Key information

Title: A method and a system for transferring fluid
Application number: 20200224
Case type: National
Status: 07.11.2022 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 21.02.2020
Effective date: 21.02.2020
Publicly available: 23.08.2021
Next annual fee due: 28.02.2027
Applicant: WELL CLEANUP AS (NO)
Owner: WELL CLEANUP AS (NO)
Inventor: Roar Førland Riseth (NO) et al.
Agent: HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted: 07.11.2022
Patent number: 346638
Expiry date: 21.02.2040

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

A method and a system for providing fluid communication between a floating vessel (25) and an installation (250), wherein the method comprises transferring a pulling line con- nected to a male stab (10) arranged at an end portion of a fluid transfer hose (20), to a fluid transfer unit (100) comprising a female receptacle (50). The pulling line is connected to a winch guiding line (62) running through the female receptacle (50), and the guiding line (62) and the pulling line connecting the male stab (10) is winched onto a winch (60) until the male stab (10) connects to the female receptacle (50).

Publications

Checking availability of the latest published version...

Documents

Expand

Download files (25)

Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
08.11.2022	08-01	Saksbehandling	20200224(346638)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20200224)
17.08.2022	07-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	Intention to grant	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
29.04.2022	02-01	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2022/06219	UT	GH Forespørsel	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
26.04.2022	01-03	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2022/06219	INN	P29414NO00 Signert generalfullmakt	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
26.04.2022	01-02	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2022/06219	INN	P29414NO00 overdragelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
26.04.2022	01-01	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2022/06219	INN	Generell henvendelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
08.03.2022	06-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	Substantive examination	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
03.01.2022	05-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20200224)
11.01.2021	04-05	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	P29414NO00DEtr_prepared for publication 11012021	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.01.2021	04-04	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	P29414NO00DEtr - prepared for publication_markup copy	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.01.2021	04-03	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	P29414NO00_ Norwegian translation of the claims	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.01.2021	04-02	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	P29414NO00 Response_Official_Action_11012021	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.01.2021	04-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
17.09.2020	03-02	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	PT report 02:45:16
17.09.2020	03-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	Substantive examination	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.05.2020	02-01	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2020/05722	UT	GH Forespørsel	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
06.05.2020	01-03	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2020/05722	INN	Overdragelsesdokument	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
06.05.2020	01-02	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2020/05722	INN	Fullmakt	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
06.05.2020	01-01	Overdragelse av søknad/rettighet	2020/05722	INN	Generell henvendelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
28.02.2020	02-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	UT	Infobrev til oppfinner	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
21.02.2020	01-05	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Erklæring Søkers rett til oppfinnelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
21.02.2020	01-04	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Patenttegninger	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
21.02.2020	01-03	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Beskrivelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
21.02.2020	01-02	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Fullmakt	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
21.02.2020	01-01	Saksbehandling	20200224	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING FLUID

The present disclosure is related to a fluid transfer system. More specifically, the disclosure is related to a method and a system for providing a fluid transfer system between a floating vessel and a fluid transfer unit arranged for example on an offshore installation or a ship. The fluid transfer unit may for example be an apparatus for communicating fluid into or out of a subsea well.

To provide a fluid transfer system between a floating vessel and a rig or between two vessels, a fluid line, such as a flexible hose, for transferring fluid must be interconnected therebetween. Prior to providing the fluid transfer system, the flexible hose is typically stored on a reel arranged on one of the vessel or rig. An end portion of the hose is provided with a coupling element configured for connection to a mating coupling element arranged on the fluid transfer unit arranged on the other rig or ship.

For simplicity, the vessel that initially carries the hose is hereinafter denoted vessel, while the rig or vessel carrying the fluid transfer unit is denoted rig.

To provide fluid communication between the vessel and the rig, the coupling element arranged on the end portion of the hose, must be transferred from the vessel to the rig for connection to the mating coupling element provided on the fluid transfer unit on the rig. Hitherto, at least one crane has been used for moving the coupling element of the hose horizontally and vertically into abutment with the coupling element of the fluid transfer unit, whereupon the coupling elements are connected manually to provide the required fluid communication between the vessel and rig. This is a time-consuming method, and experiences indicate approximately 3 hours for each one of the connection and disconnection operations. However, due to safety regulations such an operation requires in at least some jurisdictions a so-called weather window for carrying out the operation. A weather window depends inter alia on planned time for the operation plus a so-called unforeseen time.

