Offshore Cargo Rack with Manifold for Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore oil and gas platforms face challenges in storing and transferring supplies due to limited space, and existing cargo transport solutions are inefficient for handling multiple fluid holding tanks.
Innovation Solution
A cargo rack with a frame having a perimeter beam base, raised floor, and movable gates for forklift access, along with a manifold for directing fluid flow from multiple tanks to a common discharge, enabling efficient loading and transport of fluid holding tanks between marine vessels and offshore platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cargo transport solutions are used, then individual tanks can be handled, but storage space is wasted and handling efficiency decreases due to multiple separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid tanks onto a single cargo rack platform, merging what would traditionally be separate handling operations into one unified unit. This allows multiple tanks to be transported simultaneously as a single load, improving productivity while optimizing the use of limited storage space on offshore platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo rack is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different fluid tanks simultaneously. The standardized rack structure with adjustable positioning allows it to handle various tank configurations and sizes, making it a multi-functional solution that addresses both space efficiency and handling productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tanks are stored separately on the platform, then each tank can be accessed individually, but the complexity of storage management and space utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo rack divides the storage space into segmented positions that can accommodate individual tanks while maintaining them as part of a unified system. Each tank has its own designated position with adjustable positioning mechanisms, allowing individual access and flexibility while simplifying overall storage management through the standardized rack structure.
3Loss of time
If traditional lifting operations are used for each tank individually, then precise control is possible, but the time and energy required for transfer operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple tanks into a single rack assembly, the patent enables all tanks to be lifted and transferred simultaneously in one operation rather than requiring separate lifting operations for each tank. This dramatically reduces both the total time required for transfer operations and the cumulative energy consumption of multiple lifting cycles.
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 cargo rack facilitates efficient storage and transfer of fluid holding tanks by allowing easy access and stacking, and directs fluid flow from multiple tanks to a common outlet, addressing the space constraints and inefficiencies in existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A manifold arrangement directs flow from each tank to a common discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end portion has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame. Openings in the perimeter beam base align with the forklift tine tubes. The frame includes fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions, the gates enabling a forklift to place fluid holding tanks on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. A manifold arrangement with fittings enables transfer of fluid in any tank to a common outlet.