CN110510072A - It is used for transmission transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission method of the floating of fluid or electric power - Google Patents
It is used for transmission transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission method of the floating of fluid or electric power Download PDFInfo
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- CN110510072A CN110510072A CN201910719527.2A CN201910719527A CN110510072A CN 110510072 A CN110510072 A CN 110510072A CN 201910719527 A CN201910719527 A CN 201910719527A CN 110510072 A CN110510072 A CN 110510072A
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- floating
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- transfer structure
- pipeline
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- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 339
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 61
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 title abstract description 44
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 245
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 35
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013590 bulk material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
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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
- B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
-
- 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
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- 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
The present invention provides transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission methods of a kind of floating for being used for transmission fluid or electric power, the transmission structure is used to transmit fluid between floating structure and floating or non-floating mode facility and/or transmit electric power between floating or non-floating mode facility and floating structure, and transmission structure includes impeller system, attachment device, processing system and adapter system.Provided by the present invention for the transmission structure of the floating of transmission fluid or electric power, the moment of flexure being applied on manifold or pipeline from transmission pipeline or pipeline and shearing force can substantially be absorbed by chute arrangement, axial force from transmission pipeline or pipeline is substantially undertaken by the processing system support device being fixed on transmission structure of the invention, so as to adapt to carry out transmission operation under longer distance and more harsh environmental condition.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to fluid transfer between a floating structure (e.g. an LNG carrier) and a floating or non-floating facility, and to power transfer between the floating or non-floating facility and the floating structure, and in particular to a floating transfer structure, a transfer system and a transfer method for transferring fluid or power.
Background
Loading systems including various types of floating concepts are widely used in the offshore oil and gas industry. Offshore environmental conditions are often harsh, which significantly increases the requirements and cost of systems operating in these conditions.
In patent CN106061831A a system for transferring fluids between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating installation is disclosed. The fluid transfer system comprises a floating transfer structure comprising an attachment system, at least one aerial transfer line connecting the floating structure and the transfer structure, and at least one transfer line connecting the storage bin and the transfer structure. The system may also include a vessel as a method of relocating and positioning the transport structure. The load on the transmission line can be picked up by the transmission structure in the transmission system. In addition, steam generation may be reduced by pre-cooling the transfer line conduits. The transmission structure can also operate all necessary safety equipment such as emergency shutdown systems, emergency release couplings and special monitoring systems. In patent CN106061831A, the transmission structure uses a tug as a power means for relocation. However, in some sea areas, the application of tugboats is limited, such as in sea areas with a small operating space.
Typically, floating flexible pipes, hoses or risers are raised from the sea and connected to fixed manifolds or pipes on the floating structure to enable fluid transfer. When the transfer operation is completed, the floating flexible pipe, hose or riser is disconnected from the manifold or pipe of the floating structure and returned to the sea. The transfer using aerial transfer pipes is performed in a similar manner. The difficulty of handling and lifting a flexible pipe, hose or riser to a fixed manifold or pipe on a floating structure is proportional to the forces and moments acting on the flexible pipe, hose or riser. Floating flexible pipes, hoses or risers are usually relatively short and the transfer operations must be performed under acceptable environmental conditions, such as low ocean waves, low ocean currents and no ice floes.
There is an increasing need to perform such transmission operations over longer distances and under more severe environmental conditions. A floating flexible pipe, hose or riser may need to remain connected to its manifold or pipe for a long time. Fixed manifolds or pipes on ships, offshore installations and marine terminals are designed to handle forces and moments that may be encountered during transfer operations using conventional transfer methods, such as loading arms, aerial transfer pipes and short flexible pipes, hoses or risers.
The longer floating flexible pipe, hose or riser will greatly exceed existing manifold or pipe end design standards subject to the relatively high forces and bending moments of ocean waves, currents, winds or ice. Reinforcing the manifold or pipe to accommodate such forces is expensive, technically and operationally challenging and requires undesirable modifications.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention provides a floating type transmission structure, a transmission system and a transmission method for transmitting fluid or electric power, which are suitable for transmission operation under longer distance and more severe environmental conditions.
In some embodiments of the invention, a floating transfer structure is provided for transferring fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility and/or transferring electrical power between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure. The transmission structure comprises a propeller system, a connecting device, a processing system and a joint system; wherein the thruster system is arranged on the bottom or the side wall of the hull of the transfer structure for propelling the transfer structure and keeping the transfer structure at a desired position; at least one said connection means mounted on the transfer structure for releasably connecting the transfer structure to the floating structure; the treatment system and the joint system are arranged on a transport structure top deck of a transport structure, wherein the treatment system comprises at least one pipe element arranged on the transport structure; the joint system comprises a chute arrangement for receiving the at least one floating pipeline and a pipe section, the chute arrangement being connected to the transfer structure such that the chute arrangement supports the at least one floating pipeline and transfers vertical and lateral forces from the at least one floating pipeline to the transfer structure; said pipe section being connected at one end to said floating pipeline and at the other end to a pipe element arranged on said transfer structure, such that said pipe element is connected to at least one floating pipeline.
