WO2008062202A1 - Appareil de transfert - Google Patents

Appareil de transfert Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008062202A1
WO2008062202A1 PCT/GB2007/004475 GB2007004475W WO2008062202A1 WO 2008062202 A1 WO2008062202 A1 WO 2008062202A1 GB 2007004475 W GB2007004475 W GB 2007004475W WO 2008062202 A1 WO2008062202 A1 WO 2008062202A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
traveller
cable
payload
vessel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/004475
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy James Whitten
James Charles Date
Original Assignee
Strachan & Henshaw Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Strachan & Henshaw Limited filed Critical Strachan & Henshaw Limited
Publication of WO2008062202A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008062202A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/18—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of cableways, e.g. with breeches-buoys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
    • B63B27/32—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures using cableways

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a payload between two points. It is particularly, but not exclusively concerned, with an apparatus for transferring a payload to and from a vessel, e.g. replenishment at sea.
  • Replenishment at sea systems are known for transferring payloads from a delivery ship to a receiving ship.
  • Such systems typically include a support cable that connects the delivery vessel to the receiving vessel, and a traveller, for holding the payload, that can shuttle between the vessels along the support cable.
  • To the traveller is attached an inhaul cable and an outhaul cable.
  • the inhaul cable extends from the traveller to the delivery vessel and may be used to pull the traveller towards the delivery vessel.
  • the outhaul cable extends from the traveller to the receiving vessel, and optionally back to the delivery vessel, and may be used to pull the traveller towards the receiving vessel.
  • the cable is supported on each vessel by a structural post, which elevates the level of the cable between the vessels.
  • this post is known as the x kingpost'.
  • the height to which the cable may be elevated is adjustable.
  • the relative movement of one vessel closer to the other causes the support cable to slacken.
  • the support cable must be drawn in on the delivery ship.
  • the relative movement of one vessel away from the other can put tension on the support cable, and the support cable must be dealt out from the delivery ship to prevent the cable from snapping, which will result in loss of the payload.
  • a tensioner To avoid excessive slack or tension in the support cable, the length of the cable between the vessels is reduced or increased as appropriate by a tensioner.
  • tensioner Such devices are well known in themselves and include active control winches and passive ram tensioners .
  • a transfer apparatus has two support cables, and the traveller is supported by both cables.
  • the tension in the support cables is then independently variable.
  • a transfer apparatus for moving a payload between first and second locations, comprising: first and second support cables extending between the first and second supports; a traveller for carrying the payload, the traveller being mounted on, and movable along, the first and second support cables; a drive mechanism for moving the traveller along the first and second support cables; and first and second tensioners, the first and second tensioners acting on the first and second support cables and being arranged independently to control the tension in the first and second support cables between the first and second supports.
  • the load of the payload can be shared between the support cables.
  • the individual support cables are not therefore required to be as strong as those in a single support cable system. This can mean that lighter and thinner cables may be used in the present invention.
  • the size and strength of the various sub components associated with the support cable may also be reduced, if they are required to deal with reduced forces .
  • the present invention also has the advantage that, if one of the support cables should snap, the other cable is capable of holding the payload and allowing its safe transfer notwithstanding the loss of one support cable.
  • the present invention has the advantage that, should the payload move, the two cables can together impart a correcting moment on the traveller. This has the effect of stabilising the payload and preventing excessive swinging.
  • the invention may then be used for larger payloads or in less favourable environmental conditions than is possible using the known single cable systems described above. " Enabling the apparatus to move greater loads between the first and second locations than the known arrangement allows improved transfer times as payloads can be combined. The total payload can therefore be transferred in fewer movements.
  • Each of the first and second locations may be a vessel, such as a water vessel, including tankers, cruise liners, ferries and yachts.
  • the vessel may be an aircraft, such as a helicopter.
  • the present invention is not limited to the transfer of payload between vessels, however.
  • one or more of the locations may be an immovable platform, such as an onshore installation (e.g. a dock or a wharf) or an offshore installation (e.g. an oil rig or a lighthouse).
  • the tensioners may be independently driven cable deployment devices such as winches which actively control the tension in the support cables. While it would be possible to provide such winches at each end of the support cables, it is convenient if one end of each support cable is fixed to one of the supports, and the other end is mounted on the corresponding winch. Preferably, in such an arrangement, the two cables are fixed to the same support.
  • tensioners such as ram tensioners connected to each cable which are used passively to control the tension in the cable to ensure that a constant tension is maintained within the cable.
  • tensioners are located at one of the supports, with the other end of the cable being fixed to the other support, that is not essential.
  • the invention includes an arrangement in which the tension arrangement of the two cables are different.
  • the drive mechanism is formed by first and second drive cables, respectively extending between the traveller and the first and second support locations.
  • the drive cables can then be used to pull the traveller along the support cables in either direction.
  • drive cables may also be connected to respective drive devices such as winches, which are controlled to draw the traveller along the support cables.
  • winches which are controlled to draw the traveller along the support cables.
  • one of the drive cables will act as an inhaul cable pulling the traveller in one direction, and the other act as a outhaul cable pulling the traveller in the other direction.
  • both such winches, or other means for driving the drive cables are mounted at one of the two locations, so that one of the drive cables passes to the other location before passing to the traveller.
  • the support cables are fixed to one of the supports, and are tensionable by tensioners associated with the other support, then the drive for the drive cables is also at that other support.
  • the support to which the support cables are fixed may be a block or similar structure attachable to the corresponding location, and all the other components provided at the other location.
  • this is not essential to the invention, and it is possible for the two drive cables to be associated with different locations, or even for both to be associated with a different location from that of the tensioners.
  • the cables, winches, etc. may be the same or similar to those used in current replenishment at sea systems.
  • the cable may be natural synthetic (man made) rope or a metal or composite wire.
  • the present invention has been discussed above in relation to an apparatus. However, a further aspect of the invention relates to a method of using such an apparatus, to move a traveller, and hence a payload, between first and second locations.
  • Fig. 1 shows a dual jackstay replenishment at sea system with active tension control according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a dual jackstay replenishment at sea system with passive tension control according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.
