WO2012034692A1

WO2012034692A1 - Loading system for fuels

Info

Publication number: WO2012034692A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/004618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans-Christian HAARMANN-KÜHN; Udo Woelky; Olaf Beyer
Original assignee: Tge Marine Gas Engineering Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-09-16
Filing date: 2011-09-14
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: WO2012034692A4; DE102010045591A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading system (2) for connecting lines for the bunkering of particularly hazardous fuels on a ship. For this purpose, the loading system (2) comprises: an input interface (5) for connecting at least one line for connection to a fuel store for the supplying of fuel, an output interface for connecting at least one line for connection to a bunker of the ship for bunkering the fuel on the ship, a platform (3) for holding the interfaces (5) and a jib (11) for bringing the platform (3) with the interfaces (5) onto the ship, wherein the loading system is designed for disconnecting a connected line. The invention also relates to a bunker ship (1) with such a loading system (2), and to the use of such a loading system (2) for bunkering a ship with a particularly hazardous fuel and to a method for the bunkering of particularly hazardous fuel.

Description

Loading system for fuels

The invention relates to a loading system for connecting lines for the bunkering of particularly dangerous fuels, such as cryogenic liquefied gas, in particular LNG (liquefied natural gas), or of fuels with a flash point of less than 60 ° C, to a Ship, and a use of such a Verladesystems, a method for the bunkering of such particularly dangerous fuels and a bunker ship with such a loading system.

The term "bunkers" usually refers in shipping to the loading of a ship with a fuel supply that a ship carries with it to drive the machine. "Bunker" stands for the fuel supply itself as well as for the force reservoirs of material; usually a tank. Accordingly, the term "bunkers" or "bunkers" is to be understood as "refueling." Typically, diesel or heavy oil is bunkered as a fuel.

"Bunkering" here also means the storage of fuels for transport on a ship. "Here, for linguistic simplicity, fuel acts as a generic term for fuel and other fuels; the invention may serve to load "fuels" in this broader sense.

Often ships are bunkered by so-called bunker ships; These can bring the fuels directly to the ships in port or at anchor and to be bunkered. It is known to bunker ships of any type from bunker ships. Basically, it is also known to bury ships from land. The bunkering ship picks up the fuel in a bunker tank.

Of increasing importance is the bunkering of particularly hazardous fuels, especially LNG. However, the invention is also suitable for cryogenic liquefied gases in general and also for fuels with a flash point of less than 60 ° C; Overall, it is suitable for particularly dangerous and especially for particularly dangerous liquid fuels. At the moment, the spread of marine propulsion systems using LNG is starting. This development is driven by recent restrictions on ship exhaust emissions.

Safety aspects are particularly relevant for the bunkering of LPG due to the low-temperature state, the high flammability and the volatility as gas; For example, LNG is stored at temperatures down to -163 ° C. In addition, contact of cryogenic liquid gas with shipbuilding steel can lead to cracking in the steel, and must be avoided accordingly.

Despite the increased demands on safety, it is desirable if the bunkering can be done quickly, reliably, flexibly and without disrupting other activities of the ship, such as loading and unloading or passenger change.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a particularly safe and efficient and easy to handle gauge for the transfer of particularly hazardous fuels to be bunkerndes ship.

The object is achieved by a loading system for connecting lines for the bunkering of particularly dangerous fuels, such as cryogenic liquefied gas, in particular LNG, or of fuels with a flash point of less than 60 ° C, on a ship. The loading system has an input interface for connecting at least one line for connection to a fuel storage for the supply of fuel, an output interface for connecting at least one line for connection to a bunker of the ship for bunkering the fuel on the ship, a platform for Holding the interfaces and a boom for bringing the platform with the interfaces to the ship, wherein the loading system is adapted to separate a connected line.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are also indicated in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of assembling safety-relevant devices and the necessary connections on a movable platform. If there are indications of danger, some or all of the fuel-carrying lines may be disconnected using the separator and the loading system may be removed from the potential source of danger by means of the boom. The bunker tank, or bunker for the most dangerous fuel, is carried on board as usual with conventional fuels.

