FLUID TRANSFER SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid transfer system comprising a fluid conducting flexible pipe having a first and second connector end, which pipe during use extends over an area of water, preferably totally or partially submerged in the water, between a first and second hook-up point and, when not in use, is stored near the first hook-up point, a ramp curved downward in the vertical plane for supporting the flexible pipe during the transfer thereof from storage position to position for use, and vice versa, and a means, e.g., a lifting cable, for feeding out/hauling in the flexible pipe via said curved ramp, the lower detached end of which is situated at a distance from the adjacent first hook-up point.

[0002] The invention was developed primarily in connection with the need for a fluid transfer system between a maritime floating oil storage facility, for example a large barge with oil storing capacity, and a so-called shuttle tanker. The oil tank barge is anchored or dynamically positioned at the oil production field and serves as an intermediate storage means for the oil produced. From this barge the oil is loaded over into tankers, which on arrival at the field are connected to the barge by suitable mooring means, whereafter a fluid conducting pipe connection is established between the barge and tanker. The fluid conducting pipe connection is formed by a fluid conducting pipe which, when not in use, is stored on the barge. When this flexible fluid conducting pipe is to be utilized for fluid transfer between the barge and tanker, the flexible pipe from the barge is fed down into the water via a ramp curved downward in the vertical plane, which supports the flexible pipe in the initial phase of connection. As soon as a sufficient length of the flexible pipe has been fed out and is suspended down in the water from the barge, the other end of the pipe is hauled on board the tanker and there is hooked up to a manifold, or the like. The flexible pipe end at the barge is also connected to a suitable hook-up point on the barge, whereafter the fluid transfer may begin. During the fluid transfer the flexible pipe is suspended between the barge and the tanker, more or less submerged in water, or if desired is freely suspended above the water surface.

[0003] After fluid transfer is completed, the flexible pipe is disconnected on the tanker side and dropped down into the water, whereafter it is disconnected on the barge side and then hauled in via the aforementioned curved ramp, to be stored on the barge until it is to be used again.

[0004] The hook-up on the barge side can lead to difficulties due to the fact that feeding out the relatively long flexible fluid conducting pipe requires a ramp which must have a certain degree of minimum curve, in order thereby to avoid damaging bend stresses on the pipe. This means that the ramp must extend some distance out from the barge, usually from one of its ends. The hook-up point on the barge, however, is preferentially situated very close to, almost in, the actual end of the barge, which means that there is a considerable distance between the pipe's barge connector end and the hook-up point on the barge -- a distance rendering it more difficult to connect the pipe connector end to the hook-up point on the barge. An object of the invention is to provide a fluid transfer system where, in particular, this connection problem is solved in a simple and reliable manner, and according to the invention it is therefore proposed that in a fluid transfer system of the type described above, the ramp shall be movably mounted for movement from a position for feeding out/hauling in the pipe to a position closer and so oriented relative to the adjacent hook-up point that said first connector end may be brought into at least approximately aligned coupling position vis á vis the adjacent first hook-up point. Hence, according to the invention, the ramp is used as a means for moving the flexible pipe so that it may relatively easily be connected to the adjacent hook-up point.

[0005] The ramp may be moved horizontally or vertically or in intermediate diagonal directions, all depending on the positioning and orientation of the ramp end and the hook-up point relative to one another.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the ramp is designed so as to extend outward over the hook-up point, and it is thus pivotably mounted in the vertical plane. It is particularly advantageous for the pivotal movement to utilize a parallelogram joint mechanism.

[0007] It is advantageous to provide a steering device at the free end of the ramp for maneuvering the flexible pipe so that it may be raised and lowered, i.e., moved toward and away from the supporting surface of the ramp, thus enabling achievement of a guided and controlled movement of the first connector end of the flexible pipe off and onto the ramp.

