EP1324944A1

EP1324944A1 - System for transferring a fluid product between a carrying vessel and a shore installation

Info

Publication number: EP1324944A1
Application number: EP01972146A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernard Dupont; Stéphane PAQUET
Original assignee: Europeenne dIngenierie Mecanique SA EURODIM
Current assignee: Europeenne dIngenierie Mecanique SA EURODIM
Priority date: 2000-10-06
Filing date: 2001-09-11
Publication date: 2003-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-11
Also published as: BR0114653B1; AU9193901A; JP2004510648A; FR2815025A1; CY1106230T1; CN1299970C; ES2269462T3; ATE532746T1; CN1478052A; DE60121977T2; NO20031543L; EP1710206B1; US6886611B2; JP4820049B2; NO20031543D0; DE60121977D1; FR2815025B1; CA2424917A1; US20040011424A1; KR20030070007A

Abstract

The invention concerns a system for transferring a fluid product between a carrier such as a vessel and an installation, in particular fixed, for processing and storing said product. Said system comprises a tubular structure for conveying the product between the vessel and the installation. Said system is characterised in that it comprises a device for connection (17) to the manifold (18) of the vessel (9) and a flexible transfer pipe (19) connected to the installation, the connection device and the pipe are adapted to be connected to each other at their free ends for transferring the fluid product between the vessel and the installation and at least the free end of the flexible transfer pipe (19) is provided with product handling means (11, 26) for displacing said free end between a position for connection with the connection device and a disengaged position for storage. The invention enables the transfer of cryogenic liquefied natural gas.

Description

SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING A FLUID PRODUCT BETWEEN A TRANSPORT VESSEL AND A LAND FACILITY

The invention relates to a system for transferring a fluid product, in particular liquefied natural gas, between

10 a transport vehicle such as a ship and an inland installation for processing and storing this product, of the type comprising a tubular arrangement for conveying the product between the ship and said installation, one end of which is connected to

15 the latter and the other end of which can be connected to the ship's manifold.

Transfer systems of this type exist for the transfer of liquefied natural gas. Figure 1 shows an LNG (liquefied natural gas) transfer station

20 traditional generally indicated in 1 and comprising a platform 2 on which are mounted loading or unloading arms 3 consisting of rigid structures and pipes hinged together by multiple rotating joints. At the transfer station is

25 associated with a mooring installation 4 for ships to be loaded or unloaded using the transfer station 1. This is located at the end of a boom 6 supporting fixed piping up to several kilometers, and which connect the post

30 transfer to a processing / storage installation of the product to be transferred between a carrier ship and the fixed installation. This type of transfer station gives overall satisfaction but has the major disadvantage of implying a tendency to sophistication and

35 the increase in transfer stations and their environment, and therefore an increase in the costs of the installations as a whole.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a transfer system with a relatively simple structure which can be adapted even to sites with difficult environments while reducing costs.