  • a delivery vessel 1 and a receiving vessel 2 are shown in Figure 1.
  • the vessels are partially submerged in water (e.g. the sea) and the surface of the water is represented by a horizontal line 16.
  • Figure 1 shows the transfer of a payload 10 between the delivery vessel 1 and the receiving vessel 2.
  • the payload may include goods, such as food, clothing, medical supplies, or post.
  • the payload may be a person or livestock.
  • the payload 10 is suspended from a traveller 9, which can be moved between the vessels along support cables ( ⁇ jackstays' ) 6 and 7.
  • the payload is held in a cage or cargo netting, which is attached to the traveller.
  • Other devices for carrying payloads are available.
  • the traveller has means for raising and lowering the payload. A winch and pulley system may be provided for this purpose.
  • Each support cable is connected at one end to a winch 3 on the delivery vessel 1 and at the other end to a deployable attachment 8 connected to the stanchion 14 on the receiving vessel 2.
  • the connection of the attachment will depend on the location to which the payload is to be transferred between.
  • the first and second support cables may be joined at the attachment.
  • the attachment may include standard underway replenishment fixtures (SURF, also known as return sheave assemblies, RSA) .
  • SURF also known as return sheave assemblies, RSA
  • the fixture will be a structure with sufficient strength to hold the weight of the deployable attachment, the supporting cables and the transferred payload.
  • the structure On a water vessel the structure may be a part of the vessel superstructure, or it may be a structural element designed specifically for replenishment at sea operations .
  • Each support cable 6 and 7 extends from the winches 3, through the vessel over a series of rollers 19 attached to the vessel 1, and on to the vessel deckside. Each cable passes over a roller 19 attached at an elevated position on a stanchion 15. Each cable passes from the stanchion 15 to the attachment 8 on the delivery vessel 2. On the delivery ship 2 the stanchion 15 is known as a 'kingpost' .
  • the first and second support cables are kept apart. This separation provides a stable platform for the traveller as it moves along the support cables, and can provide increased stability to the transferred payload. This is especially advantageous where a payload is to be carried onto a vessel.
  • An unstable payload for example a payload that is swinging excessively, is a danger to the apparatus operatives, the vessel structure and a danger to the payload itself.
  • the elevated position on the stanchion 15 is sufficient to allow the payload to clear the deck of the vessel as it passes on or off the delivery vessel 1.
  • the clearance may also be sufficient to allow the payload to be taken over safety railings etc. on the perimeter of the loading deck surface.
  • the attachment 8 is releasably mounted to a stanchion 14 on the receiving vessel 2. Prior to transfer of payloads between vessels, the attachment 8 must be deployed from the delivery vessel 1 to the receiving vessel 2. Techniques for the initial transfer of a line and equipment between vessels are well known to mariners. Once the attachment 8 is transferred to the receiving vessel 2 it is mounted to a suitable part of the vessel structure, such as the stanchion 14. The attachment 8 is mounted at a sufficient height on the stanchion to ensure that the payload 10 may pass onto the receiving vessel 2 without hitting the vessel sides or decking. An inhaul cable 12 is attached to the shuttle 9 and extends to an inhaul winch 5 mounted on the delivery vessel 1.
  • Operation of the inhaul winch 5 to draw the cable 12 round the winch drum pulls the shuttle toward the delivery vessel 1.
  • An outhaul cable 11 is attached to the shuttle 9 and extends to the attachment 8 mounted on the receiving vessel 2.
  • the attachment 8 has a pulley 18 around which the outhaul cable 11 passes and extends back to an outhaul winch 4 mounted on the delivery vessel 1.
  • Operation of the inhaul winch 4 to draw the cable round the winch drum pulls the shuttle toward the receiving vessel 2.
  • the traveller 9 can be shuttled between the vessels by appropriate control of the outhaul winch 4 and inhaul winch 5.
  • the tension in the support cables 6 and 7 is independently controlled by support cable winches 3. If the tension in the cable is deemed too low, the winch 3 will be activated to draw cable onto the winch drum. If the tension in the cable is deemed too high, the winch will be activated to release cable from the winch drum.
  • tension detector that measures the amount of tension in the line.
  • the tension measurement data from the detector may be supplied to a suitably programmed controller.
  • the controller may be used to supply instructions automatically to each support cable dispenser to control the tension in the respective support cable .
  • the amount of tension required in each support cable will depend on, amongst others, the weight of the payload, the distance between the locations,, the nature of the support cable, the height of the cable above the e.g. the sea level.
  • the controller may be programmed to take into account these variables.
  • Figure 2 shows a similar replenishment at sea system to Figure 1.
  • the supply vessel is provided with ram tensioners 17 to tension the support cables 6 and 7.
  • Each ram tensioner 17 is located on the vessel adjacent to the path taken by the support cables 6 and 7 as they pass through the delivery ship 1 from the winch 3 on to the stanchion 15.
  • Each tensioner 17 is capable of providing tension to the respective cable, independently of the other tensioner 17.
  • the apparatus may be supplied with a manual override facility for control of the support cable tension by the apparatus operator.
  • the traveller is a supply hose.
  • the supply hose may be suspended from the support cables and is connected at one end to a fluid supply and at the other end a fluid store.
  • the fluid supply is located at one of the locations, and the fluid store is located on the other of the locations.
  • the supply hose may be used to transfer fuel, water or sewerage, amongst others, from the fluid supply to fluid store.
  • a degree of slack is maintained in the supply line. This is to allow for the relative movement of the location away from the other location. Excess supply hose may be hauled in if required.
  • the support cables are kept at sufficient tension to prevent the supply hose dropping below a safe level.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated into vessels equipped with standard transfer apparatus (so-called 'legacy vessels').
  • a legacy vessel having a standard apparatus with one support cable may be provided with a second support cable connected to the deployable attachment.
  • a second support cable dispenser can be provided on the vessel, to which the support cable may be attached and be dispensed from and retracted into.
  • Modification of the legacy vessel avoids the need to supply an entire new transfer system to a vessel.
  • the cost of supplying a transfer apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is therefore minimised.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de transfert servant à déplacer une charge utile entre un premier et un deuxième emplacement. Cet appareil comprend un premier et un deuxième câble de support s'étendant entre un premier et un deuxième support situés aux premier et deuxième emplacements, ainsi qu'un dispositif de transport destiné à transporter la charge utile, ce dispositif étant monté sur les premier et deuxième câbles de support de façon à se déplacer le long de ceux-ci. L'appareil selon l'invention comprend également un mécanisme d'entraînement servant à déplacer le dispositif de transport le long des premier et deuxième câbles de support, ainsi que des premier et deuxième tendeurs agissant sur les premier et deuxième câbles de support, disposés indépendamment de façon à réguler la tension du premier et du deuxième câble entre le premier et le deuxième support.
PCT/GB2007/004475 2006-11-23 2007-11-22 Appareil de transfert WO2008062202A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0623386.0 2006-11-23
GB0623386A GB0623386D0 (en) 2006-11-23 2006-11-23 Transfer apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008062202A1 true WO2008062202A1 (fr) 2008-05-29

