System for transferring fluid to and / or from a ship and method of use thereof
By designing a fluid transmission system including a mooring structure, a fluid rotary joint and a cross conduit, the high cost problem of the prior art operating at extremely low temperatures is solved, and the effect of efficient fluid transmission at higher temperatures is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380067694.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-21
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
The prior art operates at very low temperatures, resulting in the need for expensive special materials and it is difficult to improve systems for fluid transmission.
A system is provided including a mooring structure, a fluid swivel joint, a subsea conduit, a surface conduit and a cross conduit, and the fluid communication and transmission are achieved through the fluid swivel joint and a cross conduit.
The system can effectively transport fluids at higher temperatures, reducing dependence on special materials, and improving the economic and feasibility of the system.
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Figure CN119894763A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 391,151, filed on July 21, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to systems for transferring fluids to and / or from a vessel and methods of using the same. More specifically, the embodiments relate to a fluid transfer system disposed or anchored at an offshore location that can be configured to moor a vessel thereto and transfer fluids to and / or from the vessel. Background Art
[0004] In the offshore renewable energy industry, it is becoming increasingly necessary or desirable to moor vessels and transfer fluids to and / or from the vessel. Certain systems are available, such as cryogenic transfer systems, including systems for transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, these systems operate at extremely low temperatures and therefore require the use of specialized materials that can be very expensive.
[0005]
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems for transferring fluids to and / or from a vessel and methods of using the same. Summary of the invention
[0006] A system for transferring fluid to and / or from a vessel and a method for using the same are provided. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer system may include a mooring structure, a fluid swivel, a first subsea conduit, a second subsea conduit, a first surface conduit, a second surface conduit, and a cross conduit. The mooring structure may be configured to be arranged in a body of water. The mooring structure may include a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion. The fluid swivel may be configured to be arranged on the mooring structure. The fluid swivel may include a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion. The fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path that are isolated from each other and pass therethrough. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel may be coupled to the fixed portion of the mooring structure. The first subsea conduit may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The second subsea conduit may be configured to provide fluid communication between a second pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The first surface conduit may be configured to fluidly connect a fluid storage tank arranged on the vessel and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The first surface conduit may include a valve. The second surface conduit may be configured to fluidically connect the fluid storage tank and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The second surface conduit may include a valve. The cross conduit may include a cross valve. The cross conduit may be configured to provide fluid communication between (i) the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, (ii) the first seafloor conduit and the second seafloor conduit, or (iii) the first seafloor conduit and an optional third pipeline disposed on the seafloor. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first seafloor conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the second seafloor conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
[0007] In other embodiments, a fluid transmission system may include a mooring structure, a fluid swivel, a seafloor conduit, a surface conduit, and a cross conduit. The mooring structure may be configured to be arranged in a body of water. The mooring structure may include a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion. The fluid swivel may be configured to be arranged on the mooring structure. The fluid swivel may include a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion. The fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may define a flow path passing therethrough. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel may be coupled to the fixed portion of the mooring structure. The seafloor conduit may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the fluid flow path defined by the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel. The surface conduit may be configured to fluidly connect a fluid storage tank arranged on a vessel and the fluid flow path defined by the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel. The surface conduit may include a valve. The cross conduit may include a cross valve. The cross conduit may be configured to provide fluid communication between the seafloor conduit and a second pipeline arranged on the seafloor. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the subsea conduit and the surface conduit. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
[0008] In some embodiments, a method for transferring a fluid may include mooring a vessel to a mooring structure disposed in a body of water. The mooring structure may include a fluid swivel, a first subsea conduit, a second subsea conduit, a first surface conduit, a second surface conduit, and a cross conduit. The fluid swivel may be disposed on the mooring structure. The fluid swivel may include a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion. The fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path isolated from each other passing therethrough. The first subsea conduit may be in fluid communication with a first pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The second subsea conduit may be in fluid communication with a second pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The first surface conduit may be in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The first surface conduit may be configured to fluidically connect a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel. The first surface conduit may include a valve. The second surface conduit may be in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel. The second surface conduit may be configured to fluidically connect the fluid storage tank. The second surface conduit may include a valve. The crossover conduit may include a crossover valve. The crossover conduit may be in fluid communication with the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel may be coupled to the mooring structure. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may maintain fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path. The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel may maintain fluid communication between the second subsea conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path. The method may also include connecting the first surface conduit to the fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel. The method may also include closing the valve of the first surface conduit. The method may also include opening the crossover valve. The method may also include flowing the fluid from the first subsea pipeline through the first subsea conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, at least a portion of the first surface conduit, the crossover conduit, at least a portion of the second surface conduit, the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the second subsea conduit, and into the second subsea conduit. In some embodiments, the fluid may have a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure. The method may also include closing the crossover valve. The method may further include opening the valve of the first surface conduit.The method may also include flowing fluid from the first subsea pipeline through the first subsea conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the first surface conduit, and into the fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel. The method may also include closing the valve of the first surface conduit. The method may also include opening the crossover valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding the following detailed description of the invention from the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification.
[0010] Figure 1 A flow chart depicts an example system for transferring fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel according to one or more described embodiments, the system comprising a fluid swivel defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough and at least two surface conduits that can be fluidly connected to each other via cross conduits.
[0011] Figure 2 A flow chart depicts another example system for transferring fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel according to one or more described embodiments, the system including a fluid swivel defining a fluid flow path therethrough and a surface conduit.
[0012] Figure 3 A flow chart depicts another example system for transferring fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel according to one or more described embodiments, the system comprising a fluid swivel defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough, at least two surface conduits, and an optional subsea pipeline terminal manifold.
[0013] Figure 4 A flow chart depicts another example system for transferring fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel according to one or more described embodiments, the system comprising a fluid rotary joint defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough, at least two surface conduits, and at least two subsea conduits, wherein the surface conduits and / or the subsea conduits may be fluidly connected to each other via one or more cross conduits.
[0014] Figure 5A flow chart depicts another example system for transferring fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel according to one or more described embodiments, the system comprising a fluid swivel defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough, at least two surface conduits, and a dedicated subsea recirculation pipeline.
[0015] Figure 6 Depicted is an elevation view of an example fluid transfer system according to one or more described embodiments, the system comprising a catenary anchor leg moored buoy configured to transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel moored to the catenary anchor leg moored buoy.
[0016] Figure 7 Depicted Figure 6 A plan view of an example fluid transfer system and vessel is shown.
[0017] Figure 8 Depicted is a detailed plan view of an example catenary moored buoy configured to moor a vessel thereto and transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel, according to one or more described embodiments.
[0018] Fig. 9 Depicted Figure 8 Elevation view of a catenary anchor leg moored buoy shown.
[0019] Fig.10 Depicted is a plan view of an example pipeline termination manifold including a crossover conduit that may be configured to fluidly connect a first subsea pipeline and a second subsea pipeline disposed on the seafloor, according to one or more described embodiments.
[0020] Fig.11 Depicted is a plan view of another example pipeline termination manifold that may be configured to connect a first subsea pipeline, a second subsea pipeline, and a third subsea pipeline disposed on the seafloor, according to one or more described embodiments.
[0021] Fig.12 Depicted is an elevation view of an example fluid transfer system according to one or more described embodiments, the fluid transfer system including an offshore loading tower configured to transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel that can be moored to the fluid transfer system.
[0022] Fig.13 Depicted Fig.12 A plan view of the fluid transfer system shown.
[0023] Fig.14 Depicted Fig.12 and Fig.13 A partial enlarged plan view of the fluid transfer system shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention and is considered, for infringement purposes, to include equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, in some cases, all references to the "invention" refer only to certain specific or preferred embodiments. In other cases, references to the "invention" refer to the subject matter recited in one or more but not necessarily all claims. It should be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures or functions of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various exemplary embodiments and drawings provided herein. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself define the relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations discussed in the figures. In addition, in the following description, the situation in which the first feature is formed "above" or "on" the second feature includes an embodiment in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and also includes an embodiment in which additional features are formed between the first and second features so that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments given below can be combined in any combination, that is, any element of one exemplary embodiment can be used in any other exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interest of clarity and / or conciseness.
[0025] In addition, in the following description and claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and therefore, the naming conventions for elements herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Likewise, the naming conventions used herein are not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same functions. In addition, in the following discussion and claims, "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including but not limited to."
[0026] All numerical values in the present disclosure are exact values or approximate values ("about") unless otherwise specifically stated. Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope.
[0027] In addition, the term "or" is intended to cover both exclusive and inclusive cases, that is, "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B", unless otherwise expressly provided herein. The indefinite articles "a" and "an" refer to both the singular and the plural (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "up" and "down"; "upward" and "downward"; "upper" and "lower"; "upwardly" and "downwardly"; "above" and "below"; and other similar terms used herein refer to relative positions to each other and are not intended to indicate a particular spatial orientation, as the use of the devices and methods may be equally effective at various angles or orientations.
[0028] Figure 1 A flow chart of an example system 100 for transferring a fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank 165 disposed on a vessel 160 according to one or more embodiments is depicted, the system 100 may include a fluid swivel 120 defining at least two fluid flow paths (two shown in the figure are fluid flow paths 123, 124) passing therethrough and at least two surface conduits (two shown in the figure are surface conduits 131, 132). The surface conduits 131, 132 may be configured to be fluidically connected to each other via a cross conduit 133. In some embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid having a boiling point lower than ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute pressure). In some embodiments, the fluid may be ammonia, petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the fluid may be maintained or substantially maintained in a liquid state at ambient temperature by maintaining the fluid at a higher pressure.
[0029] In some embodiments, the fluid may be ammonia, which may be maintained or substantially maintained in liquid form at a temperature of about 50°C by maintaining the ammonia at a pressure of up to about 2100 kPa absolute pressure. In some embodiments, the ammonia may be maintained or substantially maintained in liquid form at a temperature of 40°C by maintaining the ammonia at a pressure of up to about 1650 kPa absolute pressure. In some embodiments, the ammonia may be refrigerated so that the fluid may be in liquid form at ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ammonia may be about -30°C, about -35°C, about -40°C, about -45°C, or about -50°C to -55°C, -60°C, -65°C or -70°C. In some embodiments, the fluid may be liquid refrigeration ammonia. In some embodiments, the ammonia may be green ammonia and / or blue ammonia, which may be prepared by reacting nitrogen separated from the air with green hydrogen and / or blue hydrogen using electricity generated by renewable energy (e.g., electricity from wind, hydro and / or solar energy).
[0030] In other embodiments, the fluid may be liquefied petroleum gas. In some embodiments, the liquefied petroleum gas may be or may include, but is not limited to, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane, butene, pentane, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the liquefied petroleum gas may also include one or more mercaptans as odorants. In some embodiments, the liquefied petroleum gas may be maintained or substantially maintained in a liquid state at a temperature of about 45°C by maintaining the liquefied petroleum gas at an absolute pressure of about 1090 kPa, an absolute pressure of about 1410 kPa, or an absolute pressure of about 2000 kPa to an absolute pressure of about 4000 kPa, an absolute pressure of about 6240 kPa, an absolute pressure of about 6420 kPa, or an absolute pressure of about 8120 kPa. In some embodiments, the liquefied petroleum gas may be maintained in a liquid state at a temperature of about 32°C by maintaining the liquefied petroleum gas at an absolute pressure of about 1040 kPa, an absolute pressure of about 2070 kPa, or an absolute pressure of about 3000 kPa to an absolute pressure of about 4550 kPa, an absolute pressure of about 6070 kPa, or an absolute pressure of about 7870 kPa. In some embodiments, the boiling point of the LPG at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute pressure) can be about -45°C, about -35°C, or about -30°C to about -20°C, about -10°C, or about 0°C. In some embodiments, the LPG can be refrigerated so that the LPG can be liquid at ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the LPG can be refrigerated to about -35°C, about -40°C, about -45°C, or about -50°C to -55°C, -60°C, -65°C, or -70°C. In some embodiments, the fluid can be a refrigerated LPG in a liquid state.
[0031] In some embodiments, the fluid may be carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the temperature of the carbon dioxide may be about -56.6°C, about -40°C, or about -30°C to about 0°C, about 15°C, or about 31.1°C at a pressure greater than 517 kPa absolute, greater than 618 kPa absolute, greater than 700 kPa absolute, or greater than 800 kPa absolute to about 1000 kPa absolute, about 1500 kPa absolute, about 3000 kPa absolute, or about 5000 kPa absolute. In some embodiments, the fluid may be liquid refrigeration carbon dioxide.