To solve this problem, a transfer system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one device for connection to the manifold of the ship and at least one flexible transfer pipe connected to the land installation, and that the device connection and the pipe may be connected to each other at their free ends for a transfer of fluid between the vessel and the fixed system, and in that the flexible transfer pipe is provided with means handling allowing the movement of its free end between a position for connection to the connection device and a separate storage position.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the connection device is produced in the form of a connection module and this module is provided with handling means allowing its movement between a position for connection to the manifold and a separate storage position and a device by which it rests on the platform of the ship's manifold in its connection position.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the routing arrangement comprises an emergency disconnection device for the flexible transfer pipe. According to another characteristic of the invention, the device for emergency disconnection of the flexible transfer pipe is provided in the connection module.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the emergency disconnection device is provided on the mobile end of the hose.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the transfer arrangement comprises a device for braking the fall of the free end of the flexible transfer pipe in the event of an emergency disconnection.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the fall brake device comprises a winch provided on the part of the arrangement which remains connected to the manifold in the case of an emergency disconnection and around which a cable is wound. free end is fixed to the free end of the transfer line, which cable disconnects during an emergency disconnection.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the connection device comprises a device for guiding / centering the free end of the pipe towards the receiving end of said pipe end, ^' provided on the connection device.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the guide device comprises a trumpet provided on the connection device and a pin provided on the movable end of the hose and means for engaging the pin in the trumpet during connection of the flexible to the connection device.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the aforementioned means comprise a winch provided on the connection device and a cable winding around the winch and the free end of which is capable of being fixed to the aforementioned pin. According to another characteristic of the invention, the aforementioned handling means are provided on a support structure, such as a gantry, mounted on a platform device. According to another characteristic of the invention, the means for handling the movable end of the transfer pipe comprise a winch and a cable wound around the winch and at the free end from which said end of the hose is suspended. According to another characteristic of the invention, the handling means of the connection module comprise a crane mounted on the carrying structure, and to which the said module is suspended by means of a cable during its handling. According to another characteristic of the invention, the support device for the connection module on the ship is an adjustable support linked to the module by a joint with a horizontal axis.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the connection module comprises a bellows device which is advantageously cardan.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the connection device is integrated at the end of the ship's manifold. According to another characteristic of the invention, a flexible transfer line is formed by a hose such as a cryogenic hose when the product is liquefied natural gas.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the flexible transfer pipe is a succession of elements articulated to each other.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the flexible transfer pipe is suspended in a chain. According to another characteristic of the invention, the means to which the fixed end of a flexible transfer pipe is permanently fixed are formed by a support structure such as a gantry advantageously mounted on a platform.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the support structure includes equipment for connecting the flexible transfer pipe to the submerged cryogenic line of the land installation. The invention will be better understood, and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the explanatory description which follows, made with reference to the appended schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating several modes of realization and in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a traditional transfer station; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a transfer system according to the present invention;

- Figure 3 is an elevational view of a transfer system according to the invention of the type shown in Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a top view of the transfer system according to Figure 3;

- Figures 5A to 5G are partial views, in elevation, schematic of a transfer system according to the invention and illustrate the different phases of the process of establishing and separating a transfer link between a ship and the land installation;

- Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a ^' connection module according to the invention and the free end of a hose of the transfer system according to the invention, the hose being connected to the module;

- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but shows a hose in its connection position to the module;

- Figure 8 is a view towards arrow VIII of Figure 7 of the connection module support device; - Figure 9 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of a connection module to which is connected the end of a cryogenic hose; Figure 10 is a top view, with parts broken away, in the direction of arrow X in Figure 9;

- Figures 11 and 12 are elevational views of a third embodiment of a connection module and the movable end of a hose, respectively in the state of establishment of a connection and in the 'state of an established connection; FIG. 13 is a view in the direction of arrow XIII in FIG. 12, of the device for supporting the connection module;

- Figure 14 is a detail view in the direction of arrow XIV of Figure 11; FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a connection module and of a hose end in the state of mutual connection; - Figure 16 is an elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a connection module and a hose end, shown in the connection state; FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a connection device integrated into the manifold and of a hose end, shown in the connection state;

- Figures 18A and 18B are detail views, in elevation, of a hose end according to

The invention; Figure 19 is an elevational view of a ship manifold which incorporates a connection device according to the invention; - Figure 20 is a simplified top view of the manifold according to Figure 19, the guide and centering device having been removed; Figure 21 is an elevational view of a hose end intended to cooperate with the integrated connection device according to Figure 19;

- Figure 22 is a top view of the flexible end according to Figure 21;

FIGS. 23A to 23E are elevation views illustrating different stages of the process of establishing a connection between the integrated connection device according to FIG. 19 and the end of the hose according to FIG. 21.

- Figures 24 and 25 are elevational views of another version of the integrated embodiment and the manifold;

- Figure 26 is an elevational view, simplified of yet another embodiment of a connection module;

- Figure 27 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention; Figure 28 illustrates a step in the process of establishing a system transfer link according to Figure 27;

- Figure 29 illustrates a step in the emergency separation process of the transfer system according to Figure 27; and FIG. 30 is a view on a larger scale of the part indicated in XXX in FIG. 28.

The invention will be described below in its application to the transfer of liquefied natural gas. Of course, the invention can be used for any other fluid product, such as liquids, pulverulent products and gases of any other nature.

Figure 2 shows a transfer system 1 according to the present invention.