The floating structure may be an ocean vessel, or other type of vessel such as a cruise vessel, or a platform, that transports fluids such as LNG (liquid natural gas).
A floating or non-floating installation is an installation which, if it is a floating installation, may be a vessel, for example a tanker. If the installation is non-floating, it may for example be land-based, or quay-based, or similar structure-based, comprising elements that are fixed to the seabed. If the transfer structure is used to transfer a fluid, the floating or non-floating installation typically comprises at least a storage device (e.g. a storage tank) for the fluid, and a storage device for at least one floating pipeline connecting the storage device with the transfer structure during the transfer operation of the fluid. If the transfer structure is used to transfer electric power between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility, which includes an electric power source (typically an electric grid), possibly in combination with a transfer fluid, the floating pipeline may be connected to the electric power source for transferring electric power to the floating structure. Electrical power transfer from a floating structure to a floating or non-floating facility may also be performed. In this case, the floating structure will include a source of electrical power, such as one or more electrical generators.
Preferably, the transfer structure is a shallow water transfer structure. It may be a semi-submersible platform, a boat, a barge-like floating structure or other form of float. This means that the transport structure is particularly suitable for use in water, with a small depth. Preferably, the transport structure has a maximum draught in still water of less than 5 meters. In coastal and offshore waters, the environmental conditions are generally milder, thereby greatly reducing the requirements and cost of facilities operating under these conditions. Thus, the present invention with snack water depth is well suited for milder environmental conditions and shallow waters.
The passively movable connecting means are designed such that the connecting means or the transport structure does not comprise any means for actively changing the position of the connecting means relative to the platform, i.e. the connecting means is mounted to the transport structure passively movably relative to the transport structure. External forces acting only on the connection means, i.e. external forces from the floating structure, will change the position of the connection means relative to the transfer structure.
The connection means preferably comprises one or more vacuum pads and/or electromagnetic pads, but the connection means may comprise any other suitable means that can be used to releasably connect the transfer structure to one side of the floating structure, such as the hull of a vessel, during a transfer operation.
Preferably, the passively movable connection means allows free relative vertical translation of the transfer structure and relative rotation about a horizontal axis, and passively constrains horizontal translation between the floating structure and the transfer structure and relative rotation about a vertical axis.
The transport structure is provided with one or more pusher systems that provide repositioning and positioning functions. For example, the propeller system may be driven ashore by an umbilical, by a hydraulic power system or an electric power system.
The transfer structure preferably comprises a connection device to which the at least one aerial transfer conduit may be releasably connected. The connection device is adapted to connect at least one transfer pipe between a floating or non-floating facility and a transfer structure. Thus, during use of the transfer structure, fluid may flow from the floating structure to the floating or non-floating facility via aerial transfer pipes and transfer pipes, or electricity may be transferred from the onshore facility to the floating structure via said transfer pipes. The air transfer pipeline may be stored on the transfer structure or on a floating structure when no fluid transfer or power transfer is taking place.
For transferring fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility, the connection device may be a manifold and the transfer pipe may be connected to the manifold for transferring fluid between the floating structure and the floating or non-floating facility. For transferring electrical power between the floating structure and the floating or non-floating facility, the connection device may be an electrical connection device to which a transfer pipe may be connected for transferring electrical power between the floating structure and the floating or non-floating facility.
At least one floating pipeline between the transfer structure and the floating or non-floating facility is connected to the transfer structure. To facilitate the connection of the at least one floating pipe to the transfer structure, the transfer structure may comprise a joint system comprising a chute arrangement for receiving the at least one floating pipe, the chute arrangement being firmly connected to the transfer structure such that the chute arrangement supports the at least one floating pipe and transfers vertical and lateral forces from the at least one floating pipe to the transfer structure.
Preferably, the joint system further comprises a pipe section connected at one end to at least one floating pipeline and at the other end to a pipe element arranged on the transfer structure.
The joint system may further comprise a joint arrangement connected to the pipe segment and to a joint assembly securely connected to the transfer structure such that tensile loads are transferred from the floating pipeline to the transfer structure.
Preferably, the transfer structure may further comprise a treatment system comprising at least one pipe element arranged on the transfer structure and fluidly connected to the at least one floating pipeline.
The transfer structure includes at least one processing system support device securely mounted to the transfer structure and/or the processing system pipe elements, the at least one processing system support device allowing the processing system to move relative to the transfer structure in response to an external force acting on the processing system.
In order to achieve a relative movement between the handling system and the joint system, the handling system support means may for example comprise at least one plain bearing.
The transport structure may further comprise at least one limiter limiting the movement of the treatment system relative to the transport structure in at least one direction, for example in the longitudinal direction of at least one pipe element of the treatment system.
In other embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a transfer system for transferring fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility or for transferring electrical power between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure. The transfer system comprises the above transfer structure and at least one floating pipeline for transferring fluid and/or electricity between the floating structure and the floating or non-floating facility via the transfer structure.
