Articulated LNG Transfer Arm With Reduced Buffer Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquefied gas transfer systems at sea between vessels are inefficient due to a significant buffer zone that needs to be drained and rendered inert after each transfer operation, leading to increased disconnection time and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A three-part articulated arm system with a flexible first and third portion of the transfer line, where a valve is integrated on the second median portion fastened to the articulated arm, reducing the trapped gas volume and eliminating the need for costly rotating joints, and an emergency release coupling is strategically positioned to facilitate safe and efficient disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is arranged upstream of the emergency release couplings on the deck of the supplier vessel, then safety is improved, but the buffer zone length increases leading to longer disconnection time
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer line is divided into segments with the valve positioned on the articulated arm rather than on the deck, creating distinct functional zones that reduce the buffer volume while maintaining safety isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm serves as an intermediary structure that carries the valve closer to the flexible second portion, acting as a mobile platform that bridges the gap between deck-mounted safety requirements and minimal buffer zone needs
2Stability of the object's composition
If the transfer line uses rigid connections throughout, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to various vessel configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer line is segmented into rigid first portions (for structural stability) and flexible second portions (for adaptability), with the rigid sections mounted on the articulated arm and flexible sections handling the connection variability
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines static rigid structures with dynamic flexible elements, allowing the rigid portions to provide stability while the flexible portions adapt to movement and configuration changes during transfer operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotating joints are used to accommodate articulated arm movement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex rotating joint mechanisms with a simpler flexible hose system that naturally accommodates articulated arm movement through its flexibility, eliminating the need for sealed rotating connections
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible second portion of the transfer line acts as a flexible shell that bends and deforms to accommodate the movement of the articulated arm, providing adaptability without mechanical joints
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for transferring liquefied gas between a first facility and a second facility, said transfer system (1) including:an articulated arm (2) including a first proximal part (6) suitable for being mounted so that it can rotate on the first facility about a first vertical axis (A), a second median part (7) that is mounted pivoting on the first proximal part (6) and a third distal part (8) that is mounted pivoting on the second median part (7); andat least one transfer line (3, 4, 5), suitable for transferring liquefied gas between the first facility and the second facility, and including a flexible first proximal portion (15) suitable for being connected to a liquefied gas storage tank of the first facility; a rigid second median portion (16) that is fastened to the second median part (7) of the articulated arm (2) and a third distal portion (17) that is suspended on the third distal part (8) of the articulated arm (2) and has an end suitable for being connected to a manifold of the second facility, the second median portion (16) being provided with a valve (22).