In contrast to conventional oil bunkering, a gas return line is preferably additionally used for cryogenic liquid gas.

The bunker connections, so-called bunker stations, can, as is usual, be on the deck or at the side of the bunker gates; The arrangement and design can be quite different depending on the type of ship and size ship.

The fuel-carrying lines are preferably flexible lines, in particular tubes or pipe sections which are movably connected to one another. In principle, it is also possible to use particularly leak-proof, thermally insulated and nevertheless flexible hoses, such as hoses with double walls, or even conventional bunker hoses. Also advantageous may be the use of rigid pipes as fuel-carrying lines; optionally with a flexible hose attachment at one or both ends.

If bunkering with gas recirculation is carried out, then an additional line, for example a hose, at the input interface and also an additional line, also about a hose, must be connected to the output interface, namely a line for the transport of the liquefied gas from the liquefied gas store to the loading system a conduit for the transport of liquefied petroleum gas from the loading system to the port for the ship's bunker, a conduit from the ship to be bunkered to the vapor recovery loading system, and another corresponding gas recirculation conduit from the loading system and returning to the liquefied gas storage facility.

As mentioned, the fuel storage, in particular a liquefied petroleum gas storage, may be located on a bunker ship or may be stationary on land or on a platform.

The boom for moving the platform can be driven, for example pneumatically, hydraulically or via a servomotor.

The platform preferably has a tray for catching leaking fluid, especially for catching leaking LNG; a so-called drip tray. The separating device for separating the lines from the loading system may be part of the loading system or, alternatively, be triggered only by this. For this purpose, the loading system can have a corresponding communication device and the separating device via a corresponding receiving device. The separator is designed to separate the lines from the loading system very quickly. After separation, there is no fuel-bearing connection between the fuel storage and the ship to be bunkered. For this purpose, about all or even only part of the lines can be separated from the loading system and / or discarded. In principle, it is possible to separate only the lines between the ship to be bunkered and the loading system or the lines between the loading system and the fuel storage.

The separation can be triggered, for example, by pressing an emergency button by an operator.

The disconnecting device may be so-called break-away clutches, in particular PERC (Powered Emergency Release Coupling), which are particularly suitable for emergency disconnections. Particularly preferred is the so-called dry-break design. This is followed by the first two valves or flaps delimiting a gap, after which the connection between them is completely separated. The gap is preferably as small as possible with closed valves or flaps, so that as little as possible fuel escapes during the separation.

As a separating device is basically also a conventional quick coupling suitable, which clings hydraulically to the mating flange instead of verflanschenden screw and which can be attached and released very quickly. In addition, the separate lines or the fuel storage or the bunker station can be closed during separation, each with its own conventional shut-off independently of the quick coupling; this can be controlled externally.

In a break-away clutch, a part of it would be left behind at the receiving ship in an emergency separation, namely the section with the fitting or flap facing the receiving ship.

Break-away couplings and quick couplings can also be combined. For example, the quick-release couplings can be used for regular quick turn-on and turn-off and the break-away clutch for emergencies. The separation can be triggered, for example, by pressing an emergency button by an operator.

It is particularly advantageous if the separating device separates the line connection between the ship to be bunkered and the fuel bearing so that no further fuel is released from the fuel bearing. This can be done, for example, by dropping the ship-side lines while closing the output interface. Preferably, the output interface and / or the input interface are automatically closed; about a flap.

A rigid line may additionally be located at the front of the transfer line and so ensure that the separator, such as a PERC, is far away from the receiving ship. In an emergency separation with the help of a PERC then this rigid section, with quick coupling or without and possibly with further line sections, and half of the PERC remains at the receiving ship back.

For connection to the receiving ship about a rigid line with possibly further line sections of a temporary holding device can be held horizontally in a favorable terminal position. Accordingly, it is generally possible to proceed for generally flexible lines.

For example, after the bunker has been moored to the ship to be bunkered, the loading system with its outrigger can be brought to the bunker station of the ship to be bunkered or the bunker connections and can be quickly connected to the ship's system and released again.

