Support apparatus and related method

Abstract

Support apparatus (1) for supporting a pressurized fluid tool (10) at a tank aperture (2). The support apparatus (1) comprises a support unit (3), and a plurality of arm elements (4) mounted to the support unit (3). One or more of the plurality of arm elements (4) have an arm coupling (12) for mounting said one or more of the plurality of arm elements (4) at said tank aperture (2). The support unit (3) has a support element (8) for supporting said pressurized fluid tool (2).

Description

[0001] SUPPORT APPARATUS AND RELATED METHOD

[0002] The present invention relates to support apparatus and a related method, in particular, support apparatus for a pressurized fluid tool, such as a cleaning lance, and method for cleaning a fluid retaining tank.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] In this connection, the present invention particularly, but not exclusively, concerns industrial tank cleaning within the oil and gas industry on offshore supply vessels.

[0005] In this respect, various fluids, such as drilling fluids are transferred from shore to offshore platforms via offshore supply vessels. The products are loaded to vessels from shoreside facilities into vessel product storage tanks.

[0006] These fluids are often high in value and range from different oil based and waterbased muds, brines, base oils and other similar products. As so much product is transferred offshore, there is a requirement for cleaning the storage tanks onboard the supply vessels. Such cleaning takes place for example every time there has been waste in tanks, every time there is a change of product, when the vessel is going off charter, or when repairs are required in the tanks.

[0007] Current cleaning methods involve entry by an operator into the confined space of the tank whilst utilizing high powered cleaning equipment. This environment has many hazards, including working at height and the potential of falling objects, the presence of toxic gas, fumes, vapours or lack of oxygen, the potential ingress of liquids whilst in the tanks, solid material which can flow or potentially house further dangerous gases, and also the presence of excessive heat. Any type of injury within these confined spaces moreover makes rescue operations extremely dangerous.

[0008] In this connection, an option which has been explored is vessel self-tank cleaning. This involves systems that are already fitted within certain storage tanks and which run cycles of flushing water into the tanks when empty. These cycles are supposed to clean the tanks to a suitable level. There are however issues in the quality of cleaning by such self-cleaning systems. They introduce heat which tends to bake the product to the walls and make it very difficult to clean further. They also use a great deal of water per cycle without any control. For example, a cycle may use 5m3of water per cycle no matter how much water is required. This then turns to waste and has to be disposed of, which results in an adverse environmental impact. They are also expensive to fit and maintain.

[0009] The major issues with known methods relate to a confined space entry and the associated risks this entails, namely:

[0010] • Toxic Atmosphere. A toxic atmosphere may cause various acute effects, including impairment of judgement, unconsciousness and death.

[0011] • Oxygen Deficiency.

[0012] • Oxygen Enrichment.

[0013] • Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres.

[0014] • Flowing Liquid or Free Flowing Solids.

[0015] • Excessive Heat.

[0016] In addition, further issues concern the demand of cleaning squads with vessels often sitting around for long periods of time as there are no such squads available. A squad consists of 6 or 7 people minimum and its often difficult for cleaning companies to get a squad together, or to allow the teams appropriate amounts of time to rest.

[0017] Moreover, the use of high-powered cleaning jetters within the confined spaces pose a high level of risk, meaning the cleaning team have to go through a level of training to be considered to be competent in their use, but the risk remains regardless.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to seek to alleviate such problems.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] According a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided support apparatus for supporting a pressurized fluid tool at a tank aperture; the support apparatus comprising:- a support unit; a plurality of arm elements mounted to the support unit, one or more of the plurality of arm elements having an arm coupling for mounting said one or more of the plurality of arm elements at said tank aperture; wherein the support unit has a support element for supporting said pressurized fluid tool. With such an apparatus, an operator can perform a cleaning operation without entering the tank.

[0021] Preferably, the support element comprises a support aperture in the support unit for receiving the pressurized fluid tool therethrough.

[0022] Optionally, the support aperture is configured to receive a fluid lance as the pressurized fluid tool.

[0023] Preferably, the support unit and plurality of arms elements, in use, hold the support element substantially centrally in relation to the tank aperture.