In a particular embodiment, the transfer system comprises a floating transfer structure as described above, at least one floating pipeline, and a storage device for storing the floating pipeline when the transfer system is not in use. At least one floating pipeline extends between the transfer structure and the storage unit, and at least one floating pipeline is connected to
-storage means for a fluid that has been transferred from or is being transferred to the floating structure, or
-a conduit for a fluid that has been transferred from or is being transferred to the floating structure, or
-an electric power source for transferring electric power from or to the floating structure.
In crowded harbor and harbour areas, non-permanent devices that can be removed, in whole or in part, from the harbor basin between transport operations are beneficial. The transfer system comprises a floating and mobile system that can be removed when not in use, thereby reducing interference with local offshore traffic and minimizing the risk of damage to the transfer pipeline due to seabed interaction.
The system preferably includes a multi-buoy mooring system to which the floating structure can be moored such that the floating structure is non-weathervaning. A multi-buoy mooring system will prevent weathervaning and thereby protect the integrity of the floating pipeline. The configuration and complexity of the multi-buoy mooring system may vary depending on local environmental conditions, incident water depth, and the size range of the floating structure in which the mooring system is used. Multi-buoy mooring systems typically comprise suitable anchors, depending on the seabed conditions, connected to the surface buoy by chains or fibre lines or a combination of both.
The transport system preferably comprises docking facilities for storing the transport structure when not in use. The transfer structure is preferably moored between transfer operations, for example at a docking station, dock or other suitable mooring device. During a transfer operation of a fluid or transfer of electricity, the transfer structure is undocked and temporarily connected to the floating structure.
The floating pipeline is preferably flexible and the storage means for the floating pipeline comprises at least one reel or turntable or basket on which the floating pipeline is wound when the transfer system is not in use. Alternatively, the storage device for the floating pipeline may comprise a plurality of rollers on which the floating pipeline may rest, such that the floating pipeline may be pulled back to the storage location without spooling when the transfer system is not in use. The floating pipeline is preferably provided with at least one buoyancy element such that the floating pipeline floats on or is submerged in the water.
The storage means for the floating pipeline is preferably located onshore, on a non-floating structure (e.g. a dock), or on a floating structure (such as a vessel comprising storage tanks for fluids and/or transmission means enabling power transfer), or on the transfer vessel itself. The storage means may be in the form of at least one reel such that the floating pipeline may be wound on the reel. The storage device may also be in the form of a carousel or basket onto which the floating pipe may be wound, or a roller if the floating pipe is stored without being wound (i.e. in a substantially straight state).
The transfer system comprises at least one aerial transfer pipe connected to a processing system on the transfer structure, the at least one aerial transfer pipe being further adapted to be connected to a floating structure such that fluid can flow through the at least one aerial transfer pipe and the processing system.
In further embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method for transferring fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility and/or transferring power between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
mooring the floating structure to a multi-buoy mooring system such that the floating structure is non-weathervaning,
-relocating the transfer structure to the moored floating structure,
-releasably connecting the transfer structure to the floating structure using the connection means of the transfer structure,
-providing at least one aerial transfer pipe between the floating structure and the transfer structure, such that fluid can be transferred between the floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility, or such that electricity can be transferred between the floating or non-floating facility and the floating structure,
-flowing fluid and/or transferring electric power through a floating pipeline connecting a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility.
The floating pipeline may be stored on at least one reel or carousel or basket when the transfer system is not in use. Alternatively, the floating pipe may be stored on a roller on which the floating pipe rests.
When the transfer system is not in use, the transfer structure is preferably moored at the docking facility.
In a particular embodiment, the floating pipeline connecting the transfer structure and the floating or non-floating facility is released after or simultaneously with the relocation of the transfer structure.
In a particular embodiment, the aerial transfer pipe is connected to the transfer structure after the transfer structure is relocated to the moored floating structure.
In further embodiments of the present invention there is also provided the use of a transfer structure as described above and/or a transfer system as described above for transferring cryogenic fluids and/or electricity between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility.
The transfer structure and/or transfer system as described above may be used for transferring cryogenic liquids, such as LNG, between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility. The transfer structure and/or transfer system as described above may also be used to transfer electrical power between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure.
The invention has the beneficial effects that: the present invention is particularly suitable for use in shallow water and for cryogenic purposes due to challenges associated with the large weight of insulated transfer conduits for cryogenic applications and the convenience of cleaning and pre-cooling. The present invention would be a suitable alternative for a fairly protected body of water where the environmental conditions are not as severe as open water. The invention may also be used to deliver power to or from a vessel, such as a cruise ship, which may require an additional power supply when arriving at a destination that does not receive the harbour site required by a large vessel.
Furthermore, bending and shear forces exerted on the manifold or pipe from the transfer pipe or pipe are substantially absorbed by the chute arrangement which allows a limited angular displacement of the sea-facing end of the transfer pipe in both lateral and vertical directions. The angular displacement may be, for example, +/-30 degrees in the transverse direction of the transport pipe and 30 degrees below the pipe axis in the vertical direction. The axial forces from the transport pipe or tubing are substantially borne by the handling system support means fixed to the transport structure of the present invention. This will significantly reduce the load on the transfer pipe on the manifold or pipe, so that longer transfer pipes can be used in more severe environmental conditions.
