WO2023000027A1 - Appareil et procédé de transfert de fluides cryogéniques à double utilisation de retour de vapeur et de ligne de circulation de liquide - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de transfert de fluides cryogéniques à double utilisation de retour de vapeur et de ligne de circulation de liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023000027A1
WO2023000027A1 PCT/AU2022/050766 AU2022050766W WO2023000027A1 WO 2023000027 A1 WO2023000027 A1 WO 2023000027A1 AU 2022050766 W AU2022050766 W AU 2022050766W WO 2023000027 A1 WO2023000027 A1 WO 2023000027A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
loading
pipe
terminal
pipeline
line
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2022/050766
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vijay Rameshchandra Pradhan
Rodney James SILBERSTEIN
Ryan WORTHINGTON
Hugh Kane
Original Assignee
Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd
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Priority claimed from AU2021902226A external-priority patent/AU2021902226A0/en
Application filed by Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd filed Critical Fortescue Future Industries Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2023000027A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023000027A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C6/00—Methods and apparatus for filling vessels not under pressure with liquefied or solidified gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/16—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/004—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for large storage vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D1/00—Pipe-line systems
    • F17D1/08—Pipe-line systems for liquids or viscous products
    • F17D1/082—Pipe-line systems for liquids or viscous products for cold fluids, e.g. liquefied gas
    • 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
    • B63B27/34—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures using pipe-lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/123—Devices for the protection of pipes under water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • F16L58/02—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation by means of internal or external coatings
    • F16L58/04—Coatings characterised by the materials used
    • F16L58/10—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • F16L58/02—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation by means of internal or external coatings
    • F16L58/04—Coatings characterised by the materials used
    • F16L58/10—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
    • F16L58/1054—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed outside the pipe
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/06—Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum
    • F16L59/065—Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum using vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/14—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L59/141—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems in which the temperature of the medium is below that of the ambient temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
    • F16L9/02—Rigid pipes of metal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
    • F16L9/18—Double-walled pipes; Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0157—Compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F17C2250/0434—Pressure difference
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/011—Improving strength
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/05—Improving chemical properties
    • F17C2260/053—Reducing corrosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F17C2265/032—Treating the boil-off by recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D3/00—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations
    • F17D3/01—Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for controlling, signalling, or supervising the conveyance of a product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17D—PIPE-LINE SYSTEMS; PIPE-LINES
    • F17D5/00—Protection or supervision of installations
    • F17D5/02—Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss
    • F17D5/04—Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss by means of a signalling fluid enclosed in a double wall
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transfer of a cryogenic fluid and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for transfer of a cryogenic liquid to a ship for transportation.
  • cryogenic liquids as cold as -163°C for example, liquid natural gas
  • jetties are expensive to build and maintain, especially as they may need to be a substantial length to go from land to a water depth suitable for large cryogenic liquid carrier ships.
  • Examples of the present invention seek to provide an apparatus and method for transfer of cryogenic fluids which alleviate or at least ameliorate the disadvantages of existing technologies for transfer of cryogenic fluids.
  • the invention provides an apparatus for transferring liquid hydrogen between an onshore source and an offshore terminal in the absence of a jetty, comprising a pipeline that extends between the source and the terminal, the pipeline including a loading line adapted to carry the liquid hydrogen subsea from the source to the terminal and a separate return line adapted to carry displaced vapour from the terminal to the source; wherein the pipeline is configured such that, during normal operations, the loading line and the return line form a recirculation loop to maintain a cryogenic temperature of the liquid hydrogen.
  • the invention provides a method for transferring liquid hydrogen between an onshore source and an offshore terminal in the absence of a jetty, including the steps of: providing a pipeline that extends subsea between the source and the terminal, the pipeline including a loading line adapted to carry the liquid hydrogen subsea from the source to the terminal and a separate return line adapted to carry displaced vapour from the terminal to the source; installing at least a portion of the pipeline subsea; and selectively operating the pipeline in a non-loading configuration during which the loading line and the return line act as a recirculation loop to maintain cryogenic temperature of the liquid hydrogen.