[0032] The system 100 may also include a mooring structure 150. The mooring structure 150 may be a fixed structure, such as an offshore loading tower, or a floating or compliant structure, such as a catenary anchor leg moored buoy (CALM buoy) or a single anchor leg moored buoy (SALM buoy). In some embodiments, the catenary anchor leg moored buoy may be a turret buoy or a turret buoy. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 150 may include a fixed portion 151 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 152. The fixed portion 151 of the mooring structure 150 may be configured to be fixed / stationary relative to the ground or relatively fixed / stationary relative to the ground, which means that the fixed portion 151 of the mooring structure 150 may be configured to not rotate substantially around a vertical axis relative to the ground. In some embodiments, the rotation angle of the fixed portion 151 of the mooring structure 150 relative to the ground around a vertical axis may be about + / -20 degrees or less, about + / -15 degrees or less, or + / -10 degrees or less. The mooring structure 150 may be configured to moor a vessel 160 to the rotating portion 152 of the mooring structure 150 .
[0033] The fluid swivel 120 may be disposed on a moored structure 150. The fluid swivel 120 may include a fixed portion 121 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 122. The fixed portion 121 of the fluid swivel 120 may be coupled to the fixed portion 151 of the moored structure 150. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120 may be coupled to the rotating portion 152 of the moored structure 150. The fluid swivel 120 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the fixed portion 121 and the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120 when the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120 rotates relative to the fixed portion 121 of the fluid swivel 120. As described above, in some embodiments, the fluid swivel 120 may define one or more fluid flow paths therethrough, such as a first fluid flow path 123 and a second fluid flow path 124. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel 120 may define one, three, or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid rotary joint 120 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 123 separate or isolated from the second fluid flow path 124 when the rotating portion 122 of the fluid rotary joint 120 rotates relative to the fixed portion 121 of the fluid rotary joint 120. The fluid rotary joint 120 may also be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 123 separate or isolated from the second fluid flow path 124 when the rotating portion 122 of the fluid rotary joint 120 rotates relative to the fixed portion 121 of the fluid rotary joint 120, while maintaining fluid communication between the first fluid flow path 123 and the second fluid flow path 124 through the fluid rotary joint 120.
[0034] The system 100 may also include a first subsea conduit 105 and a second subsea conduit 106, wherein the first subsea conduit 105 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor and a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120, and the second subsea conduit 106 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a second pipeline 102 disposed on the seafloor and a second fluid flow path 124 defined by the fluid swivel 120. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 105 and the second subsea conduit 106 may each be configured as a rigid conduit, a flexible conduit, or a combination of one or more rigid conduits and one or more flexible conduits.
[0035] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 105 may include a first rigid subsea duct 111 in fluid communication with a first flexible subsea duct 113, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel inlet duct 115, which may be in fluid communication with a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120. In some embodiments, the second subsea duct 106 may include a second rigid subsea duct 112 in fluid communication with a second flexible subsea duct 114, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel outlet duct 116, which may be in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 124 defined by the fluid swivel 120. The swivel inlet duct 115 and the swivel outlet duct 116 may be disposed on a fixed portion 151 of a mooring structure 150 and / or a fixed portion 121 of a fluid swivel 120. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel inlet duct 115 and the fluid swivel outlet duct 116 may be rigid ducts.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first seafloor conduit 105 and / or the second seafloor conduit 106 may each optionally include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the first rigid seafloor conduit 111 and / or the second rigid seafloor conduit 114 may each include at least one valve 103, 104. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet conduit 115 and / or the swivel outlet conduit 116 may each include at least one valve 107, 108.
[0037] As described above, the system 100 may also include a first surface conduit 131, a second surface conduit 132, and a cross conduit 133. The first surface conduit 131 may be configured to fluidically connect the first fluid flow path 123 defined by the fluid swivel 120 and a loading pipe 161 disposed on the vessel 160. The loading pipe 161 disposed on the vessel 160 may include a boarding valve 162 and may be in fluid communication with a tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160. The first surface conduit 131 may include at least one valve 136. In some embodiments, the valve 136 may be disposed on the rotating portion 152 of the mooring structure 150 and / or the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 131 may include a rigid conduit 135 disposed on the rotating portion 152 of the mooring structure 150 and / or the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120, the rigid conduit 135 being in fluid communication with the first flexible or first floating conduit 140. In some embodiments, the first flexible conduit 140 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. When the conduit is configured to float near the surface of the body of water, at least a portion of the top between the first end and the second end can be just below the surface of the body of water, or located at a depth of about 0.1m, about 1m, about 2m, about 3m, about 4m, about 5m, about 6m, about 7m or deeper below the surface of the body of water. In some embodiments, the first flexible conduit 140 can include a valve 141. The second surface conduit 132 can be configured to be in fluid communication with the second fluid path 124 defined by the fluid swivel 120. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 132 can be arranged on the rotating portion 152 of the mooring structure 150 and / or the rotating portion 122 of the fluid swivel 120. The cross conduit 133 can be configured to fluidly connect the first surface conduit 131 and the second surface conduit 132. In some embodiments, the crossover conduit 133 may include a crossover valve 134, so that fluid communication between the first surface conduit 131 and the second surface conduit 132 via the crossover conduit 133 can be allowed or blocked via the crossover valve 134. In some embodiments, the crossover valve 134 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0038] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120, a first surface conduit 131, a loading pipe 161 disposed on a vessel 160, and into a storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160. In other embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through the first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120, a portion of the first surface conduit 131, a cross conduit 133, a second surface conduit 132, a second fluid flow path 124 defined by a fluid swivel 120, a second seafloor conduit 106, and into a second pipeline 102 disposed on the seafloor.
[0039] In other embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120, a first surface conduit 131, a loading pipe 161 disposed on a vessel 160, and into a storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160. Once the fluid storage tank 165 is filled to a desired level, the valve 136 may be closed and the crossover valve 134 may be opened to allow the fluid to flow therethrough and into the second surface conduit 132, and finally into the second pipeline 102 disposed on the seafloor. In some other embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to allow the fluid to flow from the first pipeline 101 disposed on the seabed, through the first seabed conduit 105, the first fluid flow path 123 defined by the fluid swivel 120, a portion of the first surface conduit 131, the cross conduit 133, the second surface conduit 132, the second fluid flow path 124 defined by the fluid swivel 120, the second seabed conduit 106, and into the second pipeline 102 disposed on the seabed. Subsequently, the crossover valve 134 is closed and the valves 136, 141, 162 are opened, and then the fluid is allowed to flow through the first surface conduit 131, the loading pipe 161 disposed on the vessel 160, and into the storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160.
[0040] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to flow an inert gas from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid swivel 120, a first surface conduit 131, and into a loading pipe 161 disposed on a vessel 160, so as to remove moisture or water in the system 100 before the fluid flows through the system 100. In some embodiments, the inert gas can be a non-flammable gas. In some embodiments, the inert gas can be or can include, but is not limited to, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the inert gas can be an exhaust gas or a dried exhaust gas, such as an exhaust gas or a dried exhaust gas generated by a vessel 160. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to allow an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to flow from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid rotary joint 120, a first surface conduit 131, and into a loading pipe 161 disposed on a vessel 160 so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of residual fluid in at least a portion of the system 100 after transferring the fluid to a storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160.
[0041] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to allow an inert gas to flow from a first pipeline 101 arranged on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid rotary joint 120, a portion of a first surface conduit 131, a cross conduit 133, a second surface conduit 132, a second fluid flow path 124 defined by the fluid rotary joint 120, a second seafloor conduit 106 and into a second pipeline 102 arranged on the seafloor, so as to remove or reduce moisture or water in at least a portion of the system 100 before allowing the fluid to flow through the system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to allow an inert gas to flow from a first pipeline 101 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 105, a first fluid flow path 123 defined by a fluid rotary joint 120, a portion of a first surface conduit 131, a cross conduit 133, a second surface conduit 132, a second fluid flow path 124 defined by the fluid rotary joint 120, a second seabed conduit 106 and into a second pipeline 102 arranged on the seabed so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of the residual fluid in at least a portion of the system 100 after the fluid is transferred to a storage tank 165 arranged on a vessel 160.
[0042] In other embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to allow the inert gas to flow from the vessel 160, through the loading pipe 161, the first surface conduit 131, the cross conduit 133, the second surface conduit 132, the fluid swivel 120, the second subsea conduit 106, and into the second pipeline 102 disposed on the seafloor, so as to remove or reduce moisture or water in at least a portion of the system 100 before the fluid flows through the system 100. In other embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to allow the inert gas to flow from the vessel 160, through the loading pipe 161, the first surface conduit 131, the cross conduit 133, the second surface conduit 132, the fluid swivel 120, the second subsea conduit 106, and into the second pipeline 102 disposed on the seafloor, so as to remove or reduce the concentration of the fluid in the system 100 after the fluid is transferred to the storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160.
[0043] In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a nitrogen bottle or nitrogen generator (not shown) arranged on the mooring structure 150, which may include a regulator or control valve in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 131, the second fluid conduit 132, the cross conduit 133 or the fluid rotary joint 120 to remove gaseous and / or liquid media in at least a portion of the system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a discharge conduit (not shown) in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 131, the second surface conduit 132 and / or the cross conduit 133. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit can discharge gaseous and / or liquid media into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the fluid can be diluted in a container or tank (not shown) to a concentration that is suitable or otherwise acceptable for discharging the fluid into the atmosphere according to local regulations. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may include a valve. In other embodiments, the gaseous and / or liquid media can be processed on the ship 160 or on shore to remove impurities.
[0044] Figure 2 A flow chart depicts another example system 200 for transferring a fluid to and / or from a tank 265 disposed on a vessel 260, according to one or more embodiments, the system 200 comprising a fluid swivel 220 defining a fluid flow path 223 therethrough and a surface conduit 231. In some embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid having a boiling point below ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute). In some embodiments, the fluid may be as described with reference to Figure 1The system 200 may further include a mooring structure 250. The mooring structure 250 may be a fixed structure, such as an offshore loading tower, or a floating or compliant structure, such as a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy or a single anchor leg mooring buoy. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 250 may include a fixed portion 251 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 251. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 250 may be a reference Figure 1 The mooring structure 150.
[0045] The fluid swivel 220 may be disposed on a moored structure 250. The fluid swivel 220 may include a fixed portion 221 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 222. The fluid swivel 220 defines at least one fluid flow path 223 therethrough. The fixed portion 221 of the fluid swivel 220 may be coupled to the fixed portion 252 of the moored structure 250. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 222 of the fluid swivel 220 may be coupled to the rotating portion 251 of the moored structure 250. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel 220 may be a straight-through swivel. The fluid swivel 220 may maintain fluid communication between the fixed portion 221 and the rotating portion 222 of the fluid swivel 220 via at least one flow path 223 when the rotating portion 222 of the fluid swivel 220 rotates relative to the fixed portion 221 of the fluid swivel 220.
[0046] The system 200 may include a first subsea conduit 205 and a second subsea conduit 206, wherein the first subsea conduit 205 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline 201 disposed on the seafloor and a first fluid flow path 223 defined by a fluid swivel 220, and the second subsea conduit 206 may be configured to provide fluid communication with a second pipeline 202 disposed on the seafloor. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 205 and the second subsea conduit 206 may be independently configured as a rigid conduit, a flexible conduit, or a combination of a rigid conduit and a flexible conduit.
[0047] In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 205 may include a first rigid subsea conduit 211 in fluid communication with a first flexible subsea conduit 213, the first flexible subsea conduit 213 may be in fluid communication with a swivel inlet conduit 215, and the swivel inlet conduit 215 may be in fluid communication with a first fluid flow path 223 defined by the fluid swivel 220. In some embodiments, the second subsea conduit 206 may be a second rigid subsea conduit. The swivel inlet conduit 215 may be disposed on a fixed portion 252 of the mooring structure 250. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel inlet conduit 215 may be a rigid conduit.
[0048] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 205 and / or the second subsea duct 206 may each include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the first rigid subsea duct 211 and / or the second subsea duct 206 may include at least one valve 203, 204, respectively. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet duct 215 may include at least one valve 207. The system 200 may include a subsea cross-duct 270 configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea duct 205 and the second subsea duct 206. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 270 may be configured as a rigid duct. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 270 may provide fluid communication between the first rigid subsea duct 211 and the second subsea duct 206. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 270 may include a subsea cross-valve 271, so that the fluid communication between the first subsea duct 205 and the second subsea duct 206 via the cross-duct 270 may be allowed or prevented via the cross-valve 271. In some embodiments, the cross-valve 271 may be configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0049] The system 200 may also include a surface conduit 231. The surface conduit 231 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid flow path 223 defined by the fluid swivel 220 and a loading pipe 261 disposed on the vessel 260. The loading pipe 261 disposed on the vessel 260 may include a boarding valve 262 and may be in fluid communication with a storage tank 265 disposed on the vessel 260. The surface conduit 231 may include at least one valve 236. In some embodiments, the valve 236 may be disposed on the rotating portion 252 of the moored structure 250. In some embodiments, the surface conduit 231 may include a rigid conduit 235 disposed on the rotating portion 252 of the moored structure 250 and / or the rotating portion 222 of the fluid swivel 220, the rigid conduit 235 being in fluid communication with a flexible or floating conduit 240. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 240 may include a valve 241. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 240 may be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water.