[0024] Optionally, the support element includes a tilt mechanism for allowing said pressurized fluid tool to be inclined to different inclinations. In this way, access to all areas of the tank’s insides can be facilitated.

[0025] Preferably, the support element is configured for allowing said pressurized fluid tool to rotate about its axis relative to the support unit. Again, this enhances the ability to reach all areas of the tank’s insides.

[0026] Optionally, the support element includes a gimbal for supporting said pressurized fluid tool. A gimbal affords multiple degrees of freedom of movement.

[0027] Preferably, the gimbal is detachably mounted to the support element, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0028] Optionally, the gimbal comprises a clamp for clamping the pressurized fluid tool within the gimbal, thereby enhancing the support for an operator.

[0029] Preferably, one or more of the plurality of arm elements are pivotally coupled to the support unit. Such a pivotal coupling of the arm elements and the support unit allows the apparatus to be readily collapsed for transport and storage and also allows it to be configured for different sized and shaped apertures. Optionally, the one or more plurality of arm elements are movable between deployed and undeployed orientations, wherein in an undeployed orientation, pairs of the one or more plurality of arm elements are movable towards one another so that they are substantially parallel. This allows of easy transportation and storage, effectively substantially reducing aspects of the footprint of the apparatus.

[0030] Preferably, said arm elements of each said pair of one or more plurality of arm elements, are couplable together when in an undeployed orientation for transport and storage. Coupling the arms in pairs stabilizes the apparatus for transport, meaning it can be readily carried by a single operator.

[0031] Optionally, there are 4 arm elements coupled at respective corners of the support unit. Whilst more or less arms could be used, 4 has been found to meet the requirements of stability and adjustability.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning a fluid retaining tank comprising: coupling support apparatus according to any preceding claim to an aperture of a tank; passing a pressurized fluid tool through the support element in the support unit such that it projects into the tank; providing cleaning fluid at pressure through the pressurized fluid tool, an operator of the apparatus remaining on the exterior of the tank throughout the jetting process. In this way, an operator can safely perform an effective cleaning operation.

[0033] Preferably, the pressurized fluid tool is mounted in a gimbal which is coupled to the support unit. The gimbal affords multiple degrees of freedom for movement of the pressurized fluid tool, extending through the support unit.

[0034] Conveniently, coupling of the apparatus to the tank aperture involves adjusting the one or more plurality of arm elements in terms of their length and / or angle in relation to support unit. The adjustment options allow the method to be performed with variably sized and shaped tank apertures.

[0035] Optionally, at point of use, the one or more plurality of arm elements are moved from an undeployed orientation, where they are all in line or in a substantially parallel orientation, to a deployed configuration, where they are pivoted to extend at relative angles to one another to enable coupling to the tank aperture around its periphery. The apparatus used in the method can as such be collapsed for ease of transport, and then be deployed to accommodate variably sized and shaped tank apertures.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features may or may not be drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments of invention of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the attached drawings:-

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of support apparatus of the present invention in an undeployed state;

[0039] Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the support apparatus of the present invention in a deployed state mounted on a tank access aperture;

[0040] Figure 3 shows a plan view from above of the support apparatus of the present invention in a deployed state;

[0041] Figure 4 shows a view of the support apparatus of the present invention in an undeployed state being carried by an operator;

[0042] Figure 5 shows a close up perspective view of the support apparatus of the present invention from above with a lance coupled thereto;

[0043] Figure 6 shows a close up perspective view of the support apparatus of the present invention from below with a lance coupled thereto;

[0044] Figures 7 and 8 show perspective views of an operator using the support apparatus of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 9 shows a view of a number of arm element couplings in accordance with the present invention.

[0046] As shown in the figures, a support apparatus 1 is provided for coupling to a fluid retaining tank hatch or aperture 2. The support apparatus 1 is provided in order to support a tool, such as a jetting lance 10, used for cleaning the inside of a tank. In this regard, reference to a pressurized fluid tool relates to a tool for delivering pressurized fluid, such as a jetting lance.