Drawings
The advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which,
fig. 1 is a top view of a system layout of a transmission system according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view of a system layout of a transport system according to the invention.
Fig. 3 is a top view of a transport system with a transport structure anchored at a docking facility.
Fig. 4 is a top view of a transmission structure according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a side view of a transport structure according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a side view of the connection device.
Fig. 7 is a top view of the connection device.
FIG. 8 is a side view schematic of a joint system and a treatment system.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the construction of the joint system and the processing system.
Reference numerals used in the drawings:
1, a floating structure; 2, a transmission structure; 3, an aerial transmission pipeline; 4, floating pipelines; 5 floating pipeline storage device; 6 floating or non-floating storage, receiving or output devices; 7 mooring the buoy; 8 idle mooring systems or docking facilities of the transfer structure; 9 floating pipe guide rollers; 10 a crane for connecting and supporting the aerial transmission pipeline; 11 a floating structure manifold; 12 transporting the structural top deck; 13 transporting the structural hull; 14 a propeller system; 15 a fender; 16 connectors; 17 an arm with an integrated spring element and/or damping element; 18 a connecting unit; a 19U-shaped joint; 20 spherical or disk-shaped joints; 21 floating pipeline bending reinforcing ribs; 22X axis direction; 23Y-axis direction; 24Z-axis direction; 25 rotating around the X axis; 26 rotate about the Y axis; 27 rotate about the Z axis; 28 a processing system; 29 a pipe element; a 30 multi-buoy mooring system; 31 water level; a 32-joint system; 33 chute means; 34 pipe sections; 35 flange connection; 36 joint supports; 37 a connector assembly; 38 a connector device; 39 a flange element; a 40-pipe section connector; 41 pipe section flanges; 42 a pipe section joint assembly; 43 chute transpose side assembly; 44 chute transpose bottom assembly; 45 handling the system support; 46 a sliding bearing; 47 an upper support element; 48 a lower support element; 49 chute means outboard portion; a 50 limiter; 51 ballast.
Detailed Description
Reference is made to fig. 1, 2 and 3, which schematically show a transmission system according to the invention. The floating structure 1, typically an LNG carrier, is moored to a multi-buoy mooring system 30 comprising a plurality of mooring buoys 7, the mooring buoys 7 being anchored to the sea floor and deployed such that the floating structure 1 is non-weathervaning when the floating structure 1 is moored to the multi-buoy mooring system 30, i.e. the floating structure 1 remains substantially at a given position, irrespective of the direction of wind and waves and/or currents.
The system further comprises a floating transfer structure 2, which is shown alongside the moored floating structure 1 in fig. 1. The transfer structure 2 is preferably moored between transfer operations, for example to an idle mooring system of the transfer structure or a docking facility 8, such as a docking station, dock or other suitable mooring device. During a transfer operation of a fluid or an electric power transfer, the transfer structure 2 is moored to the floating structure 1 by a connector 16 and held in place by a thruster system 14 comprising one or more thrusters, as shown in fig. 5.
At least one air transfer pipe 3 is provided between transfer structure 2 and floating structure 1. Aerial transfer pipe 3 may be stored on transfer structure 2 between transfer operations and connected to floating structure 1 when transfer operations are to be performed. Alternatively, airborne transfer pipeline 3 may be stored on floating structure 1 and connected to transfer structure 2 when a transfer operation is to be performed. After the transfer operation, the air transfer pipe 3 may be disconnected again and stored on the transfer structure 2 or on the floating structure 1. An aerial transfer pipe 3 enables transfer of fluid or electricity between the floating structure 1 and the transfer structure 2.
For transferring fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility, transfer structure 2 comprises a floating structure manifold 11, and aerial transfer pipe 3 may be releasably connected to floating structure manifold 11 for transferring fluid between floating structure 1 and a floating or non-floating facility.
Floating structure 1 is provided with a crane 10 for connecting and supporting the air transfer pipe to maintain the shape of air transfer pipe 3.
For transferring fluids, the transfer system further comprises at least one floating pipeline 4 in the form of floating flexible pipes for transferring fluids between the transfer structure 2 and a floating or non-floating storage, receiving or export device 6 as shown in fig. 2. For the transfer of electric power the floating pipeline 4 and the aerial transfer pipeline 3 consist of or comprise at least one cable.
As mentioned above, the facilitation of fluid transfer between the transfer structure 2 and a floating or non-floating storage, receiving or export facility 6 (e.g. a storage facility) is preferably achieved by at least one floating pipeline 4. The length of the at least one floating pipe 4 is sufficient to allow dynamic motion of the floating structure 1 during the transfer operation. Between loading operations, at least one floating pipeline 4 may be conveniently stored on an onshore floating pipeline storage device 5 (such as a reel or a turntable), or on the transport structure 2, thus reducing obstacles and the potential risk of collisions with local sea traffic, increasing fatigue life and simplifying inspection and pipeline control. The floating pipeline 4 may be specifically designed for transporting mild or cryogenic fluids, or both, and may or may not include buoyancy elements, insulation, bend stiffeners, and/or optical and/or electrical transmission opportunities. The floating pipe 4 may be guided over floating pipe guide rollers 9 in the sea-shore interface in order to minimize pulling forces as well as wear and tear on the floating pipe 4.