[0050] In some embodiments, the system 200 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 201 disposed on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 205, a seabed cross conduit 270, a second seabed conduit 206, and into a second pipeline 202 disposed on the seabed. In some embodiments, the system 200 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 201 disposed on the seabed, through the first seabed conduit 205, a fluid flow path 223 of a fluid swivel 220, a surface conduit 231, a loading pipe 261 disposed on a vessel 260, and into a storage tank 165 disposed on the vessel 160.
[0051] In some embodiments, the system 200 may be configured to allow an inert gas to flow from a first pipeline 201 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 205, a fluid flow path 223 of a fluid swivel 220, a surface conduit 231, and into a loading pipe 261 disposed on a vessel 260, so as to remove moisture or water from at least a portion of the system 200 before the fluid flows through the system 200. In some embodiments, the system 200 may be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 201 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 205, a fluid flow path 223 of a fluid swivel 220, a surface conduit 231, and into a loading pipe 261 disposed on a vessel 260, so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of the fluid in the system 200 after the fluid flows through the system. In some embodiments, the system 200 may include a nitrogen bottle or nitrogen generator (not shown) arranged on the mooring structure 250, which may include a regulator or control valve in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 231 or the swivel 220 to remove fluid in at least a portion of the system 200. In some embodiments, the system 200 may include a discharge conduit (not shown) in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 231. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may discharge the fluid into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the fluid may be diluted in a container or tank (not shown) to a concentration that is suitable or otherwise acceptable for discharging the fluid into the atmosphere according to local regulations. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may include a valve.
[0052] Figure 3A flow chart depicts another example system 300 for transferring fluid to and / or from a storage tank 365 disposed on a vessel 360 according to one or more embodiments, the system 300 comprising a fluid swivel 320 defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough (two shown in the figure are fluid flow paths 323, 324), at least two surface conduits (two shown in the figure are surface conduits 331, 332), and an optional subsea pipeline terminal manifold 380. In some embodiments, the fluid can be a liquid having a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute pressure). In some embodiments, the fluid can be as described with reference to Figure 1 The system 300 may further include a mooring structure 350. The mooring structure 350 may be a fixed structure, such as a fixed mooring tower, or a floating or compliant structure, such as a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy or a single anchor leg mooring buoy. The mooring structure 350 may include a fixed portion 352 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 351. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 350 may be a reference Figure 1 The mooring structure 150.
[0053] The fluid swivel 320 may be disposed on a moored structure 350. The fluid swivel 320 may include a fixed portion 321 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 322. The fixed portion 321 of the fluid swivel 320 may be coupled to a fixed portion 352 of the moored structure 350. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 322 of the fluid swivel 320 may be coupled to the rotating portion 351 of the moored structure 350. The fluid swivel 320 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the fixed portion 321 and the rotating portion 322 when the rotating portion 322 of the fluid swivel 320 rotates relative to the fixed portion 321 of the fluid swivel 320.
[0054] In some embodiments, the fluid rotary joint 320 may define a first fluid flow path 323 and a second fluid flow path 324 therethrough. In other embodiments, the fluid rotary joint 320 may define three or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid rotary joint 320 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 323 separate from the second fluid flow path 324 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 322 of the fluid rotary joint 320 rotates relative to the fixed portion 321 of the fluid rotary joint 320. The fluid rotary joint 320 may also be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 323 separate from the second fluid flow path 324 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 322 of the fluid rotary joint 320 rotates relative to the fixed portion 321 of the fluid rotary joint 320, while maintaining fluid communication through the first fluid flow path 323 of the fluid rotary joint 320 and the second fluid flow path 324 of the fluid rotary joint 320.
[0055] The system 300 may include a first subsea conduit 305 and a second subsea conduit 306, wherein the first subsea conduit 305 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor and a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320, and the second subsea conduit 306 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a second subsea pipeline 302 disposed on the seafloor and a second fluid flow path 324 defined by the fluid swivel 320. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 305 and the second subsea conduit 306 may be independently configured as a rigid conduit, a flexible conduit, or a combination of a rigid conduit and a flexible conduit.
[0056] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 305 may include a first rigid subsea duct 311 in fluid communication with a first flexible subsea duct 313, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel inlet duct 315, which may be in fluid communication with a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320. In some embodiments, the second subsea duct 306 may include a second rigid subsea duct 312 in fluid communication with a second flexible subsea duct 314, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel outlet duct 316, which may be in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 324 defined by a fluid swivel 320. The swivel inlet duct 315 and the swivel outlet duct 316 may be disposed on a fixed portion 351 of a mooring structure 350. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel inlet duct 315 and the fluid swivel outlet duct 316 may be rigid ducts.
[0057] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 305 and / or the second subsea duct 306 may each optionally include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the first rigid subsea duct 311 and / or the second rigid subsea duct 312 may include at least one valve 303, 304, respectively. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet duct 315 and / or the swivel outlet duct 316 may include at least one valve 307, 308, respectively. In some embodiments, the system 300 may include a subsea cross-duct 370 configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea duct 305 and the second subsea duct 306. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 370 may be configured as a rigid duct arranged on an optional pipeline terminal manifold 380. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 370 may provide fluid communication between the first rigid subsea duct 311 and the second rigid subsea duct 312. In some embodiments, the subsea cross-duct 370 may include a subsea cross-valve 371, so that fluid communication between the first subsea duct 305 and the second surface duct 306 via the cross-duct may be allowed or prevented via the cross-valve 371. In some embodiments, the crossover valve 371 may be configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0058] As described above, the system 300 may also include a first surface conduit 331 and a second surface conduit 332. The system 300 may also include a cross conduit 333. The first surface conduit 331 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid flow path 323 defined by the fluid swivel 320 and a loading pipe 363 disposed on the vessel 360. The loading pipe 363 disposed on the vessel 360 may include a boarding valve 362 and may be in fluid communication with a tank 365 disposed on the vessel 360. The first surface conduit 331 may include at least one valve 336. In some embodiments, the valve 336 may be disposed on the rotating portion 352 of the mooring structure 350. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 331 may include a rigid surface conduit 335 disposed on the rotating portion 352 of the mooring structure 350 and / or the rotating portion 322 of the fluid swivel 320, and the rigid surface conduit 335 may be in fluid communication with the flexible or surface conduit 340. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 340 may include a valve 341. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 340 can be a flexible hose or a flexible pipe. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 340 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. The second surface conduit 332 can be configured to provide fluid communication of the second fluid path 324 defined by the fluid swivel 320. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 332 can be arranged on the rotating portion 352 of the mooring structure 350. The cross conduit 333 can be configured to fluidly connect the first surface conduit 331 and the second surface conduit 332. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 333 can include a cross valve 334, so that the fluid communication between the first surface conduit 331 and the second surface conduit 332 via the cross conduit 333 can be allowed or prevented via the cross valve 334. In some embodiments, the cross valve 334 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0059] In some embodiments, the system 300 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320, a first surface conduit 331, a loading pipe 361 disposed on a vessel 360, and into a storage tank 365 disposed on the vessel 360. In other embodiments, the system 300 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor, through the first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320, a portion of the first surface conduit 331, a cross conduit 333, a second surface conduit 332, a second fluid flow path 324 defined by a fluid swivel 320, a second seafloor conduit 306, and into a second pipeline 302 disposed on the seafloor. In other embodiments, the system 300 may be configured to allow fluid to flow from a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor, through a portion of a first seafloor conduit 305, a seafloor cross conduit 370, a portion of a second seafloor conduit 306, and into a second pipeline 302 disposed on the seafloor.
[0060] In some embodiments, the system 300 may be configured to flow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320, a first surface conduit 331, and into a loading pipe 361 disposed on a vessel 360, so as to remove moisture or water from the system 300 before flowing the fluid. In some embodiments, the system 300 may be configured to flow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) from a first pipeline 101 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid swivel 320, a first surface conduit 331, and into a loading pipe 361 disposed on a vessel 360, after flowing the fluid, so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of the fluid in at least a portion of the system 300. In some embodiments, the system 300 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid rotary joint 320, a portion of a first surface conduit 331, a cross conduit 333, a second surface conduit 332, a second fluid flow path 324 defined by the fluid rotary joint 320, a second seafloor conduit 306, and into a second pipeline 302 disposed on the seafloor, so as to remove moisture or water from at least a portion of the system 300 before allowing the fluid to flow. In some embodiments, the system 300 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 301 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 305, a first fluid flow path 323 defined by a fluid rotary joint 320, a portion of a first surface conduit 331, a cross conduit 333, a second surface conduit 332, a second fluid flow path 324 defined by the fluid rotary joint 320, a second seafloor conduit 306, and into a second pipeline 302 disposed on the seafloor so as to remove moisture or water from at least a portion of the system 300 after allowing the fluid to flow, so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of the fluid from at least a portion of the system 300.
[0061] In some embodiments, the system 300 may include a nitrogen bottle or nitrogen generator 320 (not shown) disposed on the mooring structure 350, which may include a regulator or control valve in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 331, the second fluid conduit 332, the cross conduit 333, or the swivel 320 to purge at least a portion of the liquid in at least a portion of the system 300. In some embodiments, the system 300 may include an exhaust conduit (not shown) in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 331, the second surface conduit 332, and / or the cross conduit 333. In some embodiments, the exhaust conduit may exhaust the fluid to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the exhaust conduit includes a valve.
[0062] Figure 4 A flow chart depicts another example system 400 for transferring fluid to and / or from a tank 465 disposed on a vessel 460 according to one or more embodiments, the system 400 may include a fluid swivel 420 defining at least two fluid flow paths therethrough (the two shown in the figure are fluid flow paths 423, 424), at least two surface conduits (the two shown in the figure are surface conduits 431, 432), and at least two subsea conduits (the two shown in the figure are subsea conduits 405, 406). In some embodiments, the surface conduits 431, 432 may be in fluid communication with each other via a cross conduit 433 and / or a cross conduit 442. In some embodiments, the subsea conduits 405, 406 may be in fluid communication with each other via a cross conduit 470. In some embodiments, the fluid may be as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 The system 400 may include a mooring structure 450. The mooring structure 450 may be a fixed structure, such as a fixed mooring tower, or a floating or compliant structure, such as a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy or a single anchor leg mooring buoy. The mooring structure 450 may include a rotating portion 451 rotatably coupled to a fixed portion 452. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 450 may be a reference Figure 1 The mooring structure 150.
[0063] The fluid swivel 420 may be disposed on a moored structure 450. The fluid swivel 420 may include a fixed portion 421 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 422. The fixed portion 421 of the fluid swivel 420 may be coupled to the fixed portion 452 of the moored structure 450. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 422 of the fluid swivel 420 may be coupled to the rotating portion 451 of the moored structure 450. The fluid swivel 420 may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the fixed portion 421 of the fluid swivel 420 and the rotating portion 422 of the fluid swivel 420 when the rotating portion 422 of the fluid swivel 420 rotates relative to the fixed portion 421 of the fluid swivel 420.
[0064] In some embodiments, as described above, the fluid rotary joint 420 may define a first fluid flow path 423 and a second fluid flow path 424 therethrough. In other embodiments, the fluid rotary joint 420 may define three or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid rotary joint 420 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 423 separate from the second fluid flow path 424 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 422 of the fluid rotary joint 420 rotates relative to the fixed portion 421 of the fluid rotary joint 420. The fluid rotary joint 420 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 423 separate from the second fluid flow path 424 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 422 of the fluid rotary joint 420 rotates relative to the fixed portion 421 of the fluid rotary joint 420, while maintaining fluid communication through the first fluid flow path 423 of the fluid rotary joint 420 and the second fluid flow path 424 of the fluid rotary joint 420.
[0065] As described above, the system 400 may further include a first subsea conduit 405 and a second subsea conduit 406. The first subsea conduit 405 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seabed and a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, and the second subsea conduit 406 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a second subsea pipeline 402 disposed on the seabed and a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid swivel 420. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 405 and the second subsea conduit 406 may be independently configured as a rigid conduit, a flexible conduit, or a combination of a rigid conduit and a flexible conduit.