If the weather window is not available, the operation must be postponed. A postponed operation results in adding considerable costs to the operation. Further, in an emergency situation that requires disconnect of the fluid transfer system, a manual and timeconsuming operation is required.

Publication 2013/025726 A1 discloses D4 a method and a system for transferring fluids between a barge, and a shuttle, according to which the shuttle is positioned at a predetermined distance from the barge and guides at least one flexible fluid transfer conduit from it to the shuttle. The shuttle is placed in a position wherein the shuttle is laterally offset from the barge while being essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barge, and a fluid transfer system is provided, which enables the shuttle to be moved in the lateral and longitudinal directions in relation to the barge, during a transfer. A conveyance of hose tips from the barge to the shuttle is done using the cable, the free end of which is transported to the barge and fixed to a tip of guiding pin of a support assembly connected to the tips of the hoses and pulled into a guiding tube using the winch.

Publication US 2004/011424 A1 discloses a system for transferring a fluid product between a vessel and a fixed shore installation. The system comprises a connection device for connection to a manifold of the vessel and a flexible transfer pipe connected to shore installation. The connection device and the transfer pipe are configured for connected to each other via their free ends. At least the free end of the flexible transfer tube is operatively connected to a hoisting device to move said free end between a connection position to the connection device and a disengaged storage position. The free ends are provided with alignment means in the form of an alignment rod for mating with a trumpet, both of which are arranged substantially in parallel with but on the outside of said free ends.

Publication US 2019/330960 A1 discloses an ROV hot-stab device that is adapted to inject fluids into and extract fluids from a subsea line or a subsea equipment item.

Publication US 2015/001426 A1 discloses a stab connector for providing a fluid flow path between a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir.

There is therefore a need for a method and a system for providing the fluid transfer system independently of a weather window. Thus, there is a need for a method and a system that is independent of utilizing a crane, and a substantially automatic connection of the coupling elements on the hose and the fluid transfer unit. It is further a desire to provide a method and a system for automatically disconnected in an emergency situation.

The inventor has surprisingly found that a so-called hot stab disclosed in EP 2,673457 B1 is suitable for forming a basis for a male coupling stab for connection to a leading end of the hose on the vessel.

EP 2,673457 B1 discloses a stab comprising a fixed part provided with at least one fluid port and a rotatable sleeve provided with at least one bore. By rotating the rotatable sleeve by means of a handle, the bore of the sleeve may be selectively brought into and out of fluid communication with the fluid port to allow and prevent fluid communication, respectively, through the stab.

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for providing fluid communicating between a floating vessel and an installation, such as an offshore installation or a ship, the installation comprising a fluid transfer unit, the method comprising:

- connecting a first end portion of a pulling line to a male coupling stab being arranged at a leading end of a fluid hose stored on a spool on the floating vessel, the male coupling stab provided with a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow through the stab, the trailing end of the hose being connected to a fluid system on the floating vessel,

- transferring a second end portion of the pulling line to the fluid transfer unit comprising a female receptacle operatively connected to a fluid system, the female receptacle provided with a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow through the receptacle, and connecting said second portion of the pulling line to a guiding line having a first end portion operatively connected a winch forming part of the fluid transfer unit, and a second end portion running through the female receptacle;

- activating the winch to spool the guiding line and the pulling line onto the winch while at the same time unspooling the fluid hose from the spool on the floating vessel;

- continue winching of the pulling line until the male coupling stab connects to the female receptacle; and

opening the valves of the male coupling stab and the female receptacle for fluid flow to allow fluid transfer through the hose between the floating vessel and the installation.

Preferably, the valve of the male coupling stab, hereinafter also denoted male stab, is initially closed to avoid water ingress when transferring the male stab and the hose from the floating vessel to the installation.

