Apparatus for the transfer of cryogenic products between a floating structure and a fixed or floating structure

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for the transfer of a cryogenic product from a floating first structure (330) for storage of the cryogenic product to a fixed or floating second structure for storage of the cryogenic product, comprising a pipe (100) configured for transporting the cryogenic product between a duct (300) connected to a first structure and a duct (200) connected to a second structure. The pipe (100) is rigid, supported by a buoyant means (400) and suitable for transporting the cryogenic product, and is fluidly connected in pairs by a connection means (600) allowing at least one degree of freedom. The invention also relates to a method for retraction of the apparatus for transporting the cryogenic product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the transfer of cryogenic products between a floating first structure for storing cryogenic products, such as a methane gas tanker, and a fixed or floating second structure for storing cryogenic products, of the FSRU type (FSRU stands for Floating Storage and Regasification Unit), such as a methane gas tanker converted into a wharf or receiving terminal, where the cryogenic product may be a liquefied gas, such as, but not limited to, liquefied ethane, liquefied natural gas (hereinafter referred to as LNG) or liquefied ethylene. [Background technology]

[0002] To carry out the transfer of cryogenic products, for example, between methane gas tankers and land, it is possible to dispense with the conventional jetties and bridges that prove to be very expensive and important in practice, by using rigid cryogenic pipes with double envelopes placed on the seabed, or by using floating cryogenic flexible pipes.

[0003] Nevertheless, the first alternative solution is very restrictive, especially with regard to the manufacture and installation of the cryogenic lines, and furthermore the second solution has a high pressure loss due to the roughness of the inner wall of the flexible pipe. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for the transfer of cryogenic products from a floating first structure for the storage of the cryogenic products to a fixed or floating second structure for the storage of the cryogenic products, which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks and leads to further advantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To that end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the transfer of cryogenic products from a floating first structure for the storage of cryogenic products to a fixed or floating second structure for the storage of cryogenic products, comprising pipes configured for the transport of cryogenic products between a duct connected to a first structure and a duct connected to a second structure, the apparatus being characterized in that the pipes are rigid, supported by buoyant means, suitable for the transport of cryogenic products and fluidly connected in pairs by connecting means allowing at least one degree of freedom.

[0006] Such a solution has many advantages, in particular the fast implementation, the use of pipes specially designed for the transport of cryogenic products and the great adaptability due to the possibility of particularly rapid relocation.

[0007] In practice, when a single degree of freedom is provided, this preferably comprises substantial horizontal axis rotation of one pipe relative to another.

[0008] However, it is preferred that at least two degrees of freedom are provided, in this case preferably two rotations about mutually perpendicular axes.

[0009] The latter provision allows for better adaptation to both wave action and the floating primary structure.