[0066] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 405 may include a first rigid subsea duct 411 in fluid communication with a first flexible subsea duct 413, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel inlet duct 415, which may be in fluid communication with a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420. In some embodiments, the second subsea duct 406 may include a second rigid subsea duct 412 in fluid communication with a second flexible subsea duct 414, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel outlet duct 416, which may be in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid swivel 420. The swivel inlet duct 415 and the swivel outlet duct 416 may be disposed on a fixed portion 451 of a moored structure 450. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel inlet duct 415 and the fluid swivel outlet duct 416 may be rigid ducts.
[0067] In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 405 and / or the second subsea conduit 406 may each optionally include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the first rigid subsea conduit 411 and / or the second rigid subsea conduit 414 may include at least one valve 403, 404, respectively. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet conduit 415 and / or the swivel outlet conduit 416 may include at least one valve 407, 408, respectively. In some embodiments, as described above, the system 400 may include a subsea cross conduit 470 configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea conduit 405 and the second subsea conduit 406. In some embodiments, the subsea cross conduit 470 may be configured as a rigid conduit disposed on an optional pipeline terminal manifold 480. In some embodiments, the subsea cross conduit 470 may provide fluid communication between the first rigid subsea conduit 411 and the second rigid subsea conduit 412. In some embodiments, the subsea cross conduit 470 may include a subsea cross valve 471, so that fluid communication between the first subsea conduit 405 and the second surface conduit 406 via the cross conduit 470 may be allowed or prevented via opening and closing the cross valve 471. In some embodiments, the crossover valve 471 may be configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remotely-controlled valve, or a manually-operated valve.
[0068] As described above, the system 400 may also include a first surface conduit 431 and a second surface conduit 432. In some embodiments, the system 400 may optionally include at least one of a first cross conduit 433 and a second cross conduit 442. The first surface conduit 431 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid flow path 423 defined by the fluid swivel 420 and a loading pipe 461 disposed on the vessel 460. The loading pipe 461 disposed on the vessel 460 may include a boarding valve 462 and may be in fluid communication with a storage tank 465 disposed on the vessel 460. The first surface conduit 431 may include at least one valve 436. In some embodiments, the valve 436 may be disposed on the rotating portion 452 of the moored structure 450. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 431 may include a first rigid surface conduit 435 disposed on the rotating portion 452 of the moored structure 450, which may be in fluid communication with the first flexible or floating conduit 440. In some embodiments, the first flexible conduit 440 may include a valve 441. In some embodiments, the first flexible conduit 440 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. The second surface conduit 432 can be configured to provide fluid communication between the second fluid flow path 424 defined by the fluid swivel 420 and the discharge pipe 463 disposed on the vessel 460. The discharge pipe 463 disposed on the vessel 460 can include a valve 462 and can be in fluid communication with a tank 465 disposed on the vessel 460. The second surface conduit 432 can include at least one valve 438. In some embodiments, the valve 438 can be disposed on the rotating portion 452 of the mooring structure 450. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 432 can include a second rigid surface conduit 437 disposed on the rotating portion 452 of the mooring structure 450, and the second rigid surface conduit 437 can be in fluid communication with the second flexible or floating conduit 445. In some embodiments, the second flexible conduit 445 can include a valve 444. In some embodiments, the second flexible conduit 445 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. The first cross conduit 433 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 431 and the second surface conduit 432. In some embodiments, the first cross conduit 433 can be configured to fluidically connect the first rigid surface conduit 435 and the second rigid surface conduit 437. In some embodiments, the first cross conduit 433 can include a first cross valve 434, so that fluid communication between the first surface conduit 431 and the second surface conduit 432 via the cross conduit 433 can be allowed or prevented by opening and closing the cross valve 434. In some embodiments, the cross valve 434 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0069] In some embodiments, the second cross conduit 442 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 431 and the second surface conduit 432. In some embodiments, the second cross conduit 433 can be configured to fluidically connect the first flexible surface conduit 435 and the second rigid surface conduit 437. In other embodiments, the second cross conduit 433 can be configured to fluidically connect the loading tube 461 and the discharge tube 463. In some embodiments, the second cross conduit 442 can include a second cross valve 443, so that the fluid communication between the first surface conduit 431 and the second surface conduit 432 via the second cross conduit 442 can be allowed or prevented via the cross valve 443. In some embodiments, the cross valve 443 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0070] In some embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a first surface conduit 431, a loading pipe 461 disposed on a vessel 460, and into a storage tank 465 disposed on the vessel 460. In other embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow a gaseous fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a storage tank disposed on a vessel, through a discharge pipe 463 disposed on the vessel 460, a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a second seafloor conduit 406, and into a second seafloor pipeline 402 disposed on the seafloor.
[0071] In other embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a first cross conduit 433, a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a second seafloor conduit 406, and into a second pipeline 402 disposed on the seafloor. In other embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a second cross conduit 442, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a second seafloor conduit 406, and into a second pipeline 402 disposed on the seafloor.
[0072] In other embodiments, when the second cross conduit 442 is configured to provide fluid communication between the loading conduit 461 and the discharge conduit 463, the system 400 may be configured to allow the fluid to flow from the first pipeline 401 disposed on the seabed, through the first seabed conduit 405, the first fluid flow path 423 defined by the fluid swivel 420, the first surface conduit 431, the second cross conduit 442, the second surface conduit 432, the second fluid flow path 424 defined by the fluid swivel 420, the second seabed conduit 406, and into the second pipeline 402 disposed on the seabed. In other embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow the fluid to flow from the first pipeline 401 disposed on the seabed, through a portion of the first seabed conduit 405, the seabed cross conduit 470, a portion of the second seabed conduit 406, and into the second pipeline 402 disposed on the seabed.
[0073] In some embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a first surface conduit 431, and into a loading pipe 461 disposed on a vessel 460, so as to remove moisture or water from the system 400 before the fluid flows through the system 400. In other embodiments, the system 400 may be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid swivel 420, a first surface conduit 431, and into a loading pipe 461 disposed on a vessel 460, so as to remove at least a portion of the residual fluid from the system 400 after the fluid flows through the system 400.
[0074] In other embodiments, the system 400 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid rotary joint 420, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a first cross conduit 433 and / or a second cross conduit 442, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by the fluid rotary joint 420, a second seabed conduit 406 and into a second pipeline 402 arranged on the seabed so as to remove at least a portion of moisture or water from the system 400 before allowing the fluid to flow into a fluid storage tank 465. In other embodiments, the system 400 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid rotary joint 420, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a first cross conduit 433 and / or a second cross conduit 442, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by the fluid rotary joint 420, a second seabed conduit 406, and into a second pipeline 402 arranged on the seabed after allowing the fluid to flow through the system 400, so as to remove at least a portion of the residual fluid of the system 400.
[0075] In other embodiments, the system 400 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid rotary joint 420, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a second cross conduit 442, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by a fluid rotary joint 420, a second seabed conduit 406, and into a second pipeline 402 arranged on the seabed, so as to remove at least a portion of the moisture or water from the system 400 before allowing the fluid to flow through the system 400. In other embodiments, the system 400 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 401 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 405, a first fluid flow path 423 defined by a fluid rotary joint 420, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 431, a second cross conduit 442, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 432, a second fluid flow path 424 defined by the fluid rotary joint 420, a second seafloor conduit 406, and into a second pipeline 402 disposed on the seafloor after allowing the fluid to flow through the system to remove at least a portion of the residual fluid of the system 400.
[0076] In some embodiments, the system 400 may include a nitrogen bottle or nitrogen generator (not shown) arranged on the mooring structure 450, which may include a regulator or control valve in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 431, the second surface conduit 432, the first cross conduit 433, the second cross conduit 442 or the swivel joint 420 to remove moisture and / or at least a portion of the fluid of the system 400. In some embodiments, the system 400 may include a discharge conduit (not shown) in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 431, the second surface conduit 432, the first cross conduit 433 and / or the second cross conduit 442. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit can discharge the fluid into the atmosphere. In other embodiments, the fluid can be diluted in a container or tank (not shown) to a concentration that is suitable or otherwise acceptable for discharging the fluid into the atmosphere according to local regulations. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may include a valve.
[0077] Figure 5 A flow chart depicts another example system 500 for transferring fluid to and / or from a storage tank 565 disposed on a vessel 560 according to one or more embodiments, the system 500 comprising a fluid swivel 520 defining at least two flow paths therethrough (the two shown in the figure are flow paths 523, 524), at least two surface conduits (the two shown in the figure are surface conduits 531, 532), and a dedicated subsea recirculation pipeline 590. The system 500 may also include a mooring structure 550. The mooring structure 550 may be a fixed structure, such as a fixed mooring tower, or a floating or compliant structure, such as a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy or a single anchor leg mooring buoy. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 550 may be a reference Figure 1 The mooring structure 150.
[0078] The fluid swivel 520 may be disposed on a moored structure 550. The fluid swivel 520 may include a fixed portion 521 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 522. The fixed portion 521 of the fluid swivel 520 may be coupled to the fixed portion 551 of the moored structure 550. The rotating portion 522 of the fluid swivel 520 may be coupled to the rotating portion 552 of the moored structure 550. The fluid swivel 520 may be configured to maintain fluid communication between the fixed portion 521 of the fluid swivel 520 and the rotating portion 522 of the fluid swivel 520 when the rotating portion 522 of the fluid swivel 520 rotates relative to the fixed portion 521 of the fluid swivel 520.
[0079] In some embodiments, as described above, the fluid rotary joint 520 can define a first fluid flow path 523 and a second fluid flow path 524 therethrough. In other embodiments, the fluid rotary joint 520 can define three or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid rotary joint 520 can be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 523 separate from the second fluid flow path 524 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 522 of the fluid rotary joint 520 rotates relative to the fixed portion 521 of the fluid rotary joint 520. The fluid rotary joint 520 can be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 523 separate from the second fluid flow path 524 or isolated from each other when the rotating portion 522 of the fluid rotary joint 520 rotates relative to the fixed portion 521 of the fluid rotary joint 520, while maintaining fluid communication through the first fluid flow path 523 of the fluid rotary joint 520 and the second fluid flow path 524 of the fluid rotary joint 520.
[0080] The system 500 may also include a first subsea conduit 505 and a second subsea conduit 506. The first subsea conduit 505 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seabed and a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, and the second subsea conduit 506 may be configured to provide fluid communication between a second subsea pipeline 502 disposed on the seabed and a second fluid flow path 524 defined by the fluid swivel 520. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 505 and the second subsea conduit 506 may be independently configured as a rigid conduit, a flexible conduit, or a combination of a rigid conduit and a flexible conduit.
[0081] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 505 may include a first rigid subsea duct 511 in fluid communication with a first flexible subsea duct 513, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel inlet duct 515, which may be in fluid communication with a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520. In some embodiments, the second subsea duct 506 may include a second rigid subsea duct 512 in fluid communication with a second flexible subsea duct 514, which may be in fluid communication with a swivel outlet duct 516, which may be in fluid communication with a second fluid flow path 524 defined by a fluid swivel 520. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet duct 515 and the swivel outlet duct 516 may be disposed on a fixed portion 551 of a moored structure 550. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet duct 515 and the swivel outlet duct 516 may be rigid ducts.
