A flexible base assembly and a floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and offloading device

Abstract

This application relates to a flexible base assembly and a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, storage, and offloading (LNG) unit. The flexible base assembly, used to connect the superstructure to the deck, includes a rigid base, flexible support connectors, and several energy dissipators. The rigid base is fixed to the deck; the flexible support connectors are mounted on the rigid base and support the superstructure. Each energy dissipator includes a fixed end and a supporting end; the fixed end of each energy dissipator is connected to the rigid base, and the supporting end of each energy dissipator is connected to the superstructure. When the superstructure shifts relative to the rigid base, the flexible support connectors deform to release the displacement of the superstructure. When the superstructure shifts relative to the rigid base, the energy dissipators absorb the dynamic load of the superstructure and reset it. This flexible base assembly, through structural coordination, stabilizes the supporting module, releases the displacement of the superstructure, absorbs the dynamic load of the superstructure, and assists in the reset of the superstructure, making it suitable for floating LNG units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of floating liquefied natural gas equipment technology, and in particular to a flexible base assembly and a floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and unloading device. Background Technology

[0002] As the application scenarios of modular floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) production storage and offloading units expand to deep sea areas, the demand for modular structures to withstand harsh environmental loads is further increasing. In particular, for ultra-large topside modules weighing over 6,000 tons, the connection stability between the module and the ship's deck has become a key factor affecting the overall performance of the FLNG.

[0003] In existing technologies, four-point supported FLNG modules mostly adopt an elastic base form with rubber bearings and limiting devices. The deformation of the rubber bearings releases the relative deformation between the hull and the module. However, this solution has obvious drawbacks: for ultra-large topside modules exceeding 6,000 tons, to meet the stringent lateral stiffness requirements of the rubber bearings, the bearing area needs to be significantly increased, making it difficult for the bearings to make complete contact with the steel structure, and the installation accuracy cannot meet the standards. At the same time, the rubber pads absorb energy only through their own deformation, and it is difficult to provide effective restoring force after the module deforms, making it impossible to ensure that the module returns to the ideal working posture. In addition, the connection between the rubber bearings and the module is complex, making later maintenance difficult. Furthermore, its ability to absorb periodic dynamic loads in the deep-sea environment is limited, which can easily lead to fatigue damage to the module structure. In summary, the existing structure cannot be adapted to ultra-large FLNG topside modules and cannot meet the core requirement of long-term stable operation of FLNG in the harsh environment of deep sea. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an elastic base assembly and a floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and unloading device to address the problems existing in the application of elastic bases in floating liquefied natural gas.

[0005] A flexible base assembly for connecting an upper module to a deck, comprising:

[0006] Rigid base, used for securing to the deck;

[0007] The elastic support connector is mounted on the rigid base to support the upper module; when the upper module shifts relative to the rigid base, the elastic support connector deforms to release the displacement of the upper module.

[0008] Several energy dissipators, each including a fixed end and a supporting end; the fixed end of each energy dissipator is connected to a rigid base; the supporting end of each energy dissipator is connected to an upper module; when the upper module is offset relative to the rigid base, the energy dissipator is used to absorb the dynamic load of the upper module and reset the upper module.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support ends of several energy dissipators are evenly distributed circumferentially on the bottom surface of the upper module, or the support ends of several energy dissipators are evenly distributed in a matrix on the bottom surface of the upper module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rigid base includes a rectangular top mounting surface and four side mounting surfaces, with an elastic support connector disposed on the top mounting surface;

[0011] All four side mounting surfaces are perpendicular to the top mounting surface. The four side mounting surfaces are connected sequentially along the edge of the top mounting surface to form two pairs of opposite side mounting surfaces. The first pair of opposite side mounting surfaces is parallel to the first horizontal direction of the upper module, and the other pair of opposite side mounting surfaces is parallel to the second horizontal direction of the upper module. The first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] Each side mounting surface is connected to at least one energy dissipator, and at least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators are provided in the first horizontal direction and at least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators are provided in the second horizontal direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the energy dissipator is detachably connected to the rigid base and the upper module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the resilient support connector is configured as a composite material pad.