[0010] According to another possible feature, the following are employed, alone or in combination with one another: the buoyancy means comprise floating bodies connected or articulated together or buoys provided with means for mooring to the bottom of the body of water; the buoyancy means is connected to the pipe by means of a joint; the buoyancy means is connected to the pipe via a joint along a vertical axis; each buoyant means comprises a pipe support allowing the pipe to slide and / or a support for fixing the pipe to the buoyant means; - one buoyancy means per pipe and arranged parallel to said pipe, or two buoyancy means per pipe and arranged perpendicular to said pipe; at least one connecting means comprises, between two ends of two continuous pipes, an assembly formed of at least three cryogenic swivel joints and bent pipes connecting with the three cryogenic swivel joints, for connecting with the pipes with at least three rotational degrees of freedom; - The number of low-temperature swivel joints is six to reproduce six degrees of freedom, - at least one connecting means is a flexible pipe configured to cooperate with a free end of the first rigid pipe and a free end of the second rigid pipe, the flexible pipe being configured for transporting a cryogenic product; - configured to be connected to a second structure by mechanical linkage means, the mechanical linkage means comprising one or more levers articulated to the device and to the second structure by pivoting or sliding links; the device comprises a flexible pipe adapted to transport the cryogenic product and to provide a link between the rigid pipe at the very end and a duct connecting to a second structure; - the device is adapted to be connected to a duct of a second structure by mechanical and hydraulic linking means; the apparatus comprises a cryogenic interface comprising a cryogenic pipe configured to provide a fluid link between the end pipe and a first structure target duct located at a higher level; - the linking means between the fluid coupling means and, where provided, the buoyant means are configured to allow rotation through 180 degrees about a substantially vertical axis of rotation so as to enable the pipe and the buoyant means to be arranged parallel to each other, and further the buoyant means are arranged so as not to impede rotation.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for retracting an apparatus comprising at least three fluid transport units, each comprising buoyant means supporting a pipe, the method comprising the following steps for retracting one of the at least two transport units towards the other: - folding the first transport unit back onto the consecutive second transport unit through a rotation of at least 180 degrees about the rotation axis; - Folding the second transport unit back onto the third transport unit through a rotation of at least minus 180 degrees about the rotation axis; Optionally, - rotating the transport units folded over each other to orient the formed assembly in a predetermined direction.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following non-limiting description of examples, made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view from above of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of a buoyant means according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of a buoyant means according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a schematic side view of a buoyant means according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of a coupling means according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of a coupling means according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a schematic side view of a connecting means according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a schematic representation from above of a buoyant means according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic representation from the side of a means for connection to a floating or fixed structure according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic representation from the side of the means for connection to a floating or fixed structure according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a schematic side view of a means for connection to a fixed structure according to a third embodiment of the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic view from above of a device in a folded mode according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view from above of a transfer device, more specifically an apparatus for unloading here, comprising pipes 100 connected to each other by connection means 500, a duct 200 connected here to a fixed structure, a duct 300 arranged on a floating structure 330, here a methane gas tanker, and buoyancy means 400.

[0015] The device shown here comprises thirteen connection means 500, fourteen buoyancy means 400 and one pipe per buoyancy means, although of course the number of means in the device may be different.

[0016] Furthermore, although each pipe here has a uniform cross section, it may alternatively be variable.

[0017] A duct 200, which is connected to a fixed structure, here a wharf, connects the pipe 100 with a device for storing the cold product (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0018] The duct may alternatively be connected to a floating structure such as an FSRU.

[0019] The duct 300 located on the floating structure is here connected to the cryogenic product transfer device via a cryogenic interface 310, which makes it possible to compensate for the different levels between the transfer device and the target duct position of the methane gas tanker, if this proves necessary.

[0020] In practice, this interface comprises a pipe suitable for transporting cryogenic products and for being connected to the pipe 100, which in turn is suitable for associating with the duct 300 of the floating structure 330, for example a flexible cryogenic pipe of short length or connected via an articulation to a transfer arm of the type known from patent application FR 2 813 812. Here, this is a flexible pipe.

[0021] Alternatively, such an arm is attached to the floating structure 330 to provide a connection with the latter interface 310 .

[0022] As can also be seen in FIG. 1, the interface 310 for the cryogenic product is actually a floating box.

[0023] Furthermore, mechanical linking means can keep the cryogenic product interface 310 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the floating structure 330. These mechanical linking means can be, for example, mooring lines belonging to either the cryogenic product interface 310 or the floating structure 330. Thus, the side of the floating structure that gives access to the duct is opposite the cryogenic product interface 310. The interface 310 can also be anchored to the ground, for example via mooring chains.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the floating structure 330 is itself moored via, for example, four fixing means 320. These fixing means 320 make it possible to limit the movements of the floating structure during the transfer of the cryogenic product.

[0025] These may be conventional mooring means such as conventional buoys, moorings, multi-buoy moorings, etc. These mooring means are buoys fixed to the ground and connected to the methane gas tanker by connecting hawsers.

[0026] The cryogenic interface 310 may also be provided with motorization means suitable for enabling the cryogenic product interface 310 to move to reach the duct 300 or, in one embodiment, suitable for enabling the cryogenic product interface 310 to fold back the device as will be described in more detail later in this specification.