[0082] In some embodiments, the first subsea duct 505 and / or the second subsea duct 506 may each optionally include one or more valves. In some embodiments, the first rigid subsea duct 511 and / or the second rigid subsea duct 514 may include at least one valve 503, 504, respectively. In some embodiments, the swivel inlet duct 515 and / or the swivel outlet duct 516 may include at least one valve 507, 508, respectively. In some embodiments, the system 500 may include a third subsea duct 591 configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea duct 505 and a third pipeline or dedicated subsea recirculation pipeline 590 disposed on the seabed. In some embodiments, the third subsea duct 591 may be configured as a rigid duct disposed on an optional pipeline terminal manifold 580. In some embodiments, the third subsea duct 591 provides fluid communication between the first rigid subsea duct 511 and the third pipeline 590 disposed on the seabed. In some embodiments, the third subsea conduit 591 includes a subsea valve 592, so that the fluid communication between the first subsea conduit 505 and the third pipeline 590 arranged on the seabed via the third subsea conduit 591 can be allowed or blocked by the subsea valve 592. The valve 592 can be configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0083] As described above, the system 500 may also include a first surface conduit 531 and a second surface conduit 532. In some embodiments, the system 500 may also include a surface or first surface cross conduit 533 and / or a surface or second surface cross conduit 542. The first surface conduit 531 may be configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid flow path 523 defined by the fluid swivel 520 and a loading pipe 561 disposed on the vessel 560. The loading pipe 561 disposed on the vessel 560 may include a boarding valve 562 and may be in fluid communication with a fluid storage tank 565 disposed on the vessel 560. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 531 may include at least one valve 536. In some embodiments, the valve 536 may be disposed on the rotating portion 552 of the moored structure 550. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 531 may include a first rigid surface conduit 535 disposed on the rotating portion 552 of the moored structure 550, and the first rigid surface conduit 535 may be in fluid communication with the first flexible conduit 540. In some embodiments, the first flexible or floating conduit 540 may include at least one valve 541. In some embodiments, the first flexible conduit 540 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. The second surface conduit 532 can be configured to provide fluid communication between the second fluid flow path 524 defined by the fluid swivel 520 and the discharge pipe 563 arranged on the vessel 560. The discharge pipe 563 arranged on the vessel 560 can include a valve 564 and can be in fluid communication with a tank 565 arranged on the vessel 560. The second surface conduit 532 can include at least one valve 538. In some embodiments, the valve 538 can be arranged on the rotating portion 552 of the mooring structure 550. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 532 can include a second rigid surface conduit 537 arranged on the rotating portion 552 of the mooring structure 550, and the second rigid surface conduit 537 can be in fluid communication with the second flexible or floating conduit 545. In some embodiments, the second flexible conduit 545 can include a valve 544. In some embodiments, the second flexible conduit 545 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water. The cross conduit 533 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 531 and the second surface conduit 532. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 533 can be configured to fluidically connect the first rigid surface conduit 535 and the second rigid surface conduit 537. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 533 can include a cross valve 534, so that the fluid communication between the first surface conduit 531 and the second surface conduit 532 via the cross conduit 533 can be allowed or prevented via the cross valve 534. In some embodiments, the cross valve 534 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve. The second cross conduit 542 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 531 and the second surface conduit 532.In some embodiments, the second cross conduit 542 can be configured to fluidically connect the first flexible surface conduit 535 and the second flexible surface conduit 545. In other embodiments, the second cross conduit 542 can be configured to fluidically connect the loading conduit 561 and the exhaust conduit 562. In some embodiments, the second cross conduit 542 can include a cross valve 543, so that fluid communication between the first surface conduit 531 and the second surface conduit 532 or between the loading conduit 561 and the exhaust conduit 563 via the cross conduit 542 can be allowed or prevented by opening and closing the cross valve 543. In some embodiments, the cross valve 543 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0084] In some embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow a fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a first surface conduit 531, a loading pipe 561 disposed on a vessel 560, and into a storage tank 565 disposed on the vessel 560. In some embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow a gaseous fluid (e.g., ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or carbon dioxide) to flow from a storage tank 565 disposed on the vessel 560, through a discharge pipe 563 disposed on the vessel 560, a second surface conduit 532, a second fluid flow path 524 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a second seafloor conduit 506, and into a second seafloor pipeline 502 disposed on the seafloor.
[0085] In other embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a portion of a first surface conduit 531, a first cross conduit 533, a portion of a second surface conduit 532, a second fluid flow path 524 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a second seafloor conduit 506, and into a second pipeline 502 disposed on the seafloor. In other embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow a fluid to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 531, a second cross conduit 542, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 532, a second fluid flow path 524 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a second seafloor conduit 506, and into a second pipeline 502 disposed on the seafloor. In other embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow fluid to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a portion of the first seafloor conduit 505, a third seafloor conduit 591, and into a third pipeline 590 disposed on the seafloor.
[0086] In some embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a first surface conduit 531, and into a loading pipe 561 disposed on a vessel 560, so as to remove moisture or water from the system 500 before the fluid flows through the system 500. In some embodiments, the system 500 may be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 501 disposed on the seafloor, through a first seafloor conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid swivel 520, a first surface conduit 531, and into a loading pipe 561 disposed on a vessel 560, so as to remove at least a portion of the residual fluid from the system 500 after the fluid flows through the system 500.
[0087] In some embodiments, the system 500 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 501 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid rotary joint 520, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 531, a first cross conduit 533 and / or a second cross conduit 542, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 532, a second fluid flow path 524 defined by the fluid rotary joint 520, a second seabed conduit 506 and into a second pipeline 502 arranged on the seabed so as to remove at least a portion of moisture or water from the system 500 before allowing the fluid to flow through at least a portion of the system 500. In some embodiments, the system 500 can be configured to allow an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to flow from a first pipeline 501 arranged on the seabed, through a first seabed conduit 505, a first fluid flow path 523 defined by a fluid rotary joint 520, at least a portion of a first surface conduit 531, a first cross conduit 533 and / or a second cross conduit 542, at least a portion of a second surface conduit 532, a second fluid flow path 524 defined by the fluid rotary joint 520, a second seabed conduit 506, and into a second pipeline 502 arranged on the seabed, so as to purge or otherwise remove at least a portion of the fluid of the system 500 after the fluid is allowed to flow through the system 500.
[0088] In some embodiments, the system 500 may include a nitrogen bottle or nitrogen generator (not shown) arranged on the mooring structure 550, which may include a regulator or control valve in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 531, the second fluid conduit 532, the cross conduit 533 or the fluid rotary joint 520 to remove moisture / water and / or residual fluid from the system 500. In some embodiments, the system 500 may include a discharge conduit (not shown) in fluid communication with the first surface conduit 531, the second surface conduit 532, the first cross conduit 533 and / or the second cross conduit 542. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit can discharge the fluid into the atmosphere. In other embodiments, the fluid can be diluted in a container or tank (not shown) to a concentration suitable or otherwise acceptable for discharging the fluid into the atmosphere according to local regulations. In some embodiments, the discharge conduit may include a valve.
[0089] In some embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that after a desired amount of fluid (e.g., liquid ammonia) is transferred from first pipelines 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105, respectively, through systems 100, 200, 300, 400, and / or 500 to fluid storage tanks 165, 265, 365, 465, and 565, crossover valves 134 (system 100), 271 (system 200), 334 and / or 371 (system 300), 434 and / or 443 and / or 471 (system 400), and 534 and / or 543 and / or 592 (system 500) may be opened to allow at least a portion of the boil-off gas to flow into pipelines 102, 202, 304, 402, and 502 and / or optional pipeline 590. In some embodiments, the boil-off gas may be returned to a facility (e.g., an onshore facility) where the boil-off gas may be re-condensed into a liquid phase.
[0090] Figure 6 Depicted is an elevational view of an example fluid transfer system 600 including a catenary anchor leg moored buoy, or CALM buoy or buoy 650 for short, configured to transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank 665 disposed on a vessel 660 moored to the catenary anchor leg moored buoy 650, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 7 Depicted Figure 6600 and a plan view of an example fluid transfer system 600 and a vessel 660 are shown. The system 600 may include a first subsea conduit 605, a second subsea conduit 606, a first floating conduit 640, a second floating conduit 645, a buoy 650, one or more mooring lines 603 (two are shown), one or more mooring legs 601 (multiple are shown) connected to an anchor point 602 disposed on the seafloor 699, and an optional pipeline terminal manifold 680. In some embodiments, the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy 650 may be connected to the reference Figure 1-5 The systems 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 are configured together. In some embodiments, the systems 100, 200, 300, 400 and / or 500 can be configured to limit the pressure within the system to less than 2100 kPa absolute pressure when transferring liquid ammonia.
[0091] In some embodiments, the first floating conduit 640 and the second floating conduit 645 can each be configured as a flexible hose or a flexible pipe. In some embodiments, the first floating conduit 640 and the second floating conduit 645 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the water body. In some embodiments, the first submarine conduit 605 can include a first flexible submarine conduit 613, and the second submarine conduit 606 can include a second flexible submarine conduit 614. In some embodiments, the first flexible submarine conduit 613 and / or the second flexible submarine conduit 614 can be configured as a lantern shape as shown in the figure. In such an embodiment, the pipeline terminal manifold 680 can usually be located below the buoy 650.
[0092] In other embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured as a steep S-shape. In such an embodiment, the configuration of the system 600 may include an underwater buoy (not shown) that can be moored to the seafloor. In such an embodiment, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured to be draped or laid on the buoy so that the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be pushed into a steep or sharp "S" shape. In such an embodiment, the pipeline terminal manifold 680 may generally be in an offset position relative to the buoy 650. In such an embodiment, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may approach the seafloor 699 at an approach angle or inclination angle greater than zero. In some embodiments, the approach angle or inclination angle may be about 40 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, or about 65 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal direction.
[0093] In other embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured as a steep wave. In such an embodiment, the system 600 may include a plurality of buoy elements (not shown) distributed along at least a portion of the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614, so that the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be pushed into a gentle or gradual "S" shape. In such an embodiment, the pipeline terminal manifold 680 may generally be in an offset position relative to the buoy 650. In such an embodiment, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may approach the seafloor 699 at an approach angle or inclination angle greater than zero. In some embodiments, the approach angle or inclination angle may be about 40 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, or about 65 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal direction.
[0094] In other embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured as a slow S shape. In such embodiments, the configuration of the system 600 may include an underwater buoy moored to the seafloor 699. In such embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured to ride on or lay on the buoy so that the first flexible seafloor duct and / or the second flexible seafloor duct are pushed into a slow "S" shape. In such embodiments, the pipeline terminal manifold 680 may generally be in an offset position relative to the CALM buoy 650. In such embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may approach the seafloor or the pipeline terminal manifold 680 at a tangential or substantially horizontal approach angle or inclination angle.
[0095] In other embodiments, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be configured as a gentle wave shape. In such an embodiment, the system 600 may include a plurality of floating elements distributed along at least a portion of the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614, so that the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may be pushed into a gradual "S" shape. In such an embodiment, the pipeline terminal manifold 680 may generally be in an offset position relative to the CALM buoy 650. In such an embodiment, the first flexible seafloor duct 613 and / or the second flexible seafloor duct 614 may approach the seabed or the pipeline terminal manifold at a tangential or substantially horizontal approach angle or inclination angle. Lantern shape, steep S shape, steep wave shape, gentle S shape and gentle wave shape are all well known to those of ordinary skill in the field of submarine riser engineering.
[0096] Figure 8Depicted is a detailed plan view of an example catenary anchor leg moored buoy, or CALM buoy for short, 850 configured to moor a vessel thereto and transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Fig. 9 Depicted Figure 8 850. In some embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid having a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute pressure). In some embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid having a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure (e.g., about 101.3 kPa absolute pressure). Figure 1 In some embodiments, the CALM buoy 850 can be used with reference Figure 1-5 The systems 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 are configured together.
[0097] The CALM buoy 850 may include a fixed portion 852 rotatably coupled to the rotating portion 851. The fixed portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850 may be configured to be fixed / stationary or relatively fixed / stationary relative to the ground, which means that the fixed portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850 may be configured to not substantially rotate about a vertical axis relative to the ground. In some embodiments, the rotation angle of the fixed portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850 about the vertical axis relative to the ground may be about + / - 20 degrees or less, about + / - 15 degrees or less, or + / - 10 degrees or less. The CALM buoy 850 may be configured to bring a vessel (not shown, but similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The vessel shown in 660 or with Figure 6 and Figure 7 850) is moored to a rotating portion 851 of a CALM buoy 850. The CALM buoy 850 may include mooring cables 803 (two are shown) configured to moor a vessel to the CALM buoy 850. The CALM buoy 850 may have mooring legs 801 (six are shown). The mooring legs 801 may be configured to be fixed to the sea floor at a first end thereof and connected to a fixed portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850 at a second end thereof.
[0098] The CALM buoy 850 may include a fluid swivel 820. In some embodiments, the fluid swivel may define a first fluid flow path 823 and a second fluid flow path 824 therethrough. In other embodiments, the fluid swivel 820 may define three or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid swivel 820 may include a fixed portion 821 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 822. The fixed portion 821 of the fluid swivel 820 may be coupled to the fixed portion 851 of the CALM buoy 850. In some embodiments, the rotating portion 822 of the fluid swivel 820 may be coupled to the rotating portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850. The fluid swivel 820 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 823 separate or isolated from the second fluid flow path 824 when the rotating portion 822 of the fluid swivel 820 rotates relative to the fixed portion 821 of the fluid swivel 820. The fluid rotary joint 820 can be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 823 separated or isolated from the second fluid flow path 824 when the rotating portion 822 of the fluid rotary joint 820 rotates relative to the fixed portion 821 of the fluid rotary joint 820, while maintaining fluid connectivity through the first fluid flow path 823 of the fluid rotary joint 820 and the second fluid flow path 824 of the fluid rotary joint 820.
