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EP3063059B1 - System for fluid transfer between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship - Google Patents

System for fluid transfer between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3063059B1
EP3063059B1 EP14799511.2A EP14799511A EP3063059B1 EP 3063059 B1 EP3063059 B1 EP 3063059B1 EP 14799511 A EP14799511 A EP 14799511A EP 3063059 B1 EP3063059 B1 EP 3063059B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rigidification
mast
flexible portion
rigid
duct
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14799511.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3063059A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume GELIN
Bertrand BUGNICOURT
Nicolas VILMEN
Arnaud Landure
Benjamin CHARPENTIER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Original Assignee
Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3063059A1 publication Critical patent/EP3063059A1/en
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Publication of EP3063059B1 publication Critical patent/EP3063059B1/en
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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
    • B63B27/25—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines for fluidised bulk material
    • 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
    • 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
    • B63B27/16—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of lifts or hoists
    • 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
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D9/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships
    • B67D9/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids when loading or unloading ships using articulated pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2221/00—Methods and means for joining members or elements
    • B63B2221/20—Joining substantially rigid elements together by means that allow one or more degrees of freedom, e.g. hinges, articulations, pivots, universal joints, telescoping joints, elastic expansion joints, not otherwise provided for in this class
    • B63B2221/22—Joining substantially rigid elements together by means that allow one or more degrees of freedom, e.g. hinges, articulations, pivots, universal joints, telescoping joints, elastic expansion joints, not otherwise provided for in this class by means that allow one or more degrees of angular freedom, e.g. hinges, articulations, pivots, universal joints, not otherwise provided for in this class

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of fluid transfer and relates more particularly to the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a ship and an installation, such as a customer ship.
  • the document WO0134460 discloses a system for transferring liquefied natural gas between a liquefied natural gas production vessel and a liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
  • the transfer system has three parallel flexible lines, two lines of which transfer the liquefied natural gas from the production vessel to the transport vessel, while the third line allows a transfer of gas from the transport vessel to the production vessel in order to to balance the pressures in the gaseous skies of the tanks of the two ships and thus to avoid that the pressure inside the tank of the production vessel does not fall.
  • the three flexible pipes are suspended from a mast mounted to move on the deck of the production vessel and have a free end equipped with a connection element to a manifold, commonly referred to as the "manifold", of the gas transport vessel. liquefied natural.
  • the stiffening element comprises a support capable of sliding relative to the flexible portion along the flexible portion, the support cooperating with a distal zone of the flexible portion in the extended position of the stiffening element in order to align the flexible portion in the extension of the rigid portion and the support cooperating with a zone of the pipe, located between the distal zone of the flexible portion and the distal end of the mast, in the retracted position of release of the stiffening element so as to release from said support a free length of the flexible portion to allow flexion of the flexible portion along the free length.
  • the stiffening element when the stiffening element is in the extended position of stiffening, the flexible portion is maintained in alignment with the rigid portion which facilitates handling, and secondly, when the element In the position of release, the suspended pipe has a certain flexibility in order to admit a relative movement between the ship and the installation.
  • Such a transfer system makes it possible to quickly and securely make the connection between two ships.
  • Such a transfer system can also be used to supply a ship by connecting it to a facility, such as an LNG terminal or an LNG supply truck located on a dock.
  • the invention also provides a vessel equipped with a transfer system as mentioned above.
  • the transfer system comprises a lattice mast 1 which is mounted on the deck 2 of the supply ship 32.
  • a single upright 3 is connected to a liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supply vessel 32 to transfer liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel 32 to the customer ship 33 and a single upright 4 permits extraction of the natural gas in the gaseous state from the client vessel 33 to the supplier ship 32.
  • the third amount 5 may in particular be used to supply another fluid to the client vessel, such as nitrogen for the inerting of the pipelines LNG transfer or other fuel such as diesel or fuel oil.
  • the transfer of the gas liquefied natural to the customer vessel 33 can be obtained by maintaining in the tank of the supply vessel 32 a pressure greater than that prevailing in the tank of the client vessel 33. In this case, no pump is necessary for the transfer of the fluid. In addition, it is also not necessary to provide for a gas extraction of the gas from the client vessel 33 to the supply vessel 32.
  • the transfer system is equipped with an actuating cylinder 12 having a first end articulated on the turntable 11 and a second end mounted articulated on a cross bracing 6 of the mast 1.
  • the mast 1 further comprises a scale 13 allowing an operator to access its distal end.
  • the rigid sheath 16 In the extended position of stiffening, illustrated on the figure 5 , the rigid sheath 16 envelops the flexible portion 15 and supports it to a distal zone thereof. The rigid sheath 16 thus limits the deformations of the pipe 7, 8, 9. The flexible portion 15 is thus kept aligned in the extension of the rigid portion 14.
  • the rigid sheath 16 covers the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9 so that the flexible portion 15, which is no longer enveloped in the rigid sheath 16, finds its freedom of flexion under the effect of gravity.
  • a length of the flexible portion 15 is released to allow flexion of said flexible portion 15 along the length. free.
  • the rigid portion 14 and the flexible portion 15 of the pipes 7, 8, 9 are advantageously made of cryogenic pipes, such as double-walled stainless steel pipes, the intermediate space is lined with an insulating material.
  • the insulating material is depressed to improve its insulation characteristics.
  • the inner and outer walls of the flexible portion 15 have corrugations ensuring the flexibility of the flexible portion 15.
  • lines 7, 8, 9 are equipped with an emergency disconnection device 17 for disconnecting and interrupting the transfer of liquefied natural gas.
  • an emergency disconnection device 17 for disconnecting and interrupting the transfer of liquefied natural gas.
  • ERC Emergency Release Coupling
  • the emergency disconnection device 17 is here positioned between the rigid portion 14 and the flexible portion 15.
  • the emergency disconnection device 17 is positioned at the free end of the flexible portion 15 and constitutes the connecting element 10 with the manifold of the client vessel 33.
  • the lines 7, 8, 9 are each connected to the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 by means of a flexible bend pipe 21.
  • the pipes 7, 8, 9 are mounted articulated on the end of the mast 1 between a retracted storage position in which they extend substantially along the mast 1 and a deployed position towards the client ship 33.
  • the Figures 3, 4 and 7 illustrate two lines 7, 9 in a retracted storage position while a pipe 8 is in an extended position.
  • the figure 7 illustrates in detail a hinge of a pipe 8 with respect to the mast 1.
  • the hinge is composed of two sets of two rods 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, extending on either side of each pipe 7, 8, 9.
  • Each set of links comprises a first link 22a, 22b having one end attached to the mast 1 and a second link 23a, 23b having an end fixed to the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9.
  • first link 22a, 22b and the second link 23a, 23b of each set are articulated to each other about an axis of articulation.
  • the system comprises, for each pipe 7, 8, 9, an actuating cylinder 24 which has a first end mounted articulated on one end of the mast 1 and a second end articulated on the second links 23a, 23b or on the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9.
  • the lines 7, 8, 9 are each connected to the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 by means of a rotary joint 38, also called a rotating connection.
  • a rotary joint 38 also called a rotating connection.
  • Such a rotary joint provides a rotational connection, without leakage, between a fixed amount 3, 4, 5 and the pipe 7, 8, 9 suspended from the mast 1, and movable relative to said upright 3, 4, 5.
  • the rotary joint 38 has an axis of rotation A which is horizontal.
  • its axis A is coaxial with the axis of articulation of the pipe 8 relative to the mast 1, that is to say, in the embodiment shown the axis of articulation between the first links 22a, 22b and the second links 23a, 23b.
  • the actuating device is a cable hoist.
  • the actuating device here comprises a winch 31 carried by the rigid portion 14 and comprising a cylinder on which a cable 30 is wound.
  • the winch 1 comprises a motor enabling the cylinder to be rotated in order to wind the cable 30
  • One end of the cable 30 is attached to the stiffening element.
  • the winch 31 makes it possible to raise the stiffening element towards its release position.
  • the stiffening element can return to its stiffening position under the effect of its weight.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention se rapporte au domaine du transfert de fluide et se rapporte plus particulièrement au transfert de gaz naturel liquéfié entre un navire et une installation, telle qu'un navire client.The invention relates to the field of fluid transfer and relates more particularly to the transfer of liquefied natural gas between a ship and an installation, such as a customer ship.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