By using a winch comprising a guiding line running through the female receptacle, and connecting the pulling line to the guiding line, the hose can be connected to the fluid transfer unit without using a crane. This has the effect that fluid transfer system can be provided by means of the winch instead of a crane. A winch can normally be operated independently of a weather window. The only manual operation required by an operator is to connect the pulling line to the guiding line prior to winching the pulling line through the female receptacle and onto a spool of the winch.

The method may comprise providing the pulling line by means of a leading portion constituted by a rope, and a trailing portion, the trailing portion being connected to the male stab, the method comprises, transferring the leading portion from the floating vessel to the fluid transfer unit, and transferring the trailing portion of the pulling line to the installation by pulling the leading portion of the pulling line to the fluid transfer unit.

The transfer of the leading portion of the pulling line may be provided by means of a suitable apparatus, such as for example a so-called line thrower known per se. The leading portion may typically be a rope. By using a rope suitable for being transferred from the floating vessel to the fluid transfer unit arranged on a rig or a ship, i.e. another floating vessel, the trailing portion of the pulling line may for example be a wire having a high tensile strength.

The method may comprise disconnecting the leading portion of the pulling line from the trailing portion of the pulling line, and connecting the trailing portion of the pulling line to the guiding line. Winching in the leading portion of the pulling line, which may typically be a rope, is thus avoided. This has the effect of a reduced wearing of the leading portion of the pulling line.

The connection between the male stab arranged on the leading end of the hose, and the female receptacle operatively connected to the fluid transfer unit may be provided by means of a quick coupling known per se.

The method may further comprise disconnection of the fluid transfer system by means of the following steps:

- closing at least the valve of the male coupling stab for fluid flow to prevent fluid flowing through the stab;

- releasing the male coupling stab from the female receptacle;

- start unwinding the pulling line from the winch and releasing the pulling line from the guiding line; and

- winding the hose onto the reel on the floating vessel.

Closing at least the valve of the male stab may further comprise closing also the valve of the female receptacle.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing the female receptacle with an emergency disconnect system for disconnecting the male stab from the female receptacle. Such an emergency system may comprise providing a sensor apparatus configured for measuring a tension between the female receptacle and the male stab to measure tension form the hose, and configuring the sensor apparatus to issue a signal to a control system operatively connected to actuators for closing the valves of the female receptacle and the male stab, and activating disconnect means of the female receptacle and the male stab, when a tension measured by the sensor apparatus exceeds a predetermined level, whereby the male coupling stab with the hose releases from the female receptacle.

The sensor apparatus may typically be a load cell.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing fluid communication between a floating vessel and an installation, such as an offshore installation comprising a fluid transfer unit, the system comprising:

- a male coupling stab for communicating a fluid, the male coupling stab connected to a leading end of a spoolable hose configured for fluid communication with a fluid system on the floating vessel, the male coupling stab provided with a valve for opening and closing for fluid communication, wherein the system further comprising:

- a female receptacle operatively connected to the fluid transfer unit provided with a winch configured for bringing the male coupling stab by means of a pulling line that in a pulling operation runs through the female receptacle and being connected to the male coupling stab, into mating contact with the female receptacle, the fluid transfer unit operatively connected to a fluid system, wherein the female receptacle comprises:

- a valve for opening and closing for fluid communication; and

- a locking device for locking the male coupling stab with respect to the receptacle.

The trailing end of the hose is typically connected to a fluid system being in fluid communication with a fluid receptacle on the floating vessel.

An end portion of the male stab may be provided with a quick release configured for disconnect from the end portion of the male stab in a controlled disconnect, the quick release further comprising a quick release connector for attaching to an end portion of the pulling line, the quick release connector being configured for disconnect from the quick release in an emergency situation so that the pulling line is disconnected from the quick release and the male stab when the quick release connector is activated to disconnect. This has the effect that the pulling line remains on the winch of the fluid transfer unit, and no unwinding of the pulling line is required, and no manual disconnecting of the pulling line from the guiding line is required.

The quick release may be activated to disconnect from the male stab by means of a release actuator being responsive to an activation signal from a control system arranged in connection with the fluid transfer unit. The control signal may typically be initiated by an operator. Further, the quick release connector may be activated to disconnect from the quick release by means of a release actuator being responsive to an activation signal from a senor, as will be discussed below. The quick release and the quick release connector may be of a type known per se, for example as disclosed in EP 2,673, 457 B1.

