Floating hose segment and system of floating hose segments

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating hose segment and a system of such floating hose segments.

[0002] Floating hoses are designed to float on the water surface. They are used to connect a buoy to a tanker, allowing, for example, oil to be pumped from the buoy to the ship or vice versa, from the ship to the buoy. The buoy is in turn connected to another pipe connecting the buoy to a reservoir for the oil. Such floating hoses are used primarily on the high seas, allowing tankers to be loaded or unloaded there, without the need for the ships to enter a port.

[0003] However, such floating tube systems pose the following technical problem. If a segment of a floating tube system develops a leak, oil from the interior of the floating tube can leak into the environment, which has significant environmental consequences and must be avoided at all costs. On the other hand, if water penetrates the interior of the floating tube, this can cause the floating tube to sink, requiring subsequent recovery at considerable expense.

[0004] In the meantime, floating hose segments are often designed in such a way that they have, on the one hand, an inner hose element that is tubular and delimits a conduit region through which a fluid such as oil can be conveyed. The inner hose element is surrounded by an outer hose element that is also tubular and has a second inner surface that faces the inner hose element. Between the first outer surface of the inner hose element and the second inner surface of the outer hose element, an area is formed in which fluid can collect. The hose elements are not necessarily dimensioned such that a free volume is permanently formed between the hose elements.Rather, it is also conceivable that the hose elements normally lie against one another but are not firmly connected to one another, so that due to the elastic properties of the hose elements, a free volume only forms when either oil from the inside or salt water from the outside penetrates into this area due to a leak in either the inner hose element or the outer hose element.

[0005] If there is actually a leak in either the outer or inner hose element, the fluid will first penetrate the area formed between the hose elements and accumulate there. If the amount of fluid there becomes too large, the other hose element will also rupture, resulting in a complete leak. The entire hose section is then connected to the environment, allowing oil, for example, to escape from the hose section into the environment.

[0006] BR 9603434 A describes an inner casing leak detection system installed in a flexible double-hose casing, comprising sensors mounted in the space between the inner and outer casings, which are interconnected and connected by cables to an electronic unit mounted in a sealed casing fixed to the flange of the hose by means of a support; the cables leading from the inside of the hose through a sealed conduit to the electronic unit; said sensor consisting of a piece of polymer which is mechanically degradable when it comes into contact with hydrocarbons and is mounted in a protective casing provided with holes for the oil inlet.wherein said polymer part, when broken, allows the closing of the electrical contacts by means of metal parts under the action of springs, thereby sending an electrical signal to the electronic unit, optical and acoustic flags being installed remotely;

[0007] EP 1 795 879 A2 describes a fluid leak detector for a double-carcass hose assembly segment and includes a sensor housing defined by sidewalls externally mounted to the hose assembly segment and having an internal housing chamber communicating with the plenum. An optical sensor is mounted through at least one sidewall of the sensor housing and positions an optical sensor element within the chamber of the sensor housing to detect the presence of fluid in the plenum of the hose.The optical sensor further comprises an analysis element means connected to the optical sensor element means and positioned outside one wall of the sensor housing, the analysis means generating data indicative of the fluid status within the hose plenum; and a transmission element means connected to the analysis means for receiving data from the analysis element means and transmitting the data to at least one remote receiver. The optical sensor element means is electrically isolated from the analysis means and comprises at least one optical fiber positioned to contact fluid exiting into a plenum between the two carcasses of the hose.

[0008] Based on this, it is now the object of the present invention to provide a floating hose segment that detects leaks in the floating hose segment at an early stage, before the line area is connected to the environment.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a swimming hose segment with an inner hose element which is tubular and has a first inner surface defining a conduit region through which a fluid such as oil can be conveyed, and a first outer surface facing away from the conduit region, an outer hose element which is tubular and has a second inner surface defining an interior space through which the inner hose element extends, and a second outer surface facing outwardly away from the inner hose element, and at least one communication device adapted to directly or indirectly transmit information to a central control device, wherein the inner and outer hose elements extend between a first end and a second end of the floating hose segment, wherein at least one sensor device is provided, wherein the at least one sensor device is arranged and adapted so thatthat it is capable of detecting the presence of at least one substance in the area between the first outer surface and the second inner surface, wherein the at least one sensor device is connected to the communication device so that information relating to the presence of the at least one substance between the first outer surface and the second inner surface can be transmitted to the communication device, and wherein the communication device is adapted to transmit the information relating to the presence of the at least one substance between the first outer surface and the second inner surface to the central control device.

