Articulated Fluid Transfer Pipe for Ship Bunkering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems for bunkering or fueling ships, particularly those using flexible or rigid pipes with cable and winch mechanisms, face challenges in predicting and maintaining the position of transfer components, especially when accessing restricted or hard-to-reach areas on ships, and require manual operator intervention for connection.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer system with a hybrid structure comprising flexible and rigid sections, where the rigid sections are articulated to provide three degrees of rotational freedom and are connected to a static support structure, allowing for automatic positioning and connection to target ducts without cables or winches, using actuators and sensors for precise control and emergency release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cables and winches are used to manipulate the end of the transfer system, then the system can reach restricted zones and perform supply operations, but the position of flexible pipes becomes unpredictable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is divided into a static support structure and a dynamic articulated end with multiple rigid sections connected by joints. This segmentation allows the end to be manipulated with precise control while maintaining position predictability, as each rigid section can be independently positioned without the instability inherent in cable-suspended flexible pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable and winch mechanism is replaced with an articulated mechanical structure consisting of rigid sections connected by joints with actuators. This substitution provides direct mechanical control over the position of the transfer end, eliminating the unpredictable behavior caused by flexible pipes under cable tension while maintaining the ability to reach restricted zones.
2Extent of automation
If cables are used for manipulation, then the system can be operated remotely, but manual operator intervention is still required to finalize connections
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated end with its degrees of freedom and actuation system is designed to autonomously position and connect to the target duct without requiring manual operator intervention. The system can self-adjust its position and finalize connections automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually guide flexible pipes or perform connection tasks while maintaining full remote operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fully flexible pipe system is used, then the system can accommodate ship movements, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines a simple, monitorable static support structure with a dynamic articulated end consisting of rigid sections. This segmentation allows the complex adaptation function to be localized to the articulated end while the main support structure remains simple and easy to monitor, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a fully flexible pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated end with its joints and actuators provides dynamic adaptation to ship movements and relative positions. The rigid sections can rotate and adjust their positions to accommodate movements while maintaining a defined mechanical structure that is easier to monitor and control compared to fully flexible pipes.
4Reliability
If rigid connections are used throughout the system, then the structure is stable and easy to monitor, but the system cannot accommodate relative movements between ships
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a static rigid support structure that provides stability and ease of monitoring, and a dynamic articulated end with rigid sections that can accommodate relative movements. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously: the static part remains stable and monitorable while the dynamic part adapts to movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated end incorporates dynamic elements (joints and actuators) that enable the rigid sections to adjust their positions and accommodate relative movements between ships. This dynamic capability is localized to the end of the system, while the main support structure maintains its static, stable configuration for easy monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for transfer of a fluid product comprising a transfer pipe for the fluid product having several sections, called first pipe (2), and having an end provided with a coupling system (5) configured for the connection of the first pipe (2) to a target duct, and further comprising a support structure (4) for the first pipe (2), comprising an inner branch (41) which is mounted on a base (42) and an outer branch (43). The first transfer pipe (2) comprises a flexible section of pipe (21) having a proximal end (210) suspended from the support structure (4) and a rigid section of pipe (22) connected to a distal end (211) of the flexible section of pipe (21) and provided at its free end with the coupling system (5), the transfer system comprising suspension means configured for rigidly suspending, at the location of a first end thereof, the rigid section of pipe (22) from the outer branch (43) via articulation means permitting rotation around a vertical axis and at least one horizontal axis.