Open-Work Trellis Carrier for Fluid Transfer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer installations for vessels in deep waters face challenges with dynamic forces and securing constraints, particularly under extreme weather conditions, due to the high inertia of semi-submersible carrier structures, which require over-dimensioned securing lines to withstand large waves.
Innovation Solution
A transfer installation with a light, open-work trellis structure that has a high volume-to-surface area ratio, allowing for flexible anchoring and minimal mass relative to the vessel, enabling the structure to absorb swell and withstand high waves while reducing the load on securing lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If semi-submersible carrier structures with large contact surface area are used to absorb swell, then the structure can withstand waves in calm weather, but the inertia of the structure becomes too high and forces on securing lines become excessive in rough weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using an open-work trellis structure with high porosity (ratio of internal space volume to total volume greater than 0.9). This porous structure allows water to pass through freely, minimizing hydrodynamic forces and inertia while maintaining structural stability. The trellis comprises a network of beams and struts that provide mechanical strength without the mass and drag of solid structures, thereby reducing forces on securing lines during rough weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters from traditional solid or semi-solid carrier structures to a lightweight open-work trellis with specifically controlled porosity (ratio > 0.9). This parameter change fundamentally alters the hydrodynamic characteristics, reducing water contact surface area and inertia while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The trellis geometry parameters (beam dimensions, spacing, configuration) are optimized to achieve the desired balance between stability and force reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If massive carrier structures with large contact surface area are used, then the structure has substantial inertia to absorb swell, but the structure becomes overly sensitive to waves under poor weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The open-work trellis structure with high porosity allows waves to pass through with minimal interaction, dramatically reducing wave sensitivity. The porous nature means water can flow through the structure rather than impacting a solid surface, converting harmful wave forces into negligible flow through the open-work framework. This maintains swell absorption capability while eliminating excessive wave sensitivity in rough conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure is segmented into a network of discrete beams and struts forming the trellis, rather than being a solid mass. This segmentation creates multiple small openings that allow wave energy to pass through, reducing the structure's sensitivity to individual wave impacts while maintaining overall structural integrity for swell absorption.
3Strength
If traditional solid carrier structures are used, then the structure provides adequate strength, but the inertia is too high requiring over-dimensioned securing lines
Solution Approach 1:
The open-work trellis provides adequate structural strength through its geometric configuration and material distribution, without requiring solid mass. The strength comes from the trellis architecture and the high-strength materials used in the beams and struts, not from bulk mass. This reduces inertia and hydrodynamic forces on securing lines while maintaining necessary structural strength for vessel support and fluid transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining high-strength materials in the trellis framework with the buoyant properties of the enclosed volume. This composite approach achieves high strength-to-weight ratio, providing necessary structural strength with minimal mass, thereby reducing inertia and forces on securing lines without compromising structural integrity.
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 installation effectively limits dynamic forces between the vessel and the carrier structure, allowing for secure fluid transfer operations in rough conditions without the need for excessively strong securing lines, ensuring stability and efficiency in fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which are intended to open in the body of water
Implementation Method 2
flexible lines for anchoring the structure to the bottom of the body of water
Data Source
AI summary
This installation comprises a transport conduit which is at least partially submerged in a body of water, a device for conveying fluid between the vessel and the conduit, and a floating platform for securing the vessel. The platform comprises a carrier structure which is partially submerged in the body of water. The carrier structure comprises an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which open in the body of water. The floating platform further comprises flexible lines for anchoring the carrier structure to the bottom of the body of water. The ratio of the volume of the internal spaces to the total of the volume of the open-work trellis and the volume of the internal spaces is greater than 0.9.