[0015] In one embodiment, the central axis of the resilient support connector is coaxial with the central axis of the top mounting surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the energy dissipator is configured as either a metal damper or a viscous damper.

[0017] In one embodiment, each energy dissipator is equipped with a load sensor or a deformation sensor.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rigid base is made of high-strength steel, and a support is provided at the bottom edge of the rigid base.

[0019] A floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and offloading (LNG) device, comprising any of the above-mentioned resilient base components.

[0020] The aforementioned elastic base assembly connects the superstructure to the deck. The assembly includes a rigid base, elastic support connectors, and several energy dissipators. The rigid base is fixed to the deck; the elastic support connectors are mounted on the rigid base and support the superstructure. Each energy dissipator includes a fixed end and a supporting end. The fixed end of each energy dissipator is connected to the rigid base, and the supporting end of each energy dissipator is connected to the superstructure. When the superstructure shifts relative to the rigid base, the elastic support connectors deform to release the displacement. When the superstructure shifts relative to the rigid base, the energy dissipators absorb the dynamic loads of the superstructure and reset it. The elastic support connectors can release the displacement caused by the shift of the superstructure through deformation, avoiding rigid impacts or structural damage caused by direct contact between the module and the rigid base. The energy dissipators can efficiently absorb dynamic loads when the module shifts, weakening the impact of environmental loads such as waves and ocean currents on the module, while providing a reset force to ensure that the module accurately returns to its working position after shifting. The overall structure enables a flexible and stable connection between the upper module and the deck, significantly improving the resistance to dynamic loads, reducing module fatigue damage, and extending the service life of the equipment. It is especially suitable for equipment that needs to operate in complex marine environments for a long time, such as floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and offloading units.

[0021] A floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and unloading device has the above-mentioned beneficial effects. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of the elastic base assembly provided in the embodiments of this application, which connects the upper module to the deck.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the elastic base assembly and the upper module provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Top view.

[0025] Icon labels:

[0026] 1000, Rigid base; 1001, Top mounting surface; 1002, Side mounting surface; 1003, Support component;

[0027] 2000, Flexible support connector;

[0028] 3000, Energy dissipator; 3001, Fixed end; 3002, Support end;

[0029] 4000, Upper Module;

[0030] 5000, deck. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0037] See Figures 1-3 As shown, Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram illustrating the connection of the upper module to the deck using the elastic base assembly provided in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the elastic base assembly and the upper module provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A top view shows a resilient base assembly for connecting the upper module 4000 and the deck 5000. The resilient base assembly includes a rigid base 1000, a resilient support connector 2000, and several energy dissipators 3000. The rigid base 1000 is fixed to the deck 5000; the resilient support connector 2000 is disposed on the rigid base 1000 and supports the upper module 4000. Each energy dissipator 3000 includes a fixed end 3001 and a support end 3002. The fixed end 3001 of each energy dissipator 3000 is connected to the rigid base 1000, and the support end 3002 of each energy dissipator 3000 is connected to the upper module 4000.

[0038] When the upper module 4000 is offset relative to the rigid base 1000, the elastic support connector 2000 deforms, thereby releasing the displacement of the upper module 4000.

[0039] When the upper module 4000 is offset relative to the rigid base 1000, the energy dissipator 3000 is used to absorb the dynamic load of the upper module 4000 and reset the upper module 4000.

[0040] The aforementioned superstructure module 4000 refers to a structural unit used in floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) production, storage, and offloading (LNG) facilities. Its weight typically reaches several thousand tons (including ultra-large modules exceeding 6,000 tons). It integrates equipment and structures (such as liquefaction systems, storage tanks, process piping, and control equipment) that enable FLNG to perform key functions such as natural gas extraction, liquefaction, storage, processing, and unloading. The superstructure module 4000 requires a flexible connection to the FLNG's hull deck 5000 via a flexible base assembly and is the core load-bearing and functional unit that determines the overall operational performance and safety of the FLNG.