Dans l'état de la technique, il est connu des systèmes permettant de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié, en mer, entre deux navires. A titre d'exemple, le document WO0134460 divulgue un système permettant de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié entre un navire de production de gaz naturel liquéfié et un navire de transport de gaz naturel liquéfié. Le système de transfert comporte trois conduites flexibles parallèles dont deux conduites permettent de transférer le gaz naturel liquéfié du navire de production vers le navire de transport alors que la troisième conduite permet un transfert de gaz du navire de transport vers le navire de production afin d'équilibrer les pressions dans les ciels gazeux des cuves des deux navires et d'éviter ainsi que la pression à l'intérieur de la cuve du navire de production ne chute. Les trois conduites flexibles sont suspendues à un mât monté mobile sur le pont du navire de production et présentent une extrémité libre équipée d'un élément de raccordement à un collecteur, couramment désigné par le terme de « manifold », du navire de transport de gaz naturel liquéfié.In the state of the art, there are known systems for transferring liquefied natural gas at sea between two ships. For example, the document WO0134460 discloses a system for transferring liquefied natural gas between a liquefied natural gas production vessel and a liquefied natural gas transport vessel. The transfer system has three parallel flexible lines, two lines of which transfer the liquefied natural gas from the production vessel to the transport vessel, while the third line allows a transfer of gas from the transport vessel to the production vessel in order to to balance the pressures in the gaseous skies of the tanks of the two ships and thus to avoid that the pressure inside the tank of the production vessel does not fall. The three flexible pipes are suspended from a mast mounted to move on the deck of the production vessel and have a free end equipped with a connection element to a manifold, commonly referred to as the "manifold", of the gas transport vessel. liquefied natural.

Un tel système de transfert ne donne pas entièrement satisfaction. En effet, lorsque la mer est formée, les mouvements relatifs entre les deux navires rendent les mouvements des conduites flexibles aléatoires et leur manipulation particulièrement compliquée. Les difficultés de manoeuvre rendent ainsi les opérations de raccordement des conduites flexibles au manifold du navire de transport, longues à effectuer et peu sécurisées.Such a transfer system is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, when the sea is formed, the relative movements between the two vessels make flexible pipe movements random and handling particularly complicated. Maneuvering difficulties thus make the connection operations of flexible pipes to the manifold of the transport vessel, long to perform and insecure.

Résumésummary

Une idée à la base de l'invention est de proposer un système de transfert d'un fluide entre un navire et une installation qui permette d'effectuer de manière simple, rapide et sûre le raccordement entre le navire et l'installation. Le document US 8 490 563 B1 , qui est considéré comme l'état de la technique le plus proche de l'objet de la revendication 1, divulgue un système pour transférer un fluide entre un navire et une installation comportant :

  • un mât comportant une extrémité proximale destinée à être fixée sur une plateforme du navire fournisseur et une extrémité distale ;
  • au moins une ligne de transfert de fluide s'étendant le long du mât; et
  • au moins une conduite, suspendue à l'extrémité distale du mât, qui est, d'une part, raccordée à la ligne de transfert de fluide et, d'autre part, équipée d'un élément de raccordement destiné à coopérer avec un manifold de l'installation ;
dans lequel la conduite comporte :
  • une première portion rigide et une seconde portion flexible s'étendant successivement depuis la ligne de transfert de fluide vers l'élément de raccordement; et
  • un élément de rigidification monté mobile le long de la conduite entre une position allongée de rigidification de la portion flexible dans laquelle l'élément de rigidification s'étend le long de la portion flexible afin d'aligner la portion flexible dans le prolongement de la portion rigide et une position rétractée de libération dans laquelle l'élément de rigidification s'étend le long de la portion rigide afin d'autoriser une flexion de la portion flexible.
An idea underlying the invention is to propose a system for transferring a fluid between a ship and an installation that allows the connection between the ship and the installation to be carried out in a simple, fast and secure manner. The document US 8,490,563 B1 , which is considered to be the state of the art closest to the subject of claim 1, discloses a system for transferring a fluid between a ship and an installation comprising:
  • a mast having a proximal end for attachment to a platform of the supply vessel and a distal end;
  • at least one fluid transfer line extending along the mast; and
  • at least one pipe, suspended at the distal end of the mast, which is, on the one hand, connected to the fluid transfer line and, on the other hand, equipped with a connecting element intended to cooperate with a manifold the installation;
wherein the pipe comprises:
  • a first rigid portion and a second flexible portion successively extending from the fluid transfer line to the connecting member; and
  • a stiffening element mounted movably along the pipe between an elongate stiffening position of the flexible portion in which the stiffening element extends along the flexible portion in order to align the flexible portion in the extension of the portion rigid and a retracted release position in which the stiffening element extends along the rigid portion to allow flexion of the flexible portion.

Selon l'invention, l'élément de rigidification comporte un support apte à coulisser par rapport à la portion flexible le long de la portion flexible, le support coopérant avec une zone distale de la portion flexible dans la position allongée de l'élément de rigidification afin d'aligner la portion flexible dans le prolongement de la portion rigide et le support coopérant avec une zone de la conduite, située entre la zone distale de la portion flexible et l'extrémité distale du mât, dans la position rétractée de libération de l'élément de rigidification manière à libérer dudit support une longueur libre de la portion flexible afin d'autoriser une flexion de la portion flexible le long de la longueur libre.According to the invention, the stiffening element comprises a support capable of sliding relative to the flexible portion along the flexible portion, the support cooperating with a distal zone of the flexible portion in the extended position of the stiffening element in order to align the flexible portion in the extension of the rigid portion and the support cooperating with a zone of the pipe, located between the distal zone of the flexible portion and the distal end of the mast, in the retracted position of release of the stiffening element so as to release from said support a free length of the flexible portion to allow flexion of the flexible portion along the free length.

Ainsi, d'une part, lorsque l'élément de rigidification est en position allongée de rigidification, la portion flexible est maintenue dans l'alignement de la portion rigide ce qui en facilite la manipulation, et d'autre part, lorsque l'élément de rigidification est en position de libération, la conduite suspendue présente une certaine flexibilité afin d'admettre un mouvement relatif entre le navire et l'installation.Thus, on the one hand, when the stiffening element is in the extended position of stiffening, the flexible portion is maintained in alignment with the rigid portion which facilitates handling, and secondly, when the element In the position of release, the suspended pipe has a certain flexibility in order to admit a relative movement between the ship and the installation.