  • Described generally herein is an apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid, including a subsea pipeline for loading cryogenic fluids from an onshore source to an offshore terminal, wherein the subsea pipeline includes a dual use vapour return and fluid circulation line. This may be achieved by opening/closing of one or more valves.
  • the apparatus includes a single loading line for loading cryogenic fluids from the onshore source to the offshore terminal and a single, dual use vapour return and circulation line. More preferably, under normal operation, the loading line and vapour return/circulation line act as a recirculation loop to maintain cryogenic temperature in the lines. Even more preferably, the loading line and vapour retum/circulation line remove any heat leak into the lines.
  • the single loading line is used to transfer the fluid from the onshore storage to a vessel moored offshore and vapour displaced from the vessel is sent back onshore via the vapour retum/circulation line.
  • compression means is provided to remove the fluid and allow the flow of returned vapour from the vapour return/circulation line. More preferably, the compression means is in the form of a compressor located at the vessel mooring location.
  • the loading line and the vapour return/circulation line each have an inner pipe formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion. More preferably, the loading line and the vapour retum/circulation line each have insulation about the inner pipe. Even more preferably, the insulation is in the form of a high integrity insulation. More preferably still, the insulation is formed of microporous insulation material. In one example, insulation is formed of a two component, cement-based waterproof material.
  • the apparatus is used in the absence of a jetty.
  • the loading line and the vapour return/circulation line each include an inner pipe housed within an outer pipe. More preferably, for each of the loading line and the vapour retum/circulation line, an annular volume is defined between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. Even more preferably, said annular volume has a partial vacuum therein. In one example, the annular volume houses the insulation.
  • the cryogenic fluid is in the form of liquid hydrogen.
  • an apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid including a subsea loading line for loading cryogenic fluids from an onshore source to an offshore terminal and a subsea vapour return/circulation line, wherein each of the loading line and the vapour retum/circulation line includes an inner pipe housed within an outer pipe.
  • annular volume is defined between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. More preferably, the annular volume has a partial vacuum therein. Even more preferably, the annular volume houses an insulation material.
  • cryogenic fluid is in the form of liquid hydrogen.
  • a system for transferring a cryogenic fluid including an onshore source of cryogenic fluid, an offshore transportation terminal, a loading line arranged to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the onshore source to the offshore transportation terminal, wherein the system further includes a dual use vapour return and fluid circulation line, and wherein at least a portion of the loading line and a portion of the vapour retum/circulation line is beneath sea level.
  • each of the loading line and the vapour retum/circulation line includes an inner pipe housed within an outer pipe. More preferably, for each of the loading line and the vapour return/circulation line, the insulation is housed in an annular volume between the inner pipe and the outer pipe so as to insulate the inner pipe. Even more preferably, the cryogenic fluid is in the form of liquid hydrogen.
  • a method for transferring a cryogenic fluid including the steps of providing a loading line and a vapour return/circulation line, installing the loading line and the vapour retum/circulation line between an onshore source of cryogenic fluid and an offshore transportation terminal, and using the loading line and the vapour return/circulation line as a recirculation loop to maintain cryogenic temperature in the lines.
  • the cryogenic fluid is in the form of liquid hydrogen.
  • Figure l is a diagrammatic view of a system for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore source to an offshore transportation terminal in accordance with an example of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows loading lines (pipe in pipe) and a vapour return line (pipe in pipe) of an example system for transferring a cryogenic fluid from an onshore source to an offshore transportation terminal;
  • Figure 3 is cross sectional view of a liquid hydrogen line in accordance with an example of the present invention.
  • an apparatus 10 for transferring a cryogenic fluid in accordance with an example of the present invention.
  • the apparatus 10 removes the requirement for near shore jetty construction along with the associated dredging for construction of the jetty, and the requirement for dredging to increase water depth for ship carrier access.
  • an apparatus 10 for transferring a cryogenic fluid including a subsea pipeline 12 for loading cryogenic fluids from onshore piping 26 of an onshore source 14 to an offshore terminal 16.
  • the offshore terminal 16 is in the form of a fixed terminal 28 and the subsea pipeline 12 extends upwardly from the seafloor to the fixed terminal 28 by way of rigid risers 44.