[0027] The cryogenic interface 310 may also not have motorized means, in which case the cryogenic connection is moved towards the duct 300 of the floating structure 330 using a tugboat or any vessel suitable for moving the cryogenic interface 310 towards the floating structure 330, or using a cable and winch system suitable for moving the cryogenic interface 310 for connection and storage.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the pipe 100 is connected to a buoyancy means 400 .

[0029] By virtue of the buoyancy means 400, the pipe 100 is now above sea level.

[0030] In another embodiment, the buoyancy means 400 may be integral with the pipe 100 .

[0031] In the embodiment shown, at least one pipe 100 is connected to a buoyancy means 400. Each pipe 100 has two ends, each end directly connected to an adjacent consecutive pipe 100 by a connection means 500.

[0032] In fact, in the embodiment of Figure 1 there is one pipe 100 for each buoyancy means 400. The pipes 100 and the buoyancy means 400 have substantially the same length.

[0033] The pipe 100 is oriented substantially parallel to the buoyancy means 400. In an alternative embodiment, the pipe 100 may be oriented perpendicular to the buoyancy means 400, as shown in Figure 3D, described below.

[0034] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A, the buoyant means 400 is made up of a series of floating bodies 401a connected to each other via rigid connecting arms 402 allowing at least one degree of freedom.

[0035] Each floating body 401a has two opposite sides facing another floating body 401a with two points for fixing rigid connecting arms 402. The sides of the floating body 401a have two connecting arms 402 connected to them. These rigid connecting arms 402 are connected to two other rigid connecting arms 402 of the other floating body 401a via ball joint links 403. This link 403 allows the floating body 401a to move freely according to the movement of the sea surface without damaging the link.

[0036] In one embodiment, the link is reversible and may be cut, for example, for transportation of the floating body 401 .

[0037] In one embodiment, each floating body may include one, three or more rigid connecting arms 402 .

[0038] The length of the rigid connection arm 402 may be selected to reduce stress in the fluid connection.

[0039] Of course, the rigid connecting arm 402 can have other embodiments.

[0040] In fact, such mechanical linking means in particular make it possible to pass mechanical loads by buoyancy means rather than by fluid coupling means, making it possible to simplify the design of these latter and to increase their lifespan.

[0041] The floats 401 are typically made from polyethylene. In one embodiment, each float 401 is manufactured from a plastic material. This material has the advantage of being inert, or at least of low reactivity in the marine environment.

[0042] In a second embodiment of the buoyancy means shown in Figure 2B, the buoy 401b is held about an equilibrium position via anchors that are either detachable or fixed to the seabed.

[0043] This embodiment has the advantage that when the sea or current movements are high, the forces acting on the buoy 401b are minimized, which in turn reduces stresses on both the mechanical and hydraulic links.

[0044] Each buoy 401b is connected to one or more mooring points 406 via connecting cables 408.

[0045] The connecting cable 408 may generally be a metal or synthetic cable or chain.

[0046] The mooring points 406 are typically mooring anchors or buried mooring masses. The mooring points 406 may also be buried structures that are installed without the need for work equivalent to building a jetty.

[0047] The length of the connecting cable 408 is sufficient to allow the buoy to move with the sea movements around its equilibrium position.

[0048] In a third embodiment of the buoyancy means shown in Figure 2C, each floating body 401b comprises at least two linking means 405. The linking means 405 are fixed to the ends of adjacent floating bodies 401b facing towards the non-submerged side.

[0049] In this embodiment, the linking means is a ring 405 of sufficient diameter to allow a connecting cable 407 to pass between the buoys 401b.

[0050] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, a pipe 100 adapted for transporting cryogenic products is connected to one or more floating bodies 401a, 401c.

[0051] In another embodiment, two or more pipes 100 may be arranged on the same floating body 400. Among these pipes 100, pipes 100 are also adapted for the transport of natural gas vapor in the opposite direction to the transport of cryogenic products. These return pipes make it possible to minimize pressure losses.

