Floating LNG plant comprising a first and a second converted LNG carrier and a method for obtaining the floating LNG plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for converting LNG carriers into floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSO) face safety risks due to gas process equipment being installed in enclosed spaces, which can lead to explosion hazards and do not enhance the vessel's stability or weight-carrying capacity, and are vulnerable to side collisions.
Innovation Solution
Converting LNG carriers by deactivating and removing LNG tanks to create space for LNG processing equipment, connecting them in a catamaran configuration to enhance stability and deck space, and installing a mooring system with a turret for weathervaning, while maintaining sufficient storage capacity and using a flexible riser for gas transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If gas process equipment is installed in an enclosed space created by adding a projecting hull structure, then the volume of space available for process equipment is increased, but the risk of explosion due to gas leakage is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes LNG tanks from the original carrier configuration and relocates the process equipment to an open deck area formed by connecting two carriers. This extraction of equipment from enclosed spaces and placement in open environments eliminates the explosion risk while maintaining adequate space for processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-carrier enclosed space configuration to a dual-carrier open deck configuration. By connecting two carriers side-by-side and utilizing the deck area between and around them, the patent creates open processing spaces that provide both adequate volume and safety from explosions.
2Volume of moving object
If gas liquefaction process equipment is installed in the space created at the side of the hull, then space utilization is improved, but the vessel becomes vulnerable to side collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate carrier hulls into a catamaran configuration, creating a wider, more stable platform. This combination provides ample space for process equipment while the dual-hull structure inherently offers better protection against collisions compared to installing equipment on the side of a single hull.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-hull catamaran configuration provides enhanced stability and collision resistance through the counterbalancing effect of two hulls. The structure distributes loads and impacts more effectively, protecting the process equipment from damage during side collisions.
3Volume of moving object
If an additional projecting hull structure is added to an existing LNG carrier, then space for process equipment is created, but the weight carrying capacity and stability of the vessel are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a projecting structure to a single carrier, the patent combines two complete carriers into a catamaran configuration. This merging provides both the necessary space for process equipment and significantly enhances stability through the dual-hull design, which offers greater righting moment and resistance to rolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The catamaran configuration allows for dynamic stability characteristics that differ from traditional single-hull vessels. The dual-hull design provides inherent stability and can be optimized for specific operational conditions, enhancing the vessel's ability to maintain stability while carrying process equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a floating LNG plant (1) comprising a first (10) and a second (20) converted LNG carrier each provided with a hull and at least one LNG storage tank (14, 24) wherein the floating LNG plant further comprises: . a connection structure (30) for connecting the hull of the first (10) and the second (20) converted LNG carrier in order to obtain a twin- hull vessel, . process equipment for LNG processing on the floating LNG plant, and . a mooring system for mooring the floating LNG plant to the seabed, wherein the at least first (10) and second (20) converted LNG carrier each comprise an LNG carrier, originally provided with a plurality of LNG tanks, wherein at least one LNG tank has been deactivated and/or removed from at least one LNG carrier to create space on the floating LNG plant for installing the process equipment for LNG processing.