[0041] The support provided by the aforementioned elastic support connector 2000 to the upper module 4000 refers to a flexible support form using composite material pads as carriers, mounted on the top mounting surface 1001 of the rigid base 1000. Its core functions include two aspects: First, it provides vertical load-bearing support. The composite material pads themselves bear the vertical weight of the upper module 4000 through structural strength, evenly transferring the load to the rigid base 1000 and the ship's deck 5000, providing a stable vertical support foundation for the upper module 4000. Second, it provides horizontal displacement release support. When the upper module 4000 shifts horizontally relative to the rigid base 1000 due to marine environmental loads (waves, ocean currents), the composite material pads deform synchronously through their own elastic deformation, releasing the horizontal displacement of the upper module 4000. This avoids direct contact between the upper module 4000 and the rigid base 1000, preventing frictional damage or noise. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the energy dissipator 3000, it sequentially achieves displacement release, load absorption, and module reset, ensuring the support stability of the upper module 4000 in dynamic environments.

[0042] The elastic base assembly absorbs energy while preventing resonance and reducing fatigue damage. The elastic deformation of the elastic support connector 2000 initially adjusts the module's natural vibration frequency, and the energy dissipator 3000 further weakens the vibration amplitude by dissipating energy. Simultaneously, the energy dissipator 3000 is symmetrically distributed in multiple horizontal directions, forming a balanced damping constraint that keeps the module's vibration frequency away from the periodic frequency of marine environmental loads, thus preventing resonance. Resonance avoidance and vibration amplitude reduction significantly reduce the alternating stress on the upper module 4000 structure and internal equipment, thereby reducing fatigue damage and extending the module's service life.

[0043] Sufficient restoring force ensures accurate reset: The symmetrical arrangement of the energy dissipator 3000 ensures that when the module shifts, the restoring forces generated by the energy dissipators on both sides are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, thus constraining the module. Combined with the elastic restoring force of the elastic support connector 2000 after deformation, both provide sufficient restoring force to ensure that the module can accurately reset to the ideal working posture after shifting, preventing connection failure between the module and surrounding equipment due to cumulative shift.

[0044] The uniformly distributed design of the energy dissipator 3000 ensures balanced stress on the upper module 4000, enhancing overall stability. The multifaceted structure of the rigid base 1000 and the symmetrical configuration of the energy dissipator 3000 provide comprehensive constraints in both vertical and horizontal directions, enhancing resistance to displacement. The detachable energy dissipator 3000 facilitates maintenance and replacement, reducing subsequent operation and maintenance costs. The composite material pads combine good elasticity and durability, and with their coaxial arrangement, they can precisely release displacement and avoid eccentric stress. The energy dissipator 3000 efficiently absorbs dynamic loads, while sensors enable real-time monitoring of its operating status, facilitating timely warnings. The rigid base 1000 and bottom support 1003 ensure the strength and stability of the connection with the deck 5000. Applying them to floating liquefied natural gas production, storage and offloading (LNG) units significantly improves the equipment's impact resistance and vibration damping performance in complex marine environments, ensuring the safety and reliability of the connection between the upper module 4000 and the deck 5000.

[0045] The aforementioned energy dissipator 3000, through its structural characteristics, can simultaneously provide lateral stiffness, provide partial vertical support, and prevent lifting, thereby significantly optimizing the design and construction of the elastic support connector 2000, as detailed below:

[0046] The energy dissipator 3000 can provide lateral stiffness. When the upper module 4000 is horizontally offset, the energy dissipator 3000 can limit the offset of the module through its own stiffness, so that the elastic support connector 2000 does not need to bear all the lateral constraint requirements alone.