Since the transfer structure 2 is not moored and connected to the floating structure 1 during the transfer operation, the multi-buoy mooring system 30 for the floating structure 1 must be arranged in such a way that the lateral motions of the floating structure 1 are limited within the lateral extension of the floating pipeline 4. So a weathervaning single point mooring cannot be selected. The transfer system therefore preferably comprises a multi-buoy mooring system 30 which will prevent weathervaning and thus protect the integrity of the floating pipeline 4. The configuration and complexity of the multi-buoy mooring system 30 may vary depending on local environmental conditions, incident water depth, and the size range of the floating structure in which the mooring system is used. The multi-buoy mooring system 30 typically comprises suitable anchors, depending on the seabed conditions, connected to the surface buoy by chains or fibre lines or a combination of both.
The transfer system is further provided with connection means between the floating structure 1 and the transfer structure 2, which connection means comprise mechanical connection means with an attractive force to the hull of the floating structure 1. The attractive force may preferably be established by a sub-atmospheric pressure, for example by using a vacuum pad. Other options for establishing the desired attractive force may be by electromagnetic attraction, by cables, by a combination of cables and baffles, or other suitable means.
In fig. 6 and 7, a specific connection means for releasably connecting the transfer structure 2 to the floating structure 1 is shown. Referring to the orientation shown in fig. 6 and 7, wherein the X-axis direction 22 is defined in the horizontal plane along the floating structure 2, the Y-axis direction 23 is defined in the horizontal plane transverse to the floating structure 2, and the Z-axis direction 24 is in the vertical direction, the connection means enables substantially free relative movement of the floating structure 1 and the transfer structure 2 in the direction of the Z-axis direction 24, substantially free relative rotation about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction 22, and substantially free rotation about an axis parallel to the Y-axis direction 23, while relative rotation about the Z-axis direction 24 and relative translational movement in the horizontal plane are substantially limited.
The connecting means may generally comprise at least two connecting elements 18 placed on the transport structure 2. Each connection unit 18 is connected to at least one connector 16, such as an air or water vacuum pad or an electromagnetic pad, for releasable connection to a substantially vertical side of the floating structure 1, such as a side of a ship if the floating structure 1 is a ship. The connection means comprising the connector 16 are preferably directly connected to the transfer structure 2 by a suitable connection means allowing the required relative movement between the transfer structure 2 and the floating structure 1.
The connection unit 18 is provided with a U-shaped joint 19 and the connector 16 is provided with a ball or disc joint 20, the connector 16 being connected with the connection unit 18 and thereby mechanically connecting the connector 16 to the transmission structure 2 by connecting the U-shaped joint 19 and the ball or disc joint 20, respectively, at both ends of the arm 17 with integrated spring elements and/or damping elements. Each connector 16 has the opportunity to move with 6 degrees of freedom relative to the transmission structure 2, wherein the movements with degrees of freedom X, Y and RZ (indicated by reference numerals 22, 23 and 27 respectively in fig. 7) preferably have an inherent spring rate and/or damping, while the movements with degrees of freedom Z, RX and RY (indicated by reference numerals 24, 25 and 26 respectively in fig. 6-7) have a negligible inherent spring rate and damping, wherein the terms "substantially" and "negligible" refer to the relationship between the spring-and damping forces resulting from the rigid body displacement-and velocity of the transmission structure 2 due to wave excitation in the design marine route, and the corresponding excitation force from the waves in the design marine route. For arms 17 with integrated spring elements and/or damping elements, which may comprise spring elements only, damping elements only, or a combination of spring and damping elements, the spring elements may for example be selected from gas springs, or mechanical springs constructed from a body of elastic material, which have the ability to store energy that can be released when tensioned or compressed. The damping element may for example be selected from a bumper, a linear damper or a vibration absorber, the damping element may be made of a mechanical material, such as an elastomer or a helical spring, or dependent on a fluid, such as gas, air or hydraulics.
Fig. 4 and 5 conceptually illustrate the transmission structure 2. It includes a transfer structure top deck 12 and an underwater portion to provide the necessary buoyancy. The transport structure top deck 12 is preferably rectangular or square, or alternatively the transport structure top deck 12 has a substantially triangular shape or a polygonal shape or any other suitable shape. The transport structure top deck 12 may be provided with a handling system 28 and/or one or more connector systems 32, as shown in fig. 8 and 9.
The underwater hull of the transfer structure 2 below the underwater level or surface 31 may be provided with a barge shape, as shown in fig. 5. However, the transport structure 2 may also be a semi-submersible platform comprising a plurality of columns, or be boat-shaped, or have any other suitable shape.