Aussi, un tel système de transfert permet d'effectuer de manière rapide et sûre le raccordement entre deux navires. Un tel système de transfert peut également servir pour l'approvisionnement d'un navire en le raccordant à une installation, telle qu'un terminal GNL ou un camion d'approvisionnement en GNL situé sur un quai.Also, such a transfer system makes it possible to quickly and securely make the connection between two ships. Such a transfer system can also be used to supply a ship by connecting it to a facility, such as an LNG terminal or an LNG supply truck located on a dock.

Notons, en outre, qu'un tel agencement permet une manipulation aisée des conduites suspendues alors même que celles-ci présentent un poids relativement important parce qu'elles sont déjà remplies de gaz naturel liquéfié lors de la manoeuvre et/ou qu'elles supportent des éléments lourds, tels que des dispositifs de déconnexion d'urgence, par exemple.Note also that such an arrangement allows easy handling of suspended pipes even though they have a relatively large weight because they are already filled with liquefied natural gas during the maneuver and / or they support heavy elements, such as emergency disconnect devices, for example.

Selon des modes de réalisation, un tel système de transfert peut comporter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • i'éiément de rigidification est une gaine rigide montée coulissante le long de la conduite entre la position allongée de rigidification dans laquelle la gaine rigide enveloppe la portion flexible et la position rétractée de libération dans laquelle la gaine rigide enveloppe la portion rigide.
  • l'élément de rigidification est une tige rigide montée coulissante sur la première portion rigide et présentant au moins un arceau monté coulissant autour de la portion flexible.
  • l'élément de rigidification comporte une extrémité évasée. Une telle extrémité évasée permet de faciliter le déploiement de l'élément de rigidification vers sa position allongée de rigidification.
  • l'extrémité évasée présente un rayon de courbure supérieur ou égal au rayon de courbure minimum de la portion flexible afin de protéger ladite portion flexible.
  • le système comporte un dispositif d'actionnement de l'élément de rigidification apte à déplacer l'élément de rigidification entre sa position allongée de rigidification et sa position rétractée de libération.
  • le dispositif d'actionnement de l'élément de rigidification comporte un vérin présentant une première extrémité solidaire de la portion rigide et une seconde extrémité solidaire de l'élément de rigidification.
  • le dispositif d'actionnement de l'élément de rigidification comporte une tige filetée, qui coopère, d'une part, avec la portion rigide via une liaison pivot et, d'autre part, avec un alésage fileté d'un élément solidaire de l'élément de rigidification et un moteur entraînant en rotation la tige filetée.
  • le dispositif d'actionnement de l'élément de rigidification est un dispositif de levage à câble.
  • la conduite est raccordée à la ligne de transfert par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord flexible coudé.
  • la conduite est raccordée à la ligne de transfert par l'intermédiaire d'un ou plusieurs joints tournants.
  • la conduite est montée sur le mât par l'intermédiaire d'une articulation permettant le mouvement de la conduite entre une position escamotée dans laquelle elle s'étend le long du mât et une position déployée.
  • le système comporte un vérin agencé pour déplacer la conduite entre sa position escamotée et sa position déployée.
  • la conduite est équipée d'un dispositif de déconnexion d'urgence.
  • le système comporte une pluralité de lignes de transfert de fluide s'étendant le long du mât et une pluralité de conduites, suspendues à l'extrémité distale du mât, chacune desdites conduites comportant une première portion rigide, une seconde portion flexible s'étendant successivement depuis la ligne de transfert de fluide vers l'élément de raccordement, et un élément de rigidification monté mobile le long de la conduite entre une position allongée de rigidification de la portion flexible et une position rétractée de libération.
  • le mât est un mât treillis comportant des montants assemblés par des traverses de contreventement, les montants étant creux et formant la pluralité de lignes de transfert de fluide.
According to embodiments, such a transfer system may include one or more of the following features:
  • the stiffening element is a rigid sheath slidably mounted along the pipe between the elongated stiffening position in which the rigid sheath envelops the flexible portion and the retracted release position in which the rigid sheath envelops the rigid portion.
  • the stiffening element is a rigid rod slidably mounted on the first rigid portion and having at least one hoop slidably mounted around the flexible portion.
  • the stiffening element has a flared end. Such a flared end facilitates the deployment of the stiffening element to its elongated stiffening position.
  • the flared end has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the minimum radius of curvature of the flexible portion to protect said flexible portion.
  • the system comprises a device for actuating the stiffening element able to move the stiffening element between its elongate stiffening position and its retracted release position.
  • the actuating device of the stiffening element comprises a jack having a first end secured to the rigid portion and a second end secured to the stiffening element.
  • the device for actuating the stiffening element comprises a threaded rod, which cooperates, on the one hand, with the rigid portion via a pivot connection and, on the other hand, with a threaded bore of an element integral with the stiffening element and a motor driving in rotation the threaded rod.
  • the device for actuating the stiffening element is a rope hoist.
  • the pipe is connected to the transfer line via a flexible elbow fitting.
  • the pipe is connected to the transfer line via one or more rotary joints.
  • the pipe is mounted on the mast by means of a hinge allowing the movement of the pipe between a retracted position in which it extends along the mast and an extended position.
  • the system comprises a jack arranged to move the pipe between its retracted position and its deployed position.
  • the pipe is equipped with an emergency disconnection device.
  • the system includes a plurality of fluid transfer lines extending along the mast and a plurality of lines suspended at the distal end of the mast, each of said lines having a first rigid portion, a second flexible portion extending successively from the fluid transfer line to the connecting member, and a stiffening member movably mounted along the line between an elongate stiffening position of the flexible portion and a retracted release position.
  • the mast is a lattice mast having uprights assembled by bracing crossmembers, the posts being hollow and forming the plurality of fluid transfer lines.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit aussi un navire équipé d'un système de transfert tel que mentionné ci-dessus.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a vessel equipped with a transfer system as mentioned above.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'invention fournit aussi un procédé de transfert d'un fluide entre un navire tel que mentionné ci-dessus et un navire client.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of transferring a fluid between a vessel as mentioned above and a client vessel.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description suivante de plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, donnés uniquement à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés.

  • Les figures 1 à 4 sont des vues schématiques, en perspective, d'un système de transfert de fluide, illustrant les étapes de manoeuvre du système de transfert pour le raccordement d'un navire avec une installation.
  • Les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues schématiques détaillées d'une conduite, suspendue à l'extrémité du mât, dans lesquelles l'élément de rigidification est respectivement en position allongée de rigidification et en position rétractée de libération.
  • La figure 7 illustre de manière détaillée l'articulation d'une conduite à l'extrémité du mât.
  • Les figures 8, 9 et 10 illustrent des systèmes de transfert équipés de dispositifs d'actionnement aptes à permettre le déplacement de l'élément de rigidification, selon trois variantes de réalisation.
  • La figure 11 illustre un élément de rigidification selon un autre mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 12 illustre de manière schématique une opération de transfert entre un navire souteur et un navire client.
  • La figure 13 est une vue schématique détaillée d'une conduite, suspendue à l'extrémité du mât, selon un mode de réalisation dans lequel la portion rigide de la conduite est équipée d'un raidisseur.
  • La figure 14 est une vue schématique détaillée d'une conduite, suspendue à l'extrémité du mât, selon un mode de réalisation dans lequel l'élément de rigidification comporte une extrémité évasée.
  • La figure 15 illustre un mode de réalisation dans lequel une conduite est raccordée à une ligne de transfert par l'intermédiaire d'un joint tournant.
  • La figure 16 illustre schématiquement un mode de réalisation dans lequel une conduite est raccordée à une ligne de transfert par l'intermédiaire de trois joints tournants.
The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the course of the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • The Figures 1 to 4 are schematic views, in perspective, of a fluid transfer system, illustrating the steps of maneuvering the transfer system for connecting a ship with an installation.
  • The Figures 5 and 6 are detailed schematic views of a pipe, suspended at the end of the mast, in which the stiffening element is respectively in the extended position of stiffening and retracted release position.
  • The figure 7 illustrates in detail the articulation of a pipe at the end of the mast.
  • The Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate transfer systems equipped with actuators adapted to allow the displacement of the stiffening element, according to three embodiments.
  • The figure 11 illustrates a stiffening element according to another embodiment.
  • The figure 12 schematically illustrates a transfer operation between a bunker and a client ship.
  • The figure 13 is a detailed schematic view of a pipe, suspended at the end of the mast, according to an embodiment in which the rigid portion of the pipe is equipped with a stiffener.
  • The figure 14 is a detailed schematic view of a pipe, suspended at the end of the mast, according to an embodiment in which the stiffening element has a flared end.
  • The figure 15 illustrates an embodiment in which a pipe is connected to a transfer line via a rotary joint.
  • The figure 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which a pipe is connected to a transfer line via three rotating joints.