In one embodiment, the activation signal may be initiated by an operator. Alternatively, or additionally to an operator initiated activating signal, the activation signal may be provided by a sensor apparatus configured for measuring a tension between the female receptacle and the male stab to measure tension from the hose, the sensor configured to issue a signal to the control system operatively connected to a valve actuator for closing at least the valve of the stab, and the release actuator for activating disconnect of the quick release connector when a tension measured by the sensor apparatus exceeds a predetermined level, whereby the quick release and male stab with the hose, releases from the quick release connector still being connected to the female receptacle. The sensor may typically be a load cell.

Providing a valve actuator for closing the valve of the stab by means of a signal from a control system has the effect that any fluid in the hose is prevented from discharging when the stab releases from the quick connector. Any spill of fluid within the hose may thereby be prevented. Preferably, the valve of the stab is closed before the stab is released.

Preferably, the valve of the female receptacle is also provided with an actuator for controlling opening and closing of the valve of the female receptacle.

An advantage of closing also the valve of the female receptacle, is that spill of fluid flowing in the fluid transfer system is at least substantially prevented. When also the valve of the female receptacle is activated by means of an actuator being response to a control signal from the control system, the valve is preferably closed substantially simultaneously with the valve of the male stab.

To facilitate correct axial orientation of the male stab with respect to the female receptacle, the female receptacle and the stab may be provided with orientating means.

Preferably, the female receptacle comprises a gimbal for facilitating connection between the female receptacle and the male stab when one or both of these are inclined with respect to an imaginary vertical axis. This has the effect that the gimbal may allow vertical orientation of the female receptacle even if the fluid transfer unit is inclined due to for example an ocean swell heeling the installation. Further, the gimbal may also facilitate connection between the male stab and the female receptacle in a situation where the male stab is subject to a sideway drag caused for example by a drift of the vessel. Such a sideways drag may result in a longitudinal axis of the male stab being inclined with respect to a vertical direction.

In the following is described an example of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1a shows of portion of a floating vessel provided with a hose comprising a male stab forming part of the present invention, the floating vessel being adjacent an offshore installation comprising a fluid transfer unit;

Fig. 1b shows an initial step of transferring a rope from the floating vessel to the offshore installation;

Fig. 1c-1f show in a larger scale further steps of the method according to the invention for providing the fluid control system;

Figs.1g-1j show principle steps of the method according to the invention for controlled disconnect of the fluid transfer system.

Fig. 1k-1l show a principle method according to the invention wherein a quick lease has been activated;

Fig. 1m shows an ROV prior to connecting a male stab to a pulling line lowered to a sea floor;

Fig. 1n shows in larger scale a detail wherein an operator connects a pulling line to a guiding line operatively connected to the fluid transfer unit;

Figs.2a-2c show in larger scale a male stab connected to a leading end of a hose, being hoisted towards a female receptacle operatively connected to a fluid transfer unit; and

Fig. 2d shows a quick release providing a link between the male stab and a guiding line operatively connected to the winch of the fluid transfer unit.

Any positional indications refer to the position shown in the figures.

In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principle drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be strongly distorted.

In the figures reference numeral 1 denotes a system according to the present invention. The system 1 comprises a male fluid stab 10 connectable to a female receptacle 50 forming part of a fluid transfer unit 100.

The male stab 10 is provided with a valve for opening and closing for fluid communication. In a prototype of the system 1, the male stab 10 is substantially as disclosed in EP 2,673,457 B1 to the company Blue Logic AS, Sandnes, Norway. The male stab 10 is connected to a leading end of a hose 20 connected to a spool 22 arranged on the floating vessel 25. A trailing end of the hose 20 is typically connected to a fluid line or a fluid reservoir (neither shown) in the floating vessel 25, so that a fluid can be communicated to or from the floating vessel 25 via the stab 10 and hose 20, and said fluid line or fluid reservoir.