[0008] The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the drawings, where:

Fig. 1

is a view of a section of an oil tank barge and a tanker, in the situation existing at the commencement of the connection of the pipe,

Fig. 2

is a view of the barge and tanker coupled together, e.g, a fluid transfer system has been established,

Fig. 3

is a view of a section from the barge end, with a ramp according to the invention in a position where a flexible pipeline is being fed out or hauled in,

Fig. 4

is a view of a section as in Fig. 3, but with the ramp in hook-up position, where the flexible pipe is aligned relative to the hook-up point on the barge, and

Figs. 5-10

show in sequence the various ramp positions, Fig. 5 being a view of the ramp in a typical feed-out position, while Fig. 10 is a view of the ramp in an upward swung end position, where the associated pipe end is well aligned in relation to the hook-up point and is ready for final connection.

[0009] In Figs. 1 and 2 are shown a section of a barge 1 and a section of a tanker 2. Barge 1 serves as a temporary storage facility for oil. Tanker 2 is a tankship that fetches oil from barge 1 and brings it to a terminal on shore.

[0010] When tanker 2 reaches barge 1, there is first established a mooring connection, represented here by a hawser 3 between the barge and tanker. Then the fluid transfer connection is established, here represented by a flexible pipe 4. When flexible pipe 4 is not in use, it will be stored in its extended state on the barge deck 5. When the fluid conducting connection is to be established, flexible pipe 4 is fed out from barge 1, so that it hangs down in the water, as shown in Fig. 1. With the aid of a line 6 the downward suspended pipe end is drawn up to tanker 2 and connected there to a hook-up point 7, as shown in Fig. 2. The other end of flexible pipe 4 is connected to a hook-up point 8 near the end of barge 1. The connection at hook-up point 8 may take place before flexible pipe 4 is manipulated and connected to hook-up point 7, or the connection may take place after pipe 4 has been connected to the tanker hook-up point 7.

[0011] In the context of the invention, the hook-up points 8 and 7 represent, respectively, a first and second hook-up point.

[0012] After loading is completed, pipe 4 is disconnected at 7 and lowered into the sea again with the aid of line 6, whereafter pipe 4 is drawn up and placed on deck 5 of barge 1 to be stored there until the next fluid transfer is to take place.

[0013] The first hook-up point 8 is located at the stern end of barge 1, see Fig. 3. Even though pipe 4 is flexible, it requires a certain minimum radius with respect to bends. Therefore, during transition from the storage position on deck 5 of barge 1 to the suspended position down into the water, as shown in Fig. 1, the flexible pipe must be provided with support in the form of a uniform curve, with an acceptable bend radius, and to secure this support there is used a ramp curved downward in the vertical plane. Thus, when pipe 4 is brought down to its vertically suspended position in the water, the first connector end 9 of pipe 4 will be situated at a considerable distance from hook-up point 8, as is shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3 is shown a ramp arrangement 10 comprising a ramp 11 capable of swing movement in the vertical plane. Ramp 11 is mounted to swing/pivot in the vertical plane by means of a parallelogram joint mechanism 12, which enables ramp 11 to be moved between the normal ramp position shown in Fig. 3 and the lifted, upper ramp position in Fig. 4.

[0014] Flexible pipe 4 is fed out with the aid of a flexible member, here indicated as a wire/cable 13, and will be suspended therefrom when the pipe is brought clear of ramp 11, see Fig. 4. When ramp 11 is swung from the position shown in Fig. 3 to that shown in Fig. 4, pipe 4 and the first connector end 9 thereof will accordingly move with it, so that the pipe connector end 9 is steered in under hook-up point 8. Cable 13 leads to a winch, not shown, which in Fig. 4 may be activated to draw up connector end 9 for connection to hook-up point 8.

[0015] At the bottom of ramp 11, at the free end thereof, a steering device 14 is provided. This serves to steer and maneuver the pipe end so that when being fed out the pipe is controllably moved in when pipe end 9 has passed the lower main roller 16, until lifting cable 13 in the end piece comes into contact with the lower main roller 16 or the ramp support surface 15 or, conversely, so that the pipe end is steered in onto ramp 11 when the pipe is to be hauled in. Ramp 11 is constructed with supporting rollers 15 to form a roller path for the support of pipe 4, and similar rollers are also used, as indicated, on the rest of the ramp arrangement 10 and also on deck 5 for rolling support of the pipe. To further clarify the advantageous mode of operation of the ramp, we refer to Figs. 5-10, showing six typical sequential steps in the feeding out of a pipe, with connection of the upper end of the pipe to the hook-up point on the barge. In Fig. 5 the pipe is shown in a final phase of the actual feeding-out or discharge process. Ramp 11 is in its normal, down-swung supporting position, as in Fig. 3.