Description détaillée de modes de réalisationDetailed description of embodiments

On décrira ci-dessous un système de transfert permettant de transférer du fluide, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL), entre un navire fournisseur 32 et un navire client 33, représentés sur la figure 12. Le navire fournisseur 32 est par exemple un navire souteur chargé de ravitailler en GNL d'autres navires, et le navire client 33, un navire propulsé au GNL.A transfer system will be described below for transferring fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), between a supply ship 32 and a client ship 33, shown in FIG. figure 12 . The supplier ship 32 is by for example, a bunkering vessel in charge of supplying LNG to other ships, and the client ship 33, an LNG powered vessel.

En référence aux figures 1 à 4, on observe que le système de transfert comporte un mât treillis 1 qui est monté sur le pont 2 du navire fournisseur 32.With reference to Figures 1 to 4 it is observed that the transfer system comprises a lattice mast 1 which is mounted on the deck 2 of the supply ship 32.

Le mât treillis 1 comporte trois montants 3, 4, 5, assemblés par une pluralité de traverses de contreventement 6 s'étendant entre les montants 3, 4, 5. Les trois montants 3, 4, 5 sont creux et forment ainsi des lignes de transfert de fluide. Une telle configuration permet de réduire le poids du système de transfert en utilisant les lignes de transfert de fluide comme éléments structurels du mât 1.The lattice mast 1 comprises three uprights 3, 4, 5, assembled by a plurality of bracing crosspieces 6 extending between the uprights 3, 4, 5. The three uprights 3, 4, 5 are hollow and thus form lines of fluid transfer. Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the weight of the transfer system by using the fluid transfer lines as structural elements of the mast 1.

Deux des montants 3, 4 sont raccordés à une cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfie du navire fournisseur 32 et permettent de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur 32 vers le navire client 33. Le troisième montant 5 permet l'extraction du gaz naturel à l'état gazeux du navire client 33 vers le navire fournisseur 32. Ce troisième montant 5 est avantageusement raccordé à une installation de re-liquéfaction du gaz naturel, embarquée sur le navire fournisseur 32. Pour engendrer la pression nécessaire au transfert du gaz naturel, on met en oeuvre des pompes embarquées sur le navire fournisseur 32 et/ou des pompes embarquées sur le navire client 33.Two of the uprights 3, 4 are connected to a liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supplying ship 32 and make it possible to transfer liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel 32 to the client ship 33. The third amount 5 allows the extraction of the natural gas in the gaseous state of the client vessel 33 to the supplier ship 32. This third amount 5 is advantageously connected to a natural gas re-liquefaction plant, on board the supply vessel 32. To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the natural gas on-board pumps are used on the supplier ship 32 and / or on-board pumps on the client ship 33.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, un seul montant 3 est raccordé à une cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur 32 afin de transférer du gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur 32 vers le navire client 33 et un seul montant 4 permet l'extraction du gaz naturel à l'état gazeux du navire client 33 vers le navire fournisseur 32. Dans ce cas, le troisième montant 5 peut notamment être utilisé pour fournir un autre fluide au navire client, tel que du diazote permettant l'inertage des canalisations de transfert de GNL ou un autre carburant tel que du diesel ou du fioul.In another embodiment, a single upright 3 is connected to a liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supply vessel 32 to transfer liquefied natural gas from the supply vessel 32 to the customer ship 33 and a single upright 4 permits extraction of the natural gas in the gaseous state from the client vessel 33 to the supplier ship 32. In this case, the third amount 5 may in particular be used to supply another fluid to the client vessel, such as nitrogen for the inerting of the pipelines LNG transfer or other fuel such as diesel or fuel oil.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, lorsque la cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié du navire fournisseur 32 est une cuve de type C, c'est-à-dire une cuve cylindrique permettant de stocker le gaz naturel sous pression, le transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié vers le navire client 33 peut être obtenu en maintenant dans la cuve du navire fournisseur 32 une pression supérieure à celle régnant dans la cuve du navire client 33. Dans ce cas, aucune pompe n'est nécessaire au transfert du fluide. En outre, il n'y a pas non plus lieu de prévoir une extraction de gaz du ciel gazeux du navire client 33 vers le navire fournisseur 32.In another embodiment, when the liquefied natural gas storage tank of the supply vessel 32 is a type C tank, that is to say a cylindrical tank for storing the natural gas under pressure, the transfer of the gas liquefied natural to the customer vessel 33 can be obtained by maintaining in the tank of the supply vessel 32 a pressure greater than that prevailing in the tank of the client vessel 33. In this case, no pump is necessary for the transfer of the fluid. In addition, it is also not necessary to provide for a gas extraction of the gas from the client vessel 33 to the supply vessel 32.

Chacun des montants 3, 4, 5 est raccordé à une conduite 7, 8, 9 suspendue à l'extrémité distale du mât 1. Les conduites 7, 8, 9 comportent à leur extrémité libre un élément de raccordement 10 destiné à coopérer avec un manifold du navire client 33 afin de raccorder le navire fournisseur 32 au navire client 33.Each of the uprights 3, 4, 5 is connected to a pipe 7, 8, 9 suspended at the distal end of the mast 1. The pipes 7, 8, 9 comprise at their free end a connecting element 10 intended to cooperate with a manifold of the client ship 33 to connect the supply vessel 32 to the client ship 33.

Le mât 1 est monté articulé sur le pont 2 du navire fournisseur 32 afin de diriger les conduites 7, 8, 9 vers les manifolds du navire client 33. Pour ce faire, le mât 1 est, d'une part, monté mobile en rotation autour d'un axe vertical et, d'autre part, monté pivotant autour d'un axe horizontal entre une position escamotée, représentée sur la figure 1, et une position dressée, représentée sur les figures 2 à 4. Pour ce faire, le mât 1 est monté sur une platine tournante 11 apte à tourner autour d'un axe verticale. En outre, afin de permettre le déplacement du mât 1 entre sa position escamotée et sa position dressée, le système de transfert est équipé d'un vérin d'actionnement 12 comportant une première extrémité montée articulée sur la platine tournante 11 et une seconde extrémité montée articulée sur une traverse de contreventement 6 du mât 1. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, le mât 1 comporte en outre une échelle 13 permettant à un opérateur d'accéder à son extrémité distale.The mast 1 is articulated on the deck 2 of the supply vessel 32 to direct the lines 7, 8, 9 to the manifolds of the client ship 33. To do this, the mast 1 is, on the one hand, mounted rotatably around a vertical axis and, on the other hand, pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis between a retracted position, shown on the figure 1 , and an erect position, represented on the Figures 2 to 4 . To do this, the mast 1 is mounted on a turntable 11 adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. In addition, in order to allow the mast 1 to move between its retracted position and its upright position, the transfer system is equipped with an actuating cylinder 12 having a first end articulated on the turntable 11 and a second end mounted articulated on a cross bracing 6 of the mast 1. In the embodiment shown, the mast 1 further comprises a scale 13 allowing an operator to access its distal end.

