Lightweight structure of FLNG upper module

By using composite materials and high-strength lightweight materials to construct the FLNG superstructure, the corrosion resistance and durability issues of traditional materials in extreme marine environments have been solved, thereby improving the stability and safety of the structure and reducing operating costs.

CN224277500UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-26QINGDAO HANXING ENG TECH DEV CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QINGDAO HANXING ENG TECH DEV CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-14
Publication Date
2026-05-26

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ship design and manufacturing, and discloses a light structure of an FLNG upper module. Comprising a floating plate and further comprises a bottom plate arranged at the top of the floating plate, the top of the bottom plate is fixedly connected with an aluminum alloy support, the top of the aluminum alloy support is fixedly connected with a titanium alloy plate, and the top of the titanium alloy plate is fixedly connected with multiple sets of first protective fences; by arranging the floating plate, the bottom plate, the aluminum alloy support, the titanium alloy plate, the first protective guard, the second protective guard and the supporting plate, a light structure can be conveniently used for the FLNG upper module, and the light structure can effectively reduce the overall weight of the FLNG upper module, so that the gravity center of the device is reduced, the anti-overturning capacity of the device in the marine environment is improved, and the service life of the device is prolonged. And therefore, the stability of the device can be improved, and safe operation under severe weather conditions can be ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ship design and manufacturing technology, specifically to a lightweight structure for an FLNG top module. Background Technology

[0002] The lightweight structure of the FLNG topside module is an innovative design, constructed using advanced high-strength and low-density materials, designed to reduce overall weight and improve the stability and operational efficiency of floating liquefied natural gas production and storage facilities.

[0003] The FLNG topside module integrates natural gas extraction, processing, liquefaction, storage, and loading / unloading functions, significantly improving the efficiency and flexibility of offshore natural gas extraction. Therefore, the use of FLNG topside modules is necessary. However, traditional lightweight materials for FLNG topside modules may not meet the corrosion resistance and durability requirements of FLNG topside modules in extreme marine environments. If the lightweight structure cannot meet the strength and stability requirements of the FLNG topside module, it may lead to structural failure or damage, resulting in safety accidents that pose serious threats to personnel and the environment. Furthermore, lightweight structures may require more frequent maintenance and repairs to ensure long-term stable operation. This will increase the operating and time costs of the FLNG plant. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight structure for the upper module of an FLNG to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a lightweight structure for an FLNG upper module, including a float plate, and further comprising:

[0006] A base plate is set on top of the floating plate. An aluminum alloy bracket is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate. A titanium alloy plate is fixedly connected to the top of the aluminum alloy bracket. Multiple sets of first guardrails are fixedly connected to the top of the titanium alloy plate. A second guardrail is set on the top of the base plate. A support plate is set at the bottom of the second guardrail.

[0007] Preferably, two sets of connecting blocks are fixedly connected to one side of the float, and the inner cavity of the connecting blocks is provided with a throwing rope.

[0008] Preferably, a support rod is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate, and a diagonal rod is fixedly connected to the outside of the support rod.

[0009] Preferably, a fixing plate is fixedly connected to the top of the support plate, and the number of fixing plates is set to three sets, with positioning blocks fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixing plate.

[0010] Preferably, a gas storage tank is fixedly connected to the top of the positioning block, a cover is installed on the top of the gas storage tank, and a delivery pipe is connected to the inner wall of the cover.

[0011] Preferably, a positioning plate is fixedly connected to one side of the aluminum alloy bracket, and a support block is snapped onto one side of the positioning plate.

[0012] Preferably, the top of the support plate is fixedly connected to an installation plate that facilitates the installation and fixing of the second guardrail.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] This invention, by setting up a float, a bottom plate, an aluminum alloy bracket, a titanium alloy plate, a first guardrail, a second guardrail, and a support plate, facilitates the use of a lightweight structure for the FLNG top module. The lightweight structure can effectively reduce the overall weight of the FLNG top module, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the device and improving its anti-overturning ability in the marine environment. This is crucial for improving the stability of the device and helps ensure safe operation under harsh weather conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the lightweight structure of the FLNG upper module provided by this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the floating plate and bottom plate structure provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the base plate and aluminum alloy support structure provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the support plate and gas storage tank provided for this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Floating plate; 2. Bottom plate; 3. Aluminum alloy bracket; 4. Titanium alloy plate; 5. First guardrail; 6. Second guardrail; 7. Support plate; 8. Connecting block; 9. Throwing rope; 10. Support rod; 11. Diagonal rod; 12. Fixing plate; 13. Positioning block; 14. Gas storage tank; 15. Cover; 16. Conveying pipe; 17. Positioning plate; 18. Support block; 19. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] Please see Figures 1-4 As shown, a lightweight structure for an FLNG superstructure includes a float plate 1. The float plate 1 facilitates the installation of a base plate 2. Three sets of base plates 2 are mounted on top of the float plate 1, allowing for the easy fixing of an aluminum alloy support frame 3. It should be noted that the base plate 2 is made of composite materials. Composite materials are novel materials formed by combining two or more materials with different properties through physical or chemical methods. In FLNG superstructures, commonly used composite materials include carbon fiber composites or glass fiber composites, which possess high strength, high modulus, low density, and... With its corrosion resistance and other characteristics, it can be used to manufacture structural components and equipment of various complex shapes. An aluminum alloy bracket 3 is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 2. The aluminum alloy bracket 3 facilitates the fixation of the titanium alloy plate 4. It should be noted that the aluminum alloy bracket 3 has characteristics such as low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance, and is one of the commonly used lightweight materials in the FLNG upper module. It can be used to manufacture various structural components and equipment, such as frames, support structures, and storage tanks, and belongs to lightweight structures. The titanium alloy plate 4 is fixedly connected to the top of the aluminum alloy bracket 3, and the installation of the first protective railing 5 is facilitated by the titanium alloy plate 4. It should be noted that the titanium alloy plate 4 is characterized by high strength and low density, and has extremely strong corrosion resistance, enabling it to maintain long-term stability in harsh marine environments. Although the cost of titanium alloy is relatively high, its excellent performance makes it a promising material for FLNG topside modules. Titanium alloy is a current technology and will not be discussed in detail here. Multiple sets of first protective railings 5 ​​are fixedly connected to the top of the titanium alloy plate 4. These first protective railings 5 ​​facilitate the protection of personnel. It should be noted that the first protective railings 5 ​​are made of high-performance plastics and special rubbers, and are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to process. Features include a second protective railing 6 at the top of the base plate 2. This second protective railing 6 facilitates the protection of workers. It should be noted that the second protective railing 6 is made of the same material as the first protective railing 5, both being lightweight structures. A support plate 7 is provided at the bottom of the second protective railing 6. This support plate 7 facilitates the support of the second protective railing 6. It should be noted that the support plate 7 is a composite material, a new type of material composed of two or more materials with different properties combined through physical or chemical methods. It belongs to lightweight structural materials. The composite material of the support plate 7 is existing technology and will not be elaborated further here.