This transfer system can dispense with a boom 6 for supporting the piping of the traditional transfer station according to FIG. 1. In the case of the invention, the transfer of the product, in the present example of liquefied natural gas called here- after LNG, is provided by the immersed cryogenic lines indicated at 8 in the example shown. Although the transfer system 1 is shown inserted within a traditional mooring architecture 4, it should be noted that this mooring architecture could be simplified for reasons which will appear later on during the detailed description of the position. of transfer which follows.

As can be seen from the figures, a transfer system 1 constituting the interface between a ship 9 and the fixed processing and storage system of which only the submerged transport lines 8 are shown, essentially comprises two platforms 10, 10 'of support for a storage / handling gantry 11 of one or more transfer arrangements 13 for the fluid and a main platform 15 accommodating all of the equipment to which the submerged cryogenic lines 8 are connected and which are necessary for connection to the transfer arrangements 13. These equipment will not be described in more detail since they are not necessary for understanding the invention.

In a transfer system according to the invention, suitable for standard ships, a transfer arrangement 13 essentially comprises at least one connection module 17 intended to be connected at one end to a manifold 18 of the ship and, associated with each module, a flexible transfer line 19 advantageously produced in the form of a cryogenic hose as developed, for example by the company Coflexip Stena Offshore. The transfer hoses 19 are permanently fixed at one end to a gantry 20 resting on the main platform 15, while the other free end 22 is connectable to the connector 23 located at the other end of the module 17. The function main of the gantry 11 is to allow the handling and storage of the transfer members, namely of each connection module 17 and of the mobile ends 22 of the cryogenic hoses 19, using respectively a crane 25 and winches 26. As shown in the figures, a connection module 17 is suspended from the crane 25 and can be moved between a storage position on the gantry 11, and a transfer position in which the module is supported on the manifold platform 28 to using a clean support device 30 and is connected by its connector 19 to the manifold flange 18. The free end 22 of each cryogenic hose 19 is suspended by a cable 31 from a winch 26 of the port ique 11 and is movable between a storage position shown in particular in Figure 5A and in which it is disconnected from module 17 and its transfer position in which it is connected to connector 23 of module 17, as clearly shown in Figure 5E.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8, we will now describe in more detail the structure of a first embodiment of a transfer arrangement 13 according to one invention. The connection module 17 of this arrangement comprises, between its connector 19 for fixing the module to the manifold flange 18 of the ship and the device 30 for supporting or resting on the manifold platform 28 of the ship, a device for gimbal bellows 33 which makes the manifold flange isolated from the efforts of the hose when the latter is connected to the manifold and resting on the manifold platform. The adjustable support 30 is linked to the module by an articulation with a horizontal axis 34. If necessary, an additional articulation (not shown) will allow rotations along the axis of the manifold. As seen in Figure 8, the support 30 has two adjustable support legs 30 which support a cross member 38 carrying the piping 32. In addition to the support 30, the module is provided with an adjustable foot 35 located at the gimbal bellows 33 and intended to provide additional support, in particular for storing the module.

The module 17 comprises, in its part located between the support device 30 and the connector 23 for connection to the cryogenic hose 19, an emergency disconnection device 37 intended to ensure disconnection of the transfer link in the event of emergency. This device is known per se and therefore does not need to be described in detail. The device sold by MIB International Limited under the name "Hydraulically Operated Double Valve with Emergency Release Systems for Service with LNG" could be used for this purpose. It can be seen that the connection part to the hose is inclined downward relative to the horizontal tubular part in abutment on the manifold platform 28.

Regarding the connectors 19, 23 at the two ends of the module 17, they could be hydraulic connectors, for example of the type known under the name QCDC (Quick Connect / Disconnect Coupler) or be manual connectors.