Les figures 5 et 6 représentent de manière détaillée la structure des conduites 7, 8, 9, suspendues à l'extrémité distale du mât 1. Les conduites 7, 8, 9 comportent successivement, en partant des montants 3, 4, 5 du mât 1 vers l'élément de raccordement 10, une première portion rigide 14 et une seconde portion flexible 15. Par ailleurs, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont équipées d'un élément de rigidification mobile. L'élément de rigidification est ici une gaine rigide 16, montée coulissante le long de la conduite 7, 8, 9, entre une position allongée de rigidification, représentée sur la figure 5, et une position rétractée de libération, représentée sur la figure 6. La gaine rigide 16 coulisse le long de la portion flexible 15 entre sa position rétractée et sa position allongée de rigidification.The Figures 5 and 6 show in detail the structure of the pipes 7, 8, 9, suspended at the distal end of the mast 1. The pipes 7, 8, 9 comprise successively, starting from the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 towards the element 10, a first rigid portion 14 and a second flexible portion 15. In addition, the pipes 7, 8, 9 are equipped with a movable stiffening element. The stiffening element is here a rigid sheath 16, slidably mounted along the pipe 7, 8, 9, between an elongated stiffening position, shown in FIG. figure 5 , and a retracted release position, shown on the figure 6 . The rigid sheath 16 slides along the flexible portion 15 between its retracted position and its elongated stiffening position.

A titre d'exemple, une telle gaine rigide 16 peut notamment être réalisée en acier inoxydable ou tout autre matériau susceptible d'assurer une rigidité suffisante.For example, such a rigid sheath 16 may in particular be made of stainless steel or any other material capable of ensuring sufficient rigidity.

En position allongée de rigidification, illustrée sur la figure 5, la gaine rigide 16 enveloppe la portion flexible 15 et la supporte jusqu'à une zone distale de celle-ci. La gaine rigide 16 limite ainsi les déformations de la conduite 7, 8, 9. La portion flexible 15 est ainsi maintenue alignée dans le prolongement de la portion rigide 14. En position rétractée de libération, illustrée sur la figure 6, la gaine rigide 16 recouvre la portion rigide 14 de la conduite 7, 8, 9 de telle sorte que la portion flexible 15, qui n'est alors plus enveloppée dans la gaine rigide 16, retrouve sa liberté de flexion sous l'effet de la gravité. En d'autres termes, en déplaçant la gaine rigide 16 de sa position allongée de rigidification vers sa position rétractée de libération, une longueur de la portion flexible 15 est libérée afin d'autoriser une flexion de ladite portion flexible 15 le long de la longueur libre.In the extended position of stiffening, illustrated on the figure 5 , the rigid sheath 16 envelops the flexible portion 15 and supports it to a distal zone thereof. The rigid sheath 16 thus limits the deformations of the pipe 7, 8, 9. The flexible portion 15 is thus kept aligned in the extension of the rigid portion 14. In the retracted release position, illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , the rigid sheath 16 covers the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9 so that the flexible portion 15, which is no longer enveloped in the rigid sheath 16, finds its freedom of flexion under the effect of gravity. In other words, by moving the rigid sheath 16 from its elongate stiffening position to its retracted release position, a length of the flexible portion 15 is released to allow flexion of said flexible portion 15 along the length. free.

Un tel agencement permet de faciliter les manoeuvres de raccordement. En effet, lors des manoeuvres d'approche des conduites 7, 8, 9 du navire client 33, les éléments de rigidification sont positionnés en position allongée de rigidification. Aussi, la portion flexible 15 est supportée par l'élément de rigidification. De plus, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont rigides sur sensiblement toute leur longueur et ne sont ainsi pas soumises à des déformations importantes et imprévisibles de telle sorte que leur préhension et leur manipulation, par des opérateurs, sont facilitées. Par la suite, lorsque les conduites 7, 8, 9 ont été positionnées à proximité des manifolds du navire client 33 auxquels elles sont destinées à être raccordées, les éléments de rigidification sont alors déplacés vers leur position rétractée de libération de sorte à permettre l'association de l'élément de raccordement 10 au manifold du navire client 33. Lors du transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié, les éléments de rigidification demeurent en position rétractée de libération de telle sorte que les conduites 7, 8, 9 présentent, par l'intermédiaire de leur portion flexible 15, une flexibilité admettant les mouvements relatifs entre le navire client 33 et le navire fournisseur 32.Such an arrangement facilitates connection maneuvers. Indeed, during the approach maneuvers of the pipes 7, 8, 9 of the client ship 33, the stiffening elements are positioned in the extended position of stiffening. Also, the flexible portion 15 is supported by the stiffening element. In addition, the pipes 7, 8, 9 are rigid over substantially their entire length and are thus not subject to significant and unpredictable deformations so that their gripping and manipulation, by operators, are facilitated. Subsequently, when the lines 7, 8, 9 have been positioned near the manifolds of the client vessel 33 to which they are intended to be connected, the stiffening elements are then moved to their retracted release position so as to allow the connection of the connecting element 10 to the manifold of the client vessel 33. During the transfer of the liquefied natural gas, the stiffening elements remain in the retracted release position so that the lines 7, 8, 9 have, via of their flexible portion 15, a flexibility admitting the relative movements between the client ship 33 and the supply ship 32.

La portion rigide 14 et la portion flexible 15 des conduites 7, 8, 9 sont avantageusement constituées de tuyaux cryogéniques, tels que des tuyaux double paroi en acier inoxydable, dont l'espace intermédiaire est garnie d'un matériau isolant. Dans un mode de réalisation, le matériau isolant est mis en dépression afin d'améliorer ses caractéristiques d'isolation. Par ailleurs, les parois interne et externe de la portion flexible 15 présentent des ondulations assurant la flexibilité de la portion flexible 15.The rigid portion 14 and the flexible portion 15 of the pipes 7, 8, 9 are advantageously made of cryogenic pipes, such as double-walled stainless steel pipes, the intermediate space is lined with an insulating material. In one embodiment, the insulating material is depressed to improve its insulation characteristics. Moreover, the inner and outer walls of the flexible portion 15 have corrugations ensuring the flexibility of the flexible portion 15.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 6, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont équipées d'un dispositif de déconnexion d'urgence 17 permettant de déconnecter et d'interrompre le transfert du gaz naturel liquéfié. Un tel dispositif de déconnexion d'urgence est couramment désigné par le terme ERC pour « Emergency release coupling » en langue anglaise. Le dispositif de déconnexion d'urgence 17 est ici positionné entre la portion rigide 14 et la portion flexible 15. Dans un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, le dispositif de déconnexion d'urgence 17 est positionné à l'extrémité libre de la portion flexible 15 et constitue l'élément de raccordement 10 avec le manifold du navire client 33.In the embodiment shown on the figure 6 , lines 7, 8, 9 are equipped with an emergency disconnection device 17 for disconnecting and interrupting the transfer of liquefied natural gas. Such a device Emergency disconnection is commonly referred to as ERC for Emergency Release Coupling in English. The emergency disconnection device 17 is here positioned between the rigid portion 14 and the flexible portion 15. In another embodiment not shown, the emergency disconnection device 17 is positioned at the free end of the flexible portion 15 and constitutes the connecting element 10 with the manifold of the client vessel 33.

