Floating Hose Radio Positioning for Safer Buoy Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems with a buoyant buoy and a floating hose used for oil transfer, the process of coupling the floating hose to a tanker is often delayed due to the difficulty in determining the geometrical arrangement of the hose relative to the buoy, especially in rough seas, leading to potential collisions and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a buoyant floating hose and buoyant buoy, equipped with node units that form a radio network to determine relative distances and transmit location data via a radio signal, allowing for pre-arrival assessment of the hose's arrangement relative to the buoy, enabling safe and efficient coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical viewing means are used to determine the floating hose arrangement, then the tanker can visually assess the hose location, but the process takes several hours and delays coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical viewing means with a radio-based measurement system. Node units with radio transceivers determine relative distances through radio signal exchange, and the main unit calculates geometrical arrangement data. This substitution of mechanical/optical methods with radio field-based measurement achieves precise hose arrangement detection without visual inspection delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the floating hose's geometrical arrangement before the tanker arrives. Node units continuously measure relative distances and the main unit calculates arrangement data in advance, allowing the tanker to receive ready-computed location information and plan its approach maneuver beforehand, eliminating on-site assessment delays.
2Reliability
If the tanker approaches at low speed for visual assessment, then collision with the buoy or hose can be prevented, but the coupling process is significantly delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow visual assessment with automated radio-based distance measurement and geometrical arrangement calculation. The system provides reliable collision prevention through accurate real-time position data of the floating hose, enabling the tanker to approach at optimized speeds while maintaining safety margins based on computed arrangement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on the floating hose's geometrical arrangement to the tanker. The main unit transmits arrangement data that enables the tanker's control system to adjust its approach maneuver in real-time, maintaining collision prevention while optimizing approach speed and reducing overall coupling time.
3Reliability
If support vessels are called to remedy crossed-over hose situations, then the hose arrangement can be corrected, but higher costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of problematic hose arrangements (such as crossed-over sections) before the tanker arrives. By continuously monitoring geometrical arrangement data calculated from node unit measurements, the system can identify and alert operators to configuration issues in advance, allowing corrective actions to be planned and executed without requiring expensive support vessel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated monitoring and detection system between the floating hose and the tanker coupling process. The main unit's geometrical arrangement analysis acts as an intermediary that detects and communicates hose configuration status, enabling proactive management of hose arrangements and preventing the need for costly remedial interventions by support vessels.
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
This solution allows for the determination of the floating hose's arrangement relative to the buoy before the tanker arrives, preventing collisions and facilitating quick and reliable coupling, thereby reducing delays and costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each node unit (18) is designed to establish, by means of an associated radio unit, a respective radio link (22, 24, 26, 28) to each of at least two of the further radio units of the respective node units (18), so that a radio network, in particular a mesh radio network, is created
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (2), having: a buoyant buoy (4), and a floating hose (6) which has a plurality of buoyant hose segments (8) which are coupled in series. The buoy (4) has a liquid outlet connection (12) which is connected to the floating hose (6), so that the floating hose (6) is arranged in a geometrical arrangement with respect to the buoy (4). A plurality of node units (18) are fastened in a distributed manner to the floating hose (6) and the buoy (4). Each node unit (18) is designed to establish, by means of an associated radio unit, a respective radio link (22, 24, 26, 28) to each of at least two of the further radio units of the respective node units (18, 42, 44, 46, 48), so that a radio network (30) is created. Each node unit (18) is designed to determine a relative distance (32, 34, 36, 38) from each further node unit (18) on the basis of the respective radio link.