[0099] The CALM buoy 850 may also include a first surface conduit 831, a cross conduit 833, and a second surface conduit 837. The first surface conduit 831 may be configured to provide a first fluid flow path 823 defined by the fluid swivel 820 with a loading pipe (not shown, but similar to Figure 1 The loading tube 161 shown in Figure 1 The first surface conduit 831 may include at least one valve 836. In some embodiments, the valve 836 may be disposed on the rotating portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850. In some embodiments, the valve 836 may be a butterfly valve, a ball valve, or a gate valve. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 831 may include a first rigid conduit 835 disposed on the rotating portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850, which may be in fluid communication with the first floating conduit 840. In some embodiments, the first floating conduit 840 may include a valve (not shown). In some embodiments, if the valve of the first floating conduit 840 exists, it may be a butterfly valve, a ball valve, or a gate valve. In some embodiments, the first floating conduit 840 may be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water.
[0100] The second surface conduit 837 can be configured to provide fluid communication with the second fluid path 823 defined by the fluid swivel 820. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 837 can be a rigid conduit. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 837 can be arranged on the rotating portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850. In some embodiments not shown, the second surface conduit 837 can include a second rigid conduit arranged on the rotating portion 852 of the CALM buoy 850, and the second rigid conduit can be in fluid communication with the second floating conduit. In such an embodiment, the second floating conduit can include a valve. In such an embodiment, the second floating conduit can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water.
[0101] The cross conduit 833 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 831 and the second surface conduit 837. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 833 can be configured to fluidically connect the first rigid conduit 835 and the second surface conduit 837. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 833 can include a cross valve 834, so that fluid communication between the first rigid conduit 835 and the second surface conduit 837 via the cross conduit 833 can be allowed or prevented via the cross valve 834. The cross valve 834 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0102] In some embodiments, the CALM buoy 850 may include a swivel inlet conduit 815 disposed on the fixed portion 552 of the CALM buoy 850. The swivel inlet conduit 815 may be configured to fluidically connect a first fluid flow path 823 of the fluid swivel 820 and a first flexible seafloor conduit 813. In some embodiments, the CALM buoy 850 may include a swivel outlet conduit 816 disposed on the fixed portion 552 of the CALM buoy 850. The swivel outlet conduit 816 may be configured to fluidically connect a second fluid flow path 824 of the fluid swivel 820 and a second flexible seafloor conduit 814. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 815 and the outlet conduit 816 may each be configured with a valve 807, 808. In some embodiments, the valves 807, 808 may be butterfly valves, ball valves, or gate valves.
[0103] Fig.10A plan view of an example pipeline termination manifold 1080 is depicted, according to one or more embodiments, comprising a cross conduit 1071 that can be configured to fluidly connect a first subsea pipeline 1001 and a second subsea pipeline 1002 disposed on the seafloor 1099. In some embodiments, the pipeline termination manifold 1080 can include a structural frame 1181 and can be secured to the seafloor 1099 by at least one pile 1082 (four are shown). In other embodiments, the pipeline termination manifold 1080 can be secured to the seafloor by a gravity block (not shown).
[0104] In some embodiments, the pipeline terminal manifold 1080 may include a first rigid submarine conduit 1011, a second rigid submarine conduit 1012, and a cross conduit 1070. In some embodiments, the first rigid submarine conduit 1011 and the second rigid submarine conduit 1012 may be each configured with a valve 1003, 1004. Each valve 1003, 1004 may be a diver-operated valve, a valve controlled via a remote control vehicle, or a remote control valve. In some embodiments, the valves 1003, 1004 may be independently butterfly valves, ball valves, or gate valves. In some embodiments, the cross valve 1071 may be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0105] Fig.11 A plan view of another example pipeline termination manifold 1180 is depicted, which may be configured to connect a first subsea pipeline 1101, a second subsea pipeline 1102, and a third subsea pipeline 1190 disposed on a seafloor 1199, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the pipeline termination manifold 1180 may include a structural frame 1181 and may be secured to the seafloor 1199 by at least one pile 1181 (four are shown). In other embodiments, the pipeline termination manifold 1180 may be secured to the seafloor by a gravity block (not shown).
[0106] In some embodiments, the pipeline terminal manifold 1180 may include a first rigid submarine conduit 1111, a second rigid submarine conduit 1112, and a third submarine conduit 1191. In some embodiments, the first rigid submarine conduit 1111, the second rigid submarine conduit 1112, and the third rigid conduit 1191 may be configured with valves 1103, 1104, 1192, respectively. In some embodiments, valves 1103, 1104, and 1192 may be independently diver-operated valves, valves operated via a remote control vehicle, or remote control valves. In some embodiments, valves 1103, 1104, and 1192 may be independently butterfly valves, ball valves, or gate valves.
[0107] Fig.12Depicted is an elevation view of an example fluid transfer system 1200 according to one or more embodiments, the fluid transfer system 1200 including an offshore loading tower 1250 configured to transfer fluid to and / or from a fluid storage tank 1265 disposed on a vessel 1260 that can be moored to the fluid transfer system 1200. Fig.13 Depicted Fig.12 A plan view of a fluid transfer system 1200 is shown. Fig.14 Depicted Fig.12 and Fig.13 12 is a partial enlarged plan view of a fluid transfer system 1200. The system 1200 may include a first subsea conduit 1205, a second subsea conduit 1206, a first surface conduit 1231, a second surface conduit 1232, a cross conduit 1233, an offshore loading tower 1250 fixed to the seabed 1299, and a mooring line 1256. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 1205 and the second subsea conduit 1206 may be rigid conduits. In some embodiments, the first subsea conduit 1205 and the second subsea conduit 1206 may each include a valve 1203, 1204.
[0108] The offshore loading tower 1250 may include a base 1251 rotatably coupled to a turntable 1252. In some embodiments, the base 1251 may include a first end 1253 fixedly connected to the seabed 1299 and a second end 1254 disposed above the surface of the body of water 1298. The first end 1253 of the base 1251 may be configured to be fixed to the seabed 1299. In some embodiments, the first end 1253 of the base 1251 may include piles 1259 (three are shown in the figure) configured to fix the first end 1253 of the base 1251 to the seabed 1299. In other embodiments not shown, the first end 1253 of the base 1251 may be fixed to the seabed 1299 via a gravity block or a counterweight.
[0109] The turntable 1252 of the offshore loading tower 1250 is rotatably coupled to the second end 1254 of the base 1251. The loading arm 1255 may be disposed on the turntable 1252. The offshore loading tower 1250 may be configured to moor a vessel 1260 to the turntable 1252 and / or the loading arm 1255. The offshore loading tower 1250 may include a mooring line 1256 configured to moor the vessel 1260 to the offshore loading terminal 1250.
[0110] The offshore loading tower 1250 may include a fluid rotary joint 1220. In some embodiments, the fluid rotary joint may define a first fluid flow path 1223 and a second fluid flow path 1224 therethrough. In other embodiments, the fluid rotary joint 1220 may define three or more fluid flow paths therethrough. The fluid rotary joint 1220 may include a fixed portion 1221 rotatably coupled to a rotating portion 1222. The fixed portion 1221 of the fluid rotary joint 1220 may be coupled to a second end 1254 of a base 1251. The rotating portion 1222 of the fluid rotary joint 1220 may be coupled to a turntable 1252. The fluid rotary joint 1220 may be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 1223 separate or isolated from the second fluid flow path 1224 when the rotating portion 1222 of the fluid rotary joint 1220 rotates relative to the fixed portion 1221 of the fluid rotary joint 1220. The fluid rotary joint 1220 can be configured to keep the first fluid flow path 1223 separated or isolated from the second fluid flow path 1224 when the rotating portion 1222 of the fluid rotary joint 1220 rotates relative to the fixed portion 1221 of the fluid rotary joint 1220, while maintaining fluid connectivity through the first fluid flow path 1223 of the fluid rotary joint 1220 and the second fluid flow path 1224 of the fluid rotary joint 1220.
[0111] In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 1231 can be configured to provide fluid communication between the first fluid flow path 1223 defined by the fluid swivel 1220 and a loading pipe 1261 disposed on the vessel 1260, and in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank 1265. The first surface conduit 1231 may include at least one valve 1236. In some embodiments, the valve 1236 may be disposed on the turntable 1252 or the loading arm 1255, as shown. In some embodiments, the valve 1236 may be a butterfly valve, a ball valve, or a gate valve. In some embodiments, the first surface conduit 1231 may include a first rigid conduit 1235 disposed on the turntable 1252 and optionally disposed on the loading arm 1255, which may be in fluid communication with the first flexible conduit 1240. In some embodiments, when the first flexible conduit 1240 is not fluidly connected to the loading pipe 1261 disposed on the vessel 1265, the first flexible conduit 1240 can be suspended from the loading arm 1255 via a line, rope, cable or other elongated body 1257, which can be connected to the winch 1270. In some embodiments, one or more valves 1262 can be included between the first flexible conduit 1240 and the loading pipe 1261. If the valve 1262 is present, it can be a butterfly valve, a ball valve, or a gate valve. In other embodiments, the first flexible conduit 1240 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water 1298.
[0112] In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 1232 can be configured to provide fluid communication between the second fluid path 1224 defined by the fluid swivel 1220 and the discharge pipe 1263 disposed on the vessel 1260, and is in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank 1265. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 1232 can be a rigid conduit. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 1232 can be disposed on the turntable 1252. In some embodiments, the second surface conduit 1232 can include a second rigid conduit 1237 disposed on the turntable 1252 and optionally disposed on the loading arm 1255, which can be in fluid communication with the second flexible conduit 1245. In some embodiments, one or more valves 1264 are included between the second flexible conduit 1245 and the loading pipe 1263. In some embodiments, when the second flexible conduit 1245 is not fluidly connected to the loading pipe 1263 disposed on the vessel 1265, the second flexible conduit 1245 can be suspended from the loading arm 1255 via a line, rope, cable or other elongated body 1258, which can be connected to the winch 1270. In other embodiments, the second flexible conduit 1245 can be configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water 1298.
[0113] The cross conduit 1233 can be configured to fluidically connect the first surface conduit 1231 and the second surface conduit 1232. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 1233 can be configured to fluidically connect the first rigid conduit 1235 and the second surface conduit 1232. In some embodiments, the cross conduit 1233 can include a cross valve 1234, so that the fluid communication between the first rigid conduit 1235 and the second surface conduit 1232 via the cross conduit 1233 can be allowed or prevented via the cross valve 1234. In some embodiments, the cross valve 1234 can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0114] In some embodiments, the offshore loading tower 1250 may include a swivel inlet conduit 1215 disposed on the second end 1254 of the base 1251. The swivel inlet conduit 1215 may be configured to fluidically connect the first fluid flow path 1223 of the fluid swivel 1220 and the first subsea conduit 1205. In some embodiments, the offshore loading tower 1250 may include a swivel outlet conduit 1216 disposed on the second end 1254 of the base 1251. The swivel outlet conduit 1216 may be configured to fluidically connect the second fluid flow path 1224 of the fluid swivel 1220 and the second subsea conduit 1206. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 1215 and the outlet conduit 1216 may each be configured with a valve 1203, 1204. In some embodiments, the valves 1203, 1204 may be butterfly valves, ball valves, or gate valves.
[0115] The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:
[0116] A1. A fluid transmission system, comprising: a mooring structure, the mooring structure being configured to be arranged in a body of water; a fluid swivel joint, the fluid swivel joint being configured to be arranged on the mooring structure, wherein the fluid swivel joint includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel joint define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path passing therethrough that are isolated from each other; a first seabed conduit, the first seabed conduit being configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline arranged on the seabed and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint; a second seabed conduit, the second seabed conduit being configured to provide fluid communication between a second pipeline arranged on the seabed and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint; a first surface conduit, the first surface conduit being configured to fluidically connect a fluid storage tank arranged on a vessel and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint. a first surface conduit including a valve; a second surface conduit, the second surface conduit being fluidically connected to the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint, wherein the second surface conduit includes a valve; and a crossover conduit, the crossover conduit including a crossover valve, wherein the crossover conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel joint and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first seafloor conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path, the fixed portion of the fluid swivel joint and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel joint are configured to maintain fluid communication between the second seafloor conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path; and the system is configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
[0117] A2. The system of A1, wherein the moored structure includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the fixed portion of the moored structure.
[0118] A3. A system according to A1 or A2, wherein the system is configured to transmit ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas.
[0119] A4. A system according to any one of A1 to A3, wherein the system is configured to limit the pressure within a first seafloor conduit, a second seafloor conduit, a first surface conduit, a cross conduit, a second surface conduit, a first fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, and a second fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint to less than 2100 kPa absolute pressure.
[0120] A5. A system according to any one of A2 to A4, wherein: the mooring structure is a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy configured to float on the surface of the water body, the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy also includes a mooring leg, the mooring leg has a first end configured to be connected to the fixed part of the mooring structure and a second end configured to be connected to the seabed, and the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is configured to moor the vessel to the rotating part of the mooring structure.
