Fluid transfer installation

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation for transferring fluid between a fluid source, in particular a reserve of cryogenic fluid, and a receiving unit, in particular a ship tank. The installation comprises a tower (2) with a structure of the beam framework type, the tower (2) comprising a fluid transfer circuit (4, 14, 19) comprising a set of pipe(s) provided with a first pipe (4, 14) extending between a first, lower end intended to be connected to a fluid source and a second, upper end (14) intended to be connected to a receiving unit, at least a portion of the transfer circuit (4, 14, 19) situated between the first and second ends being housed within the volume delimited by the tower (2). The installation is characterized in that the tower (2) is made up of at least two separable stacked modules (12, 22) allowing two different configurations of the tower (2), each having different heights: a first configuration with the two modules (12, 22) stacked, and a second configuration with just one module (12), and in that the transfer circuit (4, 19) situated within the volume delimited by the tower (2) comprises two sections (12, 22) that are situated respectively in the two modules (12, 22), the two sections being connected together via a system (34) of separable connectors for adapting the height of the transfer circuit (4) to suit the two configurations.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid transfer installation between a fluid source (in particular a liquefied gas reservoir) and a receiving unit (in particular a ship). The invention further relates to a fluid transfer installation between a fluid source, in particular a cryogenic fluid reservoir, and a receiving unit, in particular a ship's tank, comprising a tower with a beam-type structure, the tower comprising a fluid transfer circuit including a set of pipe(s) having a first pipe extending between a first lower end intended to be connected to a fluid source and a second upper end intended to be connected to a receiving unit, at least a portion of the transfer circuit located between the first and second ends being contained within the volume delimited by the tower.

[0002] Transporting liquefied hydrogen by ship typically requires a connecting structure, such as a tower, to facilitate fluid transfer between the dock and the ship. This structure must be adaptable to different ship configurations (primarily the deck access height where the interface with the fluid storage tank is located).

[0003] Such a structure must be able to be transported to different ports and must meet many constraints and functionalities (transport, assembly / disassembly, easy access for operators, security of liquid and gas flows...).

[0004] Document EP2433901A1 describes an example of installation.

[0005] One aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.

[0006] To this end, the installation according to the invention, which also conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the tower is composed of at least two separable stacked modules allowing two distinct configurations of the tower having respectively distinct heights: a first configuration with the two stacked modules, and a second configuration with a single module, the transfer circuit located inside the volume delimited by the tower comprising two sections located respectively at the level of the two modules, the two sections being connected to each other via a system of removable fittings configured to allow the height of the transfer circuit to be adapted to the two configurations.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics: In a horizontal position, each module has a width less than or equal to 2.5m and a height less than or equal to 3.8m; the lower module, in a vertical position, has a height less than or equal to that of the upper module; the transfer circuit located within the volume delimited by the tower includes pipes mounted on the tower structure via supports; at least a portion of the supports are mounted adjustable in position relative to the tower structure; at least a portion of the supports for the rigid pipes are mounted adjustable in position vertically relative to the tower structure and / or transversely to the vertical direction of the tower; the transfer circuit located within the volume delimited by the tower includes at least a portion of flexible pipe.the tower includes a pivoting walkway mounted relative to the tower between a deployed position extending transversely to the tower and a retracted position extending along the tower, the walkway being mounted to slide vertically on the tower, the second end of the transfer circuit includes a flexible hose, the tower including a support bracket for said flexible hose, the bracket is mounted to slide vertically on the tower and / or articulated on the tower about a vertical axis, the fluid transfer circuit includes a second conduit extending between a first lower end intended to be connected to a fluid source, an intermediate portion located within the volume delimited by the tower and an upper end projecting at the level of the upper end of the tower (2), the second conduit being suitable and configured to form a vent gas evacuation stack,The first pipe is connected to the second pipe via a circuit equipped with a set of valve(s); the second pipe includes several vertically distributed connection ends configured to allow the connection of a removable hose, in particular a flexible hose forming the second end of the first pipe.

[0008] The invention may also relate to any alternative device comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0009] Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the description below, which refers to the figures in which: [ Fig. 1 ] represents a schematic and partial side view illustrating an example of the structure and use of an installation according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] represents a schematic and partial side view, illustrating another example of the structure of an installation according to the invention in a first configuration, [ Fig. 3 ] represents a schematic and partial side view illustrating the installation of the [ Fig. 2 ] in a second configuration, [ Fig. 4 ] represents a schematic and partial perspective view, illustrating a lower detail of the installation with a footbridge in a first position, [ Fig. 5 ] represents a view analogous to the [ Fig. 4 with the footbridge in a second position, [ Fig. 6 ] represents a schematic and partial side view, illustrating the tower with the footbridge in its initial position and at the top of the tower, [ Fig. 7 ] represents a schematic and partial perspective view from the rear, illustrating a lower detail of the installation with the footbridge in the second position, [ Fig. 8 ] represents a schematic and partial front view of a detail of the fluid transfer circuit in two configurations (two ends respectively unassembled and assembled).

