Floating Pontoon Fluid Transfer System for Rapid Emergency Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid loading and unloading systems face challenges in safety and reliability, particularly in rough sea conditions, due to the mechanical connection between the intermediate unit and the transport vessel, which can lead to unwanted pipe movements and difficulties in quick disconnection during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid loading and unloading system that includes a mooring structure with anchored piles and buffers, an intermediate floating unit with a flexible connection pipe, and a quick disconnect device, allowing the intermediate unit to move independently and disconnect rapidly without mechanical linkage to the vessel, ensuring safety and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the intermediate unit is mechanically connected to the transport vessel using a suction cup system or mechanical system, then the connection is secure in calm waters, but the system experiences unwanted pipe movements and safety risks when swell and wind increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful mechanical connection between the intermediate unit and transport vessel. The intermediate unit is completely detached from mechanical mooring systems (suction cups or mechanical connectors) and instead uses a floating pontoon design that moves independently with water movements, eliminating the transmission of vessel movements to the transfer pipeline while maintaining connection stability through buoyancy-based positioning.
2Reliability
If the intermediate unit is mechanically connected to the transport vessel, then the connection provides stability in calm conditions, but quick disconnection in emergencies becomes difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (suction cups or mechanical connectors) with a buoyancy-based floating pontoon system. This substitution allows the intermediate unit to be naturally buoyant and freely movable, enabling rapid emergency disconnection by simply releasing the flexible pipe connection without needing to overcome mechanical adhesion or locking mechanisms, thereby reducing disconnection time and improving safety.
3Reliability
If a mechanical mooring system is used to secure the intermediate unit to the transport vessel, then the connection is stable, but the system complexity increases and emergency release becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mechanical mooring system entirely and replaces it with a simple floating pontoon design. The intermediate unit relies on buoyancy and the flexibility of the pipe connection to maintain stability, eliminating the need for suction cups, mechanical connectors, or complex release mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational reliability.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and safe method for fluid transfer, even in adverse weather conditions, by decoupling the intermediate unit from the transport vessel, preventing unwanted pipe movements and enabling rapid emergency disconnection without fluid dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible pipe for connection to a loading and/or unloading port on the floating transport structure
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate floating connection unit comprising a pontoon
Implementation Method 3
a quick disconnect device, allowing the intermediate unit to move independently and disconnect rapidly without mechanical linkage to the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
The system (18) comprises a reference structure (42) and a fluid transfer pipe (44) designed to extend from a fluid receiving structure (16) toward the reference structure (42). It comprises an intermediate floating connecting unit (46) comprising a pontoon (80), a flexible pipe (82) for connecting to a port on the floating transport structure (14) and a transfer connector (84) between the flexible connection pipe (82) and the pipe (44). The system (18) comprises at least one rigid link (48) for mounting the unit (46) onto the reference structure (42) allowing at least one degree of freedom between the unit (46) and the reference structure (42), the intermediate floating unit (46) being designed to be permanently uncoupled from the floating transport structure (14).