[0010] The floating hose segment according to the invention has an inner hose element that has an inner surface that delimits the actual line region through which a fluid such as oil is conveyed. The inner hose element is surrounded by an outer hose element, wherein the first outer surface provided on the inner hose element and the second inner surface formed on the outer hose element face each other and delimit an area into which liquid can enter if either the outer hose element or the inner hose element has a leak. A leak in the outer hose element initially leads to water, in particular salt water, entering the area. Conversely, if the inner hose element has a leak, oil enters the area between the hose elements.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one sensor device is provided, which is designed to detect the presence of a substance in the area between the first outer surface and the second inner surfaces. In particular, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the sensor device can be designed to detect hydrocarbons and / or salt water.

[0012] Furthermore, a communication device is provided on the floating hose segment according to the invention, which is connected to the at least one sensor device and can transmit information directly or indirectly to a central control device. The connection between the communication device and the sensor device can be wired or wireless. However, since the transmitter device requires a power supply, it may be advantageous to provide a wired connection.

[0013] If, in the construction of the floating hose segment according to the invention, a leak occurs either in the outer hose element or in the inner hose element, oil escaping from the line either enters the area between the first outer surface and the second inner surface and can be detected by the sensor device, or salt water from the outside enters the area between the surfaces and can also be detected by the sensor device.

[0014] In both cases, the sensor device can then transmit a corresponding signal to the communication device indicating that the respective liquid is present in the area. The communication device, in turn, can further process this signal and transmit it to a central control device, which can then trigger an alarm.

[0015] An advantage of the design according to the invention is that the alarm is triggered even if a leak has only occurred in one of the two hose elements. In the case of a leak in the inner hose element, this does not result in oil being released into the environment. Likewise, a leak in only the outer hose element does not cause the floating hose segment to sink. Therefore, the alarm signal is generated at an early stage, before the actual damage occurs. With the floating hose segment according to the invention, an alarm is therefore triggered at an early stage, and there is sufficient time to take measures to prevent greater damage.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floating hose segment further comprises a first connecting element at the first end and a second connecting element at the second end, each connecting element having a coupling portion for connection to another connecting element and a tubular portion extending away from the coupling portion. At each connecting element, the inner hose element is attached to a first portion of the tubular portion, and the outer hose element is attached to a second portion of the tubular portion, the second portion being closer to the coupling portion than the first portion.

[0017] In this embodiment of the present invention, connecting elements are provided at the ends of the floating hose segment, which connecting elements have flanges, in particular at their free ends, so that two connecting elements can be firmly connected to one another and thus several hose segments can be coupled to one another. Furthermore, the connecting elements have tube sections onto which the ends of the hose elements can be pushed, wherein the inner hose element is pushed onto and connected to a section of the tube section that is further away from the coupling section than the section of the tube section onto which the second outer hose element is pushed out and connected to the tube section. Thus, both hose elements forming the floating hose segment are firmly connected to the connecting element.Furthermore, this allows the sensor device to be attached to the pipe section, specifically in the area between the sections to which the hose elements are attached. The sensor device then borders the area formed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface, into which fluid can penetrate either from the outside or from the inside. This design thus allows the sensor device to be attached directly to the connecting element.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when using a connecting element with two sections on the pipe section to which the hose elements are attached, several sensor devices can be attached between these sections around the circumference of the pipe section, which further increases the sensitivity of the system to leaks.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, a circumferential rib can be provided on the tubular section of the connecting elements, which rib is located between the first section and the second section, i.e., between the areas where the inner hose element and the outer hose element are connected to the tubular section. This enables a particularly reliable connection between the connecting element, on the one hand, and the hose elements, on the other. Furthermore, the sensor device can be attached to the circumferential rib, which further simplifies assembly.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, in a floating hose segment having connecting elements at its ends, the at least one sensor device can be connected to the communication device via a cable that runs between the outer hose element and the second section of the pipe section and / or that runs through the second hose element. In the variant in which the cable runs between the outer hose element and the second section of the pipe section, the assembly of the cable is simplified, while in the second variant in which the cable runs through the second hose element, leaks in the area of ​​the cable on the second pipe section are avoided.

[0021] According to the invention, the communication device is accommodated in a recess in the outer hose element, wherein the recess extends from the second outer surface, i.e., from the outside of the floating hose segment, into the outer hose element. In such a case, the cable leading to the sensor device can extend through the second hose element to the recess. Such an arrangement allows for easy installation of the communication device while still being protected.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred if the communication device is configured to wirelessly transmit information concerning the presence of the substance in question in the area between the first outer surface and the second inner surface to another communication device or to the central control device. This allows information about a possible leak to be transmitted either first to the communication device of the nearest floating hose segment and from there to the central control device, or to be transmitted directly to this unit.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferred if the inner tube element has an inner carcass and / or the outer tube element has an outer carcass. The carcasses further increase the stability of the tube elements, which improves the overall stability of the swimming tube segment.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a buoyancy tube system comprising a plurality of buoyancy tube segments according to the previous embodiments, wherein the first and second ends of different buoyancy tube segments are connected to each other in such a way that they form a chain of buoyancy tube segments extending between a first chain end and a second chain end.