  • Marine loading arms 30 may be used to assist in transferring the cryogenic fluid to a carrier in the form of a cryogenic liquid carrier ship 24.
  • the subsea pipeline 12 includes insulation 18 (see Figure 3).
  • the insulation 18 may be provided in the form of a pipe-in-pipe system with high integrity insulation between the pipes.
  • the apparatus 10 may be used in the absence of a jetty.
  • a jetty is built from the shore to the mooring for the ship such that the pipe for transferring the cryogenic fluid is supported above sea level along the jetty. Building of the jetty is costly and may have a significant environmental impact during construction. It is of benefit that the present invention obviates the need for such a jetty to be built.
  • the cryogenic fluid may be in the form of liquid hydrogen for which the operating temperature is -253°C.
  • Figure 2 shows detail of an apparatus 10 for transferring a cryogenic fluid in the form of liquid hydrogen.
  • the apparatus 10 includes twin loading lines (pipe in pipe) 20 as well as a vapour return line (pipe in pipe) 22.
  • a recirculation loop 46 using the loading lines 20 for recirculating the cryogenic fluid between loading operations.
  • the cryogenic liquid carrier ship 24 depicted in Figure 1 is moored at the offshore terminal 16 for transporting the cryogenic fluid.
  • Each of the loading lines 20 and the vapour return line 22 is in the form of a pipe-in-pipe (PIP) line.
  • PIP pipe-in-pipe
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the liquid hydrogen line.
  • the subsea pipeline 12 may include an inner pipe 32 housed within an outer pipe 34.
  • an annular volume 36 is defined between the inner pipe 32 and the outer pipe 34.
  • the annular volume 36 has a partial vacuum therein which may assist with the performance of the insulating material of the insulation 18 which is housed in the annular volume 36.
  • the inner pipe 32 may be formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.
  • the inner pipe 32 may be formed of a nickel-iron alloy.
  • the inner pipe 32 may be formed of FeNi36 or Invar (material distributed under the trademark Invar).
  • Invar is a nickel-iron alloy notable for its uniquely low coefficient of thermal expansion.
  • the name Invar comes from the word "invariable", referring to its relative lack of expansion or contraction with temperature changes.
  • the outer pipe 34 may be formed of low-temperature carbon steel (LTCS) and may be provided with a coating system 40 formed of 3LPE material (3 -layer polyethylene).
  • the coating system 40 may be used to protect the subsea pipeline 12 from external corrosion.
  • a cathodic protection in the form of sacrificial anodes or impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) may also be used.
  • There may also be provided a steel shaft 48 between the outer pipe 34 and the insulation 18.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect of the present invention resides in a system which includes the onshore source 14, the offshore terminal 16 and the subsea pipeline 12 arranged to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the onshore source 14 to the offshore transportation terminal 16.
  • the onshore source 14 the offshore terminal 16 and the subsea pipeline 12 arranged to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the onshore source 14 to the offshore transportation terminal 16.
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for transferring a cryogenic fluid.
  • the method includes the steps of providing a pipeline 12 having insulation 18, installing the pipeline 12 between an onshore source 14 of cryogenic fluid and an offshore transportation terminal 16, and using the pipeline 12 to transfer the cryogenic fluid along the pipeline 12 from the onshore source 14 to the offshore transportation terminal 16.
  • Examples of the invention remove the requirement for near shore jetty construction along with the associated dredging for construction of the jetty, and dredging to increase the water depth for ship carrier access.
  • the concept allows transfer of cryogenic liquid hydrogen via a subsea pipe to a fixed structure (for example, a fixed berth structure and moorings) at a suitable water depth.
  • This fixed structure can provide mooring and a point for the carrier (for example, a carrier ship) to connect and unload as it would at a conventional jetty/wharf.
  • the concept allows for transfer of liquid hydrogen without excessive boil off and loss of product by utilising a pipe-in-pipe construction with a partial vacuum plus insulation in the annular gap.
  • Examples of the invention may address problems such as the high costs associated with dredging and jetty construction, high environmental impact of dredging, and/or the social impact of near shore bulk flammable liquid transfer in populated areas/shipping routes.