The connection module 17 further comprises a hooking flange 39 to the cable 40 of the crane 25, the hooking point 41 being located at the center of gravity of the module 17. The module is further equipped with a device 43 intended guiding the end 22, configured as a tip, of the hose 19, when it is connected to the connector 23 of the module. This device essentially comprises a member in the form of a guide trumpet 44 which extends substantially parallel to the axis of the inclined part of the module 17, to which the flexible pipe 19 will be connected and is supported by an element 45 integral with the piping 32. The device 43 further comprises a winch 47 provided on the gimbal bellows part 33 and around which a cable 48 is wound, the free end of which is brought through the trumpet 44 by passing over a return pulley 49 in order to be able be fixed to a guide / centering rod 51, called a pin, which is integral with the end piece 22 of the cryogenic hose 19 and extends substantially parallel to the axis of this end. The free front end 53 of this rod centering is suitable for engaging in the trumpet 44 during connection of the end piece 22 of the hose to the module 17. To ensure perfect centering of the end piece with respect to the connector 23 of the module, it is sufficient, after having fixed the end of the cable 48 at the front end 53 of the pin, to wind this cable around the winch 47. It can be seen that the pin 51 has two lateral wings, diametrically opposed 55 which are housed during the engagement of the pinoche 51 in the trumpet 44 in diametrically opposite lateral slots 56 provided in the flared front part of the trumpet 44. The width of these slots decrease from the receiving end of the wings. The end piece 22 of the flexible hose is hooked at 58, at the base of the centering pin 51, to the cable 31 of the winch 26 of the gantry 11. It should also be noted that the movable end piece 22 of the flexible hose can be provided with '' a valve 61.

Regarding the cryogenic hoses 19, they are used in a natural chain whose fixed end is advantageously centered with respect to the excursions of the mobile end. It turned out that by choosing a ^'proper hose length, it is not necessary to use rotating joints or stiffening the ends. To prevent the hoses from being exposed to excessive mechanical stress, their free ends 22 are always maintained, both in the storage state and during the connection process to the module 17 and during an emergency disconnection . In the latter case, the winch 47 serves as a brake for the fall of the free end of the hose which has just been disconnected.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5G, the processes for establishing a link are described below. transfer of a fluid between the vessel and the fixed installation and disconnection in an emergency.

FIG. 5A shows the transfer members, namely the connection module 17 during handling and the hose 19 in the storage state, the module being suspended from the cable 40 of the crane 25 and the free end 22 of the hose to the winch 26 by the cable 31. To establish a transfer link, the module 17 is first lowered using the crane 25. When the module is at the level of the lower gangway of the gantry 11, it is possible to connect the cable 48 of the winch 27 to the front end of the pin 51. The module 17 is again lowered until it can be connected by its connector 16 to the manifold flange 18 of the ship, the module being supported by the intermediate of the support device 30 on the platform 28 (FIG. 5B). The free end 22 is then lowered using the winch 26 Then, the free end 22 is drawn towards the connector 23 of the module using the winch 47 provided on the latter and ensures the fixing of the end of the hose on the connector 23 via the guide / centering device by engagement of the pin 51 in the trumpet 44 of the module. FIG. 5E shows the hose in its position of connection to the module 17.

Figures 5F and 5G illustrate the process of an emergency disconnection after the opening of the emergency disconnection device 37. During its movement, the distance of the hose under the effect of chain tension is braked by the cable 48 wound around the winch without being completely fixed to it. After the complete unwinding of the cable, the end support free is provided by the cable 31 of the winch 26, according to Figure 5G.

The description of the invention which has just been made with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 is not limiting and many modifications can be made to the assembly described which is to be considered only as a first embodiment of the invention.

In fact, another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the particularity of which resides in the fact that the emergency disconnection function is integrated into the connector for fixing the end 22 of the hose 19. This connector also is known per se, for example of the type known under the name "Integral Coupler Valve and Hose End Valve", sold by the company MIB and designated by 64. In this embodiment, the centering device could be that provided in the first embodiment. But one could consider, in this second embodiment as elsewhere in the first, a centering device comprising two centering pins of the pinoche type 51, arranged 'diametrically opposite in a horizontal plane and cooperating with two centering trumpets of the trumpet type 44. In this case, the fixing module would be equipped with two winches of the type 47 or a winch with two drums.

