Device to guide a sleeve on a reel

Description

11 DEVICE FOR GUIDING A HOSE ON A REEL TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention is situated within the scope of offshore oil exploration and production (E&P); specifically, concerning maritime vessels and the transfer of fluids from ships to the shore and vice versa. More specifically, the present invention relates to equipment that aims to ensure the correct collection, as well as an evenly distributed arrangement, of diesel and water (or any fluid) hoses on the reels of production units, located at the starboard and stern receiving stations of vessels, thus minimizing the risk of accidents. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] During diesel / water transfer operations between the production unit (FPSO) and support vessels, problems have occurred with the hose reel winding, due to the fact that the floats installed on the outer perimeter of the hose prevent it from being correctly housed on the reel. This results in an irregular overlap of the hoses during the retrieval phase. Additionally, the force of the tides and winds contributes to the difficulty of this operation.

[003] Existing spoolers on the market are not suitable for this application because they operate in a direction that would cause the hoses to bend more than the permitted radius of curvature. Furthermore, these commercial devices are not suitable when floats are attached to the hoses.

[004] In addition to the issues mentioned, the materials used in the floats need to be resistant to Petition 870250016651, dated 02 / 28 / 2025, page 38 / 57 / 11 constant exposure to salt water and ultraviolet rays, factors that can compromise the durability of the assembly if not properly considered. These floats are generally designed to ensure the buoyancy of the hoses, but their structural rigidity often contributes to making them difficult to accommodate on the reels. Thus, the interaction between the float design and the reel mechanism must be carefully analyzed.

[005] Furthermore, during the transfer operation, hose alignment is crucial to avoid damage. Any misalignment can result in excessive stress on the hose surface, which not only increases the risk of premature wear but can also cause catastrophic failures during the fluid pumping process. This is particularly critical in adverse conditions, where strong winds and intense waves intensify operational challenges.

[006] Another relevant issue is the preventive and corrective maintenance of the equipment involved. The accumulation of debris on the reel, as well as prolonged exposure of the components to the marine environment, can compromise the operation of the winding mechanisms and trigger failures that interrupt operations. Therefore, protective measures, such as the application of anti-corrosion coatings and regular inspections, are essential to ensure the reliability of the system.

[007] Finally, it is important to consider innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges. The development of reels with automatic adjustment systems that accommodate the floats and maintain the radius of curvature within permitted limits is a viable alternative. In addition, the use of high-performance composite materials, both for the hoses and the floats, can reduce the problems. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 39 / 57 3 / 11 related to weight and rigidity, increasing the overall efficiency of the operation. STATE OF THE ART

[008] Document BR112017009347B1 discloses a system for offshore hose loading stations, designed to optimize the transfer of fluids or other materials between vessels, or between a vessel and a port. It also discloses the use of modular reels mounted on a frame, which can be attached to a ship or offshore platform. These reels are driven by a single motor connected to a shared rotating shaft, with clutches that allow independent control of each reel. The system also includes a connecting shaft (jumper) that maintains continuous operation even when modules are removed or replaced, ensuring flexibility and operational efficiency.

[009] Additionally, it is revealed that it is possible to prevent common problems in similar systems, such as the accidental unwinding of hoses when the reel is not in use. The modular construction facilitates its customization, allowing configurations from two to twelve reels, and reduces installation, maintenance and operating costs. The robustness of the materials and the adaptable design make the system ideal for various applications, overcoming the limitations of previous technologies and offering an economical and efficient solution for the offshore sector.

[0010] Document EP2995585 B1 discloses a system and method for transferring fluids between vessels and land-based installations, particularly in industrial ports. It utilizes land-based hose reels that allow for precise coiling and uncoiling of hoses, eliminating the need for large and complex cranes. The hoses are manipulated by articulated arms or cranes. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, pp. 40 / 57 4 / 11 vessels, ensuring flexibility and safety in operation. The system is remotely controlled, allowing operators to adjust hose length from the vessel or on land, adapting to tidal variations and ship dimensions. Furthermore, safety features are mentioned, such as torque sensors to monitor excessive forces and prevent hose damage, automatically releasing more length when necessary.

[0011] Additionally, guide chutes are designed to protect hoses from abrasion and position fittings for easy connection. The modular design allows adding or removing reels as needed, while the reel covers extend hose life.

[0012] Document US2016097468 Al discloses an apparatus and method for handling flexible hoses with rigid couplings, primarily used in offshore operations such as riserless drilling. The system includes a roller apparatus consisting of a support structure and a rotating assembly mounted on a main shaft. This assembly has guide surfaces to orient the hose and radial recesses to accommodate the rigid couplings without causing damage or interruptions to the flow. The rollers allow relative movement of the hose in relation to the rotating assembly, with radial arms adjusted to guide the hose as the couplings pass smoothly through the recesses. The system can be integrated into offshore platforms or vessels and is designed to accommodate large diameter and length hoses, with rigid couplings ranging from 180 mm to 205 mm in diameter and up to 500 mm in length.