In an emergency, the separator is triggered and the adapter system can be swung away. A bunker ship can then quickly leave the danger area.

Overall, the invention allows such a particularly fast, flexible and safe bunkering of particularly dangerous. especially fluids, fuels. Also, the invention now allows a safe and fast bunkering from a bunker ship, be it in the harbor or at any anchorage. On LNG-powered ships, conventional fuels can also be bunkered, such as MFO, MGO and MDO (marine fuel oil, marine gas oil, marine diesel oil, heavy oil, marine gas oil, marine diesel oil). These can serve as a pilot fuel or as fuel for the open sea at greater distances.

The bunkering of these conventional fuels is preferably carried out simultaneously with the bunkering of the particularly hazardous fuel. Corresponding known devices can also be installed on the platform of the loading system; For these fuels simply the conventional bunker hoses can be used.

Preferably, separation devices for emergency separation are then also used for the conventional fuels in order to allow the platform to pivot away and to remove a bunker ship in the event of an emergency.

Preferably, the boom is articulated in itself. It may have two or more rigid arm portions, which are interconnected by joints. These may be, for example, joints that allow only movement about an axis or else joints that allow movements about two or three axes. It is particularly preferred to rotatably fix the boom in the horizontal, be it on the deck of the bunker ship or on land or on a platform. A boom with a single rigid arm portion may also be advantageous.

It is also preferable to design the boom so that it can carry some or all of the fuel lines used and possibly other required lines, such as electrical and hydraulic supply lines or communication lines, via a bracket. Further, it is advantageous if the platform of the loading system is accessible. This allows the operator to interact well with the loading system and its components.

Preferably, the loading system can receive and process signals concerning the bunkering process from the ship to be bunkered and / or the fuel warehouse. Corresponding signals can initiate, for example, the triggering of the separating device. For this purpose, the loading system preferably has a communication device, which is particularly preferably capable of centrally detecting and controlling the connection states, in particular of blocking and releasing them. Also useful is a monitor connected to the communication device, which displays to an operator the status of the connections; this can then initiate the bunkering accordingly, cancel or initiate the emergency separation. Furthermore, the loading system preferably also has a flushing device with which the loading system and / or the lines connected to the loading system can be flushed. Here, for example, a nitrogen purge can be used.

To test the tightness of the lines and the connections, the loading system preferably also has a push-off device for pushing off the line connections. Nitrogen can be used for the printing.

A residual emptying device for removing liquid gas residues or gases from the loading system and / or the lines can also be advantageously provided.

To improve the safety of the loading system, it is also advantageous to provide valves and / or lines for the thermal expansion of trapped LPG.

Preferably, the loading system also has a guide system for quick docking of the lines, such as a guide pin for each line or for a combination of cables, which is retracted after connecting a transfer line, so as not to restrict the freedom of movement of the lines.

Also advantageous is an automatic tracking system of the loading system, such as optically or mechanically controlled, which thus can always remain in a narrow tolerance field in front of a bunker station. This is useful because the ship to be bunkered dives deeper through the fuel and a bunker ship by fuel delivery dives considerably.

The space provided at typical tanker transfer stations (Manifolds) above the connecting flanges for connecting loading arms can be omitted, since the platform can be moved horizontally up and away. This makes it ideal for bunker stations embedded in the side of the ship's hull.

The object is also achieved by a bunker ship with a loading system according to the invention.

Preferably, the boom of the loading system is attached to the deck of the bunker ship.

It is particularly preferred if the boom is rotatable in the horizontal relative to the deck. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be pivotally attached to the deck. Preferably, the bunker is designed so that the loading system can be stored with its boom on deck, so that the bunker can drive well under bridges.

Furthermore, the bunker ship preferably also has a communication device with which it can exchange signals concerning the bunkering process with the ship to be bunkered. As mentioned above, the signals may be used, for example, to trigger the separator.

It may also be advantageous to provide a bunker with several loading systems, such as a starboard loading system and additionally with a port loading system.