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a third embodiment, the peculiarities of which lie in the fact that the connector provided for the connection between the connection module and the hose 19 as well as the emergency disconnection device are provided on the end of the flexible. The connector and the disconnection device bear the references 65 and 66 respectively. As the shows the figures, the structure of the connection module now designated by the number 67 is simplified. This module 67 comprises a tubular transfer part which comprises a central sleeve 69 connected at one end to a cardan bellows 70 carrying a hydraulic or manual connector 71 for fixing to the manifold flange 18 of the ship and at its other end to a cardan bellows 72 carrying a flange 74 for receiving the connector 65 of the hose. The sleeve 69 is mounted via a vertical part 75 and a horizontal part 76 forming the centering trumpet to a support structure 77 by which the module is supported on the manifold deck 28 of the ship. This structure 77 essentially comprises a ring 79 held between two console elements 80 each of which is provided with a foot 81 intended to bear on the platform 28. The trumpet 76 and the support structure 77 are connected one to the other. the other by a horizontal hinge pin 82. On the module 67 is provided, as before, the winch 84 of the device for centering the end of the hose. The attachment point 85 of the module is provided on the 'trumpet device 76.

The end or end of the hose is bent and has a horizontal part carrying the connector 65 and an inclined part 86 located in the axial extension of the hose and which carries the emergency disconnector 66. The pin 51 extends parallel to the part horizontal from the end at a distance equal to the distance between the axes of the trumpet 76 and the flange 74 of the module.

In this embodiment, the fall brake winch indicated at 87 is mounted on the part 86 on the elbow side, while the free end marked 88 of the cable wrapped around the winch is fixed to the part 86 flexible side. The end of the hose is fixed at the elbow to the cable 31 of the winch 26 of the handling and storage gantry 11, by means of a fork 90 articulated substantially at the center of gravity of the two-legged end piece. fixing 91 integral with the end portion flexible side, at diametrically opposite locations.

As seen in Figure 11, when establishing a connection between the module 67 and the connector 65 at the end of the hose 19, the latter is caused to pass through the ring 79 before be fixed on the flange 74 of the module. In the case of an emergency disconnection, it is the portion of the flexible side end device which separates from the other end portion carrying the winch, which is fixed to the module. The fall of the separated portion is braked by the winch 87. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the end of the hose is supported on the support 77 via its pin 51 and the trumpet 76.

FIG. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of the transfer arrangement, in which the interconnection connector of the module and the hose as well as the emergency disconnector are provided on the side of the hose as in the third embodiment. The particularity of the fourth embodiment resides in the fact that the module now bearing the reference 95 is provided with a support device 96 which is produced in the form of an arcuate cradle 97 supported by a foot 98 on the platform of manifold 28 of the ship and via a cross member 101 and a shoe 99 on the plating of the ship 100. This cradle 97 serves as a guide path on which the end of the hose is supported by several pads 103 when it approaches the connection module. In Figure 15, three pads are shown, which are axially aligned on the hose. These pads ensure permanent support of the hose during transfer. Since it is mainly the ends of the hoses which are subjected to mechanical stresses, the solution proposed in the fourth embodiment is very advantageous. FIG. 16 shows a fifth embodiment which has the particularity that the part designated by the reference 105 which carries the connector 106 of the end of the hose is laterally offset with respect to the axis of the hose 19 while extending substantially parallel to the axis thereof. On the other hand, the trumpet indicated in 107 and the pinoche 108 now extend in one axis of the hose.

FIG. 17 illustrates another possibility of implementing the transfer system according to the invention, which has the particularity that the part of the connection arrangement according to the invention, which corresponds for example in FIG. 11 to the module of connection, is now integrated into the end portion indicated at 110 of the manifold and that it is only the end piece 111 of the hose 19 which is movable while being suspended from the gantry 11. Thus the part 111 of the manifold carries the centering device for fixing the end piece 111 of the flexible to the flange 112 of the manifold, namely the centering trumpet 113, the winch 114 and the pulley 115 of the cable 116. The end piece 111 of straight configuration of the flexible 19 comprises the connector 118, the emergency disconnector 119, the fall brake winch 120 and the pinoche 121. FIGS. 19 to 22 finally illustrate another embodiment of the possibility of implementing the invention, illustrated in FIG. 17, in which the end piece of the manifold also carries the connector indicated 122 for fixing the end piece 123 of the hose on the manifold. The device for centering the end piece 123 when it is fixed to the connector 122 has a specific configuration. This device essentially comprises a trumpet 124, a pin 127 associated with the end piece 123 of the hose, two hydraulic cylinders 126 pivotally mounted at 128 at diametrically opposite locations on the piping element indicated at 129, as well as the winch, not shown, of the cable indicated in 131 in the state fixed on the end of the pin. The end piece 123 of the hose 19 carries two levers 133 which are mounted articulated, diametrically opposite on the end piece 123 and at its center of gravity. Each of the pivoting levers is associated with a hydraulic cylinder 126 in order to be able to cooperate with the latter in the manner which will be described later. The cone is mounted articulated on the two levers 133 through ^'the crosspiece 134. Each hydraulic cylinder 126 is provided with a piston rod 136 axially movable within the outer tubular body 137. The pivoting end of the rod 136 carries a fork 138 for gripping the end 139 of a lever 133 of the end piece 123 of the hose.

