Rotary joint

Abstract

A fluid swivel joint (100) includes a first part (100a) and a second part (100b), the first part and the second part being configured to rotate relative to each other about a common central axis (A). The swivel joint (100) has a central bore (101) configured to receive a fluid to be conveyed through the fluid swivel joint (100). A central member (12) is disposed in the central bore (101), and the central axis (A) extends through the central member. Hydraulic lines (43, 53) extend from the first part (100a) through the central member (12) to the second part (100b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid transfer swivel of the type having a central bore configured for fluid flow. Background Art

[0002] In various fields, swivels are used for the transmission between components that rotate relative to each other. For example, swivels can be used for force transmission, fluid transmission, power or electrical control signal transmission, or fluid pressure transmission. Fluid swivels are known that are configured to transmit fluid flow while allowing the relative axial ends of the swivel to rotate relative to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a fluid swivel that includes a first part and a second part configured to rotate relative to each other about a common central axis. The fluid swivel includes a central bore configured to receive the fluid to be conveyed through the fluid swivel. A central member is disposed within the central bore, and the central axis extends through the central member. In addition, a hydraulic line extends from the first part through the central member to the second part.

[0004] In some embodiments, the central member may include a first central part and a second central part, where the first central part is part of the first part and includes a stem. The second central part is part of the second part and includes a receiving bore. The stem may extend into the receiving bore.

[0005] In some embodiments, a portion of the hydraulic line may extend through the stem and may include a first pipe port aligned with an annular recess of the receiving bore.

[0006] In this way, hydraulic fluid and hydraulic pressure can be transmitted through the swivel. For example, hydraulic fluid can be used to operate a hydraulic actuator that rotates with the rotating part of the swivel. In other embodiments, the hydraulic fluid can be used, for example, to operate a hydraulic motor, such as for driving a pump.

[0007] In some embodiments, the swivel may include an electric transmission arrangement extending from the first part to the second part through the central member. The electric transmission arrangement can be used, for example, to transmit monitoring signals representing various monitored parameters. Optionally or additionally, the electric transmission arrangement can be used to control an electric actuator.

[0008] The electric transmission arrangement may advantageously include a first electrical line and a second electrical line, where the first electrical line is electrically connected to the second electrical line through a slip ring device.

[0009] The slip ring arrangement may advantageously be arranged such that the centre axis extends through the slip ring.

[0010] According to some embodiments, a swivel joint may be connected between a loading hose carrying an oil-containing fluid and a floating container. Such a container may typically be a tanker configured to transport crude oil.

[0011] In some embodiments, the central hole may include a hole wall having a curved shape.

[0012] Preferably, in an embodiment comprising a slip ring and said curved shape, the slip ring may be axially aligned with the curved shape of the hole wall.

[0013] For some embodiments according to the present invention, a typical diameter of the central bore of the fluid swivel is in the range of 20 cm to 70 cm, or in the range of 25 cm to 60 cm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Although the present invention has been generally presented above, a more detailed example of embodiment will be presented below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a swivel joint according to the present invention, the swivel joint being used with a loading hose for transferring crude oil to a tanker;

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rotary joint according to the present invention,

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the rotary joint shown in FIG. 1 from another angle;

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rotary joint according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the rotary joint; and

[0020] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a rotary joint according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A loading hose 1 connected to an offshore tanker 3 is depicted. The loading hose 1 is typically used to transfer crude oil to the tanker 3, such as from a floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) (not shown). In order to enable the loading hose 1 to rotate relative to the tanker 3, a fluid swivel 100 is arranged at the interface between the tanker 3 and the loading hose 1. The fluid swivel 100 is attached to a receiving flow pipe 5 mounted on the tanker 3.

[0022] At the end of the fluid swivel joint 100 facing the loading hose 1, there is a connecting device 7 which is releasably connected to the end of the loading hose 1. The connecting device 7 is only schematically depicted in Figure 1 The connecting device can generally include a connecting tool 9, such as a clamp or a jaw, which is configured to engage with the end flange of the loading hose 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the connecting tool 9 is hydraulically operated. Two hydraulic lines 11 are schematically indicated in Figure 1 The hydraulic lines 11 extend from the oil tanker 3 and pass through the fluid swivel joint 100 for the operation of the connecting tool 9.

[0023] As can be clearly seen from the following description of the fluid swivel joint 100, the hydraulic lines 11 extend centrally through the swivel joint 100. Therefore, no external conveying hydraulic lines are required. In this way, the hydraulic lines 11 are arranged to be protected within the swivel joint 100.

[0024] Although Figure 1 the situation where a fluid (such as crude oil) is transported onto the oil tanker 3 is depicted, it must be clear that this swivel joint can be used for other applications. For example, the fluid swivel joint 100 can be fixed to a container from which the fluid will flow out, such as an FPSO. That is, the swivel joint 100 according to the present invention can be arranged at both ends of the loading hose 1.

