: a male part 41 connected to the section 17 and a female part 42 connected to the extension tube 18. configured to receive a male part 41, forming a complementary part and containing for this purpose an annular part 411 (in this case, two parallel protruding elements attached to the section 17, between which a rod extends perpendicular to the protruding element).

When the two parts 41, 42 are joined, the connection is kept fixed by fastening with nuts and screws passing through the holes 412.

This connection system has the advantage of guiding the end of the pumping system as well as keeping the ends connected when the lifting device enabling the connection is no longer in use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the connection method is shown in different steps.

In FIG. 5A, the pumping system is already connected to the floating structure 900 via a pipe section 17 , and the other end of the pumping system is held above the height of the pipe 11 by means of a lifting device, such as a crane, using a ring 90 or equivalent means for coupling. with lifting hook. Alternatively, a second ring can be provided on the opposite side of the transfer line.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when connecting the male and female parts 41 and 42, the transfer hose will be at a higher height than the free end of the extension pipe 18. Thus, these parts/parts 41, 42 of the connecting system 40 can interact before how the transfer pipe and extension pipe 18 will be placed opposite each other to be bolted together.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the purge process is shown at different stages.

In FIG. 6A, the pipe 18 connected to the receiver on the floating structure 800 includes a two-way valve 91 to stop or allow the transfer of the cryogenic liquid to the second floating structure 900. The extension pipe 11 connected to the receiver of the second floating structure 900 also includes a two-way valve 92 to stop movement or allow movement of the cryogenic liquid to a storage device not shown. The extension pipe 11 is connected to a nitrogen supply pipe 19 connected to a pressurized nitrogen supply network to force nitrogen into the extension pipe 11 portion of the second floating structure 900 and into the pumping system. The nitrogen supply pipe 19 also includes a two-way valve 92 to stop the passage of nitrogen or allow the passage of nitrogen into the fluid transfer system.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the cryogenic liquid is being pumped, the cryogenic fluid pumping valves 91, 92 are open and the nitrogen supply valve 93 is closed. Thus, the cryogenic liquid can pass between the two floating structures 800, 900.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the transfer of the cryogenic liquid is completed, the valve 92 of the second floating structure is closed and the valve 91 of the first floating structure remains open. The nitrogen supply valve 93 is opened to allow nitrogen to pass into the pumping system. Thus, the amount of cryogenic liquid in the sections of the pipeline forming the pumping system is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the valve 91 of the first floating structure and the valve 93 for supplying nitrogen are closed when the cryogenic liquid is completely pumped/removed or evaporates, and the pipeline is in a state of inactivity. The valve 92 of the second floating structure is kept closed. Next, the pumping system is connected to a lifting device (not shown). After that, the pumping system is disconnected at the location of the extension pipe 18 of the first floating structure. At the same time, the purge ends.

Alternatively, the transfer pipeline may also include one manually operated valve (or two valves) adjacent to the LNG tanker, allowing the pipeline to be isolated and pipe 18 disconnected, with residual cryogenic liquid evaporating during storage.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the method of storing the transfer hose is shown at various stages. As shown in figa, the pumping system is moved to a standard container platform by means of a lifting device. The connecting means between the lifting device and the pumping device comprises a rigid beam 82 enabling the pumping system to be lifted through the use of the connecting means 21, 29.

When the pumping system is laid on the container platform 200, the connecting means 25 first comes into contact with the container platform 200. Next, the operator connects the connecting means 24, 26 to the cables 83, 84. The cables 83, 84 allow the formation of an acute angle between the rigid sections 15, 16 of the pipeline and rigid sections 13, 14 of the pipeline when a pulling force is applied to the connecting means 24, 26.

At the same stage, or after placing the pipeline sections so that an acute angle is formed, the lifting system lowers the pumping system so that the pipeline sections 14, 15 rest on the container platform. The cables 83, 84, which maintain the sharp angle, are disconnected.

Cables 85, 86, such as the cables used to apply a pull force to the previously mentioned connection means 24, 26, are used to apply a pull force to the connection means 23, 27 below. These cables 85, 86 also provide the possibility of forming an acute angle between the rigid sections 16, 17 of the pipeline and between the rigid sections 12, 13 of the pipeline by applying a pulling force to the connecting means 23, 27.

In the same way as in the above case, the lifting system lowers the pumping system so that the pipeline sections 13, 16 are placed on the container platform. After that, the cables 85, 86 are disconnected.

In this case, the connecting means 21, 29 will be located on vertical rigid supports 101, 102.

The lifting beam 82 is detached from the transfer hose at the end of the manipulation.

In addition, it should be noted that the racks 103, 106 to provide support for the pipeline sections are provided on the container platform.

Thus, the transfer hose takes the place of a standard size container. The transfer hose does not obstruct the body of the floating structure and is not placed on a lifting device such as a crane.