Dans un mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 13, la conduite suspendue 7, 8, 9 comporte, en outre, un raidisseur externe 34. Le raidisseur externe 34 comporte une tringle s'étendant le long de la portion rigide 14 et présentant une première extrémité 35 fixée à la portion rigide 14, à proximité de sa zone de raccordement avec la portion flexible 15, et une seconde extrémité, non représentée, fixée sur l'extrémité distale du mât 1. La gaine rigide 16 est ici équipée d'une rainure 36 longitudinale permettant la fixation de la tringle à la portion rigide 14 au travers de la gaine rigide 16. Un tel raidisseur 34 permet de renforcer davantage la rigidité de la portion rigide 14. Il est en effet nécessaire que la portion rigide 14 conserve son caractère rectiligne afin de ne pas gêner le mouvement de l'élément de rigidification vers sa position rétractée. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, il est également possible d'équiper la gaine rigide 16 d'un raidisseur externe, télescopique, dont une extrémité serait fixée à la gaine rigide 16 et une seconde extrémité fixée à l'extrémité distale du mât 1.In an embodiment shown on the figure 13 , the suspended pipe 7, 8, 9 further comprises an external stiffener 34. The external stiffener 34 comprises a rod extending along the rigid portion 14 and having a first end 35 fixed to the rigid portion 14, to near its connection area with the flexible portion 15, and a second end, not shown, fixed on the distal end of the mast 1. The rigid sheath 16 is here equipped with a longitudinal groove 36 for fixing the rod to the rigid portion 14 through the rigid sheath 16. Such a stiffener 34 further strengthens the rigidity of the rigid portion 14. It is indeed necessary that the rigid portion 14 retains its rectilinear character so as not to hinder the movement of the stiffening element to its retracted position. In another embodiment, it is also possible to equip the rigid sheath 16 with an external, telescopic stiffener, one end of which would be fixed to the rigid sheath 16 and a second end fixed to the distal end of the mast 1.

Par ailleurs, dans un mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 14, l'élément de rigidification, ici la gaine rigide 16, comporte à son extrémité libre une portion évasée 37. Une telle portion évasée 37 permet de faciliter le déploiement de l'élément de rigidification vers sa position allongée de rigidification. La portion évasée 36 comporte avantageusement un rayon de courbure supérieur ou égal au rayon de courbure minimum de la portion flexible 15 afin de protéger ladite portion flexible 15 contre un fléchissement trop important. De plus, l'extrémité de la portion évasée 37 présente un périmètre sensiblement égal à celui de l'élément de raccordement 10 de telle sorte que la portion évasée contribue au support de l'élément de raccordement 10 quand le système de transfert est en position de rangement et que la gaine rigide 16 est dans sa position allongée de rigidification.Moreover, in one embodiment shown on the figure 14 the stiffening element, here the rigid sheath 16, has at its free end a flared portion 37. Such a flared portion 37 facilitates the deployment of the stiffening element to its elongate stiffening position. The flared portion 36 advantageously comprises a radius of curvature greater than or equal to the minimum radius of curvature of the flexible portion 15 in order to protect said flexible portion 15 against excessive sagging. In addition, the end of the flared portion 37 has a perimeter substantially equal to that of the connecting member 10 so that the flared portion contributes to the support of the connecting member 10 when the transfer system is in position storage and that the rigid sheath 16 is in its extended position of stiffening.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 11, l'élément de rigidification est composé d'une tige rigide 18, montée coulissante dans une glissière 19 portée par la portion rigide 14. La tige rigide 18 porte un ou plusieurs arceaux 20 montés coulissants autour de la portion flexible 15 et assurant ainsi une liaison entre la tige rigide 18 et la portion flexible 15. La tige rigide 18 est montée coulissante le long de la portion flexible 15 entre une position de rigidification dans laquelle elle s'étend le long de la portion flexible 15 de sorte à aligner la portion flexible dans le prolongement de la portion rigide 14 et une position rétractée de libération dans laquelle la tige rigide 18 est rétractée à l'intérieur de la glissière 19 et ne supporte plus la portion flexible 15.In the embodiment shown on the figure 11 the stiffening element is composed of a rigid rod 18 slidably mounted in a slide 19 carried by the rigid portion 14. The rigid rod 18 carries one or more bars 20 slidably mounted around the flexible portion 15 and thus providing a connection between the rigid rod 18 and the flexible portion 15. The rigid rod 18 is slidably mounted along the flexible portion 15 between a stiffening position in which it s' extends along the flexible portion 15 so as to align the flexible portion in the extension of the rigid portion 14 and a retracted release position in which the rigid rod 18 is retracted inside the slide 19 and no longer supports the flexible portion 15.

Dans d'autres modes de réalisation non illustrés, l'élément de rigidification est un élément télescopique, une gaine télescopique par exemple. Une tel mode de réalisation permet notamment de réaliser des conduites 7, 8, 9 dont la longueur de la portion flexible 15 est supérieure à la longueur de la portion rigide 14.In other embodiments not illustrated, the stiffening element is a telescopic element, a telescopic sheath for example. Such an embodiment makes it possible in particular to produce lines 7, 8, 9 whose length of the flexible portion 15 is greater than the length of the rigid portion 14.

Par ailleurs, l'on observe sur les figures 1 à 4, que les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont chacune raccordées aux montants 3, 4, 5 du mât 1 par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite coudée flexible 21. De plus, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont montées articulés sur l'extrémité du mât 1 entre une position escamotée de rangement dans lesquelles elles s'étendent sensiblement le long du mât 1 et une position déployée en direction du navire client 33. Les figures 3, 4 et 7 illustrent deux conduites 7, 9 dans une position escamotée de rangement alors qu'une conduite 8 est dans une position déployée. La figure 7 illustre de manière détaillée une articulation d'une conduite 8 par rapport au mât 1. L'articulation est composée de deux jeux de deux biellettes 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, s'étendant de part et d'autre de chaque conduite 7, 8, 9. Chaque jeu de biellettes comporte une première biellette 22a, 22b présentant une extrémité fixée au mât 1 et une seconde biellette 23a, 23b comportant une extrémité fixée à la portion rigide 14 de la conduite 7, 8, 9. En outre, la première biellette 22a, 22b et la seconde biellette 23a, 23b de chaque jeu sont articulées l'une à l'autre autour d'un axe d'articulation. Par ailleurs, le système comporte, pour chaque conduite 7, 8, 9, un vérin d'actionnement 24 qui comporte une première extrémité montée articulée sur une extrémité du mât 1 et une seconde extrémité montée articulée sur les secondes biellettes 23a, 23b ou sur la portion rigide 14 de la conduite 7, 8, 9.Moreover, we observe Figures 1 to 4 , that the lines 7, 8, 9 are each connected to the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 by means of a flexible bend pipe 21. In addition, the pipes 7, 8, 9 are mounted articulated on the end of the mast 1 between a retracted storage position in which they extend substantially along the mast 1 and a deployed position towards the client ship 33. The Figures 3, 4 and 7 illustrate two lines 7, 9 in a retracted storage position while a pipe 8 is in an extended position. The figure 7 illustrates in detail a hinge of a pipe 8 with respect to the mast 1. The hinge is composed of two sets of two rods 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, extending on either side of each pipe 7, 8, 9. Each set of links comprises a first link 22a, 22b having one end attached to the mast 1 and a second link 23a, 23b having an end fixed to the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9. In addition, the first link 22a, 22b and the second link 23a, 23b of each set are articulated to each other about an axis of articulation. Furthermore, the system comprises, for each pipe 7, 8, 9, an actuating cylinder 24 which has a first end mounted articulated on one end of the mast 1 and a second end articulated on the second links 23a, 23b or on the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9.