[0025] It is further preferred if the system further comprises a buoy which is arranged at one of the chain ends and has the central control unit.

[0026] In the following, the present invention is explained with reference to a drawing which shows only preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a floating hose system according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a part of the first end of an embodiment of a floating hose segment according to the invention in cross section and Fig. 3 is a perspective representation of the connecting element of the first end of an embodiment of a floating hose segment according to the invention with the sensor devices in a perspective representation.

[0027] As from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the preferred embodiment of a floating hose system 2 according to the invention has a plurality of floating hose segments 4 which are connected to one another in series in such a way that a chain of floating hose segments 4 is formed which extends between a first chain end 6 and a second chain end 8. The individual floating hose segments 4 each have a first end 10 and a second end 12, and a first end 10 of a floating hose segment 4 is detachably connected to a second end 12 of another floating hose segment 4.

[0028] The individual buoyancy tube segments 4 are designed to float on the surface of a body of water, such as the ocean, whereby this buoyancy can be achieved in different ways. The material of the buoyancy tube segments 4 can be selected such that the specific weight of the buoyancy tube segment as a whole is lower than that of the water, thus providing sufficient buoyancy. However, it is also possible for air chambers to be formed in the buoyancy tube segments 4, which also provide buoyancy. The buoyancy tube segments 4 forming the buoyancy tube system 2 can thus be designed in different ways so that they float and do not sink into the water due to their own weight.

[0029] The structure of the individual swimming hose segments 4, which are designed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is particularly Fig. 2 can be found.

[0030] The floating hose segments 4 are constructed in such a way that they have an inner hose element 14 that is tubular in shape, such that it has a wall that can be, in particular, circular in cross-section and surrounds an interior space, wherein the interior space of the inner hose element 14 forms the conduit region 16 of the floating hose segment 4, through which a fluid such as oil can be conveyed. The wall of the inner hose element 14 is provided with an inner carcass 18 that comprises a fabric, shown schematically here, and rubber and serves as a strength carrier of the inner hose element 14. Despite the inner carcass 18, the inner hose element 14 can, however, be elastic in such a way that it can reduce or increase its cross-section under pressure from the inside or outside.

[0031] The inner hose element 14 has a first inner surface 20, which in this case defines the conduit region 16, and a first outer surface 22, which faces away from the conduit region 16.

[0032] In addition, the floating hose segments 4 have an outer hose element 24, which is also tubular with a wall having a circular cross-section. The outer hose element 24 has a second inner surface 26 that defines an interior space. The inner hose element 14 is arranged in this interior space and extends parallel to the outer hose element 24 through it. Overall, the inner and outer hose elements 14, 24 extend between the first and second ends 10, 12 of the floating hose segment 4.

[0033] In the preferred embodiment of a floating hose segment 4 according to the invention shown here, the second inner surface 26 normally rests against the first outer surface 22 when both the inner and outer hose elements 14, 24 are undamaged, but can be lifted off from the first outer surface 22 or displaced relative to the first outer surface 22. However, it is also conceivable that, even normally when the hose elements 14, 24 are undamaged, the first outer surface 22 of the inner hose element 14 is spaced from the second inner surface 26 of the outer hose element 24, so that a gap is formed between the inner and outer hose elements 14, 24.

[0034] In any case, however, liquid penetrating into the area between the hose elements 14, 24 and thus between the first outer surface 22 and the second inner surface 26 can move along this area up to the ends 10, 12.

[0035] The outer hose element 24 further has a second outer surface 28, which faces outwardly away from the inner hose element 14, so that in the preferred embodiment shown here it forms the outer surface of the floating hose segment 4. Finally, the outer hose element 24 has an outer carcass 30, which also comprises a fabric (shown schematically here) and rubber and serves as a strength member of the outer hose element 24. However, the outer carcass 30 does not necessarily prevent the outer hose element 24 from lifting off the inner hose element 14 if liquid gets between the hose elements 14, 24 due to a leak in the inner or outer hose element 14, 24.

[0036] The swimming hose segment 4 further comprises a first connecting element 32 at the first end 10 and a second connecting element (in Fig. 2 not shown) at the second end 12. However, in the embodiment described here, the second connecting element is constructed very similarly to the first connecting element 32, and the inner and outer hose elements 14, 24 are attached to it in the same way as to the first connecting element 32, so that it is not necessary to illustrate and describe it in detail.