[0047] The energy dissipator 3000 can also provide partial vertical support. The support end 3002 of the energy dissipator 3000 is rigidly connected to the bottom surface of the upper module 4000, and the fixed end 3001 is firmly connected to the rigid base 1000. It can bear part of the vertical weight of the module and share the vertical bearing pressure of the elastic support connector 2000.

[0048] When the module tends to move upward due to the buoyancy of the waves, the energy dissipator 3000 will generate an upward restraining force to limit the upward movement of the module and prevent the elastic support connector 2000 from being damaged due to excessive tension.

[0049] Since the energy dissipator 3000 shares the functions of lateral constraint, part of vertical load bearing and anti-lifting, the elastic support connector 2000 does not need to increase its area to meet the requirements of high rigidity and high load bearing, and its design area can be greatly reduced. The reduction in area can avoid the problem of insufficient fit between the pad and the top mounting surface 1001 of the rigid base 1000 due to the excessive area of ​​the pad, and can also reduce the space occupied by the pad, making it easier to arrange the energy dissipator 3000, sensors and other components around the pad, and reducing the complexity of on-site assembly.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the support ends 3002 of several energy dissipators 3000 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the bottom surface of the upper module 4000, or in other embodiments, the support ends 3002 of several energy dissipators 3000 are evenly distributed in a matrix on the bottom surface of the upper module 4000.

[0051] Both distribution methods can ensure that the upper module 4000 is subjected to uniform force, avoid local stress concentration, improve the collaborative working efficiency of the energy dissipator 3000, and enhance the stability and balance of the overall structure during offset.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the rigid base 1000 includes a rectangular top mounting surface 1001 and four side mounting surfaces 1002, and the elastic support connector 2000 is disposed on the top mounting surface 1001.

[0053] The four side mounting surfaces 1002 are all perpendicular to the top mounting surface 1001. The four side mounting surfaces 1002 are connected sequentially along the edge of the top mounting surface 1001 to form two pairs of oppositely arranged side mounting surfaces 1002. The first pair of oppositely arranged side mounting surfaces 1002 is parallel to the first horizontal direction A of the upper module 4000, and the second pair of oppositely arranged side mounting surfaces 1002 is parallel to the second horizontal direction B of the upper module 4000. The first horizontal direction A and the second horizontal direction B are perpendicular to each other.

[0054] Each side mounting surface 1002 is connected to at least one energy dissipator 3000. At least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators 3000 are provided on the first horizontal direction A, and at least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators 3000 are provided on the second horizontal direction B.

[0055] In one embodiment of this application, taking a floating liquefied natural gas production storage and offloading (FLNG) unit operating in deep-sea areas and affected by ocean currents and wave heights as an example, assuming that the upper module 4000 is offset along the first horizontal direction A (longitudinal direction of the hull) and the second horizontal direction B (lateral direction of the hull), the activities of each structure are as follows:

[0056] Condition 1: The upper module 4000 is offset along the second horizontal direction B (the lateral direction of the hull);

[0057] At this time, the rigid base 1000 is fixedly connected to the deck 5000 through the bottom support 1003, and the whole remains stationary. Its rectangular top mounting surface 1001 always remains horizontal, and the four side mounting surfaces 1002 (two pairs are arranged opposite each other, one pair of which is parallel to the second horizontal direction B) remain perpendicular to the top mounting surface 1001, providing a stable mounting reference for the energy dissipator 3000.

[0058] The elastic support connector 2000 is located at the center of the top mounting surface 1001. It undergoes lateral elastic deformation synchronously with the offset of the upper module 4000. The deformation direction is consistent with the offset direction of the upper module 4000. The lateral displacement of the module is released through deformation to avoid direct contact between the bottom surface of the module and the top mounting surface 1001.

