Modular Fluid Transfer Assembly for Offshore Tanker Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer assemblies are vulnerable to damage from extreme weather conditions, leading to disruptions in fluid transfer operations between offshore installations and tankers, and require dedicated vessels for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid transfer assembly comprising a floating device with a positioning system and a connecting device that allows for the use of non-dedicated vessels, enabling quick re-establishment of fluid transfer capabilities by coupling an intermediate fluid transfer line between the floating device and tanker, with rotating couplings to minimize environmental loads and simple adaptation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated vessels with turret, turntable and moonpool are used for fluid transfer, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid transfer function into separate components: a connecting device with coupling mechanisms and an intermediate fluid transfer line, which can be independently deployed and connected to existing vessels without requiring integrated specialized structures
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device and intermediate fluid transfer line are designed to work with existing standard vessels (towboats, supply vessels, anchor handling vessels) rather than requiring dedicated specialized vessels, making the system universally applicable to multiple vessel types
2Reliability
If existing fluid transfer assemblies are used, then operational capability is maintained, but vulnerability to weather damage and inability to quickly re-establish operations after damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer system is segmented into separable components (connecting device, intermediate fluid transfer line, and connection to existing vessels), allowing damaged portions to be quickly replaced or reconfigured without replacing the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device and intermediate fluid transfer line can be pre-positioned or pre-prepared for deployment, enabling rapid re-establishment of fluid transfer capability when weather conditions improve or after damage occurs
3Device complexity
If non-dedicated vessels are used with minimal adaptation, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability and fluid transfer stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device acts as an intermediary component that provides standardized, reliable coupling mechanisms between the intermediate fluid transfer line and existing vessels, ensuring connection reliability without requiring the vessels themselves to be specially adapted
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer assembly for transferring a fluid between an onshore or offshore installation and a tanker, includes a floating device provided with positioning means for maintaining a predetermined position, a first fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said onshore or offshore installation to said floating device, and a second fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said floating device to the tanker. The floating device is provided with a connecting device for establishing a fluid connection between the first and second fluid transfer lines, which connecting device and floating device are separate parts that can be joined and separated by cooperating couplers provided on the connecting device and floating device, respectively, without compromising the original function of the floating device.