[0047] The support apparatus includes a support unit 3 and a plurality of arm elements 4 mounted to the support unit. The arm elements 4 are preferably pivotally coupled to the support unit 3 that they can orientated at different angles with respect to the support unit. The pivotal coupling takes the form of a bolt passing through a hole the end of the arm element and a hole in the corner of support unit. In this respect, other suitable pivotal or rotational coupling arrangements may be used.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, four arm elements are provided, though more or less of such arm elements may be used according to the application.

[0049] The arm elements 4 are extendable to different lengths and pivotal to different angles in relation to the support unit 3, enabling the support apparatus to be used with a variety of sized and shaped tank apertures.

[0050] In Figure 1, the arm elements are folded into a undeployed state so that they are arranged effectively in two parallel lines. This allows this support apparatus to be readily transported by a single operative as shown in Figure 4.

[0051] In this connection, pairs of elements can be connected by way of a short plate member 5 which retains the support apparatus in an undeployed state and also provides a suitable handle for transporting the support apparatus, as shown in Figure 4.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, with the plate members 5 removed, the support apparatus can be deployed, the arm elements being swung out and extended as appropriate to enable them to be coupled to a rim of aperture 2, by way of arm element couplings 12 provided at the distal end of the arm elements 4.

[0053] As shown, the arm elements 4 each comprise an internal arm element 4A sliding within an external sleeve element 4B. A locking lever 6 threadingly connected to the internal arm element projects through a slot 11 in the external arm element 4B. Once the arm element is at the desired length, the locking lever 6, is turned to clamp the internal element 4A within external sleeve element 4B.

[0054] At the distal end of each arm element, there is provided tank aperture coupling 12, for securing the arm elements in place and hence locking the support apparatus on the tank aperture. Examples of arm element couplings 12 are shown in Figure 9. A bolt passes through the aperture in each coupling 12 to pass through a similar aperture in the rim of the hatch.

[0055] Figures 2, 7 and 8 show the support apparatus locked in position on the tank aperture 2. It will be appreciated that whilst certain of the figures show an operator mounting the support apparatus to a substantially horizontal hatch, the hatch could be at an inclination or on the side of a tank.

[0056] The support unit 3 includes a support element in the form of a central aperture 8 for receiving a pressurized fluid tool, in the form of a cleaning lance 10. In this regard, in figures 2, 7 and 8 no gimbal is used with the support unit, the aperture within the support unit providing support. Figures 7 and 8 show the operator inclining the cleaning lance at various angles as required.

[0057] In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, which show close up views from above and below the support unit 3, a gimbal 9 is located within the central aperture 8 to afford extra support to the lance.

[0058] The cleaning lance 10 passes through the gimbal and is clamped to the gimbal by way of suitable locking nuts 11, although alternative suitable lance clamping mechanisms may be provided as appropriate.

[0059] With the cleaning lance in place within the gimbal, the lance can be orientated as desired such that a cleaning jet can be directed as required to impact surfaces within the tank.

[0060] Once cleaning is completed the lance can be unfastened, and withdrawn from the support apparatus. The support apparatus can be cleaned as appropriate and then put into the undeployed state by folding the arms as appropriate and fastening them together using the plate members 5.

[0061] The apparatus of the present invention allows supply vessel tank cleaning to be performed from the tank hatch which is on the deck of the supply vessel. As such, there is no confined space entry required which removes the aforementioned risk to cleaners / operators.

[0062] The apparatus is adaptable to fit on any supply vessel tank hatch. The arrangement of the support unit / gimbal allows a cleaning lance to be easily and safely moved around and controlled by the operator.

[0063] The operator, who is attached to a lifeline on deck, cleans the sections of the tank required by targeting areas that require the attention.

[0064] The apparatus is set up to be easy to transport and carry around by one person, weighing less than 18kg.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the apparatus sits on top of the tank hatch. It is secured in place by, for example, bolts of clamps, depending on the specifications of the hatch. The arms elements can be adjusted to the desired length, and also moved / rotated in order to effectively and safely fit in place correctly.

[0066] A cleaning lance / jetting gun is fed through the centre unit and is held in place with small clamps as described. This prevents any excess force or pressure being an issue for the operator, and also allows for far less stress on the cleaner as per would be the case whilst in a tank. The gimbal rotates and moves to allow the operator to target different areas of the tank with ease.