[0059] Two energy dissipators 3000 are connected to each of a pair of side mounting surfaces 1002 (denoted as transverse side mounting surfaces) parallel to the second horizontal direction B, for a total of four energy dissipators 3000. Among them, the two energy dissipators 3000 closer to the offset direction of the upper module 4000 (considered as pressure-bearing energy dissipators 3000) are compressed, and the support end 3002 moves with the upper module 4000 in the offset direction. The fixed end 3001 is fixed to the transverse side mounting surface. The metal core plate (or piston) inside the energy dissipator 3000 undergoes plastic deformation (or fluid extrusion flow) due to compression, absorbing dynamic load energy. The two energy dissipators 3000 farther away from the offset direction (considered as tension-bearing energy dissipators 3000) are stretched. The support end 3002 moves away from the fixed end 3001 with the module. The internal structure deforms due to stretching, absorbing energy synchronously. Meanwhile, the energy dissipators 3000 on a pair of side mounting surfaces 1002 parallel to the first horizontal direction A remain in their initial state (without significant deformation), serving only as auxiliary constraints to ensure that the module does not shift towards the first horizontal direction A.

[0060] Condition 2: The upper module 4000 is offset along the first horizontal direction A (longitudinal direction of the hull);

[0061] The rigid base 1000 remains stationary as a whole, and a pair of side mounting surfaces 1002 (denoted as longitudinal side mounting surfaces) parallel to the first horizontal direction A remain perpendicular to the top mounting surface 1001, serving as the fixed reference for the longitudinal energy dissipator.

[0062] The elastic support connector 2000 undergoes elastic deformation along the first horizontal direction A, releasing longitudinal displacement and maintaining the non-contact state between the module and the top mounting surface 1001.

[0063] Four energy dissipators 3000 connected to the longitudinal side mounting surface of the energy dissipator 3000 participate in the operation. Two energy dissipators 3000 on one side of the offset direction are under compression, and two energy dissipators 3000 on the other side are under tension. The energy dissipators 3000 on the transverse side mounting surface remain stationary, which helps to limit the transverse displacement of the module and ensures that the module only offsets in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The multifaceted structure of the rigid base 1000 and the symmetrical configuration of the energy dissipator 3000 can form all-round constraints in two vertical horizontal directions, ensuring that the upper module 4000 can be subjected to balanced damping force when it is offset in any horizontal direction, significantly improving the anti-offset capability and reset accuracy, and avoiding structural damage caused by excessive force on one side.

[0065] In some embodiments of this application, the energy dissipator 3000 is detachably connected to the rigid base 1000 and the upper module 4000.

[0066] The maintenance and replacement process of the energy dissipator 3000 is greatly simplified, reducing the later operation and maintenance costs. At the same time, the number or type of energy dissipator 3000 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual working conditions, improving the adaptability of the structure.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic support connector 2000 is configured as a composite material pad.

[0068] The composite material pads combine excellent elastic deformation capacity, corrosion resistance and durability, and can release the upper module's displacement of 4000 while adapting to complex environments such as the ocean and extending service life.

[0069] The composite material pad, through its material properties and structural design, avoids friction noise from direct metal contact: Both the upper module 4000 (steel structure) and the rigid base 1000 (high-strength steel) are made of metal; if they were in direct contact, sharp noise would be generated due to metal friction when the module shifts. The elastic support connector 2000, positioned between the two, ensures that during module shifting, only the composite material pad contacts the bottom and top mounting surfaces 1001 of the module. The composite material surface has a certain degree of elasticity and roughness, significantly reducing the coefficient of contact friction and preventing metal friction noise.

[0070] Furthermore, marine environmental loads can cause low-frequency vibrations in the module. If these vibrations are directly transmitted through the rigid structure, they can easily cause resonance noise in the rigid base 1000 and the deck 5000. The composite material of the elastic support connector 2000 has good damping characteristics, which can absorb some of the energy of the module's vibration and weaken the transmission of vibration to the rigid base 1000. This reduces structural noise caused by vibration transmission and ensures that the noise in the upper module area of ​​the FLNG meets the noise standards for industrial equipment.