[0025] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Perspective views of the swivel joint 100 are depicted to some extent from above and to some extent from below. The swivel joint 100 has a central hole 101 through which a fluid (such as crude oil) can flow. In addition, the swivel joint 100 includes a first part 100a and a second part 100b. The first part 100a and the second part 100b can rotate relative to each other.

[0026] When used in the situation shown in Figure 1 , the second part 100b is connected to the loading hose 1, while the first part 100a is fixed to the oil tanker 3.

[0027] Figure 4 The swivel joint 100 is shown in a sectional perspective view. The first part 100a has a first body 21. Correspondingly, the second part 100b has a second body 23. The inner face 25 of the first part 100a overlaps and faces the outer face 27 of the second part 100b. These faces 25, 27 are provided with annular recesses 29 arranged opposite to each other. The recesses 29 accommodate a rotary bearing 31 which enables the first part 100a and the second part 100b to rotate relative to each other about a common central axis A.

[0028] The packer 32 is arranged to seal between the first body 21 and the second body 23 that rotate relative to each other.

[0029] The outer face 27 of the second part 100b is arranged on the second body 23. The inner face 25 of the first part 100a is provided by the stacked retaining rings 33. The retaining rings 33 are stacked on top of each other and together provide an annular recess 29 on the inner face 25. The retaining rings 33 are fixed to the rest of the first part 100a by bolts, as Figure 4 shown.

[0030] Still referring to Figure 4 , the first central part 10a and the second central part 10b are centrally arranged in the central hole 101. The first central part 10a and the second central part 10b together form a central member 12, and the central member 12 extends in a longitudinal shape along the central axis A.

[0031] The first central part 10a is a part of the first part 100a, and the first central part 10a is held in place by one or more first beams 35. The first beams 35 extend radially between the hole wall 101a of the first part 100a and the first central part 10a.

[0032] Correspondingly, the second central part 10b is a part of the second part 100b, and the second central part 10b is held in place by one or more second beams 37. The second beams 37 extend radially between the hole wall 101b of the second part 100b and the second central part 10b.

[0033] As can be seen in Figure 4 , the first beams 35 and the second beams 37 are arranged such that fluid can flow through the first beams 35 and the second beams 37 without significant obstruction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first beams 35 and the second beams 37 exhibit a flat shape parallel to the central axis A of the rotary joint 100.

[0034] The rotary joint 100 includes a hydraulic connection extending between a first hydraulic port 39 and a second hydraulic port 41. The first hydraulic port 39 is arranged on the first part 100a, and the second hydraulic port 41 is arranged on the second part 100b. The first hydraulic port 39 is in communication with a first hydraulic line 43 that extends through the first beam 35. The first hydraulic line 43 extends into the first central part 10a.

[0035] The first central part 10a includes a core column 45 that extends into a receiving hole 47 of the second central part 10b. Thus, when the first part 100a and the second part 100b rotate relative to each other, the core column 45 rotates within the receiving hole 47 of the central part 10b.

[0036] As Figure 4As shown, the first hydraulic line 43 extends axially through the first central portion 10a and into the core column 45. At an axial distance from the receiving hole 47, the first hydraulic line 43 terminates at the first hydraulic port 49.

[0037] The first hydraulic port 49 faces radially towards the annular recess 51 in the receiving hole 47. A seal 48 for sealing the core column 45 is arranged on either axial side of the annular recess 51. The annular recess 51 communicates with a second hydraulic line 53 that extends through the second beam 37. The second hydraulic line 53 terminates at the second hydraulic port 41.

[0038] It is now obvious to those skilled in the art that hydraulic fluid and hydraulic pressure can be transmitted between the first hydraulic port 39 and the second hydraulic port 41. Thus, when using the rotary joint 100, for example as Figure 1 shown in the example, the hydraulic line 11 from the oil tanker 3 will be connected to the first hydraulic port 39. The hydraulic line extending between the rotary joint 100 and the connecting device 7 will be connected to the second hydraulic port 41.

[0039] It should also be understood that although only one hydraulic connection is shown in the example embodiment according to Figure 4 , a plurality of hydraulic lines can be arranged, which extend between the first part 100a and the second part 100b. In these embodiments, the core column 45 can include a plurality of first hydraulic lines 43 and first hydraulic ports 49. The receiving hole 47 can be provided with a plurality of annular recesses 51, which are axially distributed and aligned with the first hydraulic ports 49.

[0040] Figure 5 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the rotary joint 100 according to the present invention. It should be understood that this rotary joint has several features in common with the Figure 4 rotary joint 100 shown in. For example, this rotary joint is configured to transmit hydraulic fluid and pressure through the first hydraulic line 43 and the second hydraulic line 53.