  • the subsea pipe configuration would consist of two loading lines 20 and a single vapour return line 22. Under normal operation, the two loading lines 20 act as a recirculation loop to maintain cryogenic temperature in the lines and remove any heat leak into the system. During loading, both lines are used to pump out the product from the onshore storage to a vessel 24 moored offshore. The displaced vapour from the ship is sent back onshore via the vapour return line 22.
  • normal operations comprise stages between loading operations.
  • Embodiments of the invention propose to use a system of continuous operation to ensure the cryogenic subsea pipeline is maintained at a cryogenic temperature with appropriate monitoring. Continuous operation and monitoring can be achieved during normal operation by diverting product flow from the liquid hydrogen production plant via our crossover connection at the end of the loading lines before being sent to storage and using additional equipment to pump a small flow from product storage outside of normal liquid hydrogen production periods.
  • Integrity of the pipeline is ensured through the use of specific material (which may be in the form of material distributed under the trade mark Invar). Such material may be chosen to withstand hydrogen embrittlement at low temperatures and have a low coefficient of expansion resulting in lower thermal stress loads on the system and a simpler design with respect to expansion joints/loops and transition joints.
  • the use of the Invar material allows for a continuous inner pipe and partial vacuum annulus.
  • the use of Invar material is beneficial as it has a low coefficient of expansion and therefore has a simpler configuration as it does not require expansion loops and joints to deal with changes in temperature and the associated family driven stresses.
  • the applicant has identified that the use of Invar for the proposed subsea pipelines may bring with it a significant expense which may possibly be avoided or at least reduced.
  • the applicant has identified that the material and insulation system used for the piping could be substituted for a lower grade material and a simpler insulation system that does not rely on the use of a partial vacuum.
  • a partial vacuum For example, instead of Invar material, high nickel content stainless steel (lower nickel content than Invar) may be used. Such material may provide a benefit in material cost, with further cost savings being available by using conventional insulation rather than a pipe-in-pipe system.
  • the applicant has identified that this may be catered for by providing more monitoring and operational control to ensure the thermal cycling of the system is minimised. Also, the applicant has identified that a variation of the invention may implement a dual use vapour return line and recirculation line to reduce total number of subsea pipelines. Examples of the invention may also use a circulation system for maintaining cryogenic temperatures.
  • the line Under normal operation, the line is maintained at cryogenic temperatures via a circulation loop which will reduce any transient thermal stresses between loading operations that can occur as cryogenic systems are cycled in temperature.
  • examples of the invention also propose to use a system where the state of the loading system is constantly monitored to provide data in lieu of visual inspections which are commonplace for above ground piping systems.
  • Real time cryogenic loading system monitoring may be implemented to provide continuous real-time online monitoring and support alarm and alert capabilities to assist in the safe and efficient operation of the loading lines.
  • the system may be based on a transient network flow model, which may use measured process data including temperature, pressure and velocity from redundant field sensors as boundary conditions. Revision of the boundary conditions over time is required in the case of sensor failure or drift.
  • the model results shall provide a complete picture of the current state of the loading line in real time.
  • Field data for the model shall be sampled automatically from a plant instrumented control system via a process integrity management system at a sufficient frequency for accuracy requirements. Additional measurements may be provided for redundancy and to help increase the integrity of the instrumented monitoring solution.
  • the parameters for monitoring may include: pressures and temperatures along the length of offloading system, discharge pressure, valve states for normal operation valves in the flow path, volume, flow velocity.
  • cryogenic liquids such as liquid hydrogen
  • the system comprises a heavily insulated pipeline consisting of a pipe-in-pipe construction and a high integrity insulating material in the annulus formed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe.
  • the pipeline will be installed using offshore pipeline installation technology and connected to a terminal which can provide both mooring for the ship and loading of the liquid.
  • the apparatus implements a dual use vapour return and liquid circulation line.
  • the subsea pipe configuration is proposed to consist of a single loading line and a dual use single vapour return and recirculation line.
  • the loading line and vapour return/circulation line act as a recirculation loop to maintain cryogenic temperature in the lines and remove any heat leak into the system.
  • the single loading line is used to pump out the product from the onshore storage to a vessel moored offshore.
