Emergency Gas Disconnection Coupler With Pressure-Override Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of uncontrolled loss of containment and incorrect triggering of the quick release system in loading assemblies for pressurized gas transfer between floating and adjacent structures due to inadequate depressurization and power loss issues.
Innovation Solution
A loading assembly with an emergency disconnection coupler and a switching system that employs a fail-safe regime, where the engagement mechanism is locked when internal gas pressure is above a threshold and unlocked upon power loss, ensuring safe disconnection and preventing accidental release during pressurized conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the emergency disconnection coupler is equipped with a quick release system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of uncontrolled loss of containment increases due to inadequate depressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary depressurization of the gas connection before allowing the emergency disconnection coupler to be released. The isolation valves are automatically closed and the gas connection is depressurized through the blowdown valve before the engagement mechanism can disengage, ensuring safe release without uncontrolled gas loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching system continuously monitors the gas pressure in the gas connection and uses this feedback to control the engagement mechanism. The system only permits release when the pressure sensor detects that the gas connection has been adequately depressurized, preventing uncontrolled gas release while maintaining quick release capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engagement mechanism is locked during pressurized conditions, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted release
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs preliminary depressurization of the gas connection before allowing the engagement mechanism to be released. When release is requested, the isolation valves close and the blowdown valve depressurizes the gas connection, after which the engagement mechanism is freed, ensuring both safety and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading assembly has a gas conduit that extends between a floating structure and another structure, to convey a pressurized gas stream between the two structures. An emergency disconnection coupler is configured in the gas conduit. A switching system is provided for controlling switching of an engagement mechanism in the emergency disconnection coupler between a locked position and an unlocked position (in either direction). The switching system is subject to two distinct fail-safe regimes: a fail-unlocked regime which inherently instructs for release of the emergency disconnection coupler, and a fail-closed regime which inherently precludes release of the emergency disconnection coupler when there is pressurized gas in the gas connection. The fail-unlocked regime is active when the gas pressure in the gas connection is below a predetermined override threshold value. The fail-locked regime overrides the fail-unlocked regime.