[0013] Additionally, the disclosed method includes precise positioning of the hose at the coupling or uncoupling point and safe handling during deployment and retrieval, without the need for large pulleys, reducing the Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, pp. 41 / 57 5 / 11 space required and weight in the offshore environment. In addition, it ensures greater protection against damage and offers modularity to facilitate adaptation to different operational configurations.

[0014] The state of the art reveals several solutions involving hoses and offshore and onshore supply systems; however, these solutions involve devices with a guide system that do not meet the minimum bending radius of the hose, thus making their use impossible for the application of the present invention. According to the state of the art, the hose exits the reel horizontally and then bends again to go to sea. This bending does not meet the minimum bending angle of the hose and is, consequently, the motivation for the present invention.

[0015] The invention described below stems from ongoing research in this segment, which aims to develop a solution capable of eliminating a risk factor, which is the physical contact between the operator using a hooked rod to guide the hose, replacing it with a device that provides hose direction on two axes guided by a handwheel. The torque required on the handwheel to execute the movement is multiplied by a gear ratio, which allows the operator to guide the hose without requiring much effort. Wind and tide conditions were considered in the design of the device of the present invention to prevent the operator from suffering any consequences due to abrupt changes in weather conditions.

[0016] The hose used has floats to allow it to be seen on the water surface during water and diesel receiving operations; however, the problem is that there are two types of floats with different thicknesses at the same time in each hose, due to operational needs. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, pp. 42 / 57 6 / 11 This is another major complication in developing a guide system that can correctly wind the hoses, because there are times when a type of float starts to wind onto the reel, and with that, the hose begins to settle onto the reel's spool. However, when you go from one thickness to a greater one, the hoses no longer settle as they did before, because the hose, now with its thicker float, has a different settling pattern than before and tends not to want to settle anymore. This requires a great deal of work from the onboard teams when retrieving the hoses from these reels. OBJECTIVES

[0017] The objective of the present invention is to offer a device for guiding hoses during the retrieval operation on the reel, allowing the correct translational movement of the hose in relation to the reel's motor rotation, when in the hose retrieval maneuver, eliminating the risks caused by the operator having to act directly through a rod with a hook at its end to guide the hose inside the reel, and preserving the integrity of the hose due to the elimination of friction, rubbing and / or excessive bending due to contact between the edges of the existing structure with the hose. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to a device for guiding a hose on a reel, comprising: a control column, wherein the control column comprises a handwheel, coupled to a drive rod by means of a flanged roller bearing unit, further comprising rods, bolts, grease fittings, a flat bar, round bars, tubes, connections, and a plug; Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 43 / 57 / 11 a reduction system, in which the reduction system comprises round bars, plates, screws, washers, tubes, connections, a plug, a male adapter, a roller, and a snap ring; and a guide system, in which the guide system comprises mechanical tubes, a tapered pin, a round bar, a bushing, plates, screws, and a tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The present invention will be better understood from the detailed description and figures described below that refer to it.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view representation of the device for guiding a hose on a reel.

[0021] Figure 2 is a representation of the command column.

[0022] Figure 3 is a representation of the reduction system.

[0023] Figure 4 is a representation of the guide system.

[0024] Figure 5 is a representation of the device of the present invention installed in a structural profile.

[0025] Figure 6 is a representation of the guide system in relation to a structural profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following description constitutes only a preferred embodiment within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention aims to provide a device 170 developed for collecting diesel and water hoses and optimizing the winding process of these components onto reels, however not limited to only this category of fluids. The device consists of three Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 44 / 57 / 11 main interconnected elements, these being a control column 115, a reduction system 116 and a guide system 117, which together ensure safe and efficient operation of the device.

[0028] As can be seen in Figure 1, a perspective view of device 170 for guiding a hose on a reel is illustrated.

[0029] The device 170 will be operated by an operator and is composed of a control column 115, a reduction system 116 and a guide system 117. According to the present invention, the term operator refers to an individual trained and qualified to operate, monitor and control equipment and machines safely and efficiently.

[0030] Figure 2 is a detailed representation of the control column 115, wherein the control column 115 comprises a handwheel 14, coupled to an actuating rod 18a by means of a flanged bearing unit 16, bars 18, bolts 15, grease fittings 17, a flat bar 23, round bars 18, 20, 22, connections 24, 27, 28, tubes 26, and a plug 25.

[0031] The control column 115 is the primary interface between the operator and the device 170. The handwheel 14 and the drive rod 18a allow manual control of the system. During hose retraction, the operator rotates the handwheel 14 to activate the translational movement of the steering subassembly. The control column 115 is also equipped with a break key, a safety mechanism designed to protect the operator in case of severe impact or system failure, serving as a fusible element that automatically disconnects the handwheel 14 from the shaft 18a, preventing accidents. Ergonomics are carefully considered, ensuring that the effort required to operate the handwheel 14 is minimized. The maximum tangential force to overcome inertia is limited to Petition 870250016651, dated 02 / 28 / 2025, page 45 / 57 / 11 kgf, while for the displacement of the steering mechanism the force is only 10 kgf.

