Retractable Bow Loading System for Ship Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship bow loading systems are inadequately protected against green water loads and corrosion, and lack effective emergency disconnection mechanisms to prevent collisions during fluid transfer operations.
Innovation Solution
A bow loading system installed on a forecastle deck with a movable structure that can be quickly retracted to a protected position using hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuators, featuring a fixed ascending ramp and fluid conveying pipes with valve couplers that can be extended for connection, ensuring protection against green water loads and potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bow loading system is installed on the forecastle deck in a fixed position, then it provides stable fluid transfer capability, but it is exposed to green water loads and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The bow loading system is designed with a movable structure that can be retracted to a protected position under the forecastle deck extension or lowered into the sea, transforming it from a static exposed installation to a dynamic system that can change its position based on operational needs and environmental conditions, thereby reducing exposure to green water loads and corrosion
2Ease of operation
If the bow loading system remains in the extended position for fluid transfer, then connection operations can be performed, but collision risk with supporting structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates quick retraction mechanisms that enable the movable structure to rapidly return to the protected position under the forecastle deck extension in case of emergency or abnormal conditions, dynamically responding to prevent collisions with supporting structures while maintaining operational capability during normal fluid transfer
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bow loading system is designed to be fully protected under the deck, then protection against green water is achieved, but accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable structure can be extended from the protected position under the forecastle deck extension to an accessible position where maintenance operations can be performed, combining the benefits of protection during transit with ease of access during maintenance, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the bow loading system is retracted to the protected position, then protection against green water and collision is achieved, but fluid transfer operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to extend the movable structure from the protected position under the forecastle deck extension to the operational position where valve couplers are accessible for fluid transfer operations, dynamically transitioning between protected and operational states to resolve the contradiction between protection and productivity
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 system effectively protects equipment from green water loads and corrosion, facilitates quick emergency disconnection to prevent collisions, and allows for easier maintenance by retracting into a safe position under the ship's deck, ensuring operational safety and reducing risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
The movable structure is adapted to be moved to its retracted position in the procedure for emergency disconnection at a speed higher than the speed of normal retraction after a fluid transfer operation, by using gravity
Implementation Method 2
The means for moving the movable structure comprise hydraulic, electric or pneumatic actuators
Implementation Method 3
The means for moving the movable structure comprise hydraulic, electric or pneumatic actuators
Implementation Method 4
The carriage comprises wheels for rolling on rails of the fixed structure forming the ramp
Data Source
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AI summary
Bow loading system to be installed on a forecastle deck of a first ship and comprising at least one fluid conveying pipe (1 18) having a valve coupler (112) at the first end of each pipe, which is intended to be connected to a complementary valve of a fluid conveying pipe of a support structure installed on a second ship; a fixed structure (120) to be fixed on the deck and forming an ascending ramp (122); a movable structure (140) movably mounted on the ramp (122) of the fixed structure and to which is linked each fluid conveying pipe (118) for moving the valve coupler (1 12) of each pipe from a retracted position to an extended position, in which the complementary valve can be connected to the valve coupler; and means (150) for moving the movable structure (140) from the retracted position to the extended position.