[0010] As illustrated in the [ Fig. 1 ], the fluid transfer installation 1 is intended for the transfer of fluid (including a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied hydrogen) between a source 9, 10 and a receiving unit 16, including the tank of a boat.

[0011] The source includes, for example, a mobile liquefied fluid supply storage 9 and / or a fixed or mobile filling station 10.

[0012] Installation 1 comprises a tower 2, for example of a general parallelepiped shape, with a beam-frame structure, for example a truss. That is to say, tower 2 may include scaffolding made of rigid rods or bars, for example metal bars, assembled by fastening devices, preferably removable. Tower 2 may include within it a ladder system 13 or staircase allowing an operator to climb it (cf. [ Fig. 2 ] Or [ Fig. 4 ] for example). One or more intermediate floors 17 may be provided between the lower end and the upper end.

[0013] Tower 2 houses part of a 4, 14, 19 fluid transfer circuit which includes in particular a first conduit 4, 14 extending between a first lower end intended to be connected to the fluid source 10 and a second upper end 14 intended to be connected to the receiving unit 16.

[0014] Thus, at least part of the 4,19 transfer circuit is housed within the volume delimited by the structure of tower 2.

[0015] Tower 2 is composed of at least two pre-constituted modules 12, 22 stacked in a separable manner allowing two distinct configurations of tower 2 and having respectively distinct heights.

[0016] In the first configuration, the two modules 12 and 22 are stacked (assembled) cf. [ Fig. 2 The structures (frames) of the two modules 12 and 22 can be connected by interlocking and secured with bolted or splice-type connections, or any other suitable mechanical connection. Assembly can be carried out on site (e.g., on the dock) where the operation takes place.

[0017] The total height can be around 12m, for example.

[0018] In the second configuration, only 12 of the modules are used. The height can then be around 5 to 6 meters, for example. Of course, this height is not a limit and could be higher or lower (preferably provided that normal road transport conditions are met).

[0019] The lower module 22 can have a lower height than the upper module 12 (or vice versa or an equal height).

[0020] Tower 2 can be fixed to the ground, for example by bolting (anchoring in concrete, for example). Any other method of fixing can of course be considered.

[0021] As illustrated, this modular structure can adapt to different vessel sizes (particularly deck access height). Tower 2 is therefore modular (in the example shown, two interlocking substructures, 12 and 22, are used, but more than two modules are possible). These modules 12 and 22 allow for access to varying vessel heights, for example, from zero to over 15 meters. This modularity facilitates standard road transport of Tower 2 by minimizing its length, excluding accessories.

[0022] Therefore, to remain compatible with standard road transport (excluding oversized loads), modules 12 and 22 of tower 2 preferably have a maximum width of 2.5m and a maximum height of approximately 3.8m when the modules are in a horizontal, horizontal position. This means that the footprint of the tower or modules in a vertical position does not exceed 2.5m x 3.8m.

[0023] The transfer circuit 4 located within the volume delimited by tower 2 comprises at least two adjacent sections 40 located respectively at the level of two adjacent ends of the two modules 12, 22.

[0024] There [ Fig. 8 ] diagram shows the principle of connecting the two sections 40 of circuit 4 at the junction between two modules 12, 22 (left unassembled position, right assembled position).

[0025] These sections 40 are connected to each other via a detachable system, for example with flanges or clamps 34 configured to allow the transfer circuit 4 to be adapted to both configurations. The flanges 34 are preferably fixed without welding (connection by bolted flanges or clamp flanges, for example by screwing or other means).

[0026] The transfer circuit 4 located within the volume delimited by the tower 2 preferably comprises rigid pipes mounted on the structure of the tower 2 via supports 60, at least some of which can be mounted adjustable in position relative to the structure of the tower 2. For example, the supports 60 of the rigid pipes 4 are mounted adjustable in vertical position relative to the structure of the tower 2 (sliding for example) and / or transversely to the vertical direction of the tower 2. For example, these supports 60 can be adjustable along the three axes in space.

[0027] As illustrated, to facilitate joining at least one of the sections of circuit 4 may include a flexible portion 24.