Figures 23A to 23E show the different phases of the process of connecting the hose to the manifold. In a first phase represented in FIG. 23A, the pinoche 127 is drawn into the trumpet 124 until the two lateral wings 55 come to the bottom of their housing 56 in the flared front part of the trumpet 124 as seen on Figure 23B. The ends are then in the capture zone of the forks 138. In this position, the output of the piston rods 136 is controlled until the forks 138 come into engagement with the ends 139 of the levers and cause them to pivot, which causes the end piece 123 of the connector hose to approach the end of the manifold, in accordance with FIGS. 23C and 23D, until the end piece enters the capture zone of the connector jaws, as shown see it in Figure 23E.

Figures 24 and 25 are elevational views of another embodiment of the connection device, different from the embodiment according to Figure 19 in that the trumpet 124 for receiving the pin of the movable member of the hose is now mounted on its support by a gimbal 140. Control cylinders 141 of the trumpet, in its pivoting movement, allow the setting and maintenance in nominal position of the trumpet when the pin is in position in the trumpet.

The embodiments of this version of embodiment, in Figures 24 and 25 are distinguished only by the position of the gimbal relative to the trumpet and the arrangement of the cylinders. In the case of Figure 24, the gimbal is at the end of the trumpet, which is opposite to that intended for the reception of the pinoche. The cylinders are fixed by their body to the support integral with the manifold and by their end of their piston rod at a location between the two ends of the trumpet. In the case of FIG. 25, the gimbal is located at a place between the two ends of the trumpet, advantageously in its middle part, while the piston rods are attached to the trumpet at the end opposite to that which receives the pinoche.

Regarding the operations of the embodiment according to Figures 24 and 25, it corresponds to the phases shown in Figures 23A to 23E. It should be noted that the jacks 141 come into action when the connection of the trumpet and the pin is made, that is to say the pin is fully engaged in the trumpet. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the trumpet to move freely during the engagement phase of the pinoche.

Figure 26 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the connection module. This view is simplified insofar as the guiding and centering device and the trumpet and its support are omitted. This embodiment has the particularity that the module is fixed to the manifold platform 28 in its position of connection to the manifold flange 18 by clamping devices 142, 143 associated respectively with the adjustable support 30 and the adjustable foot 35. Thus , because the module in its ^' connection position is secured to the manifold platform, the efforts are now fully taken up by this platform. The flexible element such as a bellows or piping elements hinged together, indicated at 145 provides a flexible connection between the connector 19 mounted on the manifold and the module piping element.

Figures 27 to 30 illustrate yet another embodiment of a transfer system according to the invention. In this embodiment, as in that shown in FIG. 17, the module or connection device indicated at 150 is fixed permanently to manifold 18, thus moving the connector to which the hose must be attached to the edge of the ship. In other words, the connection device is integrated into the manifold. The integrated connection device is supported by a support member 155 on the manifold platform 28 at the edge of the ship. The connector 157 for fixing the hose 19 is oriented downwards. In this embodiment, it is the connector 157 which carries the centering pin 158 whose axis extends parallel to the axis of the connector.

As shown in the figures, the end piece 160 of the hose 19 is suspended by a cable 162 from a winch 163 located at the top of a support structure 164 located at a level above the ship and mounted on a platform 165. The support structure can be produced in any suitable known form.

