Fluid handling – Systems – With running joint between movable parts of system
Patent
1998-03-19
1999-11-16
Rivell, John
Fluid handling
Systems
With running joint between movable parts of system
1372361, 441 5, B63B 2226
Patent
active
059839317
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a rotating connector comprising a swivel device with a number of fluid courses for interconnection between a buoy and a pipe system on a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, wherein the swivel device comprises a female member and a male member which may be introduced axially into or withdrawn from each other, the female member being permanently fixed to a bottom-anchored centre member of the buoy.
A rotating connector of the above-mentioned type is, for example, known from Norwegian patent application No. 932460. This application describes a system for offshore production of hydrocarbons by means of a vessel which is arranged for quick connection and disconnection from a submerged buoy, wherein the buoy is of the type comprising a bottom-anchored centre member which is connected to a number of risers extending up to the buoy, and an outer buoyancy member which is rotatably mounted on the centre member and may be introduced and locked in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in the vessel. At the upper end of the buoy there is arranged a rotating connector or swivel device of the stated type, wherein the swivel members define mutually sealed annular spaces communicating with associated fluid paths in the swivel members, for the transfer of process fluid and possible injection fluids between the risers and a pipe system on the vessel. The female swivel member is permanently fixed to the centre member of the buoy, whereas the male member is connected to an operating means on the vessel, so that the swivel members may be introduced into and withdrawn from each other by the operating means, the swivel members in connected condition defining said annular spaces (annuluses). On each side of the annuluses there are provided sealing means which may be activated by means of a pressure fluid to form a seal between the annuluses, and which may be relieved in case of mutual disconnection of the swivel members. The pressure fluid preferably is a barrier liquid having a higher pressure than the process fluid pressure, so that an overpressure protection against leakage of process fluid is obtained.
On a vessel for offshore production of hydrocarbons it is also of interest to produce liquefied natural gas, abbreviated designated LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). The liquefied natural gas then is transferred from storage tanks on the production vessel to an LNG tanker, e.g. a so-called shuttle tanker, to be transported to a place of destination. Traditionally, the LNG gas has been transferred to the LNG tanker via a loading hose which is laid out on the sea between the vessels and of which the ends are coupled to coupling heads arranged for this purpose on the deck of the vessels. This loading method is relatively weather sensitive and thus restricted to be carried out under relatively calm weather conditions.
With the recent development of the so-called STL and STP systems, i.e. loading/unloading (STL=Submerged Turret Loading) of hydrocarbons and production (STP=Submerged Turret Production) of hydrocarbons by the use of submerged buoys which, in operation, is introduced and secured in a submerged receiving space at the bottom of a vessel, there have been opened possibilities for the transfer of LNG via submerged buoys and the associated rotating connectors, with the advantages involved thereby with respect to reliable and secure transfer in nearly all weathers.
However, such a transfer of LNG involves large structural challenges, especially as regards sealing structures and insulation conditions, since temperature differences of up to 300.degree. C. may occur between the LNG and crude oil course through the rotating connector. Liquefied natural gas has a temperature of -165.degree. C., and the topical gas pressure in this connection may for example amount to 50 bars, and these factors entails that special considerations must be taken as regards choice of material and choice of sealing material and sealing types.
As regards materials which are suitable for use with such high temperat
REFERENCES:
patent: 2308137 (1943-01-01), White
patent: 2894268 (1959-07-01), Griebe
patent: 3082440 (1963-03-01), Rhedin
patent: 3503443 (1970-03-01), Blanding et al.
patent: 3756293 (1973-09-01), Adler et al.
patent: 3894567 (1975-07-01), Mott et al.
patent: 3913157 (1975-10-01), Versluis et al.
patent: 3945066 (1976-03-01), Davies
patent: 3969781 (1976-07-01), Reid, Jr.
patent: 4081872 (1978-04-01), Pedersen et al.
patent: 4444218 (1984-04-01), Baugh
patent: 4501525 (1985-02-01), Grundy et al.
patent: 4602586 (1986-07-01), Ortloff
patent: 4683912 (1987-08-01), Dubrosky
patent: 4921010 (1990-05-01), Spirer
patent: 5188146 (1993-02-01), Cook, Jr. et al.
patent: 5288253 (1994-02-01), Urdshals et al.
patent: 5462083 (1995-10-01), Kaspar
patent: 5797413 (1998-08-01), Pollack
Ingebrigtsen Atle B.
Odegaard Jens R.
Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
Rivell John
LandOfFree
Rotating connector with integrated LNG course does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Rotating connector with integrated LNG course, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotating connector with integrated LNG course will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1311452