Family

ID=37636390

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2007/004475 WO2008062202A1 (fr) 2006-11-23 2007-11-22 Appareil de transfert

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0623386D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008062202A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107792300A (zh) * 2017-11-29 2018-03-13 中交上海航道局有限公司 一种适用于软体排沉排施工的动力牵引装置

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2942740A (en) * 1958-03-27 1960-06-28 Milton R Pristach Load transfer system, especially for ships at sea
GB2130164A (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-05-31 Northern Eng Ind Hauling between ships
GB2240313A (en) * 1989-12-27 1991-07-31 Northern Eng Ind Winch system
WO1993008072A1 (fr) * 1991-10-15 1993-04-29 Northern Engineering Industries Plc Procede servant a orienter une charge allongee au cours d'un transbordement par elingues

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2942740A (en) * 1958-03-27 1960-06-28 Milton R Pristach Load transfer system, especially for ships at sea
GB2130164A (en) * 1982-11-16 1984-05-31 Northern Eng Ind Hauling between ships
GB2240313A (en) * 1989-12-27 1991-07-31 Northern Eng Ind Winch system
WO1993008072A1 (fr) * 1991-10-15 1993-04-29 Northern Engineering Industries Plc Procede servant a orienter une charge allongee au cours d'un transbordement par elingues

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107792300A (zh) * 2017-11-29 2018-03-13 中交上海航道局有限公司 一种适用于软体排沉排施工的动力牵引装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0623386D0 (en) 2007-01-03

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