[0016] In Fig. 6 pipe 4 is brought clear of ramp 11 and is suspended by the cable (wire fork) 13. With the aid of pivot arrangement 12, an upward swinging of ramp 11 has begun.

[0017] In Fig. 7 ramp 11 is swung slightly further upward, and Fig. 8 shows ramp 11 in a steadily increasing upward swung state. It is apparent that the first connector end 9 of pipe 4 below the ramp is moving closer and closer to hook-up point 8.

[0018] In Fig. 9 ramp 11 has been swung practically all the way up, and connector end 9 of pipe 4 is now situated below hook-up point 8. In Fig. 10 ramp 11 has been swung completely up to its upper end position, and pipe 4 with connector end 9 is now situated in a ready (aligned) state under hook-up point 8. With the aid of cable 13, leading to a winch that is not shown, connector end 9 may now be drawn up toward hook-up point 8 and connected thereto.

[0019] The circles 12' drawn in Figs. 6-10 are included to illustrate the swing/pivot pattern of the parallelogram joint mechanism, which enables the movement of ramp 11 shown in Figs. 5-10.

[0020] When the connection is to be broken, after completion of the fluid transfer, connector end 9 is disconnected from hook-up point 8, and pipe 4 is lowered down slightly with the aid of cable 13, to the position shown in Fig. 10, and the process is then reversed.

[0021] The invention is shown and described above in connection with a preferred embodiment, where the ramp extends in the same vertical plane as that in which the hook-up point lies. The inventive idea resides in the fact that the ramp is used as a maneuvering element to bring the connector end of the pipe into a position that is close enough and so oriented relative to the hook-up point that connection can take place, preferably with the aid of a cable used during feeding out/hauling in of the pipe; therefore, it is also within the scope of the invention to conceive of an embodiment where the hook-up point is situated to the side of the ramp, with the ramp then being designed for pivotal movement horizontally, in order thus to manipulate the pipe into correct hook-up position. For the pivotal movement of the ramp, different pivot mechanisms from the one shown and described may be used. Such pivot arrangements will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer system comprising a fluid conducting flexible pipe (4) having a first (9) and a second connector end, which pipe during use extends over an area of water, preferably totally or partially submerged in the water, between a first (8) and a second (7) hook-up point and, when not in use, is stored (5) near the first hook-up point (8), a ramp (11) curved downward in the vertical plane for supporting the flexible pipe (4) during the transfer thereof from storage position to position for use, and vice versa, and a means (13), e.g., a lifting cable for feeding out/hauling in the flexible pipe (4) via said curved ramp (11), the lower end of which is situated at a distance from the adjacent first hook-up point,
characterized in that the ramp (11) is movably mounted (12) for movement from a position for feeding out/hauling in the pipe to a position closer and so oriented relative to the adjacent hook-up point (8) that said first connector end (9) can be brought into at least approximately aligned coupling position vis á vis the adjacent first hook-up point (8).

2. A fluid transfer system according to claim 1,
characterized in that the ramp (11) is pivotably mounted in the vertical plane.

3. A fluid transfer system according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the ramp (11) is pivotably mounted with a parallelogram joint mechanism (12).

4. A fluid transfer system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the free end of the ramp is provided a steering device (14) for maneuvering the flexible pipe (4) and the pipe end (9) such that, when the pipe is fed out, it is controllably moved inward until the lifting cable (13), or the like, comes into contact with the ramp's support surface (15), or it is steered in onto the ramp when being hauled in.