Since it is the connector of the fixed module 157 which carries the pin 158, in this case, the trumpet 167 for receiving this pin is mounted on the end piece 160 of the hose. This tip also carries the winch indicated in 169 on which is wound the cable 170 allowing, after being fixed to the pin 158, the attachment of the tip 160 to the connection device 150, as seen in the figures. The cable then passes through the trumpet. In addition, the emergency disconnect device designated by the reference 172 is part of the end piece 160 of the hose 19.

As seen in Figures 27 and 28, to establish a connection between the manifold 18 of the ship and the flexible 19, the end piece 160 of the flexible is lowered by unwinding the cable 162, fixes the cable 170 to the pin 158 of the module 150 (Figure 27) and pulls with the winch 169 the end piece towards the connection (Figure 29) to obtain the engagement of the pin in the trumpet 167, which allows the attachment of the nozzle to the connection device (Figure 28). FIG. 29 shows that, as already described above, that, during an emergency disconnection, the hose 19 separates from the ship by opening the emergency disconnector 172 but is retained by the cable 162, the cable 170 after being unwound from its winch 169 located on the end part which remains integral with the flexible hose freely hanging from the pinoche 158. Since the connector 157 is located at the edge of the ship, the flexible hose, when it is separated of the ship is not hampered and can move under the effect of its weight without hitting the ship. Of course, numerous modifications can be made to the invention as it has just been described and illustrated in the figures, without departing from the scope of the invention. In the examples of implementation of the invention, which have been given before, the transfer station uses cryogenic hoses. But these may be replaced by any other flexible element ^'such as for example a series of articulated rigid members between them.

It goes without saying that all the devices described in the context of an embodiment, in particular those of guiding / centering can be transposed to the other embodiments. One could in particular use the devices which equip the mobile module in the version integrated into the ship's manifold and vice versa. A characteristic of the invention which is common to all the embodiments lies in the arrangement of the centering pin. This arrangement is determined according to the characteristics of the flexible, in particular as a function of the linear mass and the stiffness in bending, and of the mass of the end piece, in order to minimize the stresses in the flexible in all phases and optimize the entry of the pin in the trumpet. Figures 18A and 18B illustrate the characteristics of the arrangement of the pin, namely the total length L between the tip of the pin and the base of the nozzle, the distance e from the end of the pin to the axis of the flexible and the angle α between the pin axis and the connector axis.

It appears from the description and the figures that the invention provides numerous major advantages. It should first of all be noted that the forces produced during the establishment of a connection for transferring a fluid, during the transfer of the fluid and the disconnection of the transfer members are entirely taken up by the vessel, namely the manifold , the structure of the manifold platform, the ship's planking, etc. Indeed, it is the ship which supports the mobile part and the deformable part of the transfer arrangement according to the invention. The manifold flange is the repository ^geometric in all phases of the connection, the transfer, the normal disconnection and the flexible emergency disconnection. The module fixed on the manifold flange on the one hand, and bearing on the other hand on the platform or the plating of the ship makes it possible to hoist by simple winching and to maintain the mobile end of the flexible by limiting the shearing forces and the moments induced on the manifold flange. The system allows relaxation of thermal stresses through constructive measures such as bellows and joints. Handling of the module by crane or by a manipulator arm above the manifold platform Is simple. The hoses are supported and used in a chain, ideal configuration. The movable end of the hose in the event of an emergency disconnection can be braked and the sensitive elements cannot fall into water or strike anything.

It should also be noted that the use of flexible transfer elements such as the cryogenic hose allows the transfer station to absorb even significant relative movements between the ship and the platforms. By way of example and indicative, in no way limiting, the hose could have a length of the order of 50 m or more depending on these relative movements that they must absorb. This entails considerable advantages, the possibility of simplifying the structure of the ship's mooring installation and of being able to provide the transfer station even in environments prohibited at existing transfer stations. On the other hand, due to the modular structure of the transfer arrangement of the post according to the invention, the transfer members can be easily disassembled and transported, which makes it possible to eliminate the booms with specific traffic lanes for vehicles for lifting known transfer systems. It should also be noted that the fixing module, both in its independent module version and in its integrated version offset the connector to which the hose must be fixed up to the side edge of the ship, which allows during disconnection of 'emergency, flexible to separate from the ship without hitting it and without being damaged. The hose, after separation, remains suspended by its cable connecting it to the support structure.