[0052] The pipe 100 is generally a rigid pipe configured to transport cryogenic products. This type of pipe 100 has a smooth inner wall, which has a low coefficient of friction. This characteristic reduces turbulence inside the moving cryogenic product.

[0053] Thus, pressure losses are reduced and cryogenic products may be optimally transported over long distances with minimal pressure losses.

[0054] The pipe 100 may be made of stainless steel configured for cryogenic transport. However, the pipe 100 may very well be made from other materials suitable for cryogenic transport, such as aluminum, manganese-based alloys, nickel-based alloys, plastic materials, and composite materials. The pipe 100 may be insulated as needed.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3A, a first embodiment of a connecting means is shown.

[0056] In this embodiment, each rigid pipe 100 rests on the floating body 401 a using at least two linking means ( 611 , 612 ) to minimize bending forces on the rigid pipe 100 .

[0057] The two linking means (611, 612) are here arranged on the upper, non-submerged surface of the floating body 401a. Each linking means (611, 612) is here arranged as close as possible to the fluid connecting means 610.

[0058] In this embodiment, one of the linking means is a support part 611 fixed to the floating body and equipped with a sliding movement guide tube 611, and another linking means is a support part 612 for fixing the pipe 100 to the static floatation bladder 400.

[0059] The sliding movement guide tube 611 has a tube diameter sufficient for the pipe 100 to slide inside, especially when expanded.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the pipes 100 are connected to one another using fluid coupling means.

[0061] In this embodiment, the connecting means are flexible pipes 610 suitable for transporting cryogenic products and of a short length relative to the length of the pipes 100 arranged on the floating bodies. Each flexible pipe 610 is long enough to allow the floating bodies 401a to move relative to each other according to the movements of the sea surface. Nevertheless, the length of the flexible pipes 610 is also selected to be short enough to avoid the flexible pipes 610 causing excessive pressure losses. The connection between the flexible pipes 610 and the rigid pipes 100 is, of course, made fluid-tight.

[0062] Each flexible pipe 610 is thus connected to a rigid pipe 100 at each of its two ends.

[0063] This type of connection means is also the connection means for pipe 100 in FIG.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the fluid connection means comprises a set of six cryogenic swivel joints 620 connected by pipe fittings.

[0065] The assembly is configured to provide six degrees of freedom and is welded at each free end to the coupling end of an adjacent pipe 100 .

[0066] The mechanical connection means between two successive floating bodies 401a is here of sufficient length to allow the fluid connection means 620 between the rigid pipes 100 to move with the dimensional variations of the pipes 100 due to sea movements and temperature changes.

[0067] The six degrees of freedom of the fluid connection means 620 between the pipes 100 therefore allows for a reduction of stresses at these levels.

[0068] It can further be seen that the pipe 100 is connected to the floating body 401a by linking means identical to those in Figure 3A.

[0069] In another alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3C, the connecting means 630 comprises only three swivel joints or connectors (631-633). The assembly thus comprises a first swivel joint 631, then a fitting, then a second swivel joint 632 having the first connector and forming a 90 degree angle with it. The latter is complemented by a third connector 633, which is connected to the second by a fitting and forms a 90 degree angle with it. The swivel connectors of this assembly are all here suitable for low temperatures.

[0070] Thus, there are only three degrees of freedom of the fluid coupling means (three rotations with perpendicular axes), representing a simplified coupling means relative to coupling means 620 shown in Figure 3B.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, which may be combined with another embodiment, the rigid pipe 100 is fixed to one or more floating bodies 401c spaced apart from one another, each floating body 401c being positioned perpendicular to the pipe 100 near an end of the pipe 100. Thus, bending forces on the pipe 100 are minimized.

[0072] Of course, one, two, three, four or more floating bodies 401c may be fixed below the pipe 100.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the link 612 between the pipe 100 and the floating body 401c is a fixed link.