[0032] In the control column 115, the operator will have to guide it at each instant according to the thickness of the float that is in the hose, to allow the hose to fit into the reel.

[0033] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the reduction system 116, where it is possible to observe the presence of round bars 19, 20, 21, 22, 39, 40, plates 08, 10, 33, 37, 41, screws 11, 35, 36, 42, washers 12, 13, 44, nuts 43, tubes 26, 30, 34, 45, a “T” shaped union 31 for tube 30, connections 24, 27, 28, a plug 25, a male adapter 29, a roller 32 and a snap ring 38.

[0034] The reduction system 116 is responsible for transmitting the movement generated in the control column 115 to the guide system 117. The reduction system 116 is composed of a set of helical or bevel gears, designed to operate with low noise and high efficiency. The transmission ratio is calculated to allow approximately 3.7 turns of the steering wheel 14 to complete a comprehensive trajectory of the steering system, optimizing the applied force. In another embodiment of the present invention, this system 116 is also designed to be flexible, allowing the implementation of motorized drive, if necessary.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the guide system 117, where it is possible to observe the presence of mechanical tubes 01, 02, 03, 04, a conical pin 05 with an internal thread, a round bar 06, bushings 07, plates 08, screws 11, washers 12, 13, and a tube 09.

[0036] The 117 guide system is the element that ensures the correct alignment and organization of the hose during winding. It is composed of 32 rollers, 07 bushings. Petition 870250016651, dated 02 / 28 / 2025, page 46 / 57 / 11 damping and support structures. Rollers 32 act as guiding stops, tangent to the hose to prevent misalignment and damage caused by friction. These components are manufactured with materials that minimize hose wear, increasing its durability. Damping bushings 07 absorb impacts, protecting the components during the process. System 117 also includes fixed mechanical shafts, ensuring stability and precision in movement.

[0037] The design of the 117 guide system also prioritizes easy maintenance and disassembly. Fastening elements such as removable pins 05 and elastic rings 38 allow system parts to be quickly replaced or adjusted, reducing downtime and operating costs.

[0038] With regard to the type of material used, in a preferred embodiment, the material of plates 08, 10, 33, 37, 41 is preferably carbon steel and the material of tube 9 is preferably nylon. The material of tubes 26, 30 is preferably stainless steel, while the material of tube 34 is preferably carbon steel.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, screws 11, 15, 35, 36, 42 are hexagonal screws.

[0040] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, tubes 01, 02, 03, 04, 45 are manufactured by means of a rolling process.

[0041] In Figure 5 it is possible to observe device 170 of the present invention installed in a structural profile, already with the presence of the reels.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates how the guide system 117 is positioned in relation to a reel, where it can be observed that the hose is exiting and entering the reel in a vertical direction. The aforementioned guide system 117 allows for the accommodation of a hose with floats.

[0043] Device 170 operates during the collection of Petition 870250016651, dated 02 / 28 / 2025, page 47 / 57 / 11 hoses, automatically adjusting the alignment and ensuring that said hoses are wound uniformly onto the reel. The presence of floats and connections on the hose, which could cause difficulties in the manual process, is made possible by the use of the 32 guide rollers and the support structure. These elements work together to avoid irregular overlaps and unnecessary wear.

[0044] Device 170 also offers greater safety by eliminating the need for operators to directly handle the hoses. The implementation of the fuse (or safety) key 23 reduces the risk of accidents during operation. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, pp. 48 / 57

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Device (170) for guiding a hose on a reel, characterized in that it comprises: a control column (115), wherein the control column (115) comprises a handwheel (14), coupled to an actuating rod (18a) by means of a flanged bearing unit (16), further comprising bars (18), screws (15), grease fittings (17), a flat bar (23), round bars (18, 20, 22), tubes (26), connections (24, 27, 28), and a plug (25); a reduction system (116), wherein the reduction system (116) comprises round bars (19, 20, 21, 22, 39, 40), plates (08, 10, 33, 37, 41), screws (11, 35, 36, 42), washers (12, 13, 44), tubes (26, 30, 34, 45), connections (24, 27, 28), a plug (25), a male adapter (29), a roller (32), and a snap ring (38);and a guide system (117), wherein the guide system (117) comprises mechanical tubes (01, 02, 03, 04), a conical pin (05), a round bar (06), a bushing (07), plates (08, 10), screws (11), and a tube (09).; 2. Device (170), according to claim 1, characterized in that the screws (11, 15, 35, 36, 42) are hexagonal screws.

3. Device (170), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the tube (09) is preferably nylon.

4. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material of the plates (08, 10, 33, 37, 41) is preferably carbon steel. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 49 / 57 2 / 2 5. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the washer (12) is a spring washer.

6. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reduction system (116) additionally comprises nuts (43).

7. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the material of the tubes (26, 30) is preferably stainless steel and, in that the material of the tube (34) is preferably carbon steel.

8. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tubes (01, 02, 03, 04, 45) are manufactured by a rolling process.

9. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tube (30) has a T-shaped joint (31).

10. Device (170), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the conical pin (05) has an internal thread. Petition 870250016651, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, pp. 50 / 57

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