  • the displaced vapour from the ship is sent back onshore via the vapour return line. It is understood, therefore, that the displaced vapour within the return line can serve as a refrigerant to maintain cryogenic temperature within the loading line to effectively manage and/or reduce boil-off and associated product loss.
  • Liquid hydrogen carriers are under development and additional compression facilities can be considered to allow for this mode of operation.
  • a suitable compressor located at the ship mooring location could be used.
  • Facilities to handle the returned liquid along with any additional vapour generated in the line may be included in the onshore facilities.
  • an example system has been developed for exporting hydrogen via vessel loading pipeline systems. The applicant proposed to provide ahydrogen carrier case to transfer Liquid Hydrogen (LH 2 ) at -253°C, loading 80,000m 3 in 36 hours. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the loading volume and duration may vary in other examples.
  • LH 2 Liquid Hydrogen
  • the applicant is has investigated opportunities to develop renewable energy resource opportunities, which involve the complete hydrogen value chain from power generation to hydrogen carrier loading to a carrier ship. Accordingly, the present invention provides concepts for cryogenic fluid to be loaded to a single point mooring/single buoy mooring located offshore and connected by a subsea pipeline.
  • the pipeline is in the form of a pipe-in-pipe (PIP) construction characterised by the use of a low expansion alloy inner pipe, microporous insulation in a controlled atmosphere and the absence of expansion loops.
  • PIP pipe-in-pipe
  • the system can be used subsea, fully constrained, and buried.
  • the pipeline presents the following key advantages: • Subsea and buried application.
  • Insulating material providing microporous insulation.
  • the insulating material may provide improved thermal performance under reduced pressure (medium to low vacuum).
  • a continuous annulus along the entire pipeline length The inner annulus operates at a reduced pressure between 10 and 20 mbar.
  • the reduced pressure has three advantages: it increases the thermal performance of the insulation; it acts as a straightforward, robust, and very sensitive leak detection system.
  • the system includes pipeline integrity monitoring based on continuous pressure monitoring of the annulus. Additionally, a fibre optic system can be included on the outer pipe to provide temperature profile for secondary leak detection and location.
  • the inner pipe is made of 36NiFe alloy. It is ideally suited to cryogenic use, remaining ductile at low temperature and increasing in strength. The coefficient of thermal expansion of 36% Ni-Fe is approximately 10 times less than stainless steel and as such internal bellows and expansion loops are not required.
  • the pipe is typically longitudinally welded.
  • Insulation is wrapped around the inner pipe and fastened using a thin steel sheet.
  • the steel sheet serves to hold the insulation in place, and to facilitate insertion during fabrication.
  • the insulating material is compressively strong and no discrete spacers are required between the inner and outer pipe.
  • the annulus between the pipes forms a closed space, and the pressure is reduced to approximately 10 mbar. Monitoring of the annulus pressure provides a sensitive leak detection system and on-line indicator of the system integrity.
  • the insulation may be supplied in panels, which are wrapped around the inner pipe and covered with a thin steel sheet.
  • the outer pipe is made of low-temperature carbon steel, and it is designed to resist external loads.
  • the pipe may have a Charpy Impact test requirement based on the low temperature design temperature.
  • the pipe is typical seamless or longitudinally welded.
  • the outer surface has an anti-corrosion coating.
  • Optional - A fibre optic, deploying Distributed Temperature Sensing technology, may be used to provide the temperature profile along the pipeline. Strapped to the outer pipe, this fibre optic will indicate the temperature of the outer pipe. Under normal operations, the temperature profile will be close to ambient temperature. Localised cooling is an indication of a potential pipe leak. The cold spot chainage is also indicated, providing leak location.
  • the fibre optic provides an additional layer to the leak detection, present through pressure monitoring.
  • the fibre optic cable is design for the external environment, with the necessary mechanical protection.
  • the PIP pipeline is protected from external corrosion with a coating system on the outer pipe.
  • the coating is typically an epoxy or three-layer system, like 3LPE.
  • a cathodic protection in the form of sacrificial anodes or impressed current is used.
  • the PIP system also includes bends and bulkheads. In-line bulkheads serve to link the inner and outer pipes together, so the system expands and contracts as a system.