[0074] In other words, no degree of freedom is allowed between the pipe 100 and the floating body.

[0075] The fixed links 612 do not prevent the pipe 100 from contracting or expanding with temperature changes. These are, for example, clamp collars.

[0076] Of course, other fluid connection means that allow at least one degree of freedom between the rigid pipes 100 may be used in this embodiment.

[0077] In another alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3D, the connecting means 631-633 correspond to the connecting means shown in the embodiment of Figure 3C.

[0078] Furthermore, it may be combined with another embodiment, in which the rigid pipes 100 may each be connected to one or more floating bodies 401c.

[0079] Each floating body 401c is connected to the pipe by a vertical pivot type link 613 configured to allow the floating body to move with the sea motion, and therefore the floating body may be passively oriented with the current to minimize hydrodynamic forces on the transfer device.

[0080] In this embodiment, the pipe 100 is preferably positioned eccentrically relative to the center of each floating body 401c. The positions and number of the floating bodies 401c are selected to ensure the stability of the device and to avoid interference between the floating bodies 401c.

[0081] One embodiment of a connection means for connection to a duct 200 located on a fixed or floating structure is shown here in FIG. 4A in combination with the means shown in FIG. 3A.

[0082] In this embodiment, the duct 200 is connected to the cryogenic product transfer device via mechanical linkage means 212 and fluid linkage means 211 .

[0083] The fluid link means here is a flexible pipe 211 adapted for the transport of cryogenic products. The flexible pipe 211 forms a fluid link between a duct 200 located on a fixed structure 710 such as a quay and an end rigid pipe 100 belonging to a cryogenic product transfer device. The flexible pipe 211 is of sufficient length so that it is not constantly affected by tensile forces due to differences in level between the duct 200 and the rigid pipe 100 belonging to the device.

[0084] In this embodiment, the mechanical link is formed by means of a rigid arm 212. The arm 212 is rigid enough to maintain the average distance between the nearest floating body 400 and the duct 200 located on the fixed structure, while also allowing the necessary vertical movements, especially those caused by the tides. The arm 212 is connected at one end to the outer surface 711 of the fixed structure 710, and at the other end to the outer surface of the nearest floating body 400 of the device. The connection is typically made by means of a ball joint or pivot (here two) arranged to allow the buoy 400 to rise and fall with the tides.

[0085] A second embodiment for the connection of the duct 200 is shown in FIG. 4B in combination with the connection means of FIG. 3A.

[0086] In this embodiment, the fluid linking means is a flexible pipe 211 configured for transporting cryogenic products and equivalent to that shown in Figure 4A.

[0087] The mechanical link means are here formed by means of sliding links.

[0088] In practice, the vertical arm 2222 is fixed to the quay 710 and the nearest floating body 401a is connected to this vertical arm 2222 by a vertical axis sliding pivot link 2223 to enable the nearest floating body 401a to be raised and lowered.

[0089] Alternatively, it may be a sliding link, and it is also possible to envisage implementing multiple links of one or another type.

[0090] A third embodiment is shown in FIG. 4C in combination with the means shown in FIG. 3C.

[0091] The connection here is made on a sloping fixed structure such as a shore 720 .

[0092] In this embodiment of the connection, the surface of the shore 720 is configured to allow the end floating body 401 a to rest on the shore and to allow correspondence between the transfer device and the duct 200 .

[0093] The nearest or some pipes may rest on posts placed on the shore 720, such as the one with reference number 721 in Figure 4C.

[0094] Depending on the water level, the float may float or rest on the shore 720 .

[0095] 1 to 5, a method of extending and retracting a cryogenic material transfer apparatus will now be described.

[0096] Figure 5 shows the device in a storage position.

[0097] During the retraction phase, the cryogenic product interface 310 is mechanically and fluidly isolated from the floating structure 330 .