The propellers of the propeller system 14 are preferably mounted on the bottom or side wall of the submerged transfer structure hull 13 of the transfer structure 2. Depending on the weight and buoyancy of the transport structure 2 when draft is designed, a ballast 51 of sand, such as sand or rock, may be provided within the submerged hull. The submerged transfer structure hull 13 of the transfer structure 2 may also be provided with a reservoir for fluid.
The side walls of the transfer structure 2 are provided with anti-collision pads 15 for damping possible collisions between the transfer structure 2 and the floating structure 1 when the transfer structure 2 is connected to the floating structure 1 by the connecting means.
In fig. 8, a joint system 32 for connecting a floating pipeline 4 is shown, the floating pipeline 4 extending from a floating or non-floating storage, receiving or export device 6 to a transfer structure 2, the floating or non-floating storage, receiving or export device 6 being for example a location on shore or on a quay or similar or a floating structure. The floating or non-floating storage, receiving or export device 6 comprises a storage facility for a fluid, for example a cryogenic liquid, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), or a bulk material, such as a powder.
The processing system 28 may be disposed on the transfer structure top deck 12 as shown in fig. 8 and 9, and may be connected to at least one floating pipeline 4. The processing system 28 may be a single pipe, alternatively the processing system 28 may be a more complex pipe system arranged on the transfer structure 2, wherein the processing system 28 comprises at least one pipe element 29, and the processing system 28 may be arranged on the transfer structure 2 and may be connected to at least one floating pipe 4. An example of a more complex processing system 28 is partially shown in fig. 9.
The joint system 32 comprises a chute arrangement 33, which chute arrangement 33 is firmly connected to the transmission structure 2, which chute arrangement 33 supports at least one floating pipe 4 arranged in the chute arrangement 33 and will withstand forces and bending moments caused by high sea waves, sea currents, wind, ice conditions, etc. and transfer them to the transmission structure 2.
The funnel-shaped chute arrangement 33 is preferably designed such that no damage is caused to the floating pipe 4 due to excessive bending of the floating pipe 4 when the floating pipe 4 enters the transfer structure 2. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the chute arrangement bottom assembly 44 and the chute arrangement side assembly 43 of the chute arrangement outer side portion 49 of the chute arrangement 33 is arranged to be at least as large as, and more preferably larger than, the radius of curvature at which the floating pipe 4 is not damaged when it reaches its maximum bending radius, thereby ensuring bending. When the floating pipeline 4 enters the transfer structure 2, the maximum bending limit of the floating pipeline 4 will remain within the maximum bending limit of the floating pipeline 4.
The joint system 32 may also include a pipe segment 34, which may be adapted to be securely connected to the end of the floating pipeline 4. The pipe sections 34 may be connected to the floating pipeline 4 in a conventional manner, such as by bolts, welding or any other suitable fastening means. Alternatively, the pipe section 34 may be detachably/releasably connected to the floating pipeline 4 by a QCDC (quick disconnect) device, wherein hydraulic and/or mechanical brackets clamp the flanges of the floating pipeline 4. The pipe section 34 is provided with a pipe section connector 40, such as a flange element, for connecting the pipe section 34 to the floating pipeline 4. The end of the floating pipeline 4 near the pipe segment connector 40 is preferably provided with floating pipeline bend stiffeners 21 to further avoid excessive bending of the floating pipeline 4.
The pipe section 34 is preferably connected to the pipe element 29 by a flange connection 35. The pipe section 34 is provided with a pipe section flange 41 adapted to be connected to a corresponding flange element 39 provided on the pipe element 29, which pipe element 29 is provided on the transfer structure 2.
The pipe segment 34 may also be provided with at least one pipe segment joint assembly 42, but preferably one on each side of the pipe segment 34. The pipe segment joint assembly 42 is adapted such that one end of the joint assembly 38 is securely attached to the pipe segment joint assembly 42, for example, a joint assembly 38 having a bolt hole may be attached to a pipe segment joint assembly 42 having a corresponding mating bolt.
The transport structure 2 is further provided with one or more joint supports 36, which joint supports 36 are preferably firmly connected to the transport structure top deck 12 of the transport structure 2. The joint support 36 may be provided with at least one joint assembly 37, but preferably two joint assemblies 37. The joint assembly 37 is firmly connected to the joint support 36 and is adapted such that the joint means 38 can be firmly connected to the corresponding joint assembly 37, for example with a bolt.
The joint means 38 will transfer the tensile load from the floating pipeline 4 to the transfer structure 2 and the flanged connection 35 connecting the floating pipeline 4 to the pipe element 29 will not need to take up any substantial tensile load from the floating pipeline 4. The joint means 38 may be a turnbuckle, rigging screw, hydraulic tensioner, fixed rod of a predetermined length or any other suitable means capable of transferring a tensile load from the floating pipeline 4 to the transfer structure 2.
The at least one tube element 29 of the handling system 28 may be adapted to be capable of limited movement in the longitudinal/axial and/or transverse direction.
