Cryogenic Transfer Pipe With Swivel Joints for Side-by-Side Ships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring cryogenic products between floating structures, such as LNGCs and FSRUs, face limitations including restricted movement range, potential damage from excessive bending, and high pressure losses in flexible pipes, necessitating the use of cranes for transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a short chain transfer pipe with multiple cryogenic swivel joints and rigid sections, allowing for three degrees of rotational freedom and enabling the transfer pipe to extend freely between structures without the need for a hoisting device, thereby reducing pressure losses and enhancing movement flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible pipes are used for transfer, then the system can accommodate movement between structures, but the range of movement is very limited and pressure losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer pipe is divided into multiple rigid sections that can be connected and disconnected. Each section maintains structural integrity while allowing controlled movement through the connection interfaces, eliminating the need for long flexible pipes that suffer from excessive bending and pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic connection mechanism that allows the transfer pipe to adapt its configuration during operation. The pipe can be repositioned and reconfigured to accommodate movement between structures without requiring excessive flexibility, thus maintaining pressure integrity while providing adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If rigid pipe sections are used for transfer, then pressure losses are reduced, but the pipe requires support in the zone between structures and needs permanent crane usage
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid pipe is segmented into manageable sections that can be self-supported or temporarily positioned without requiring permanent external support structures. The segmentation allows each section to be handled independently during transfer operations, eliminating the need for continuous crane support.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer pipe system is designed to be self-supported during operation through its own structural characteristics and connection mechanisms. The rigid sections maintain their position and support themselves between structures without requiring external hoisting devices during the transfer process.
3Ease of operation
If flexible pipe is used for transfer, then connection between structures is achieved, but the pipe must not be bent beyond a certain limit to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the transfer system into rigid segmented sections with defined connection points, the system achieves connection capability between structures without subjecting any single pipe section to excessive bending. Each rigid section maintains its strength while the overall system provides the necessary flexibility through controlled articulation at connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention concerns a system for the transfer of cryogenic product from a first floating structure (800) for storage and transport of cryogenic product to a second fixed or floating structure (900) for storing cryogenic product, by means of a transfer pipe able to transport the cryogenic product. The system comprises a transfer pipe, itself comprising at least three rigid sections of pipe (12-17) fluidically connected each to the next by connection means (21 to 27) able to transport the cryogenic product, each of the two end sections of pipe (12, 17) having a free end configured as a tip for connection to a connection device of the first floating structure (800) and respectively of the second floating structure (900). The present invention also concerns a method of fluidically connecting a device for the transport of cryogenic product.