Une telle articulation des conduites 7, 8, 9 sur le mât 1 permet, d'une part, de faciliter la manoeuvre des conduites 7, 8, 9, et, d'autre part, de diminuer leur encombrement sur le navire fournisseur 32, lorsqu'elles sont positionnées dans leur position escamotée de rangement.Such an articulation of the pipes 7, 8, 9 on the mast 1 makes it possible, on the one hand, to facilitate the maneuvering of the pipes 7, 8, 9, and, on the other hand, to reduce their bulk on the supply vessel 32, when positioned in their retracted storage position.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, représenté sur la figure 15, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont chacune raccordées aux montants 3, 4, 5 du mât 1 par l'intermédiaire d'un joint tournant 38, encore appelé raccord tournant. Un tel joint tournant assure une liaison en rotation, sans fuite, entre un montant 3, 4, 5 fixe et la conduite 7, 8, 9 suspendue au mât 1, et mobile par rapport audit montant 3, 4, 5. Le joint tournant 38 présente un axe de rotation A qui est horizontal. Lorsque le système de transfert ne comporte qu'un joint tournant 38, son axe A est coaxial avec l'axe d'articulation de la conduite 8 par rapport au mât 1, c'est-à-dire, dans le mode de réalisation représenté, l'axe d'articulation entre les premières biellettes 22a, 22b et les secondes biellettes 23a, 23b.In another embodiment, shown in the figure 15 the lines 7, 8, 9 are each connected to the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 by means of a rotary joint 38, also called a rotating connection. Such a rotary joint provides a rotational connection, without leakage, between a fixed amount 3, 4, 5 and the pipe 7, 8, 9 suspended from the mast 1, and movable relative to said upright 3, 4, 5. The rotary joint 38 has an axis of rotation A which is horizontal. When the transfer system has only one rotary joint 38, its axis A is coaxial with the axis of articulation of the pipe 8 relative to the mast 1, that is to say, in the embodiment shown the axis of articulation between the first links 22a, 22b and the second links 23a, 23b.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté schématiquement sur la figure 16, les conduites 7, 8, 9 sont chacune raccordées aux montants 3, 4, 5 du mât 1 par l'intermédiaire de trois joints tournants 38a, 38b, 38c présentant des axes d'articulation A1, A2, A3 parallèles et horizontaux. Les joints tournants 38a, 38, b, 38c sont reliés par des tubes rigides 39a, 39b. Grâce à un tel agencement de joints tournants, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir que l'un des axes d'articulation A1, A2, A3 des joints tournants 38a, 38, b, 38c soit aligné avec l'axe d'articulation de la conduite 7, 8, 9 par rapport au mât 1.In the embodiment shown schematically on the figure 16 , the pipes 7, 8, 9 are each connected to the uprights 3, 4, 5 of the mast 1 by means of three rotating joints 38a, 38b, 38c having hinge axes A1, A2, A3 parallel and horizontal. The rotating joints 38a, 38, b, 38c are connected by rigid tubes 39a, 39b. With such an arrangement of rotating joints, it is not necessary to provide that one of the hinge axes A1, A2, A3 of the rotary joints 38a, 38, b, 38c is aligned with the hinge axis of the pipe 7, 8, 9 with respect to the mast 1.

Les figures 8, 9 et 10 illustrent des variantes de réalisation de dispositifs d'actionnement aptes à déplacer un élément de rigidification, tel qu'une gaine rigide 16, entre sa position de rigidification et sa position de libération.The Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate alternative embodiments of actuators adapted to move a stiffening element, such as a rigid sheath 16, between its stiffening position and its release position.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 8, le dispositif d'actionnement comporte un vérin 25 dont une extrémité est fixée sur la portion rigide 14 et l'autre extrémité est montée sur la gaine rigide 16.In the embodiment illustrated on the figure 8 , the actuating device comprises a jack 25 whose one end is fixed on the rigid portion 14 and the other end is mounted on the rigid sheath 16.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 9, le dispositif d'actionnement comporte une tige filetée 26 qui coopère, d'une part, avec un premier élément 27, en liaison pivot non glissant avec la tige 26, solidaire de la portion rigide 14 et, d'autre part, avec un second élément 28, en liaison pivot non glissant avec la tige 26, solidaire de la portion rigide 14. Une rainure dans la gaine 16 permet à l'élément 28 d'être fixé à la portion rigide 14 au travers de la gaine 16. Un moteur, non représenté, fixé sur la portion rigide 24 permet de mettre la tige fileté 26 en rotation. L'élément 29 est solidaire de la gaine 16 et présente un alésage fileté permettant de transformer la rotation de la tige filetée en translation de la gaine 16.In the embodiment shown on the figure 9 the actuating device comprises a threaded rod 26 which cooperates, on the one hand, with a first element 27, in non-sliding pivot connection with the rod 26, integral with the rigid portion 14 and, on the other hand, with a second element 28, in non-slip pivot connection with the rod 26, secured to the rigid portion 14. A groove in the sheath 16 allows the element 28 to be fixed to the rigid portion 14 through the sheath 16. motor, not shown, fixed on the rigid portion 24 allows to put the threaded rod 26 in rotation. The element 29 is integral with the sheath 16 and presents a threaded bore for transforming the rotation of the threaded rod in translation of the sheath 16.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 10, le dispositif d'actionnement est un dispositif de levage à câble. Le dispositif d'actionnement comporte ici un treuil 31 porté par la portion rigide 14 et comportant un cylindre sur lequel s'enroule un câble 30. Le treuil 1 comporte un moteur permettant d'entraîner en rotation le cylindre afin d'enrouler le câble 30. Une des extrémités du câble 30 est fixée à l'élément de rigidification. Ainsi, le treuil 31 permet de remonter l'élément de rigidification vers sa position de libération.In the embodiment shown on the figure 10 , the actuating device is a cable hoist. The actuating device here comprises a winch 31 carried by the rigid portion 14 and comprising a cylinder on which a cable 30 is wound. The winch 1 comprises a motor enabling the cylinder to be rotated in order to wind the cable 30 One end of the cable 30 is attached to the stiffening element. Thus, the winch 31 makes it possible to raise the stiffening element towards its release position.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, il est également possible de positionner le treuil à proximité de la base du mât 1 et d'utiliser une poulie de renvoi portée par la portion rigide 14 de la conduite 7, 8, 9. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, il est également possible d'utiliser un mécanisme de transmission à palan comportant une poulie portée par la portion flexible 14 de la conduite 7, 8, 9 et une seconde poulie portée par l'élément de rigidification.In another embodiment not shown, it is also possible to position the winch near the base of the mast 1 and to use a deflector pulley carried by the rigid portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9. In a Another embodiment, it is also possible to use a hoist transmission mechanism comprising a pulley carried by the flexible portion 14 of the pipe 7, 8, 9 and a second pulley carried by the stiffening element.