The pipe elements 29 of the treatment system 28 are preferably supported on at least one treatment system support device 45, but preferably include a plurality of treatment system support devices 45, the treatment system support devices 45 including a lower support element 48 and an upper support element 47, as shown in FIG. 8. The lower support element 48 is preferably firmly connected to the transfer structure 2, while the upper support element 47 is preferably connected to the pipe element 29 and to the lower support element 48 by means of a slide bearing 46. The pipe element 29 can thus be moved in a horizontal direction by means of the slide bearings 46 in response to forces from the floating pipeline 4 acting on the pipe element 29.
In order to limit the extent of movement of the pipe element 29 in the axial direction of the pipe element 29 and/or in the transverse direction of the pipe element 29, at least one limiter 50 may be provided which limits one or both of these horizontal movements of the pipe element 29.
The distance that the pipe elements 29 are allowed to move in the longitudinal direction may vary between different devices or in different embodiments of the treatment system 2 depending on various factors such as the forces acting on the floating pipeline 4, the elasticity of the joint device 38, how much thermal expansion and contraction has to be allowed and how much space is available on the transfer structure 2 for moving the at least one pipe element 29 and the rest of the treatment system 28 in the axial/longitudinal and transverse directions.
In fig. 9, a transfer structure 2 is shown, wherein two floating pipelines 4 are connected to respective pipe elements 29 of a processing system 28, wherein each floating pipeline 4 is intended for connection with a joint system 32 of the same design as described above.
As mentioned above, the joint system 32 of each floating pipe 4 comprises a chute arrangement 33, in which chute arrangement 33 the floating pipe 4 is arranged. As shown in fig. 8, the chute arrangement 33 is preferably designed and firmly connected to the transport structure 2.
Each of the two joint systems 32 comprises a pipe section 34, which pipe section 34 is firmly connected at one end thereof to the respective floating pipeline 4. At the other end, the respective pipe section 34 may be connected to the respective pipe element 29 of the treatment system 28 by a flange connection 35. The treatment system 28 may be designed with only two pipe elements 29, which are connected to the respective floating pipelines 4. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, the processing system 28 may comprise a more complex piping system having a plurality of fluidly interconnected pipe elements, including pipe element 29 connected to the floating pipeline 4.
Each of the two joint systems 32 further comprises at least one joint arrangement 38, but preferably two joint arrangements 38, said joint arrangements 38 being connected to a respective pipe segment joint assembly 42 provided on a respective pipe segment 34, and to a joint assembly 37 on a respective joint support 36, wherein the joint support 36 is firmly connected to the transport structure 2.
As mentioned above, the joint means 38 of the two joint systems 32 may be mechanical holding means, such as turnbuckles, rigging screws, hydraulic tensioners, fixed rods of a predetermined length or any other suitable means capable of transferring a tensile load from the floating pipeline 4 to the transfer structure 2. Typically, two coupling devices 38 are provided on opposite sides of each of the two sets of pipe sections 34 and pipe elements 29 and are used to take tensile loads from the respective floating pipelines 4. It is clear that any other number of joint means 38 may be used to withstand the tensile load from the floating pipeline 4.
Claims (15)
1. A floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity for transferring fluids and/or electricity between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure, characterized in that the transfer structure (2) comprises a thruster system (14), a connection device, a processing system (28) and a joint system (32); wherein,
the propeller system (14) is arranged on the bottom or on a side wall of the transport structure hull (13) of the transport structure (2) for propelling the transport structure (2) and maintaining the transport structure (2) in a desired position;
at least one of said connection means is mounted on the transfer structure (2) for releasably connecting the transfer structure (2) to the floating structure (1);
-said handling system (28) and said joint system (32) are arranged on a transport structure top deck (12) of a transport structure (2), wherein said handling system (28) comprises at least one pipe element (29), said pipe element (29) being arranged on the transport structure (2); said joint system (32) comprising a chute arrangement (33) and a pipe section (34), the chute arrangement (33) being adapted to accommodate at least one floating pipeline (4), the chute arrangement (33) being connected to the transfer structure (2) such that the chute arrangement (33) supports the at least one floating pipeline (4) and transfers vertical and lateral forces from the at least one floating pipeline (4) to the transfer structure (2); said pipe section (34) is connected at one end to said floating pipeline (4) and at the other end to a pipe element (29) arranged on said transfer structure (2) so that said pipe element (29) is connected to at least one floating pipeline (4).
2. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to claim 1, wherein the connection means is mounted to the transfer structure (2) for passive movement relative to the transfer structure (2).
3. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection means are adapted to allow the transfer structure (2) to move substantially freely vertically and to rotate substantially freely with respect to the floating structure (1) around a horizontal axis, and wherein the connection means are further adapted to passively substantially constrain relative horizontal translation and relative rotation between the floating structure (1) and the transfer structure (2) around a vertical axis.
4. Floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that said connection means comprise at least one vacuum pad and/or at least one electromagnetic pad for connecting the transfer structure (2) to the floating structure (1).
5. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the thruster system (14) is driven by a hydraulic and/or electric system.
6. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the transfer structure (2) is a semi-submersible, a ship, a barge or a float with other geometrical shapes.
7. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the transfer structure (2) comprises at least one processing system support means (45) connected to the transfer structure (2) and/or the processing system (28), the at least one processing system support means (45) allowing the processing system (28) to move relative to the transfer structure (2) in response to an external force acting on the processing system (28).
8. The floating transfer structure for transferring fluids or electricity according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said joint system (32) further comprises a joint means (38), said joint means (38) connecting said pipe sections (34) and connecting a joint assembly, said joint assembly being connected to said transfer structure (2) such that tensile loads transferred from the floating pipeline (4) are transferred to the transfer structure (2).
9. A transfer system for transferring fluids or electricity between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility, or transferring electricity between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure, characterized in that the transfer system comprises a transfer structure (2) according to any of claims 1-8 and at least one floating pipe (4), the floating pipe (4) being adapted to transfer fluids and/or electricity between a floating structure (1) and a floating or non-floating facility via the transfer structure (2).
10. Transfer system for transferring fluids or electricity according to claim 9, characterized in that the transfer system comprises a multi-buoy mooring system (30), on which multi-buoy mooring system (30) a floating structure (1) is moored, such that the floating structure (1) is non-weathervaning.
11. Transfer system for transferring fluids or electricity according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the transfer system comprises at least one aerial transfer pipe (3), the aerial transfer pipe (3) being connected to a processing system (28) on the transfer structure (2), the aerial transfer pipe (3) being further adapted to be connected to the floating structure (1) such that fluid can flow through the at least one aerial transfer pipe (3) and the processing system (28).
12. A transfer method for transferring fluid or electricity between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility and/or transferring electricity between a floating or non-floating facility and a floating structure, comprising the steps of:
-mooring the floating structure (1) to a multi-buoy mooring system (30) such that the floating structure (1) is non-weathervaning,
-relocating the transfer structure (2) according to any of claims 1-8 to the moored floating structure (1),
-releasably connecting the transfer structure (2) to the floating structure (1) using the connection means of the transfer structure (2),
-providing at least one aerial transfer pipe (3) between the floating structure (1) and the transfer structure (2) such that fluid can be transferred between the floating structure (1) and the floating or non-floating facility, or such that electricity can be transferred between the floating or non-floating facility and the floating structure (1),
-flowing fluid and/or transferring electric power through an aerial transfer pipe (3) and a floating pipe (4) connecting the transfer structure (2) and a floating or non-floating installation.
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the floating pipeline (4) connecting the transfer structure (2) and the floating or non-floating installation is released after or simultaneously with the relocation of the transfer structure (2).
14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the aerial transfer pipe (3) is connected to the transfer structure (2) after the transfer structure (2) has been relocated to the moored floating structure (1).
15. Use of a transfer structure according to any of claims 1-8 and/or a transfer system according to any of claims 9-11 for transferring cryogenic fluids and/or electricity between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating installation.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201910719527.2A CN110510072A (en) | 2019-08-05 | 2019-08-05 | It is used for transmission transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission method of the floating of fluid or electric power |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201910719527.2A CN110510072A (en) | 2019-08-05 | 2019-08-05 | It is used for transmission transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission method of the floating of fluid or electric power |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN110510072A true CN110510072A (en) | 2019-11-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201910719527.2A Withdrawn CN110510072A (en) | 2019-08-05 | 2019-08-05 | It is used for transmission transmission structure, Transmission system and the transmission method of the floating of fluid or electric power |
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| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN110510072A (en) |
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| EP2953846A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2015-12-16 | MacGregor Pusnes AS. | System and method for transfer of hydrocarbon containing fluids |
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| KR101933974B1 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2019-03-25 | 삼성중공업(주) | Apparatus for transferring liquid cargo and floating structure with the same |
| AU2018232894A1 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-05-02 | Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd | A Method for Offshore LNG Transfer from a FLNG Facility to a LNG Carrier |
| CN210734441U (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2020-06-12 | 连接里恩格公司 | Floating transmission structure and transmission system for transmitting fluid or electric power |
| CN210734442U (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2020-06-12 | 连接里恩格公司 | Floating transmission structure and transmission system for transmitting fluid or electric power |
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2019
- 2019-08-05 CN CN201910719527.2A patent/CN110510072A/en not_active Withdrawn
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| EP2953846A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2015-12-16 | MacGregor Pusnes AS. | System and method for transfer of hydrocarbon containing fluids |
| CN106061831A (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2016-10-26 | 连接里恩格公司 | A transfer structure, a transfer system and a method for transferring lng and/or electric power |
| KR101933974B1 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2019-03-25 | 삼성중공업(주) | Apparatus for transferring liquid cargo and floating structure with the same |
| AU2018232894A1 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-05-02 | Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd | A Method for Offshore LNG Transfer from a FLNG Facility to a LNG Carrier |
| CN210734441U (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2020-06-12 | 连接里恩格公司 | Floating transmission structure and transmission system for transmitting fluid or electric power |
| CN210734442U (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2020-06-12 | 连接里恩格公司 | Floating transmission structure and transmission system for transmitting fluid or electric power |
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