Automatically Releasable Coupling for Offshore Fluid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for changing oil in gearbox nacelles of wind turbines, especially offshore, are hazardous, time-consuming, and environmentally risky due to multiple hoist operations, reliance on functioning hydraulics for safety mechanisms, and lack of compatibility with international safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an umbilical with an automatically releasable coupling and speed damping arrangement, which allows for controlled and automated release of fluid transport components, reducing the need for hydraulic activation and minimizing environmental risk through a closed fluid transport system with a lifting line to support hoses and prevent elongate stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hoist operations are used to transport oil cans between vessel and nacelle, then fluid exchange can be performed, but safety risk increases due to frequent lifting and dropping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid transport function into two separate components: a flexible hose for fluid conveyance and a lifting line for mechanical support. This segmentation allows the hose to be lighter and more flexible while the lifting line handles all mechanical stress, enabling safer and more efficient operations by eliminating the need to repeatedly lift heavy oil cans.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose acts as an intermediary element between the vessel and nacelle, allowing fluid transfer without requiring direct mechanical connection or repeated lifting operations. The hose can remain in place while fluid is pumped through it, eliminating the need for multiple hoist operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual filling of oil cans is performed, then fluid exchange can be completed, but work intensity increases and risk of oil splashes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical filling operations with a pumped fluid transfer system. Fluid is transferred through the flexible hose using pumping mechanisms, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle and fill heavy oil cans, thereby reducing work intensity and eliminating the risk of manual oil splashes.
3Productivity
If service vessel approaches near to foundation of offshore wind turbine, then fluid exchange can be performed, but risk of damage to vessel and foundation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides localized fluid transfer capability directly at the nacelle through the flexible hose connection, eliminating the need for the service vessel to approach close to the turbine foundation. The hose can extend from a position further away, allowing fluid exchange without bringing the vessel into dangerous proximity to the foundation.
4Loss of time
If limited time frame is used for offshore operations, then operational window is constrained, but safety requirements cannot be met in extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose is deployed and connected in advance before the actual fluid transfer begins. This preliminary setup allows the system to remain in place for the duration of the fluid transfer operation without requiring repeated deployment and retrieval, enabling faster completion within limited weather windows while maintaining safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for transport of fluid, the system comprising a manifold (28) for being connected to a hoist for lifting the manifold (28). The manifold (28) comprises an upper manifold part (28A) and a lower manifold part (28B) mutually connected by an automatic releasable coupling (2) configured for causing controlled and automated release of the lower manifold part (28A) from the upper manifold part (28B) if a force for separating the two manifold parts (28A, 28B) exceeds a controlled, predetermined limit. A hose (3) is fastened to the lower manifold part (2B). The upper and lower manifold parts (28A, 28B) are interconnected by a brake line (7) configured to be transported through a speed damping arrangement (6) during separation of the lower manifold part (28B) from the upper manifold part (28A) for thereby damping the speed of such separation. The system is useful for exchanging liquid over a substantial height, for example more than 100 meter, for example between vessels at sea or between a vessel, such as a ship, and an offshore or an onshore installation.