[0121] A6. A system according to A5, wherein the first surface conduit includes a first rigid conduit arranged on the rotating portion of the moored structure and a first floating conduit configured to float on the surface of the water body and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the first floating conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
[0122] A7. A system according to A5 or A6, wherein the second surface conduit includes a second rigid conduit configured to be arranged on the rotating portion of the catenary anchor leg moored buoy and a second floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the water body and be fluidically connected to each other, and wherein the second floating conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
[0123] A8. A system according to A7, wherein: the first end of the first floating conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the water body, and the first end of the second floating conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the water body.
[0124] A9. A system according to A8, wherein the cross conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit and the second rigid conduit, and wherein the cross conduit is configured to be arranged on a rotating portion of the buoy.
[0125] A10. A system according to A9, wherein the cross-conduit is a first cross-conduit, the cross-valve is a first cross-valve, and the system also includes a second cross-conduit, the second cross-conduit includes a second cross-valve, wherein the second cross-conduit is configured to connect to the first floating conduit and the second floating conduit and provide fluid communication between them toward the second end of the first floating conduit and the second floating conduit.
[0126] A11. The system of A8, wherein the cross conduit is configured to connect to the first floating conduit toward the second end of the first floating conduit, and to connect to the second floating conduit toward the second end of the second floating conduit.
[0127] A12. The system according to any one of A9 to A11 further includes a subsea cross-conduit, the subsea cross-conduit including a subsea cross-valve, wherein the subsea cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the second subsea conduit.
[0128] A13. The system according to any one of A5 to A12, wherein the first submarine conduit is arranged in a steep S shape, a gentle S shape or a lantern shape.
[0129] A14. The system according to any one of A5 to A13, wherein the second submarine conduit is configured in a steep S shape, a gentle S shape or a lantern shape.
[0130] A15. A system according to any one of A5 to A14, wherein the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is a turret buoy or a turret buoy.
[0131] A16. A system according to any one of A5 to A15, wherein the crossover valve, the second crossover valve if present, or the subsea crossover valve if present is independently configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve, or a manually operated valve.
[0132] A17. A system according to any one of A1 to A16, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid in liquid form, vaporized gas form, or a combination thereof.
[0133] A18. The system of any one of A1 to A17, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a first subsea conduit, a fluid swivel, a first surface conduit, and into a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel.
[0134] A19. A system according to any one of A1 to A17, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a first subsea conduit, a first fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, a portion of a first surface conduit, a cross conduit, at least a portion of a second surface conduit, a second fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, a second subsea conduit and into a second subsea pipeline.
[0135] A20. A system according to any one of A2 to A4, wherein the mooring structure is an offshore loading tower, wherein: the fixed part of the mooring structure is a base, the base having a first end fixed to the seabed and a second end arranged above the surface of the water body, the rotating part of the mooring structure includes a turntable, and the offshore loading tower also includes a loading arm arranged on the turntable, wherein the offshore loading tower is configured to moor a ship to the rotating part of the turntable, the loading arm, or a combination thereof.
[0136] A21. A system according to A20, wherein the first surface conduit includes a first rigid surface conduit configured to be arranged on the turntable and the loading arm and a first flexible conduit configured to be suspended on the loading arm and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the first flexible conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
[0137] A22. A system according to A20 or A21, wherein the second surface conduit includes a second rigid surface conduit configured to be arranged on the turntable and the loading arm and a second flexible conduit configured to be suspended on the loading arm and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the second floating conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
[0138] A23. A system according to A22, wherein: the first end of the first flexible conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first flexible conduit is configured to be suspended from the loading arm, and the first end of the second flexible conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second flexible conduit is configured to be suspended from the loading arm.
[0139] A24. A system according to A22 or A23, wherein the cross conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid surface conduit and the second rigid surface conduit, and wherein the cross conduit is configured to be arranged on the turntable and / or the loading arm.
[0140] A25. A system according to A24, wherein the cross-conduit is a first cross-conduit, the cross-valve is a first cross-valve, and the system also includes a second cross-conduit, the second cross-conduit includes a second cross-valve, wherein the second cross-conduit is configured to be connected to the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit and provide fluid communication between the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit toward the second end of the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit.
[0141] A26. A system according to A23, wherein the crossing conduit is configured to connect to the first flexible conduit toward the second end of the first flexible conduit and to connect to the second flexible conduit toward the second end of the second flexible conduit.
[0142] A27. A system according to any one of A20 to A26, wherein the crossover valve, the first crossover valve and / or the second crossover valve if present, are each independently configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve or a manually operated valve.
[0143] A28. A system according to any one of A20 to A27, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid in liquid form, evaporated gas form, or a combination thereof.
[0144] A29. A system according to any one of A20 to A27, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a first subsea conduit, a fluid rotary joint, a first surface conduit and into a fluid storage tank arranged on a vessel.
[0145] A30. A system according to any one of A20 to A27, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a first seafloor conduit, a first fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, a portion of a first surface conduit, a cross conduit, at least a portion of a second surface conduit, a second fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, a second seafloor conduit and into a second seafloor pipeline.
[0146] B1. A fluid transmission system, comprising: a mooring structure, the mooring structure being configured to be arranged in a body of water; a fluid rotary joint, the fluid rotary joint being configured to be arranged on the mooring structure, wherein the fluid rotary joint comprises a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid rotary joint define a fluid flow path therethrough; a first subsea conduit, the first subsea conduit being configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint; a second subsea conduit, the second subsea conduit being configured to be in fluid communication with a second pipeline arranged on the seafloor; a surface conduit, the surface conduit being configured to be in fluid communication with a second pipeline arranged on the seafloor; and The surface conduit is configured to fluidically connect a fluid storage tank arranged on the vessel and the fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint, wherein the surface conduit includes a valve; and a cross conduit, the cross conduit including a cross valve, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel joint is coupled to a mooring structure, the cross conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and the second seabed conduit; the fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint is configured to maintain fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and the first surface conduit; and the system is configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
[0147] B2. The system of B1, wherein the moored structure includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the fixed portion of the moored structure.
[0148] B3. A system according to B1 or B2, wherein the fluid comprises ammonia or one or more hydrocarbons.
[0149] B4. A system according to any one of B1 to B3, wherein the system is configured to limit the pressure within the first seafloor conduit, the second seafloor conduit, the first surface conduit, the cross conduit, the second surface conduit, and the flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint to less than 2100 kPa absolute pressure.
[0150] B5. A system according to any one of B2 to B4, wherein the mooring structure is a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy floating on the surface of the water body, wherein: the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy also includes a mooring leg, the mooring leg having a first end configured to be connected to the fixed part of the mooring structure and a second end configured to be connected to the seabed, and the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is configured to moor the vessel to the rotating part of the mooring structure.
[0151] B6. A system according to B5, wherein the surface conduit includes a rigid conduit arranged on the rotating portion of the catenary anchor leg moored buoy and a floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the water body and in fluid communication with each other.
[0152] B7. A system according to B5 or B6, wherein the first submarine conduit is arranged in a steep S shape, a gentle S shape or a lantern shape.
[0153] B8. A system according to any one of B5 to B7, wherein the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is a turret buoy or a turret buoy.
[0154] B9. A system according to any one of B1 to B8, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid in liquid form, evaporated gas form, or a combination thereof.
[0155] B10. A system according to any one of B2 to B4, wherein the mooring structure is an offshore loading tower, wherein: the fixed part of the mooring structure is a base, the base having a first end fixed to the seabed and a second end arranged above the surface of the water body; the rotating part of the mooring structure includes a turntable, the offshore loading tower also includes a loading arm arranged on the turntable, and the offshore loading tower is configured to moor a ship to the rotating part of the turntable, the loading arm, or a combination thereof.
[0156] B11. A system according to B10, wherein the surface conduit includes a rigid surface conduit configured to be arranged on the turntable and the loading arm and a flexible conduit configured to be suspended on the loading arm and fluidically connected to each other, and wherein the flexible conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
[0157] B12. The system of B11, wherein the first end of the flexible conduit is configured to connect to the rigid surface conduit and the second end of the flexible conduit is configured to hang from the loading arm.
[0158] B13. A system according to B12, wherein the cross conduit is configured to be arranged on the base toward its first end.
[0159] B14. A system according to any one of B10 to B13, wherein the crossover valve is configured as a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a remote control valve or a manually operated valve.
[0160] B15. A system according to any one of B10 to B14, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid in liquid form, evaporated gas form, or a combination thereof.
[0161] B16. A system according to any one of B10 to B14, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a first subsea conduit, a fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, a surface conduit and into a fluid storage tank arranged on a vessel.
[0162] B17. A system according to any one of B10 to B14, wherein the system is configured to transport fluid through a portion of the first subsea conduit, the cross conduit, a portion of the second subsea conduit, and into the second pipeline.
[0163] C1. A method for transmitting a fluid, comprising: mooring a vessel to a mooring structure arranged in a body of water, wherein the mooring structure comprises: a fluid rotary joint, the fluid rotary joint being arranged on the mooring structure, wherein the fluid rotary joint comprises a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid rotary joint define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path passing therethrough that are isolated from each other; a first seabed conduit, the first seabed conduit being in fluid communication with a first pipeline arranged on the seabed and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint; a second seabed conduit, the second seabed conduit being in fluid communication with a second pipeline arranged on the seabed and the fluid a first surface conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint, wherein the first surface conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel, and wherein the first surface conduit includes a valve; a second surface conduit in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel joint, wherein the second surface conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank, and wherein the second surface conduit includes a valve; and a cross conduit, the cross conduit including a cross valve, wherein the cross conduit is fluidly connected to the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit communication, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the mooring structure; the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel maintain fluid communication between the first seafloor conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path, and the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel maintain fluid communication between the second seafloor conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path; connect the first surface conduit to the fluid storage tank arranged on the vessel; close the valve of the first surface conduit; open the cross valve; allow fluid to flow from the first seafloor pipeline through the first seafloor conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, at least a portion of the first surface conduit, the crossover conduit, at least a portion of the second surface conduit, the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the second seafloor conduit and flowing into the second seafloor pipeline, wherein the fluid has a boiling point lower than the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure; closing the crossover valve; opening the valve of the first surface conduit; allowing the fluid to flow from the first seafloor pipeline through the first seafloor conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the first surface conduit and into the fluid storage tank arranged on the vessel; closing the valve of the first surface conduit; and opening the crossover valve.
[0164] C2. The method according to C1 also includes, before allowing the fluid to flow, allowing an inert gas to flow from the first subsea pipeline through the first subsea conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint, at least a portion of the first surface conduit, the cross conduit, at least a portion of the second surface conduit, the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint, the second subsea conduit and into the second subsea pipeline; and stopping the flow of the inert gas.
[0165] C3. A method according to C1 or C2, wherein reopening the crossover valve after closing of the valve of the first surface pipeline allows at least a portion of any evaporated steam to flow into the second subsea pipeline.
[0166] C4. A method according to any one of C1 to C3, wherein the moored structure is an offshore loading tower or a catenary anchor leg moored buoy.
[0167] D1. A method for transmitting a fluid, comprising: mooring a vessel to a mooring structure arranged in a body of water, wherein the mooring structure comprises: a fluid rotary joint, the fluid rotary joint being arranged on the mooring structure, wherein the fluid rotary joint comprises a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid rotary joint define a fluid flow path therethrough; a first seabed conduit, the first seabed conduit being in fluid communication with a first pipeline arranged on the seabed and the fluid flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint, wherein the first seabed conduit comprises a valve; a second seabed conduit, the second seabed conduit being in fluid communication with a second pipeline arranged on the seabed; a surface conduit, the surface conduit being in fluid communication with a fluid storage tank defined by a valve and the flow path defined by the fluid rotary joint, wherein the surface conduit comprises a valve; and a cross conduit, the cross conduit comprising a cross conduit; a fork valve, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the mooring structure, the cross conduit is in fluid communication with the first seafloor conduit and the second seafloor conduit; and the flow path defined by the fluid swivel is configured to maintain fluid communication between the first seafloor conduit and the surface conduit; close the valve of the first surface conduit; open the cross valve; allow fluid to flow from the first seafloor pipeline through at least a portion of the first seafloor conduit, the cross conduit, the second seafloor conduit and into the second pipeline; close the cross valve; open the valve of the first seafloor conduit and the valve of the surface conduit; allow fluid to flow from the first seafloor pipeline through the first seafloor conduit, the flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the first surface conduit and into the fluid storage tank arranged on the vessel; close the valve of the first surface conduit; and open the cross valve.
[0168] D2. The method according to D1 further includes, before flowing the fluid, flowing an inert gas from the first subsea pipeline through at least a portion of the first subsea conduit, the cross conduit, the second subsea conduit and into the second subsea pipeline; and stopping the flow of the inert gas.