The object is also achieved by a use of the loading system according to the invention for bunkering a ship with a particularly dangerous fuel, such as cryogenic liquid gas, in particular LNG, or with a fuel having a flash point of less than 60 ° C.

Finally, the object is also achieved by a method for the bunkering of particularly dangerous fuel, such as cryogenic liquefied gas, in particular LNG, or a fuel with a flash point of less than 60 ° C, on a ship, comprising the steps of: providing a Loading system for connecting lines for bunkering, bringing the docking system with an interface-holding platform for lines to the ship with a boom of the loading system, connecting at least one line to an input interface for connection to a fuel storage for the supply of fuel, connecting at least one line to an exit interface for connection to a bunker of the ship for bunkering the fuel on the ship and having a separator for separating the loading system from the lines.

In an emergency, preferably, in response to an emergency signal, the separation of the hoses from the loading system with the help of the separator completed; Subsequently or simultaneously, the loading system is moved away from the ship originally to be bunkered with the help of the jib.

The aspects disclosed in the preceding and following description relate to the loading system, its use, the method of operation as well as the bunker ship, although this is not always explicitly stated. The individual characteristics In principle, they can also be essential to the invention in combinations other than those shown.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments, without wishing to restrict the invention thereby:

FIG. 1 shows a bunker ship according to the invention with a bunker according to the invention

Loading system.

FIG. 2 shows another bunker ship according to the invention with a loading system according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a bunker ship 1 for bunkering ships. The bunker ship 1 has several tanks for receiving LNG (not shown).

On deck a loading system 2 is attached. In Figure 1 can be seen various components of the loading system 2, including a platform 3, on which a housing 4 is placed for receiving various devices of the loading system. Facing the observer, two recesses 5 of an input interface for connecting lines for the supply of LNG can be seen in the wall of the housing 4. Lines for routing the LNG to the ship to be bunkered are located on the other side of the housing 4 (not visible). Also visible are smaller diameter connections 6 for gas return lines. Corresponding connections are also found on the opposite side of the housing. 4

The platform 3 supports, for example via a line, or contains the housing 4, a separation device for separating the lines from the loading system 2, a communication device for exchanging signals concerning the bunker operation with the ship to be bunkered and the bunker ship, a flushing device for flushing the loading system and the hoses connected to it, a push-off device for testing the leaktightness of the connected system, a residual emptying device for removing residues of liquefied gas and valves for the recovery of trapped LNG (not shown). The loading system 2 also has corresponding devices introduced into the housing 4 for parallel bunkering with diesel (not shown).

The platform 3 is connected via a hinge 10 in the vertical pivotally connected to a boom 1 1. The boom 11 has two rigid arm portions 12 and two further pivot joints 13. The boom 11 is rotatable horizontally with a rotator 14 on deck the bunker ship 1 attached. The boom 11 is moved by means of hydraulics (not shown).

On the boom 1 1, a holder for the LNG lines and for other lines, such as for marine diesel and hydraulic lines, available (not shown). The Veriadesystem 2 can be moved together with the LNG lines and all other lines using the boom 1 1.

With the help of the joints 10, 13, the boom can be folded and stored on supports (not shown) on the deck of the bunker ship 1. Overall, this results in a very low height when needed, such as when a bridge is to be crossed.

For bunkering a ship, this can be approached with the bunker ship 1 and the Veriadesystem 2 are moved up to the bunker connections of the ship to be bunkered. After the lines for guiding the LNG and for the gas recirculation between Bunkerschiff 1 and Veriadesystem 2 and Veriadesystem 2 and the bunkering ship are connected, the bunkering can take place.

Should a dangerous situation arise during bunkering, the lines can be separated from the veriade system 2 with the aid of the separating device of the loading system 2. The boom 1 1 of the loading system 2 can then move the platform 3 with the bundled thereon devices of the loading system 2 quickly from the danger point. In addition, the bunker ship 1 can also set in motion.

