Third Vessel Mediator for Fluid Transfer in High Sea States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring fluids between vessels are limited to moderate sea states, as they exceed the design values of handling systems at higher sea states, necessitating the use of specially designed vessels, which is not feasible in all conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a third vessel positioned closer to the second vessel than the first, which supports fluid transfer hoses and reduces forces on the second vessel, allowing fluid transfer at higher sea states without the need for dedicated vessels, by establishing a direct mooring connection and using fluid transfer hoses connected through an intermediate fluid line or directly attached to the third vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a floating fluid transfer hose is used to connect the first vessel with the second vessel, then fluid transfer can be performed, but the method is limited to moderate sea states (significant wave heights up to 2-3 meters) because forces generated by the hose exceed design values of the handling system at higher sea states
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a third vessel as an intermediary element between the first vessel (FPSO) and the second vessel (tanker). This third vessel acts as a mediator that supports the fluid transfer hoses, thereby reducing the forces transmitted to the second vessel's handling system. The third vessel absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses generated by wave action, enabling fluid transfer in higher sea states without overloading the tanker's midship manifold or hose handling equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If forces generated by the fluid transfer hose at high sea states are reduced, then standard vessels can be used, but this requires introducing a third vessel and establishing complex hose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fluid transfer system into three separate hose connections: a first hose connecting the first vessel to the third vessel, a second hose connecting the third vessel to the second vessel, and an optional third hose for direct connection between first and second vessels. This segmentation allows each hose to be shorter and operate in a more controlled environment, reducing the complexity of handling each individual hose while distributing the overall system complexity across multiple manageable components.
3Force
If a third vessel is introduced to support the fluid transfer hoses, then forces on the second vessel are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third vessel serves as a mobile intermediary platform that dynamically positions itself to optimize hose routing and force distribution. By acting as a mediator between the FPSO and tanker, it reduces the mechanical burden on the second vessel while maintaining fluid transfer capability. The third vessel's positioning system and hose management equipment create a more balanced force distribution across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring fluids between a first vessel and a second vessel, comprises establishing a direct mooring connection between the first and second vessels using a mooring line, positioning and maintaining a third vessel closer to the second vessel than to the first vessel, providing a first fluid transfer hose and connecting it with a first end to a fluid outlet on the first vessel and with a second end to an intermediate fluid inlet at the third vessel, providing a second fluid transfer hose and connecting it with a first end to an intermediate fluid outlet at the third vessel and with a second end to a fluid inlet on the second vessel and establishing a fluid communication between the intermediate fluid inlet and intermediate fluid outlet.