[0067] The operator can as such target areas of the tank from the safety of the deck. Additional precautions are taken such as a safety line, and pre-operation gas checks. Gas checks are also monitored throughout to ensure no harmful gases are released from the hatch at any stage.

[0068] Benefits of the apparatus include: • No confined space entry required at all.

[0069] • No need for a full cleaning squad - only up to 3 men required for the operation to be carried out.

[0070] • Easy to transport equipment - lightweight, and easy to set up, even when cargo on vessel deck

[0071] • No need for permit writing for confined space entry.

[0072] • The amount of water used to clean the tank is entirely controlled and kept to an absolute minimum to prevent unnecessary waste creation.

[0073] • Ability to target solid build-up, difficult sump area, and line flush with clean water, unlike vessel self-clean system.

[0074] Specifications:

[0075] • Made with marine-grade aluminium which protects against natural elements and products it may come into contact with, such as brines and muds.

[0076] • Less than 18kg and compact which allows for easy lifting and transport to and from vessel.

[0077] • Adaptable to any vessel tank hatch.

[0078] • Pressure tested, load tested & heat tested as a minimum.

[0079] It will be understood that the various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

[0080] Various aspects of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.

[0081] Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0082] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0083] In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of”, "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words “typically” or “optionally” are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or non- essential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0084] References to directional and positional descriptions such as upper and lower and directions e.g. “up”, “down” etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.

[0085] Whilst the present invention has been described in relation to an apparatus and method in relation to cleaning a fluid retaining tank, it will be understood that the apparatus may be utilised in other appropriate environments, including applications not related to offshore supply vessels.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Support apparatus for supporting a pressurized fluid tool at a tank aperture; the support apparatus comprising:- a support unit; a plurality of arm elements mounted to the support unit, one or more of the plurality of arm elements having an arm coupling for mounting said one or more of the plurality of arm elements at said tank aperture; wherein the support unit has a support element for supporting said pressurized fluid tool.

2. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element comprises a support aperture in the support unit for receiving the pressurized fluid tool therethrough.

3. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the support aperture is configured to receive a fluid lance as the pressurized fluid tool.

4. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support unit and plurality of arms elements in use hold the support element substantially centrally in relation to the tank aperture.

5. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support element includes a tilt mechanism for allowing said pressurized fluid tool to be inclined to different inclinations.

6. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support element is configured for allowing said pressurized fluid tool to rotate about its axis relative to the support unit.

7. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support element includes a gimbal for supporting said pressurized fluid tool.

8. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the gimbal is detachably mounted to the support element.

9. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the gimbal comprises a clamp for clamping the pressurized fluid tool within the gimbal.

10. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the plurality of arm elements is adjustable in length to a desired extension.

11. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of arm elements have a locking mechanism for locking the one or more plurality of arm elements at a desired extension.

12. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm coupling provided to the one or more plurality of arm elements comprises a clamp mechanism for clamping to an edge of the tank aperture.

13. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the plurality of arm elements are pivotally coupled to the support unit.

14. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more plurality of arm elements are movable between deployed and undeployed orientations, wherein in an undeployed orientation, pairs of the one or more plurality of arm elements are movable towards one another so that they are substantially parallel.

15. Support apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said arm elements of each said pair of said one or more plurality of arm elements are couplable together when in an undeployed orientation for transport and storage.

16. Support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there are 4 arm elements coupled at respective corners of the support unit.

17. A method of cleaning a fluid retaining tank comprising: coupling support apparatus according to any preceding claim to an aperture of said tank; passing a pressurized fluid tool through the support element in the support unit such that it projects into the tank;jetting cleaning fluid at pressure through the pressurized fluid tool, an operator of the apparatus remaining on the exterior of the tank throughout the jetting process.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pressurized fluid tool is mounted in a gimbal which is coupled to the support element.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein coupling of the apparatus to the tank aperture involves adjusting the one or more plurality of arm elements in terms of their length and / or angle in relation to support unit.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at point of use, the one or more plurality of arm elements are moved from an undeployed orientation, where they are all in line or in a substantially parallel orientation, to a deployed configuration where they are pivoted to extend at relative angles to one another to enable coupling to the tank aperture around its periphery.

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