  • the bulkheads may be used as a way to make transitions between pipeline and risers. Detail of the bulkheads may be designed and qualified to make the structure mechanically robust for the life of the operation.
  • the proposed pipeline integrity monitoring system is based on the continuous pressure monitoring of the annulus (between the inner and outer pipes), which detects leaks and differentiates between leaks in any of the pipe walls. Since the annulus being monitored is a closed volume, this leak detection methodology is orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional pipeline integrity monitoring systems.
  • an optional fibre optic system can be included on the outer pipe to provide secondary leak detection and location. The fibre optic provides the temperature of the outer pipe along the entire length of the pipeline, for example at 1 m intervals with an accuracy of ⁇ 1°C.
  • the annulus will be continuous between isolation valves. It should be highlighted however, that the pipeline integrity monitoring system described here does not cover the areas of the vents, valves, drains, or nitrogen purges, where there is single pipe. Those areas will require separate monitoring systems. In-line bulkheads can be made with holes to allow pressure communication within the annulus.
  • the annulus operates at a reduced pressure. This reduced pressure has two advantages: it increases the thermal performance of the insulation; and it acts as a straightforward, robust, and very sensitive leak detection system.
  • the outer pipe is designed to handle collapse, any potential external load and for double containment of the fluid. It should be noted that areas not covered by the intermediate and outer pipes (vents, valves, drains, & nitrogen purge lines) will not have double containment and thus leaks in these areas will be released into the environment.
  • the outer pipe has anti-corrosion coating.
  • the fibre optic system located on the outer pipe is used to identify the location of an inner pipe leak.
  • examples of the present invention may provide a solution which is significantly more environmentally friendly, does not require the manufacture of a jetty, avoids or eliminates dredging and does not require the clearing of forest.
  • Designers of delivery infrastructure for liquid natural gas are typically familiar with onshore only (that is, without liquid natural gas pipes being wet) and subsea pipelines are generally not well understood by onshore system designers, particularly as the maintenance requirements are quite different.
  • the applicant has overcome significant technical challenges by combining high integrity insulation with subsea pipelines, shore crossings and offshore connections by way of the present invention.
  • the present invention enables use of a pipe for subsea transfer of liquid hydrogen for large flow through a relatively large diameter.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un transfert d'hydrogène liquide entre une source terrestre et un terminal en mer sans jetée à l'aide de conduites à enveloppes multiples concentriques sous-marines s'étendant entre la source et le terminal. Une conduite à enveloppes multiples de chargement transporte de l'hydrogène liquide, tandis qu'une conduite à enveloppes multiples de retour transporte la vapeur déplacée du terminal vers la source. Le compresseur situé au niveau du terminal comprime la vapeur renvoyée, permettant aux conduites de chargement et de retour de former une boucle de recirculation pour maintenir une température cryogénique de l'hydrogène liquide. Des volumes annulaires entre les tuyaux interne et externe des conduites à enveloppes multiples ont une isolation et un vide partiel. Des tuyaux externes ont un revêtement anti-corrosion de polyéthylène à trois couches, une protection cathodique sous la forme d'anodes réactives, et un système de détection de fuite à fibre optique pour identifier des emplacements de fuite de tuyau interne.
PCT/AU2022/050766 2021-07-19 2022-07-19 Appareil et procédé de transfert de fluides cryogéniques à double utilisation de retour de vapeur et de ligne de circulation de liquide WO2023000027A1 (fr)

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AU2021902226A AU2021902226A0 (en) 2021-07-19 Apparatus and method for transfer of cryogenic fluids – dual use vapour return and liquid circulation line
AU2021902226 2021-07-19

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US3530680A (en) * 1967-02-07 1970-09-29 M B Gardner Co Inc The Prestressed conduit for cold fluids
US5641584A (en) * 1992-08-11 1997-06-24 E. Khashoggi Industries Highly insulative cementitious matrices and methods for their manufacture
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US11774044B1 (en) * 2022-03-29 2023-10-03 Zhejiang University Composite pipeline for transporting hydrogen and method for monitoring hydrogen leakage

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