FPSO Hull Layout With Wing Tanks for Collision-Protected Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large floating structures, such as FPSO's and FSO's, face challenges in providing improved safety and protection for hydrocarbon tanks during collisions, require complex constructions with numerous tanks leading to increased maintenance, and have inefficient hydrocarbon offloading sequences.
Innovation Solution
A floating structure design with large side spaces or wing tanks between sidewalls and hydrocarbon storage tanks, filled with ballast water or equipment, that absorb collision deformations and protect tanks, featuring a simplified construction with fewer bulkheads and optimized offloading capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If multiple hydrocarbon storage tanks are used to increase storage capacity, then the total storage volume increases, but the number of tanks and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is divided into multiple compartments using longitudinal bulkheads, creating separate side spaces that can function as wing tanks. This segmentation allows the storage system to be divided into manageable sections while maintaining overall storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side spaces serve multiple functions: they act as protective wing tanks during collisions, provide structural support for the upper deck, and can be used for ballast water storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures.
2Volume of stationary object
If numerous hydrocarbon tanks are used to increase storage capacity, then the total storage volume increases, but the maintenance requirements and access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into a limited number of large tanks rather than many small tanks, reducing the total number of access points and maintenance interfaces while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the hull by placing tanks between longitudinal bulkheads, effectively using the length of the vessel to accommodate storage capacity without increasing the number of tanks in the transverse direction.
3Volume of stationary object
If many hydrocarbon storage tanks are used, then storage capacity increases, but the offloading time increases due to frequent tank switching
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is segmented into multiple compartments along the longitudinal axis, creating several storage tanks that can be filled and emptied in sequence. This allows continuous offloading operations with minimal switching time between tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
Tanks can be pre-filled during loading operations and then systematically emptied during offloading, allowing for optimized sequencing that minimizes idle time and maximizes throughput efficiency.
4Area of stationary object
If hydrocarbon storage tanks are placed close to sidewalls to maximize space utilization, then deck space is optimized, but collision protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The design proactively creates protective side spaces between the tanks and sidewalls before any collision occurs. These spaces act as sacrificial zones that can deform during impact, protecting the tanks from direct collision forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The side spaces function as an intermediary zone between the external collision force and the hydrocarbon tanks. This intermediate space absorbs and dissipates impact energy, preventing direct transmission of forces to the tanks.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If side spaces are created between sidewalls and tanks for collision protection, then tank safety improves, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hull is segmented into compartments using longitudinal bulkheads, which naturally create the protective side spaces. This segmentation approach integrates collision protection into the basic structural design rather than adding separate protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal bulkheads serve dual purposes: they create the protective side spaces for collision protection and simultaneously divide the hull into storage compartments. This multi-functionality avoids adding redundant structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading, FPSO-, or Floating Production Storage, FSO-, structure comprising a hull adapted to support a weight of at least 50.000 tons, preferably at least 70.000 tons, with sidewalls of a length L extending in a longitudinal direction, a bottom structure and an upper deck, the hull having a breadth B, a process unit support structure overlying the upper deck, hydrocarbon processing units mounted on the process unit support structure, an outer part of the hull comprising: side spaces being bounded by the bottom structure, the upper deck, a respective side wall and an adjacent longitudinal sidewall, the adjacent longitudinal sidewalls being situated at a distance Wt from the side walls, Wt being at least equal to the smallest of 0.2 B or 11.5 m, an inner part of the hull comprising: at least one hydrocarbon storage tank for storage of hydrocarbons being situated between the bottom structure, the upper deck and the adjacent longitudinal walls, wherein the vessel comprises a centre line bulkhead and, between one and four hydrocarbon storage tanks of substantially the same size extending, in a transverse direction, between an adjacent longitudinal sidewall and the centreline bulkhead.