Temporary storage of the transfer piping along the hull of the floating storage and regasification unit can also be provided by rotating the transfer piping 90° about the "vertical" axis of the coupling means 22. Thereafter, the section 17 of the pipeline is fixed on a support at the location of the platform of the floating storage and regasification unit. .

Numerous other variations are possible depending on the circumstances, and in this connection it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the examples shown and described.

In particular, several pipelines can be provided for pumping and for returning cold steam.

Claims (14)

1. A system for pumping a cryogenic product from a first floating structure (800) for storing and transporting a cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure (900) for storing a cryogenic product through a rigid pumping pipeline suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, and the transfer pipeline is self-supporting and contains at least three rigid sections (12-17) of the pipeline, each of which is connected in fluid medium with the next section using connecting means (21-27) suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, while each of the two end sections (12, 17) of the pipeline has a free end, made in the form of an end element for connection with the connecting device of the first floating structure (800) and, accordingly, the second floating structure (900), characterized in that it contains (i) connecting devices, made with the possibility of their placement, respectively on n on the first structure (800) and on the second structure (900), with each connecting device containing an extension pipe (11, 18) configured to be connected to the receiving device (810, 910) of the corresponding design and to the end element of the pumping pipeline; and (ii) a mounting support (850, 950) for the free end of each extension pipe, wherein a gap is provided between the extension pipe of the first design and the mounting support for it, or between the mounting support and the structure supporting it, to allow a given bending of the extension pipe after connection end element of the transfer pipeline with this extension pipe. 2. A system for pumping a cryogenic product from a first floating structure (800) for storing and transporting a cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure (900) for storing a cryogenic product through a rigid pumping pipeline suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, and the transfer pipeline is self-supporting and contains at least three rigid sections (12-17) of the pipeline, each of which is connected in fluid medium with the next section using connecting means (21-27) suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, while each of the two end sections (12, 17) of the pipeline has a free end, made in the form of an end element for connection with the connecting device of the first floating structure (800) and, accordingly, the second floating structure (900), characterized in that it contains a device for storing the pumping pipeline in a folded state, containing a vert an axial support mounted on the base of said device for each free end of the transfer conduit and on which this free end rests to enable the transfer conduit to be placed in a configuration in which it is folded into a quadrilateral shape with two parallel sides in the storage device, one of the parallel sides of the quadrilateral is formed by sections of the transfer pipeline lying on the base of the storage device. 3. The system according to claim. 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the connecting means contains a cryogenic rotary connection (21-29), connected to each end of two successive sections of the pipeline through at least one curved pipe or connected to the bent end of each of the two successive sections of the pipeline. 4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer pipeline comprises a short circuit (100) containing five cryogenic rotary joints having an axis located in a vertical plane and connecting each of the four sections of the rigid pipeline with the next section, and a short the chain (100) is configured to be connected to each of the connecting devices (11, 18) of the structures (800, 900) by means of a rigid tubular assembly for connecting a conveying pipeline, and on each of which there is a set of two cryogenic swivel joints having an axis located with swivel connections to connect with a short chain, so as to give them three degrees of freedom of rotation. 5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer pipeline runs freely in the form of a short circuit for a part of its length between the connecting devices of the first and second structures during the transfer of the cryogenic product. 6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the end tubular sections (12-17) of the transfer conduit comprises a clutch means (90) for engagement with the lifting means. 7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device (40) of the first design comprises a centering part (42) having an upwardly open notch, configured to guide the complementary part (41) of the end element of the transfer pipeline to the connection position of the end element located at the bottom of the cutout. 8. The system according to claim. 1, characterized in that it contains a device for storing the transfer pipeline in a folded state, containing a vertical support mounted on the base of said device, for each free end of the transfer pipeline to allow the transfer pipeline to be placed in a configuration in which it is folded with the shape of a quadrilateral with two parallel sides in a storage device. 11. A method for fluidly connecting a system for pumping a cryogenic product from a first floating structure (800) for storing and transporting a cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure (900) for storing a cryogenic product through a rigid pumping pipeline suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, moreover the transfer pipeline is self-supporting and contains at least three rigid sections (12-17) of the pipeline, each of which is connected in fluid medium with the next section using connecting means (21-27) suitable for transporting a cryogenic product, with each of the two end sections of the pipeline has a free end, made in the form of an end element for connection with the connecting device of the first floating structure (800) and, accordingly, the second floating structure (900), and the connecting device (40) of the first design contains a centering part (42) having an open an upward cutout configured to direct the complementary part (41) of the end element of the transfer pipeline to the connection position of the end element located in the lower part of the cutout, comprising the following steps: - formation of a connection between the pumping pipeline and the extension pipe of the connecting device of the second design; - moving the transfer pipeline above the extension pipe of the connecting device of the first design by using a cable connected to a lifting device such as a crane; - lowering the free end element of the pumping pipeline to the extension pipe coupling located on the first structure; - engagement of the free end element with the extension pipe by means of the centering part and the complementary part; and - attaching a free end element to the coupling.

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