Auto-balancing Hose System for Offshore Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer systems between onshore facilities and floating vessels face challenges with rigid structures that are costly, prone to damage from thermal expansion and ground movements, and require frequent maintenance, especially when dealing with cryogenic fluids and relative displacements between transfer pipelines and loading platforms.
Innovation Solution
An auto-balancing hose system with a hose divided into a riser and a freely suspended U-tube, maintained in tension by a counterweight or winch, allowing for accommodation of large ship motions and platform movements without stressing the hose or pipeline, and keeping the hose above sea level to avoid ocean waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid pipe structure with swivel joints is used for fluid transfer, then structural strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to multiple joints and supporting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid pipe structures with flexible hoses that have sufficient strength to handle cryogenic fluids while eliminating the need for multiple swivel joints and complex supporting frameworks. The hose's flexibility allows it to accommodate vessel motions and thermal expansion without requiring rigid structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the swivel joints and complex articulation mechanisms from the fluid transfer system, retaining only the essential connection points. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall device while maintaining functional integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid riser structure is used to elevate the hose hang-off point, then the hose remains above water level, but stress concentration occurs at the riser base due to thermal expansion and ground movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the riser from rigid to flexible, allowing it to elongate and contract with thermal expansion and accommodate ground movements. This parameter change eliminates stress concentration while maintaining the hose's elevated position above water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the riser dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adjust its length and position in response to thermal and geological changes. This dynamic behavior prevents stress accumulation at the base while keeping the hose clear of water.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hard arm with articulated sections is used, then the system can accommodate vessel motion, but the heavy supporting structure increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible hoses throughout the entire fluid transfer path, replacing heavy articulated arm structures. The hose's inherent flexibility provides the necessary adaptability to vessel motion without requiring complex mechanical support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more economical hose components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in expensive, complex articulated structures. This approach reduces overall system cost and complexity while maintaining functional performance.
4Ease of operation
If the hose is laid on the loading platform, then ease of connection is improved, but the hose is subjected to wearing and kinks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the hose from a horizontal position on the platform to a vertical suspended configuration. This dimensional change allows the hose to hang freely in a U-shape, eliminating contact with the platform surface and preventing wearing and kinking while maintaining connection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively accommodates ship motions, pipe end displacements, and ground deformations, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable fluid transfer for cryogenic and hot fluids, while being adaptable to various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a counterweight or a winch with a predetermined pulling force that maintains a top tension to the riser. As a result, the entire hose is in tension.
Implementation Method 2
a hose with a first end fluidly connected to the transfer pipeline and a second end fluidly connected with a ship manifold, a hose saddle or sheave that elevates the hose and divides the hose into a riser at the first end and a freely suspended U-tube next to the second end
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an auto-balancing hose system and a method for fluid transfer between an onshore facility and a floating vessel. The system comprises a transfer pipeline extended from the onshore facility to a loading platform, an upward pipe branch fluidly connected to the transfer pipeline, a hose with a first end fluidly connected to the upward pipe branch and a second end fluidly connected with a ship manifold on the floating vessel, a hose saddle or sheave that elevates the hose near the upward pipe branch and divides the hose into a riser at the first end and a U-tube next to the second end. The method includes elevating the hose near the upward pipe branch with a hose saddle and dividing the hose into a riser at the first end and a suspended U-tube at the second end. The hose is kept in tension, and adapted to accommodate vessel motions as well as relative displacements between the transfer pipeline and loading platform.