[0022] Two sets of connecting blocks 8 are fixedly connected to one side of the float plate 1. By setting the connecting blocks 8, it is easy to install the throwing rope 9. The inner cavity of the connecting block 8 is provided with the throwing rope 9. By setting the throwing rope 9, it is easy to install the small boat. A support rod 10 is fixedly connected to the top of the bottom plate 2. By setting the support rod 10, it is easy to support the support plate 7. An inclined rod 11 is fixedly connected to the outside of the support rod 10. By setting the inclined rod 11, it is easy to support the support plate 7.

[0023] A fixing plate 12 is fixedly connected to the top of the support plate 7. The fixing plate 12 facilitates the fixing of the positioning block 13. The number of fixing plates 12 is set to three. The positioning block 13 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixing plate 12. The positioning block 13 facilitates the fixing and support of the gas storage tank 14. The gas storage tank 14 is fixedly connected to the top of the positioning block 13. The gas storage tank 14 facilitates the storage of natural gas. A cover 15 is installed on the top of the gas storage tank 14. The cover 15 facilitates the sealing of the gas storage tank 14. The inner wall of the cover 15 is connected to a conveying pipe 16. The conveying pipe 16 facilitates the conveying of natural gas.

[0024] A positioning plate 17 is fixedly connected to one side of the aluminum alloy bracket 3. By setting the positioning plate 17, the support block 18 can be easily fixed. The support block 18 is snapped into one side of the positioning plate 17. By setting the support block 18, the aluminum alloy bracket 3 can be easily supported. An installation plate 19 is fixedly connected to the top of the support plate 7 to facilitate the installation and fixing of the second guardrail 6.

[0025] Working Principle: The aluminum alloy support 3, titanium alloy plate 4, first guardrail 5, second guardrail 6, and support plate 7 above the float plate 1 and bottom plate 2 are all part of the structure. The bottom plate 2 is made of composite materials, which are new types of materials composed of two or more materials with different properties through physical or chemical methods. In the FLNG top module, commonly used composite materials include carbon fiber composite materials and glass fiber composite materials. These materials have the characteristics of high strength, high modulus, low density, and corrosion resistance, and can be used to manufacture structural components and equipment of various complex shapes. The aluminum alloy support 3 has the characteristics of low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance, and is one of the commonly used lightweight materials in the FLNG top module. It can be used to manufacture various structural components and equipment, such as frames, support structures, and storage tanks, and belongs to lightweight structures. The titanium alloy plate 4 has the characteristics of high strength and low density, and is extremely corrosion resistant, and can maintain long-term stability in harsh marine environments. The first guardrail 5 and the second guardrail 6 are made of high-performance plastics and special rubbers, which have the characteristics of being lightweight, corrosion resistant, and easy to process.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lightweight structure for an FLNG top module, comprising a float (1), characterized in that, Also includes: A bottom plate (2) is set on top of the floating plate (1). An aluminum alloy bracket (3) is fixedly connected to the top of the bottom plate (2). A titanium alloy plate (4) is fixedly connected to the top of the aluminum alloy bracket (3). Multiple sets of first guardrails (5) are fixedly connected to the top of the titanium alloy plate (4). A second guardrail (6) is set on the top of the bottom plate (2). A support plate (7) is set at the bottom of the second guardrail (6).

2. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two sets of connecting blocks (8) are fixedly connected to one side of the float (1), and the inner cavity of the connecting block (8) is provided with a throwing rope (9).

3. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support rod (10) is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate (2), and a diagonal rod (11) is fixedly connected to the outside of the support rod (10).

4. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the support plate (7) is fixedly connected to a fixing plate (12), and the number of fixing plates (12) is set to three sets. The inner wall of the fixing plate (12) is fixedly connected to a positioning block (13).

5. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the positioning block (13) is fixedly connected to a gas storage tank (14), and a cover (15) is installed on the top of the gas storage tank (14). The inner wall of the cover (15) is connected to a delivery pipe (16).

6. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning plate (17) is fixedly connected to one side of the aluminum alloy bracket (3), and a support block (18) is snapped onto one side of the positioning plate (17).

7. The lightweight structure of an FLNG upper module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the support plate (7) is fixedly connected to an installation plate (19) that facilitates the installation and fixing of the second guardrail (6).