Claims

REVENDI CATIONS

1. System for transferring a fluid product, in particular liquefied natural gas, between a transport vehicle such as a ship and a notably fixed installation for processing and storing this product, of the type comprising a tubular routing arrangement of the product between the ship and the installation, one end of which is connected to the latter and the other end of which can be connected to the ship's manifold, characterized in that it comprises a connection device (17) to the manifold (18) of the ship (9) and a flexible transfer pipe (19) connected to the installation, that the connection device and the pipe are capable of being connected to each other at their free ends for a transfer of fluid between the ship and the installation and in that at least the free end (20) of the flexible transfer pipe (19) is provided with handling means (11, 26, 31) allowing the displacement of said extr free moth-eaten between a connection position to the connection device and a separated storage position.

2. Transfer system according to claim 1, ^' characterized in that the connection device (17) is produced in the form of a connection module and in that this module is provided with handling means (11, 25) allowing its movement between a position for connection to the manifold (18) and a separate position for storage and a device (30) by which it bears on the platform of the manifold (28) of the ship in its connection position.

3. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the routing arrangement comprises an emergency disconnection device (37) of the transfer line (19).

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the emergency disconnection device (37) of the flexible transfer line (19) is provided in the connection module (17).

5. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the emergency disconnection device (37) is provided on the movable end (22) of the hose (19).

6. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transfer arrangement comprises a fall brake device of the free end of the transfer line (19) in the case of a emergency disconnection.

7. Transfer system according to claim 6, characterized in that the fall brake device comprises a winch provided on the part of the arrangement which remains connected to the manifold in the case of an emergency disconnection and around which is coiled a cable whose free end is fixed to the free end of the transfer pipe, said cable disconnecting.

8. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection device (17) comprises a device for guiding the free end (22) of the pipe (19) towards, the end receiving said pipe end, provided on the connection device.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide device comprises a trumpet (44, 167) provided on the connection device (17) or the end piece (160) of the hose and a pin provided on the end movable (22) of the hose (19) or on the connection device (150) and means for engaging the pin (51, 158) in the trumpet during connection of the hose to the connection device.

10. Transfer system according to claim 9, characterized in that the aforementioned means comprise a winch (47, 169) provided on the connection device (17) or the end piece (160) of the hose and a cable (48, 170 ) winding around the winch and whose free end is capable of being fixed to the pin (51, 158) mentioned above.

11. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the aforementioned handling means are provided on a support structure, such as a gantry (11), mounted on a platform device (10, 10 ').

12. Transfer system according to claim 11, characterized in that the means for handling the mobile end (22) of the transfer pipe (19) comprise a winch (26) and a cable (31) wound around the winch and at the free end from which said end (22) of the hose is suspended.

13. Transfer system according to claim 12, characterized in that the handling means of the connection module (17) comprise a crane (25) mounted on the support structure (11), and to which the said module is suspended via a cable (40).

14. Transfer system according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the support device (30) of the connection module (17) on the ship (9) is an adjustable support linked to the module by an articulation with horizontal axis (34).

15. Transfer system according to one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the connection module (17) comprises a cardan bellows device making the module isostatic when the latter is connected to the manifold and bearing on the platform- manifold form.

16. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 15, characterized in that the connection device is integrated at the end of the manifold of the ship.

17. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a flexible transfer line (19) is formed by a flexible such than a cryogenic hose when the product is liquefied natural gas.

18. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the flexible transfer line is a succession of elements articulated to each other.

19. Transfer system according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the flexible transfer line is suspended in a chain.

20. Transfer system according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the means to which the fixed end of a flexible transfer pipe (19) is permanently fixed are formed by a support structure such as a gantry (20) advantageously mounted on a platform (15).

21. Transfer system according to claim 20, characterized in that the supporting structure (20) comprises equipment for connecting the flexible transfer pipe (19) to cryogenic lines (8) immersed in the land installation.

22. Transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device is designed for deporting _the, connector to which the hose must be fixed at the edge of the vessel.