Articulated LNG Transfer Arm Valve Layout for Faster Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquefied gas transfer systems between ships face inefficiencies due to the trapping of gas in buffer zones, which requires significant disconnection time for drainage and inerting, and lack a valve on the articulated arm to isolate flexible portions during disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A liquefied gas transfer system with an articulated arm in three parts, featuring a flexible proximal portion, a rigid middle portion with a valve, and a suspended distal portion, allowing for adaptable configurations and reduced gas trapping by positioning the valve on the middle portion of the articulated arm, eliminating the need for expensive rotating joints and minimizing maneuvering difficulties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is arranged upstream of the emergency disconnection connection devices on the deck of the supplier vessel, then safety is improved by isolating the transfer line, but the buffer zone length increases significantly causing longer disconnection time
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer line is segmented into multiple sections with valves positioned at strategic locations along the articulated arm. This segmentation allows isolation of only the necessary buffer zone (between the valve and connection device) rather than the entire transfer line, significantly reducing the volume that requires drainage and inerting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm structure serves as an intermediary carrier for the transfer line, allowing the valve to be positioned closer to the connection point while maintaining proper isolation functionality. The arm's mechanical structure enables compact arrangement of valve and connection device, reducing the buffer zone length compared to traditional deck-mounted valve arrangements.
2Loss of time
If the valve is positioned closer to the end of the transfer line, then the buffer zone length is reduced, but the complexity of maneuvering and connecting the flexible distal portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer line incorporates flexible proximal and distal portions that can dynamically adapt to the movements and positioning requirements of the articulated arm. This flexibility allows the line to be maneuvered into position while the valve remains accessible and properly positioned on the rigid middle portion, balancing the need for short buffer zones with operational ease.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for transferring (1) liquefied gas between a first facility and a second facility, said transfer system comprising: - an articulated arm (2) comprising a first proximal portion (6) intended to be rotatably mounted about a first vertical axis (A) on the first facility, a second, median portion (7) which is pivotably mounted on the first proximal portion (6), and a third, distal portion (8) which is pivotably mounted on the second, median portion (7); and - at least one transfer line (3, 4, 5) intended to transfer liquefied gas between the first facility and the second facility, and comprising a first flexible proximal portion (15) intended to be joined to a liquefied gas storage vessel of the first facility; a second, rigid median portion (16) which is attached to the second, median portion (7) of the articulated arm (2) and a third, distal portion (17) which is suspended at the third, distal portion (8) of the articulated arm (2) and which has an end which is intended to be joined to a manifold of the second facility, the second, median portion (16) being equipped with a valve (22).