[0071] In some embodiments of this application, the central axis of the elastic support connector 2000 is coaxial with the central axis of the top mounting surface 1001.

[0072] This ensures that the weight of the upper module 4000 and the stress during offset are evenly transmitted to the elastic support connector 2000, avoiding additional torque due to eccentricity, reducing local wear, and improving the stress stability of the elastic support connector 2000.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, the energy dissipator 3000 is configured as either a metal damper or a viscous damper.

[0074] Metal dampers refer to existing shear-type or bending-type metal dampers. These dampers use low-carbon steel, stainless steel and other metal materials as core energy-consuming components, and absorb energy through the plastic yielding deformation of the metal material.

[0075] When the energy dissipator 3000 is configured as a metal damper structure in the prior art, the fixed end 3001 and the supporting end 3002 are configured as follows: The core structure of the energy dissipator 3000 includes a metal energy-dissipating core plate (such as a sheared parallel metal plate or a bent arc-shaped metal plate) and an outer sleeve; wherein, the fixed end 3001 is configured as a flange structure integrally formed with the outer sleeve, and is detachably connected to the side mounting surface 1002 of the rigid base 1000 by bolts; the supporting end 3002 is configured as a flange structure integrally formed with one end of the metal energy-dissipating core plate, and is detachably connected to the bottom surface of the upper module 4000 by bolts; the other end of the metal energy-dissipating core plate extends into the outer sleeve, with a deformation gap reserved between it and the inner wall of the outer sleeve.

[0076] When the upper module 4000 is offset relative to the rigid base 1000, the support end 3002 moves synchronously with the upper module 4000, causing the metal energy-dissipating core plate to undergo shear or bending deformation within the outer sleeve of the fixed end 3001. The dynamic load energy of the upper module 4000 is absorbed through the plastic yielding of the metal material. When the offset load disappears, the metal energy-dissipating core plate relies on its own elastic restoring force (or in conjunction with the auxiliary elastic element in the outer sleeve) to push the support end 3002 to reset the upper module 4000. At the same time, the fixed end 3001 provides a reliable fixed support foundation for the entire energy dissipation and reset process through a stable connection with the rigid base 1000, preventing the energy dissipator 3000 itself from shifting.

[0077] The viscous damper refers to the single-rod or double-rod viscous dampers used in engineering machinery and marine equipment in the prior art. These dampers use viscous fluids such as silicone oil and hydraulic oil as energy-consuming media, and dissipate energy through the flow resistance of the fluid in the closed cavity.

[0078] When the energy dissipator 3000 is configured as a viscous damper structure as in the prior art, the fixed end 3001 and the supporting end 3002 are configured as follows: The core structure of the energy dissipator 3000 includes a sealed hydraulic cylinder (containing viscous fluid), a piston, and a piston rod. The fixed end 3001 is a flange structure integrally formed with one end of the sealed hydraulic cylinder, detachably connected to the side mounting surface 1002 of the rigid base 1000 by bolts; the supporting end 3002 is a flange structure integrally formed with one end of the piston rod, detachably connected to the bottom surface of the upper module 4000 by bolts; the other end of the piston rod extends into the sealed hydraulic cylinder and is fixedly connected to the piston, and the piston has a damping hole for the flow of viscous fluid.

[0079] When the upper module 4000 is offset relative to the rigid base 1000, the support end 3002 drives the piston rod and piston to move in the sealed cylinder, forcing the viscous fluid to flow at high speed through the damping hole on the piston. The dynamic load energy of the upper module 4000 is dissipated by the viscous frictional resistance of the fluid. When the offset load disappears, the fluid pressure difference in the sealed cylinder pushes the piston and piston rod to move in the opposite direction, causing the support end 3002 to drive the upper module 4000 to reset. The fixed end 3001, through a stable connection with the rigid base 1000, ensures that the sealed cylinder remains fixed, providing a stable cylinder cavity for the relative movement of the piston and piston rod, ensuring the stable output of damping force and the reliable realization of the reset function.