[0028] Preferably, tower 2 further includes a walkway 6. The walkway 6 is mounted pivotally relative to tower 2 between a deployed position extending transversely to tower 2 (cf. [ Fig. 5 ] And [ Fig. 7 ]) and a retracted (raised) position extending along tower 2 (cf. [ Fig. 4 ] And [ Fig. 6 This pivoting of gangway 6 is achieved by mounting a section of gangway 6 on pivots, allowing it to articulate around a horizontal axis, for example. This pivoting compensates for variations in boat height caused, for instance, by sea level variations related to tidal phenomena.

[0029] Furthermore, walkway 6 is preferably mounted to slide vertically on tower 2 (see the upper position at the [ Fig. 6 ] and low position [ Fig. 4 ]).

[0030] The gangway 6 thus allows access to the deck of a vessel 16 regardless of its height (for example, up to 15m or more). This vertically positioned gangway 6 is also retractable (raisable) to allow it to move away from the vessel. The sliding of gangway 6 along all or part of the height of tower 2 allows it to adapt to the height of the access deck of the vessel 16.

[0031] As illustrated in particular in the [ Fig. 5 For example, gangway 6 is mounted to slide on tower 2 via a rail system 7 (or slides). The sliding mechanism can be operated manually or electrically, for example. This structure allows for rapid adaptation and configuration to varying access deck heights between different types of boats 16 to be supplied.

[0032] As schematically shown in the [ Fig. 1 The second end of the first transfer line 4 may include a flexible transfer hose 14 extending outwards from the tower 2 to be connected to the tank 16 to be filled. The end of the flexible hose 14 may be fitted with a quick-connect fitting with self-sealing valve(s). The other end of the flexible hose 14 is preferably connected in a removable manner to the central (rigid) section of the first line 4. The tower 2 preferably has a support bracket 8 for the said flexible transfer hose. The support bracket 8 extends transversely from the tower 2.

[0033] The gantry 8 for handling the transfer hose 14 allows it to adapt to the height of the access deck, which can vary depending on the vessel and, where applicable, the tide. The transfer hose 14 is preferably adjustable in position. For example, the hose 14 can slide vertically using a guide rail positioned on the structure of the tower 2 (laterally or frontally, for example). The sliding mechanism can be operated manually or electrically. Thus, like the gangway 6, the gantry 8 can slide vertically to adapt and quickly configure itself to the varying access deck heights required for different types of vessels being supplied.

[0034] The gantry 8 is preferably hinged around a vertical axis, allowing it to be folded down onto the side of the tower 2 structure (for example, to disengage from the ship and / or for transporting tower 2). A fastening system can be provided to hold the gantry in the chosen position.

[0035] To [ Fig. 4 ] And [ Fig. 5 The gantry 8 is shown schematically. It comprises, for example, a first arm that extends vertically along tower 2 and whose upper end is connected to a second arm that extends transversely relative to tower 2. The gantry 8 is, for example, hinged around a vertical axis via a structure connected to one side of tower 2. The gantry 8 is in a laterally facing position towards the side at the [ Fig. 4 ] And [ Fig. 5 ].

[0036] As can be seen in the [ Fig. 1 The transfer circuit includes a second conduit 19 forming a vent stack 19 for venting gases. This stack 19 has a lower end that can be connected to the fluid source 10, for example, to the fluid delivery station. The stack 19 has an upper end that preferably projects at the top of the tower 2 to release the pressurized gas.

[0037] Note that the principle of connecting sections illustrated in the [ Fig. 8 ] can also be applied to this second conduct 19.

[0038] As seen in the [ Fig.6 ] And [ Fig. 7 This second conduit 19, located inside tower 2, may include several vertically distributed connection ends 41 configured to allow connection of one end of the flexible transfer pipe 14. This allows the second end 41 of the transfer circuit to be positioned at different altitudes. When not connected to the flexible transfer pipe 14, these connection ends 41 are sealed, for example, by removable flanges.

[0039] These connection ends 41 can be tapping points for one end of the transfer hose 14, for example at each floor of tower 2. This allows the transfer hose 14 to be connected during waiting phases (no ships to be supplied) between two phases of liquid transfer.

[0040] This or these tapping points 41 can be used to ensure the safe evacuation of any hydrogen gas that may be present in the circuit. These ends 41 can also serve as mechanical protection for the end of the transfer hose 14 to prevent damage to its mechanism and sealing surface.

[0041] These connection ends 41 also provide a heating function, in particular to have an end flange close to ambient temperature to avoid trapping moisture when connecting with the interface of the tank 16 to be filled and thus avoid possibly blocking the mechanism of this end flange (icing).

