Control device for fluid loading and/or unloading system

Abstract

The invention concerns a control device for the movement and positioning of a coupling for a marine loading system having at least one fluid transfer line with a first line end fixed to a base and a moveable second line end provided with a coupling adapted for connection to a target duct, the marine loading system further having a plurality of mechanical connections such that the coupling has at least three degrees of freedom relative to the base. The device includes at least three proportional control actuators, each for proportionally controlling the movement of the system in a degree of freedom, a position sensor for tracking each degree of freedom, an operator input interface for inputting commands to move the coupling, and a calculator for calculating the instantaneous position of the coupling from the information provided by the sensors and for calculating, from movement command inputs of the input interface, simultaneous control instructions to give to each of the actuators such that their combined movements result in a movement of the coupling corresponding to the movement command provided by the operator at the input interface.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fluid loading and / or unloading system for a ship, commonly referred to as a marine loading system. These systems are used to transfer liquid or gaseous products between a ship and a terminal or between two ships. [0002] More particularly, the invention relates to devices for controlling the movement and positioning of such loading and / or unloading systems. Background technique [0003] Typically, an offshore loading system has a fluid transfer line end secured to a base and connected to a tank for the fluid to be transferred, and an opposite line end that is movable and has a coupling for connection to a target pipeline, the target pipeline Connects itself to a fluid tank. [0004] Two types of marine fluid loading systems are known, which differ in their construction: those transported by rigid pipes and those transported by hoses. [0005] In systems with rigid tube transfers, the loading arm system and the te...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

More generally, it is difficult for the operator to accurately control the motion of the coupling, which increases the risk of the coupling striking an obstacle or the target pipeline

This may damage the seal of the fitting

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