[0037] Each of the connecting elements 32 has a coupling section 34 for connection to another connecting element and a pipe section 36 extending away from the coupling section 34. The coupling section 34 can in particular be designed as a flange whose plane runs perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipe section 36. As further shown in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the inner hose element 14 is attached to a first section 38 of the pipe section 36, while the outer hose element 24 is attached to a second section 40 of the pipe section 36. The first section 38 and the second section 40 are arranged one behind the other in the extension direction of the pipe section 36, and the second section 40 is closer to the coupling section 34 than the first section 38.

[0038] Like the Fig. 2 and 3As can be further seen, sensor devices 42 are provided which, in the preferred exemplary embodiment described here, are attached to the tube section 36 of the first connection element 32 between the first section 38 and the second section 40. The sensor devices 42 are spaced apart around the circumference of the tube section 36. The sensor devices 42 are thus arranged and adapted such that they are able to detect the presence of at least one substance in the area between the hose elements 14, 24 and thus between the first outer surface 22 and the second inner surface 26. The fact that a plurality of sensor devices 42 is provided ensures that the presence of the substance in question is reliably detected.

[0039] In the embodiment described here, the sensor devices 42 are adapted to detect the presence of salt water and hydrocarbons as the substance in question. The sensitivity to hydrocarbons ensures that oil penetrating the area between the hose elements 14, 24 through a leak in the inner hose element 14 is detected, while the sensitivity to salt water allows a leak in the outer hose element 24 to be detected.

[0040] How to continue in Fig. 2 and 3As can be seen, the tube section 36 has a radially projecting circumferential rib 44 which is arranged in the extension direction of the tube section 36 between the first section 38 and the second section 40, wherein the sensor devices 42 are arranged on the side of the rib 44 which faces the first section 38. The rib 44 enables simple assembly and positioning of the sensor devices 42 before the hose elements 14, 24 are attached to the tube section 36.

[0041] Out of Fig. 2 It can also be seen that a communication device 46 is provided, which is connected to the sensor devices 42 via cable 48, although it is also conceivable that the sensor devices 42 and the communication device 46 are connected to each other wirelessly. In the cable connection between the sensor devices 42 and the communication device 46, as in Fig. 3 shown, a connector 50 may be interposed. In the Fig.2 In the embodiment shown, the communication device 46 is accommodated in a recess 52 in the outer hose element 24, wherein the recess 52 extends from the second outer surface 28 into the outer hose element 24. Thus, the communication device 46 is easily accessible from the outside. The cables 48 for connecting the sensor devices 42 and the communication device run, on the one hand, between the outer hose element 24 and the second section 40 of the pipe section 36 and, on the other hand, through the outer hose element 24 into the recess 52. However, it is also conceivable that the cables 48 run directly through the outer hose element 24 into the recess 52. In addition, as in Fig. 3 As indicated by the route of the cable, the communication device can also be installed outside the hose elements.

[0042] The sensor devices 42 are connected to the communication device 46 so that information concerning the presence of the substance in question, in this case salt water and / or hydrocarbons, between the first outer surface 22 and the second inner surface 26 can be transmitted to the communication device 46. Furthermore, the communication device 46 is adapted to transmit this information to a central control device 54. In the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment of a floating hose system 2 according to the invention, the central control device 54 is attached to a buoy 56 to which the first chain end 6 is connected. However, it is also conceivable that the central control device is attached to one of the floating hose segments 4.

[0043] The information can be transmitted wirelessly from the communication devices 46 of the floating hose segments 4 to the central control device 54. However, it is also possible for the information to be transmitted to the central control device 54 via one or more additional communication devices 46. Finally, it is also possible for the control device 54 and the communication devices 46 to be connected via cables.

[0044] The previously described embodiment of a floating hose system 2 according to the invention operates as follows.

[0045] If a leak occurs in the inner hose element 14, such that, for example, oil from the conduit area 16 enters the area between the first outer surface 22 and the second inner surface 26, this oil is detected by the sensor devices 42, which are in contact with this area and are sensitive to hydrocarbons. This generates a signal that is transmitted from the sensor device 42 to the communication device 46, and from there to the central control device 54. The latter can occur either directly or indirectly via the interposition of further communication devices 46.

[0046] This allows an error message in the form of a sensor signal about oil penetration into the area between the hose elements 14, 24 to be transmitted to the central control unit even before any oil has escaped from the line area 16 into the environment. This makes it possible to take measures at an early stage to prevent such leakage, for example, replacing the defective floating hose segment 4 in the floating hose system.