[0042] This helps to avoid contaminating the fluid (e.g. liquid hydrogen) contained in the storage of boat 16.

[0043] These multiple connection points 41 at different levels or floors eliminate the need for an operator to handle the transfer hose 14 from one level to another in Tower 2 (via stairs 13). Indeed, with a single connection point 41, the operator would have to move the end of the transfer hose 14 up or down within Tower 2 to accommodate different heights while maintaining the connection point 41 at a different elevation. The proposed design optimizes ergonomics, safety, and operating time.

[0044] As schematically shown in the [ Fig. 1The lower end of the first liquid transfer line 4 can be connected to the lower end of the second line 19 (gas vent stack), for example at the source station 10, via a circuit 15 equipped with a set of valve(s). Thus, gas venting in the transfer circuit can be carried out via this circuit (the gas flowing downwards in the first line 4 of the transfer circuit and then joining the lower end of the second line 19 (stall) via the circuit 15 and then being vented to the atmosphere from above).

[0045] Thus, the first pipe 4, 14 of the circuit allows the transfer of liquid between the source 9, 10 of fluid and the boat 16 while the second pipe 19 can be used for the evacuation of gas via an upper chimney from all vents from the circuit (vent of the first pipe 4, 14 and / or of the circuitry 15 and / or of the source 9, 10).

Claims

1. Installation for transferring fluid between a fluid source, in particular a cryogenic fluid reserve and a receiving unit, in particular a tank on a boat, comprising a tower (2) with a structure of the beam framework type, the tower (2) comprising a fluid transfer circuit (4, 14, 19) comprising a set of pipe(s) provided with a first pipe (4, 14) extending between a lower first end intended to be connected to a fluid source and an upper second end (14) intended to be connected to a receiving unit, at least part of the transfer circuit (4, 14, 19) situated between the first and second ends being housed within the volume delimited by the tower (2), characterized in that the tower (2) is composed of at least two separable stacked modules (12, 22) allowing two different configurations of the tower (2) respectively having different heights: a first configuration with the two modules (12, 22) stacked, and a second configuration using only a single module (12), and in that the transfer circuit (4, 19) situated within the volume delimited by the tower (2) comprises two sections (12, 22) situated respectively in the two modules (12, 22), the two sections being connected to one another via a system (34) of demountable connectors configured to make it possible to adapt the height of the transfer circuit (4) to the two configurations.

2. Installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in a recumbent horizontal position, each of the modules (12, 22) has a width less than or equal to 2.5 m and a height less than or equal to 3.8 m.

3. Installation according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower module (22) has, in the vertical position, a height less than or equal to the upper module (12).

4. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer circuit (4, 19) situated within the volume delimited by the tower (2) comprises pipes (4, 9) mounted on the structure of the tower (2) via supports (60).

5. Installation according to Claim 4, characterized in that at least some of the supports (60) are mounted so as to be adjustable in position relative to the structure of the tower (2).

6. Installation according to Claim 5, characterized in that at least some of the supports (60) of the rigid pipes (4, 19) are mounted so as to be adjustable in a vertical position relative to the structure of the tower (2) and / or transversely to the vertical direction of the tower (2).

7. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transfer circuit (4, 19) situated within the volume delimited by the tower (2) comprises at least one portion (24) of flexible pipe.

8. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tower (2) comprises a gangway (6) mounted pivotably relative to the tower (2) between a deployed position extending transversely to the tower (2) and a retracted position extending along the tower (2), the gangway (6) being mounted in a vertically slidable manner on the tower (2).

9. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second end of the transfer circuit comprises a flexible hose (14), the tower (2) comprising a support bracket (8) for supporting said flexible hose (14).

10. Installation according to Claim 9, characterized in that the bracket (8) is mounted in a vertically slidable manner on the tower (2) and / or is articulated on the tower (2) about a vertical axis.

11. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fluid transfer circuit (4, 14, 19) comprises a second pipe (19) extending between a lower first end intended to be connected to a fluid source, an intermediate part situated within the volume delimited by the tower (2) and an upper end projecting at the upper end of the tower (2), the second pipe (19) being able and configured to form a chimney (9) for evacuating vent gases.

12. Installation according to Claim 11, characterized in that the first pipe (4) is connected to the second pipe (19) via circuitry (15) provided with a set of valve(s).

13. Installation according to either one of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the second pipe (19) comprises a plurality of connection ends (41) which are vertically distributed and configured to allow the connection of a removable hose, in particular a flexible hose (14), forming the second end of the first pipe.

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