A dangerous situation can be detected, for example, by an operator who then presses an emergency button on board the bunker ship 1. The communication device of the loading system 2 receives and processes this signal and then triggers the separator.

FIG. 2 shows a further bunker ship 1 according to the invention, schematically along a section transverse to the longitudinal axis. The bunker ship 1, on the right in FIG. 2, lies next to a ship to be bunkered, on the left in FIG. 2.

The boom of the loading system shown here has two rigid arm portions 12 which are interconnected via a pivot joint 13. A platform 3 of the loading system is connected via a further pivot joint 10 with the outer arm portion 12. Overall, here the boom is attached via a rotating device 14 on the deck of the bunker ship 1. The boom stretches the ship to be bunkered almost horizontal platform 3 with the housing 4 against. The liquid fuel is pumped via flexible lines (not shown) via the input interface into the housing 4 and fed to the bunker to be bunkender output interface 5 'of the side bunker station 15. The fuel supply can be interrupted by means of a valve 18 supported by the platform 3. The connection to the bunker station 15 takes place here via a flexible conduit 16, namely a hose 16, a separator 17, namely a PERC 17, and a quick coupling. The line 16 is connected via the separator 17 with a horizontally oriented inlet of the bunker station 15.

Overall, the invention provides a possibility with which particularly safe, flexible, fast and reliable and without disrupting other activities of bunker ship, such as loading and unloading or passenger change, bunkering can be done. It is also practical that the parts of the loading system 2, such as the platform 3, the boom 1 1 and its drive and joints, the cables and the separating device (s) are commercially available.

reference numeral

1 bunker ship

2 adapter system

3 platform

4 housing

5 recesses for the input interface 5 'recess for the output interface

6 connections for gas return lines

10 joint

11 outriggers

12 arm section

13 swivel joint

14 rotating device

15 bunker station

16 line

17 separating device

18 valve

Claims

claims

1.

Loading system (2) for connecting lines for the bunkering of particularly dangerous fuels on a ship with

an input interface (5) for connecting at least one line for connection to a fuel storage for the supply of fuel,

an output interface for connecting at least one line for connection to a bunker of the ship for bunkering the fuel on the ship,

a platform (3) for holding the interfaces (5) and

a boom (11) for bringing the platform (3) with the interfaces (5) to the ship, wherein

the loading system is adapted to disconnect a connected line.

Second

Loading system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the boom (11) has at least two rigid arm portions (12) which are hinged together via a hinge (10, 13).

Third

A loading system (2) according to claim T or claim 2, wherein the boom (11) has a holder for the flexible conduits and is adapted to carry it.

4th

Loading system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the platform (3) is accessible.

5th

Loading system (2) according to one of the preceding claims with a

Communication device for exchanging signals concerning the bunkering process with the ship to be bunkered and / or the fuel storage.

6th

Bunker ship (1) with a loading system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7th

Bunker ship (1) according to claim 6, wherein the boom (11) is rotatably mounted on deck.

8th.

Bunker ship (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the platform (3) of the

Verladesystems (2) with its boom (1 1) can be stored on deck.

9th

Bunker ship (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8 with a communication device for exchanging signals concerning the bunkering process with the ship to be bunkered.

10th

Use of a loading system (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for bunkering a ship with a particularly dangerous fuel.

11th

Method for bunkering of particularly dangerous fuel on a ship with the steps:

Providing a loading system (2) for connecting lines for bunkering,

Leading the loading system (2) with an interface (5) holding platform (3) for

Lines to the ship with a boom (1 1) of the loading system (2),

Connecting at least one line to an input interface (5) of the loading system

(2) for connection to a fuel storage for the supply of fuel,

Connecting at least one line to an output interface of the loading system (2) for connection to a bunker of the ship for the bunkering of the fuel on the ship and

Prepare a separator for separating the loading system (2) from the lines.

12th

Method according to claim 1 1 with the additional steps:

Triggering an emergency signal,

Disconnecting the lines of the loading system (2) with the separator and

Driving away the platform (3) of the loading system (2) from the ship to the boom (11) of the loading system (2).