[0080] Metal dampers have high load-bearing capacity and stability, making them suitable for high-frequency, small-amplitude vibrations; viscous dampers have high energy dissipation efficiency and are suitable for large displacement scenarios. The two types can be flexibly selected according to the actual load characteristics to ensure efficient absorption of dynamic loads.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, each energy dissipator 3000 is equipped with a load sensor or a deformation sensor. This enables real-time monitoring of the operating status of the energy dissipator 3000, facilitating the timely detection of abnormal loads or excessive deformation, providing data support for maintenance, early warning of potential faults, and ensuring structural safety.

[0082] In some embodiments of this application, the rigid base 1000 is made of high-strength steel, and a support portion 1003 is provided at the bottom edge of the rigid base 1000. The high-strength steel ensures that the rigid base 1000 has sufficient rigidity and load-bearing capacity, and the bottom support portion 1003 increases the contact area with the deck 5000, improves the stability of the overall connection, and adapts to heavy-load and high-impact environments such as floating devices.

[0083] A floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, storage, and offloading (LNG) unit includes the elastic base assembly of any one of the preceding claims. By utilizing the shock absorption and impact resistance properties of the elastic base, the floating LNG production, storage, and offloading unit effectively mitigates the impact of dynamic loads from waves and ocean currents in the marine environment on the upper module 4000, reduces the risk of equipment vibration and fatigue damage, and ensures the long-term stable operation of the floating LNG production, storage, and offloading unit.

[0084] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elastomeric base assembly for connecting an upper module to a deck, characterized by, include: Rigid base for securing to the deck; An elastic support connector is disposed on the rigid base to support the upper module; When the upper module is offset relative to the rigid base, the elastic support connector deforms to release the displacement of the upper module; Several energy dissipators are provided, each of which includes a fixed end and a supporting end; the fixed end of each energy dissipator is connected to the rigid base; the supporting end of each energy dissipator is connected to the upper module; when the upper module is offset relative to the rigid base, the energy dissipator is used to absorb the dynamic load of the upper module and reset the upper module.

2. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 1, wherein, The supporting ends of several energy dissipators are evenly distributed circumferentially on the bottom surface of the upper module, or the supporting ends of several energy dissipators are evenly distributed in a matrix on the bottom surface of the upper module.

3. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 1, wherein, The rigid base includes a rectangular top mounting surface and four side mounting surfaces, and the elastic support connector is disposed on the top mounting surface; The four side mounting surfaces are all perpendicular to the top mounting surface, and the four side mounting surfaces are connected sequentially along the edge of the top mounting surface to form two pairs of opposite side mounting surfaces; The first pair of oppositely arranged side mounting surfaces are parallel to the first horizontal direction of the upper module, and the other pair of oppositely arranged side mounting surfaces are parallel to the second horizontal direction of the upper module. The first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction are perpendicular to each other. Each of the side mounting surfaces is connected to at least one of the energy dissipators, and at least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators are provided in the first horizontal direction, and at least two symmetrically arranged energy dissipators are provided in the second horizontal direction.

4. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 1, wherein, The energy dissipator is detachably connected to the rigid base and the upper module.

5. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 1, wherein, The elastic support connector is configured as a composite material pad.

6. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 3, wherein, The central axis of the elastic support connector is coaxial with the central axis of the top mounting surface.

7. The elastomeric base assembly of claim 1, wherein, The energy dissipator is configured as either a metal damper or a viscous damper.

8. The elastomeric pedestal assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each of the energy dissipators is equipped with a load sensor or a deformation sensor.

9. The elastic base assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid base is made of high-strength steel, and a support portion is provided at the bottom edge of the rigid base.

10. A floating LNG production, storage and offloading vessel, characterized in that, Includes the elastic base assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images