Ansprüche

1. Flüssigkeitsumladesystem, umfassend
   eine flüssigkeitleitende flexible Rohrleitung (4) mit einem ersten (9) und einem zweiten Anschlußende, die sich während des Gebrauchs zwischen einem ersten (8) und einem zweiten (7) Aufhängepunkt über einen Wasserbereich erstreckt, vorzugsweise vollständig oder teilweise in das Wasser getaucht ist und, wenn sie nicht in Gebrauch ist, nahe des ersten Aufhängepunktes (8) aufbewahrt (5) wird,
   eine in der Vertikalebene abwärts gebogene Rampe (11) zum Stützen der flexiben Rohrleitung (4) während deren Überführung von der Aufbewahrungsposition zu der Gebrauchsposition und umgekehrt, und
   ein Mittel (13), z.B. ein Hebekabel zum Auslegen/Einholen der flexiblen Rohrleitung (4) über die gebogene Rampe (11), deren unteres Ende in einem Abstand von dem angrenzenden ersten Aufhängepunkt liegt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Rampe (11) zur Bewegung von einer Position zum Auslegen/Einholen der Rohrleitung zu einer näheren und so in bezug auf den angrenzenden Aufhängepunkt (8) ausgerichteten Position bewegbar montiert (12) ist, daß das erste Anschlußende (9) in eine zumindest angenähert axial ausgerichtete Kupplungsposition gegenüber dem angrenzenden Aufhängepunkt (8) gebracht werden kann.

2. Flüssigkeitsumladesystem nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Rampe (11) in der Vertikalebene schwenkbar montiert ist.

3. Flüssigkeitsumladesystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Rampe (11) mit einem Parallelogramm-Gelenkmechanismus (12) schwenkbar montiert ist.

4. Flüssigkeitsumladesystem nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zum Manövrieren der flexiblen Rohrleitung (4) und des Rohrleitungsendes (9) auf dem freien Ende der Rampe eine Steuervorrichtung (14) derart vorgesehen ist, daß, wenn die Rohrleitung ausgelegt wird, sie steuerbar einwärts bewegt wird, bis das Hebekabel (13) oder dergleichen in Kontakt mit der Stützfläche (15) der Rampe gelangt oder, wenn sie eingeholt wird, auf der Rampe eingelenkt.

Revendications

1. Système de transfert de fluide, comprenant un tube flexible de conduction de fluide (4) présentant une première (9) et une seconde extrémité de connexion, ce tube s'étendant en utilisation sur une étendue d'eau, de préférence en totalité ou en partie immergé dans l'eau, entre un premier (8) et un second (7) point d'accrochage et, lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé, il est stocké (5) à proximité du premier point d'accrochage (8); une rampe (11) incurvée vers le bas dans le plan vertical pour supporter le tube flexible (4) pendant son transfert depuis la position de stockage jusqu'à la position d'utilisation, et inversement ; et des moyens (13), par exemple un câble de levage, pour sortir/hisser le tube flexible (4) via ladite rampe incurvée (11), dont l'extrémité inférieure est située à distance du premier point d'accrochage adjacent, caractérisé en ce que la rampe (11) est montée de manière mobile (12) pour se déplacer depuis une position pour sortir/hisser le tube jusqu'à une position plus rapprochée et orientée par rapport au point d'accrochage adjacent (8) de telle façon que ladite première extrémité de connexion (9) peut être amenée dans une position d'accouplement au moins approximativement alignée vis-à-vis du premier point d'accrochage adjacent (8).

2. Système de transfert de fluide selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la rampe (11) est montée en pivotement dans le plan vertical.

3. Système de transfert de fluide selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la rampe (11) est montée en pivotement via un mécanisme à joint à parallélogramme (12).

4. Système de transfert de fluide selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que sur l'extrémité libre de la rampe est prévu un dispositif de direction (14) pour manoeuvrer le tube flexible (4) et l'extrémité (9) du tube, de telle façon que lorsque le tube est sorti, il est déplacé de manière commandée vers l'intérieur jusqu'à ce que le câble de levage (13), ou similaire, vienne en contact avec la surface de support (15) de la rampe, ou bien il est dirigé vers la rampe lorsqu'il est hissé.

Drawing