Notons que, lorsque de tels systèmes à câble sont utilisés comme dispositif d'actionnement de l'élément de rigidification, l'élément de rigidification peut retourner vers sa position de rigidification sous l'effet de son poids.Note that when such cable systems are used as a device for actuating the stiffening element, the stiffening element can return to its stiffening position under the effect of its weight.

Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention.Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it comprises all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention.

L'usage du verbe « comporter », « comprendre » ou « inclure » et de ses formes conjuguées n'exclut pas la présence d'autres éléments ou d'autres étapes que ceux énoncés dans une revendication. L'usage de l'article indéfini « un » ou « une » pour un élément ou une étape n'exclut pas, sauf mention contraire, la présence d'une pluralité de tels éléments ou étapes.The use of the verb "to include", "to understand" or "to include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps other than those set out in a claim. The use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" for an element or a step does not exclude, unless otherwise stated, the presence of a plurality of such elements or steps.

Dans les revendications, tout signe de référence entre parenthèses ne saurait être interprété comme une limitation de la revendication.In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses can not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims (17)

  1. A system for transfer of a fluid between a ship (32) and a facility (33) comprising:
    - a mast (1) comprising a proximal end which is designed to be secured on a platform (2) of the ship, and a distal end;
    - at least one fluid transfer line (3, 4, 5) which extends along the mast (1); and
    - at least one duct (7, 8, 9) suspended on the distal end of the mast (1), which is firstly connected to the fluid transfer line (3, 4, 5), and secondly equipped with a connection element (10) which is designed to cooperate with a manifold of the installation;
    the system being characterized in that the duct (7, 8, 9) comprises:
    - a first, rigid portion (14) and a second, flexible portion (15), which extend successively from the fluid transfer line (3, 4, 5) to the connection element (10); and
    - a rigidification element (16, 18) which is fitted such as to be mobile along the duct (7, 8, 9), between an elongate portion for rigidification of the flexible portion (15), in which the rigidification element (16, 18) extends along the flexible portion (15), and a retracted position of release, in which the rigidification element (16, 18) extends along the rigid portion (14), the rigidification element (16, 18) comprising a support which can slide relative to the flexible portion (15), along the flexible portion (15), the support cooperating with a distal end of the flexible portion (15) in the elongate position of the rigidification element (16, 18), in order to align the flexible portion (15) in the extension of the rigid portion (14), and the support cooperating with an area of the duct (7, 8, 9), situated between the distal area of the flexible portion (15) and the distal end of the mast, in the retracted position of release of the rigidification element (16, 18), such as to release said support along a free length of the flexible portion (15), in order to permit flexion of the flexible portion (15) along the free length.
  2. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the rigidification element is a rigid sheath (16) which is fitted such as to slide along the duct (7, 8, 9), between the elongate rigidification position, in which the rigid sheath (16) envelops the flexible portion (15), and the retracted position of release, in which the rigid sheath (16) envelops the rigid portion (14).
  3. The system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the rigidification element is a rigid rod (18), which is fitted such as to slide on the first rigid portion (14), and has at least one hoop (20) fitted such as to slide around the flexible portion (15).
  4. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rigidification element comprises a widened end (37).
  5. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a device for actuation of the rigidification element (16, 18), which can displace the rigidification element (16, 18) between its elongate rigidification position and its retracted position of release.
  6. The system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the device for actuation of the rigidification element (16, 18) comprises a jack (25) with a first end which is integral with the rigid portion, and a second end which is integral with the rigidification element (16, 18).
  7. The system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the device for actuation of the rigidification element (16, 18) comprises a threaded rod (26), which cooperates firstly with the rigid portion (14), via a pivot connection, and secondly with a threaded bore in an element (29) which is integral with the rigidification element (16, 18) and a motor which rotates the threaded rod (26).
  8. The system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the device for actuation of the rigidification (16, 18) element is a cable hoisting device.
  9. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the duct (7, 8, 9) is connected to the transfer line by means of a bent flexible connection (21).
  10. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the duct (7, 8, 9) is connected to the transfer line by means of at least one revolving joint (38, 38, 38b, 38c).
  11. The system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the duct (7, 8, 9) is fitted on the mast (1) by means of an articulation (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d), which permits the movement of the duct (7, 8, 9) between a retracted position, in which it extends along the mast (1), and a deployed position.
  12. The system as claimed in claim 11, comprising a jack (21) which is designed to displace the duct (7, 8, 9) between its retracted position and its deployed position.
  13. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the duct (7, 8, 9) is equipped with an emergency disconnection device (17).
  14. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a plurality of fluid transfer lines (3, 4, 5) which extend along the mast (1) and a plurality of ducts (7, 8,. 9), which are suspended at the distal end of the mast (1), each of said ducts (7, 8, 9) being connected to one of the fluid transfer lines and comprising a connection element which is designed to cooperate with a manifold of the facility, a first, rigid portion (14), a second, flexible portion (15), which extends successively from said fluid transfer line (3, 4, 5) to said connection element (10), and a rigidification element (16, 18) which is fitted such as to be mobile along the duct (7, 8, 9), between an elongate position for rigidification of the flexible portion (15), and a retracted position of release.
  15. The system as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the mast is a braced mast comprising uprights (3, 4, 5) which are assembled by counterbracing cross-members (6), and in that the uprights (3, 4, 5) are hollow and form the plurality of fluid transfer lines.
  16. A ship (32) equipped with a transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
  17. A method for transfer of a fluid between a ship (32) as claimed in claim 16 and a client ship (33).
EP14799511.2A 2013-10-31 2014-10-14 System for fluid transfer between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship Active EP3063059B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1360692A FR3012411B1 (en) 2013-10-31 2013-10-31 SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING FLUID BETWEEN A SHIP AND A FACILITY, SUCH AS A CLIENT SHIP
PCT/FR2014/052608 WO2015063385A1 (en) 2013-10-31 2014-10-14 System for fluid transfer between a ship and a facility, such as a client ship

Publications (2)

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EP3063059A1 EP3063059A1 (en) 2016-09-07
EP3063059B1 true EP3063059B1 (en) 2017-06-21

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US (1) US9919773B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3063059B1 (en)
KR (1) KR102250630B1 (en)
CN (1) CN105745149B (en)
FR (1) FR3012411B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2015063385A1 (en)

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WO2019048543A1 (en) * 2017-09-06 2019-03-14 Connect Lng As A process system and a fluid transfer system comprising such a process system
CN107571973B (en) * 2017-09-11 2019-02-12 中国海洋石油集团有限公司 A kind of multi-purpose station pipeline system for far-reaching extra large tender
EP3470323A1 (en) * 2017-10-13 2019-04-17 Shell International Research Maatschappij B.V. System for loading and off-loading a lng carrier vessel
FR3083791B1 (en) * 2018-07-12 2020-08-28 Gaztransport Et Technigaz LIQUEFIED GAS TRANSFER SYSTEM
KR101988225B1 (en) * 2018-10-24 2019-06-12 한동훈 Oil removal methods of sunken ship
CN115095794B (en) * 2022-07-21 2024-06-21 中国人民解放军陆军勤务学院 Intelligent terminal oil guaranteeing system for wharf oil depot

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3063059A1 (en) 2016-09-07
CN105745149A (en) 2016-07-06
FR3012411A1 (en) 2015-05-01
WO2015063385A1 (en) 2015-05-07
KR20160082514A (en) 2016-07-08
US20160251062A1 (en) 2016-09-01
KR102250630B1 (en) 2021-05-12
US9919773B2 (en) 2018-03-20
CN105745149B (en) 2019-03-01
FR3012411B1 (en) 2016-08-05

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