[0047] A similar procedure is followed if a leak has occurred in the outer hose element 24, causing salt water to penetrate the area between the hose elements 14, 24. This can also be detected early with the aid of the sensor device 42, in particular before the inner hose element 14 is also damaged and possibly also leaks due to the leak in the outer hose element 24.

[0048] Overall, the floating hose system 2 according to the invention with the floating hose segments 4 also according to the invention enables leaks to be detected at an early stage and countermeasures to be taken before the actual damage occurs. List of reference symbols

[0049] 2Floating hose system 4Floating hose segment 6First chain end 8Second chain end 10First end 12Second end 14Inner hose element 16Conduit section 18Inner carcass 20First inner surface 22First outer surface 24Outer hose element 26Second inner surface 28Second outer surface 30Outer carcass 32First connection element 34Coupling section 36Pipe section 38First section 40Second section 42Sensor device 44Rib 46Communication device 48Cable 50Connector 52Recess 54Central control device 56Buoy

Claims

1. Floating hose segment (4) with an inner hose element (14) which has the shape of a hose and has a first inner surface (20), which delimits a line region (16) through which a fluid such as, for example, oil can be conveyed, and a first outer surface (22), which faces away from the line region (16), an outer hose element (24) which has the shape of a hose and has a second inner surface (26), which delimits an interior space through which the inner hose element (14) extends, and a second outer surface (28), which faces outwards away from the inner hose element (14), and at least one communication device (46) which is adapted to transmit information directly or indirectly to a central control device (54), wherein the inner and outer hose elements (14, 24) extend between a first end (10) and a second end (12) of the floating hose segment (4), wherein at least one sensor device (42) is provided, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is arranged and adapted so as to be capable of detecting the presence of at least one substance in the region between the first outer surface (22) and the second inner surface (26), wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is linked to the communication device (46) such that information relating to the presence of the at least one substance between the first outer surface (22) and the second inner surface (26) can be transmitted to the communication device (46), and wherein the communication device (46) is adapted to transmit the information relating to the presence of the at least one substance between the first outer surface (22) and the second inner surface (26) to the central control device (54), characterized in that the communication device (46) is accommodated in a recess (52) in the outer hose element (24), and wherein the recess (52) extends from the second outer surface (28) into the outer hose element (24).

2. Floating hose segment according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is adapted to detect the presence of salt water as the at least one substance.

3. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is adapted to detect the presence of hydrocarbons as the at least one substance.

4. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the floating hose segment (4) moreover has a first connection element (32) at the first end (10) and a second connection element at the second end (12), wherein each connection element (32) has a coupling section (34), for joining to a further connection element (32), and a pipe section (36), which extends away from the coupling section (34), wherein at each connection element (32), the inner hose element (14) is fastened to a first section (38) of the pipe section (36) and the outer hose element (24) is fastened to a second section (40) of the pipe section (36), wherein the second section (40) is closer to the coupling section (34) than the first section (38).

5. Floating hose segment according to Claim 4, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is attached to the pipe section (36) of the first connection element (32) between the first section (38) and the second section (40).

6. Floating hose segment according to Claim 5, wherein a multiplicity of sensor devices (42) is attached to the pipe section (36) of the first connection element (32) between the first section (38) and the second section (40), wherein the sensor devices (42) are spaced apart around the circumference of the pipe section (36).

7. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the pipe section (36) has a radially projecting circumferential rib (44) which is arranged between the first section (38) and the second section (40), and wherein at least one of the sensor devices (42) is arranged on that side of the rib (44) which faces the first section (38).

8. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is linked to the communication device (46) by means of a cable (48) which runs between the outer hose element (24) and the second section (40) of the pipe section (36).

9. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the at least one sensor device (42) is linked to the communication device (46) via a cable (48) which extends through the outer hose element (24).

10. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the cable (48) extends through the outer hose element (24) into the recess (52).

11. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the communication device (46) is designed for wireless communication in order to transmit information relating to the presence of the at least one substance between the first outer surface (22) and the second inner surface (26) wirelessly to a further communication device (46) or to the central control device (54).

12. Floating hose segment according to one or more of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the inner hose element (14) has an inner carcass (18) and / or the outer hose element (24) has an outer carcass (30).

13. Floating hose system comprising a multiplicity of floating hose segments according to one or more of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second ends (10, 12) of different floating hose segments (4) are joined to each other in such a way that they form a chain of floating hose segments (4) which extends between a first chain end (6) and a second chain end (8).

14. Floating hose system according to Claim 13, wherein the system moreover has a buoy (56), wherein the buoy (56) has the central control device (54).