[0169] D3. The method of D1 or D2, wherein reopening the crossover valve after closing the valve of the first surface pipeline allows at least a portion of any evaporated steam to flow through the second subsea conduit and into the second subsea pipeline.
[0170] D4. The method according to any one of D1 to D3, wherein the moored structure is an offshore loading tower or a catenary anchor leg moored buoy.
[0171] E1. A fluid transfer system, comprising: a mooring structure configured to be arranged in a body of water, wherein the mooring structure includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion; a fluid swivel configured to be arranged on the mooring structure, wherein the fluid swivel includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path passing therethrough that are isolated from each other, and wherein the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the fixed portion of the mooring structure; a first seafloor conduit configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a second seafloor conduit configured to provide fluid communication between a second pipeline arranged on the seafloor and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a first surface conduit configured to fluidically connect a fluid storage tank arranged on a vessel and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the the first surface conduit including a valve; a second surface conduit configured to fluidly connect the fluid storage tank and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the second surface conduit includes a valve; and a crossover conduit including a crossover valve, wherein the crossover conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between (i) the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, (ii) the first seafloor conduit and the second seafloor conduit, or (iii) the first seafloor conduit and an optional third conduit disposed on the seafloor, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel are configured to maintain fluid communication between the first seafloor conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path, the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel are configured to maintain fluid communication between the second seafloor conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path; and the system is configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
[0172] E2. A system according to E1, wherein the first surface conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to a loading pipe arranged on a vessel, the loading pipe arranged on the vessel is configured to be fluidly connected to a fluid storage tank, the second surface conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to a discharge pipe arranged on the vessel, the discharge pipe arranged on the vessel is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid storage tank, and the cross conduit is arranged on the vessel, and the cross conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the loading pipe and the discharge pipe when the cross valve is in an open position to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit.
[0173] E3. A system according to E2, wherein the loading pipe and the discharge pipe each include at least one valve between the fluid storage tank and the cross-conduit.
[0174] E4. A system according to E3, wherein at least one valve of the loading pipe and at least one valve of the discharge pipe are configured to be in a closed position when the crossover valve is in an open position to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit.
[0175] E5. A system according to any one of E1 to E4, wherein: the mooring structure is a catenary anchor leg mooring buoy configured to float on the surface of the water body, the system also includes a mooring leg, the mooring leg having a first end configured to be connected to the fixed part of the mooring structure and a second end configured to be connected to the seabed, and the catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is configured to moor the vessel to the rotating part of the mooring structure.
[0176] E6. A system according to any one of E1 to E4, wherein the mooring structure is an offshore loading tower, wherein: the fixed part of the mooring structure is a base, the base having a first end fixed to the seabed and a second end arranged above the surface of the water body; the rotating part of the mooring structure includes a turntable, and the offshore loading tower also includes a loading arm arranged on the turntable, wherein the offshore loading tower is configured to moor a ship to the rotating part or the loading arm of the turntable.
[0177] E7. A system according to any one of E1 to E6, wherein the system is configured to transport ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas.
[0178] E8. A system according to any one of E1 to E7, wherein the system is configured to limit the pressure within a first seafloor conduit, a second seafloor conduit, a first surface conduit, a cross conduit, a second surface conduit, a first fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint, and a second fluid flow path defined by a fluid rotary joint to less than 2100 kPa absolute pressure.
[0179] E9. A system according to any one of E1 to E8, wherein the cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit.
[0180] E10. The system of any one of E1 to E8, wherein the cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the second subsea conduit.
[0181] E11. A system according to any one of E1 to E8, wherein there is an optional third conduit, and wherein the cross conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the third conduit.
[0182] E12. A system according to any one of E1 to E8, wherein the cross-conduit is a first cross-conduit including a first cross-valve, and the system also includes a second cross-conduit including a second cross-valve, wherein the first cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, and the second cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and the second seabed conduit, or to provide fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and an optional third pipeline arranged on the seabed.
[0183] E13. A system according to any one of E1 to E8, wherein the cross-conduit is a first cross-conduit including a first cross-valve and there is a third pipeline, the system also includes a second cross-conduit containing a second cross-valve and a third cross-conduit including a third cross-valve, wherein the first cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, the second cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and the second seabed conduit, and the third cross-conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first seabed conduit and the third pipeline.
[0184] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that ranges including combinations of any two values, such as combinations of any lower limit value with any upper limit value, combinations of any two lower limits, and / or combinations of any two upper limits, are within the contemplation of the present application unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits, and ranges appear in one or more of the following claims. All values are "about" or "approximately" the indicated values, and take into account experimental errors and variations expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0185] Various terms have been defined above. For any term used in the claims but not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition given to persons skilled in the relevant art in at least one printed publication or issued patent. In addition, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent their disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and in all jurisdictions where such incorporation is permitted.
[0186] Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications and adaptations may be made thereto. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that these modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the basic scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention may be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. Fluid transmission system, including: a moored structure configured to be disposed in a body of water, wherein the moored structure includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion; a fluid swivel configured to be disposed on the moored structure, wherein the fluid swivel includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path therethrough that are isolated from each other, and wherein the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the fixed portion of the moored structure; a first subsea conduit configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a second subsea conduit configured to provide fluid communication between a second pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a first surface conduit configured to fluidly connect a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the first surface conduit includes a valve; a second surface conduit configured to fluidly connect the fluid storage tank and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the second surface conduit includes a valve; and A crossover conduit comprising a crossover valve, wherein the crossover conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between (i) the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, (ii) the first subsea conduit and the second subsea conduit, or (iii) the first subsea conduit and an optional third conduit disposed on the seabed, wherein: the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel being configured to maintain fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path, the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel are configured to maintain fluid communication between the second subsea conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path; and The system is configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The mooring structure is a catenary anchor-leg mooring buoy configured to float on the surface of the body of water, The system further includes a mooring leg having a first end configured to connect to the fixed portion of the mooring structure and a second end configured to connect to the sea floor, and The catenary anchor leg mooring buoy is configured to moor the vessel to the rotating portion of the mooring structure.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface conduit includes a first rigid conduit arranged on the rotating portion of the moored structure and a first floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the water body and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the first floating conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The second surface conduit includes a second rigid conduit configured to be disposed on the rotating portion of the catenary leg moored buoy and a second floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water and in fluid communication with each other, The second floating conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid storage tank, The first end of the first floating conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of a body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, The first end of the second floating conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, and The cross conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit and the second rigid conduit, or to the first floating conduit and the second floating conduit.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the cross-conduit is a first cross-conduit, the cross-valve is a first cross-valve, and the first cross-conduit is configured to connect to the first rigid conduit and the second rigid conduit, the system also includes a second cross-conduit, the second cross-conduit includes a second cross-valve, wherein the second cross-conduit is configured to connect to the first floating conduit and the second floating conduit and provide fluid communication between them toward the second end of the first floating conduit and the second floating conduit.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the crossover conduit is configured to connect to the first floating conduit toward the second end of the first floating conduit and to connect to the second floating conduit toward the second end of the second floating conduit.
7. The system of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a subsea crossover conduit comprising a subsea crossover valve, wherein the subsea crossover conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the second subsea conduit.
8. The system of claim 3, wherein: The second surface conduit includes a second rigid conduit configured to be disposed on the rotating portion of the catenary leg moored buoy and a second floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water and in fluid communication with each other, The second floating conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid storage tank, The first end of the first floating conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, The first end of the second floating conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, and The crossover duct is configured to be connected to the first subsea duct and the second subsea duct.
9. The system of claim 3, wherein: The second surface conduit includes a second rigid conduit configured to be disposed on the rotating portion of the catenary leg moored buoy and a second floating conduit configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water and in fluid communication with each other, The second floating conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid storage tank, The first end of the first floating conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of a body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, The first end of the second floating conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second floating conduit is configured to float on or near the surface of the body of water when not in fluid communication with the fluid storage tank, There is an optional third pipeline, and The crossover conduit is configured to be connected to the first subsea conduit and the third subsea pipeline.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the moored structure is an offshore loading tower, wherein: The fixed portion of the mooring structure includes a base having a first end fixed to the sea floor and a second end disposed above the surface of the body of water, The rotating portion of the mooring structure comprises a turntable, and The offshore loading tower further comprises a loading arm arranged on the turret, wherein the offshore loading tower is configured to moor a vessel to the rotating part of the turret or to the loading arm.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first surface conduit comprises a first rigid surface conduit configured to be arranged on the turntable and the loading arm and a first flexible conduit configured to be suspended on the loading arm and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the first flexible conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the second surface conduit comprises a second rigid surface conduit configured to be arranged on the turntable and the loading arm and a second flexible conduit configured to be suspended on the loading arm and fluidically connected to each other, wherein the second flexible conduit is configured to be fluidically connected to the fluid storage tank.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein: The first end of the first flexible conduit is configured to be connected to the first rigid conduit, and the second end of the first flexible conduit is configured to be suspended from the loading arm, and The first end of the second flexible conduit is configured to be connected to the second rigid conduit, and the second end of the second flexible conduit is configured to be suspended from the loading arm.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the cross conduit is configured to connect to the first rigid surface conduit and the second rigid surface conduit, and wherein the cross conduit is configured to be disposed on the turntable, the loading arm, or a combination thereof.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the crossing conduit is a first crossing conduit, the crossing valve is a first crossing valve, the system further comprising a second crossing conduit, the second crossing conduit comprising a second crossing valve, wherein the second crossing conduit is configured to connect to the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit and provide fluid communication between the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit toward the second ends of the first flexible conduit and the second flexible conduit.
16. Fluid transmission system, comprising: a moored structure configured to be disposed in a body of water, wherein the moored structure includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion; a fluid swivel configured to be disposed on the moored structure, wherein the fluid swivel includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel define a flow path therethrough, and wherein the fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the fixed portion of the moored structure; a subsea conduit configured to provide fluid communication between a first pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the fluid flow path defined by the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel; a surface conduit configured to fluidly connect a fluid storage tank disposed on a vessel and the fluid flow path defined by the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel, wherein the surface conduit includes a valve; and A crossover conduit, the crossover conduit comprising a crossover valve, wherein: The crossover conduit is configured to provide fluid communication between the subsea conduit and a second conduit disposed on the seafloor; The fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel are configured to maintain fluid communication between the subsea conduit and the surface conduit; and The system is configured to transfer a fluid having a boiling point below the ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure to or from the fluid storage tank.
17. A method for transferring a fluid, comprising: mooring a vessel to a mooring structure arranged in a body of water, wherein the mooring structure comprises: a fluid swivel disposed on the moored structure, wherein the fluid swivel includes a fixed portion rotatably coupled to a rotating portion, and wherein the fixed portion and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel define first and second fluid flow paths therethrough that are isolated from each other; a first subsea conduit in fluid communication with a first pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a second subsea conduit in fluid communication with a second pipeline disposed on the seafloor and the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel; a first surface conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the first surface conduit is configured to fluidly connect to a fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel, and wherein the first surface conduit includes a valve; a second surface conduit in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, wherein the second surface conduit is configured to be fluidly connected to the fluid storage tank, and wherein the second surface conduit includes a valve; and a crossover conduit comprising a crossover valve, wherein the crossover conduit is in fluid communication with the first surface conduit and the second surface conduit, wherein: The fixed portion of the fluid swivel is coupled to the mooring structure; the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel maintain fluid communication between the first subsea conduit and the first surface conduit via the first fluid flow path, and the fixed portion of the fluid swivel and the rotating portion of the fluid swivel maintaining fluid communication between the second subsea conduit and the second surface conduit via the second fluid flow path; connecting the first surface conduit to the fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel; closing the valve of the first surface conduit; Open the crossover valve; flowing a fluid from the first subsea pipeline through the first subsea conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by a fluid swivel, at least a portion of the first surface conduit, the crossover conduit, at least a portion of the second surface conduit, the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the second subsea conduit, and into the second subsea pipeline, wherein the fluid has a boiling point below ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure; closing the crossover valve; opening the valve of the first surface conduit; causing fluid to flow from the first subsea pipeline through the first subsea conduit, the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, the first surface conduit, and into the fluid storage tank disposed on the vessel; closing the valve of the first surface conduit; and Open the crossover valve.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: Prior to flowing the fluid, flowing an inert gas from the first subsea pipeline, through the first subsea conduit, through the first fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, through at least a portion of the first surface conduit, through the crossover conduit, through at least a portion of the second surface conduit, through the second fluid flow path defined by the fluid swivel, through the second subsea conduit, and into the second subsea pipeline; and The flow of the inert gas is stopped.
19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein reopening the crossover valve after closing of the valve of the first surface pipeline allows at least a portion of any evaporated steam to flow into the second subsea pipeline.
20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the moored structure is an offshore loading tower or a catenary leg moored buoy.