[0041] According to Figure 5 the embodiment shown, the rotary joint 100 includes an electrical transmission device, which is configured to transmit electrical signals in addition to hydraulic transmission. The electrical transmission device includes a first electrical line 55, which enters the first body 21 and extends through the first beam 35 towards the first central portion 10a. Although not shown in Figure 5 , the first electrical line 55 extends axially through the core column 45 towards the opposite end of the core column 45 (i.e., Figure 5 the lower end in).

[0042] The electrical transmission device further includes a second electrical line 57 that enters the second body 23 and extends through the second beam 37 towards the central axis A. The second electrical line 57 is connected to an electrical slip ring 59 that is arranged at the central axis A in the second central portion 10b. Although not well depicted in Figure 5 , the slip ring 59 provides electrical connection between the first electrical line 55 and the second electrical line 57 both during rest and during rotation. The slip ring 59 is arranged at the central axis A that extends through the slip ring 59.

[0043] Thus, during use, the rotary joint 100 is configured to provide a flow path for the fluid being transferred, such as crude oil, while enabling the operator to hydraulically actuate mechanisms on the rotating side of the rotary joint and, at the same time, control electrical equipment or electronic gauges on the rotating side. It is noted that there is no limit on the number of revolutions.

[0044] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the rotary joint 100 according to the present invention. The rotary joint 100 includes a number of second hydraulic lines 53 and thus includes a number of first hydraulic lines ( Figure 6 not shown in). This cross-section shows two second hydraulic lines 53 in one of the second beams 37 and two first hydraulic lines 43 in the core column 45. The remaining hydraulic lines are not visible.

[0045] From Figure 6 the curved shape of the hole wall 101b of the second part 100b can also be seen. The second central portion 10b occupies some area in the flow path through the rotary joint 100 (i.e., through the central hole 101). This is at least partly explained by providing the curved shape of the hole wall 101b of the second part 100b. This reduces the variation in the flow rate through the rotary joint 100 because the variation in the cross-sectional area through which the fluid will flow is reduced.

[0046] It is noted that, along a plane orthogonal to the central axis A, the cross-section of the second central portion 10b is larger than the cross-section of the first central portion 10a. Thus, the axial position of the said curved shape of the hole wall 101b is aligned with the second central portion 10b.

[0047] Each of the two opposite ends of the first central portion 10a and the second central portion 10b includes a tapered end. The tapered ends are adapted for fluid to flow through the first central portion 10a and the second central portion 10b.

Claims

1. A fluid swivel joint (100) comprising a first part (100a) and a second part (100b), the first part (100a) and the second part (100b) being configured to rotate relative to each other about a common central axis (A), wherein the fluid swivel joint (100) comprises a central bore (101) configured to receive a fluid to be conveyed through the fluid swivel joint (100). Among them, The fluid swivel joint (100) further comprises: a central member (12) disposed in the central bore (101), wherein the central axis (A) extends through the central member; hydraulic conduits (43, 53) extending from the first part (100a) through the central member (12) to the second part (100b); characterized in that the central member (12) comprises a first central portion (10a) and a second central portion (10b), wherein the first central portion (10a) is part of the first part (100a) and comprises a core column (45), wherein the second central portion (10b) is part of the second part (100b) and comprises a receiving hole (47), and wherein the core column (45) extends into the receiving hole (47).

2. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the hydraulic conduit (43) extends through the core column (45) and comprises a first conduit port (49) aligned with an annular recess (51) of the receiving hole (47).

3. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fluid swivel joint (100) further comprises an electrical transmission device extending from the first part (100a) through the central member (12) to the second part (100b).

4. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrical transmission device comprises a first electrical line (55) and a second electrical line (57), wherein the first electrical line (55) is electrically connected to the second electrical line (57) through a slip ring device (59).

5. The fluid swivel joint (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, characterized in that, The fluid swivel joint (100) is connected between a loading hose (1) carrying an oil-containing fluid and a floating container (3).

6. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fluid swivel joint (100) is connected between a loading hose (1) carrying an oil-containing fluid and a floating container (3).

7. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 6, characterized in that, The central bore (101) comprises a curved hole wall (101b).

8. The fluid swivel joint (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The central bore (101) comprises a curved hole wall (101b).

9. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central bore (101) comprises a curved hole wall (101b).

10. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The central bore (101) comprises a curved hole wall (101b).

11. The fluid swivel joint (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The slip ring device (59) is axially aligned with the curved shape of the hole wall (101b).

12. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, 6, 8-11, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central bore (101) ranges between 20 cm and 70 cm.

13. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central bore (101) ranges between 20 cm and 70 cm.

14. The fluid swivel joint (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central bore (101) ranges between 20 cm and 70 cm.

15. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central bore (101) ranges between 20 cm and 70 cm.

16. The fluid swivel joint (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central bore (101) ranges between 25 cm and 60 cm.

17. The fluid rotary joint (100) according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the central hole (101) ranges between 25 cm and 60 cm.

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