[0098] In a second step, the buoyant means 400 are folded back onto each other so that the buoyant means 400 and the pipe 100 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0099] In a third step, the penultimate floating body adjacent the duct 200 is folded back at a substantially 90 degree angle relative to the nearest buoyancy means 400 in contact with the duct 200. The cryogenic product transfer apparatus is thus positioned substantially parallel to the shore or pier, thereby not interfering with the spreading of water and allowing it to extend as required.

[0100] Alternatively, the device may be fluidly and mechanically disconnected from the duct 200 in an additional step.

[0101] In this variant, the device may be stored on land, so it does not obstruct the coastline.

[0102] In the extension phase, in a first step, the penultimate floating body 400 adjacent the duct 200 is extended to a substantially 90 degree angle relative to the nearest buoyancy means 400 in contact with the duct 200. The extension may be performed by using a motor-driven cryogenic interface 310 or tugboat, or by the cable and winch system described above.

[0103] In a second step, the buoyant means 400 are spread out relative to each other so that the buoyant means 400 and the pipe 100 are substantially longitudinally aligned.

[0104] In a third step, the cryogenic product interface 310 is mechanically and fluidly coupled to the floating structure 330 .

[0105] In practice, the fluid connection means and, in some cases, the linking means of the buoyancy means must allow for a 180 degree rotation of the pipe 100 and the buoyancy means, but these latter must be adjusted so as not to interfere with the rotation.

[0106] This is the case here with a transfer device such as that of Figure 1. Alternatively, a transfer device having a connection means by a swivel joint may be configured so that such a folding can be achieved.

[0107] It is noted that many other variants are possible depending on the circumstances, and in this connection the invention is not limited to the examples shown and described. In aspect (1), there is provided an apparatus for transferring cryogenic products from a floating first structure (330) for storing cryogenic products to a fixed or floating second structure for storing cryogenic products, the apparatus comprising: The apparatus comprises a pipe (100) configured to transport a cryogenic product between a duct (300) connected to the first structure and a duct (200) connected to the second structure; The device is characterized in that the pipes (100) are rigid and comprise buoyant means (400) for supporting the pipes and coupling means (600) for fluidly coupling the pipes in pairs; 10. An apparatus, wherein said coupling means is suitable for transporting cryogenic products and allows at least one degree of freedom. In aspect (1), the buoyancy means (400) comprises floating bodies connected or articulated to one another (402, 403) or a buoy provided with means for mooring to the bottom of a body of water. In aspect (1), the device is characterized in that the buoyancy means (400) is connected to the pipe (100) using a joint. In aspect (3), the buoyancy means is connected to the pipe via a joint along a vertical axis. In aspect (1), the device is characterized in that each buoyant means (400) comprises a pipe support (611) that allows the pipe to slide, and / or a support (612) for fixing the pipe to the buoyant means (400). In aspect (1), the device is characterized in that the buoyancy means are one per pipe and arranged parallel to the pipe, or two per pipe and arranged perpendicular to the pipe. In aspect (1), at least one of the connecting means comprises an assembly (630) formed of at least three cryogenic swivel joints and bent pipes connecting the cryogenic swivel joints between two ends of two continuous pipes (100) for connecting with the pipes (100) with at least three rotational degrees of freedom. In aspect (7), the number of low-temperature swivel joints is six to reproduce six degrees of freedom. In aspect (1), the device is characterized in that at least one of the connecting means is a flexible pipe (610) configured to cooperate with the free end of the first rigid pipe (100) and the free end of the second rigid pipe (100), and the flexible pipe (610) is configured to transport a cryogenic product. In aspect (1), the device is configured to be connected to the second structure by a mechanical link means (212), the mechanical link means (212) comprising one or more levers articulated to the device and the second structure using a pivoting link or a sliding link. In aspect (1), the apparatus comprises a flexible pipe (211) configured for transporting cryogenic products and for providing a link between the rigid pipe at the very end and a duct connecting to the second structure. In aspect (1), the device is configured to be connected to the duct (200) of the second structure by mechanical linking means (212) and fluid linking means (211). In aspect (1), the apparatus comprises a cryogenic interface comprising a cryogenic pipe configured to provide a fluid link between an endmost pipe and a first structure target duct located at a higher level. In aspect (1), the fluid coupling means and, if provided, the link means between the buoyant means are configured to allow 180° rotation about a substantially vertical axis of rotation to enable the pipe and the buoyant means to be arranged parallel to each other, and further, the buoyant means are arranged so as not to impede rotation. In an embodiment (15), there is provided a method of retracting the device of embodiment (14), comprising: The device comprises at least three fluid transport units, each comprising a buoyant means (400) supporting a pipe (100); The method includes the steps of reversing one of the at least two transport units toward the other, - folding the first transport unit back onto the consecutive second transport unit through a rotation of at least 180 degrees about the rotation axis; - turning the second transport unit back onto a third transport unit through a rotation of at least minus 180 degrees about the rotation axis; Optionally, - rotating the folded transport units to orient the formed assembly in a predetermined direction; A method comprising:

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for the transfer of cryogenic products from a floating first structure (330) for the storage of cryogenic products to a fixed or floating second structure for the storage of cryogenic products, comprising: The apparatus comprises a pipe (100) configured to transport a cryogenic product between a duct (300) connected to the first structure and a duct (200) connected to the second structure, the pipe (100) being rigid and buoyant means (400) for supporting said pipes; and coupling means (600) for fluidly coupling said pipes in pairs, said coupling means being suitable for transporting cryogenic products and allowing at least one degree of freedom; The device is characterized in that the buoyant means (400) comprises a pipe support (611) that allows the pipe to slide, and a support (612) for fixing the pipe to the buoyant means (400).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy means (400) comprise floating bodies (402, 403) and linking means for connecting or articulating the floating bodies to each other, or a buoy provided with means for mooring to the bottom of a body of water.

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the buoyancy means are one per pipe and are arranged parallel to the pipes.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the connecting means comprises an assembly (630) formed of at least three cryogenic swivel joints and bent pipes connecting the cryogenic swivel joints, for connecting the pipes (100) between two ends of the two continuous pipes (100) with at least three rotational degrees of freedom.

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the number of said cryogenic swivel joints is six to reproduce six degrees of freedom.

6. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the connecting means is a flexible pipe (610) configured to cooperate with a free end of a first rigid pipe (100) and a free end of a second rigid pipe (100), and wherein the flexible pipe (610) is configured for transporting cryogenic products.

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to be connected to the second structure by mechanical linkage means (212), characterized in that the mechanical linkage means (212) comprises one or more levers articulated to the device and the second structure by means of a pivoting or sliding linkage.

8. 8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a flexible pipe (211) adapted for transporting cryogenic products and for providing a link between the extreme rigid pipe and a duct connecting to the second structure.

9. 9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is adapted to be connected to the duct (200) of the second structure by mechanical linking means (212) and hydraulic linking means (211).

10. 10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a cryogenic interface comprising a cryogenic pipe configured to provide a fluid link between an endmost pipe and the duct of the first structure located at a higher level.

11. 11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the link means between the fluid coupling means and, if provided, the buoyant means are configured to allow 180 degrees of rotation about a substantially vertical axis of rotation so that, when the buoyant means are folded back on each other, the pipe and the buoyant means can be arranged parallel to each other, and further in that the buoyant means are arranged so as not to impede rotation.

12. 12. A method of storing the device of claim 11 in a storage location, comprising: The device comprises at least three fluid transport units, each comprising buoyant means (400) supporting a pipe (100); The method includes the steps of: folding one of at least two transport units over the other to store the device in the storage position; - turning the first transport unit back onto the successive second transport unit through a rotation of more than 180 degrees about the axis of rotation; - turning the second transport unit back onto the third transport unit through a rotation of more than 180 degrees in the opposite direction about the axis of rotation; Optionally, - rotating the transport units folded back on each other in order to orient the formed assembly in a predetermined direction; A method comprising:

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