The female receptacle 50 is operatively connected to and forms part of the fluid transfer unit 100. The fluid transfer unit 100 is arranged on an installation 250, such as for example an offshore installation, a drilling rig, a ship. A ship may typically be an FPSO-vessel (FPSO -Floating Production, Storage and Offloading). The female receptacle 50 is provided with a valve 51 (see figs.2a-2c) for opening and closing for fluid communication through the receptacle 50. The female receptacle 50 is operatively connected to a winch 60 forming part of the fluid transfer unit 100. The winch 60 is capable of hoisting the male stab 10 arranged on the leading end of the hose 20 out of the water and into mating contact with the female receptacle 50.

An embodiment of a method for providing a fluid transfer system between a floating vessel 25 and a fluid transfer unit 100 arranged on an installation 250, is shown in great principle in figures 1a to 1f.

In fig.1a the floating vessel 25 is positioned at a safe distance from an installation, here shown as a ship 250, for example an FPSO. A safe distance may typically be minimum 80m. The floating vessel 25 holds a hose 20 wound on a spool 22. A male stab 10 is connected to a leading end portion of the hose 20. A pulling line 24 is connected to an end portion of the stab 10. In the embodiment shown, the pulling line 24 extends from the male stab 10 to a deck 26 of the floating vessel 25 wherein the pulling line 24 is stored prior to being transferred to the ship 250 as shown in fig.1b.

In fig.1b, an operator 28 on the deck 26 of the floating vessel 25 transfers an end portion of the pulling line 24 to an operator 128 being on a deck 126 on the ship 250, close to the fluid transfer unit 100. The pulling line 24 is typically transferred by means of a pneumatically operated line thrower commercially available in the marked.

The pulling line 24 may advantageously have a leading portion 24’ in the form of a rope suitable for being thrown by the line thrower, and a trailing portion 24’’ providing a connection between the leading portion 24’ and the male stab 10. By using a rope suitable for being thrown by a line thrower from the floating vessel 25 to the ship 250, the trailing portion 24’’ may for example be a wire having a high tensile strength. A leading end portion of the rope 24’ is provided with a mass 23, made for example of plastic or another suitable material, to receive kinetic energy from the line thrower for “dragging” the rope 24’ from the vessel 25 to the ship 250.

In fig.1c, the operator 128 on the ship 250 pulls the leading portion 24’ (shown by dotted line) by hand until the trailing portion 24’’ reaches the operator 128. Then, the leading portion 24’ is disconnected from the trailing portion 24’’. Thereafter, the trailing portion 24’’ is connected to a guiding line 62 operatively connected to the winch 60 of the fluid transfer unit 100, as shown in fig.1d. Spooling of the guiding line 62 and the trailing portion 24’’ of the pulling line 24 onto a drum of the winch 60 is then commenced.

In figures 1e and 1f, the feeding out of the hose 20 from the spool 22 on the floating vessel 25 has commenced. Feeding the hose 20 from the spool 22 continues until the male stab 10 has been brought into contact with the female receptacle 50 of the fluid transfer unit 100, as shown in fig.1f.

By opening valves in the male stab 10 and in the female receptacle 50, a fluid can be communicated in a desired direction between the floating vessel 25 and the fluid transfer unit 100. A great advantage of the method disclosed herein is that the fluid communication between the floating vessel 25 and the fluid transfer unit 100 is provided without using a crane and a time-consuming manual connection carried out by an operator, as has hitherto a common method for providing a fluid transfer system. The connection operation disclosed herein is therefore substantially independent of a weather window. The only manual operations consist substantially in transferring the pulling line 24 and connecting the pulling line 24 to the guiding line 62 operatively connected to the winch 60.

Figures 1g – 1j show a controlled disconnect operation.

In figures 1g, the male stab 10 has been released from the female receptacle 50 and lowered into the sea by feeding the pulling line 24 (here the trailing 24’’ portion) out from the winch 60. This operation continues in fig.1h until a connection between the trailing portion 24’’ of the pulling line 24 and the guiding line 62 is below the receptacle 50. Then the connection is disconnected. In fig.1h, the pulling line 24 has been disconnected from the guideline 62 of the winch 60, and spooling of the hose 20 onto the spool 22 on the floating vessel 25 has commenced. It should be noted that the pulling line 24 is illustrated as a floating rope.

In fig.1i, an operator 28 collects a portion of the floating pulling line 24, and in fig.1j the system is prepared for commencing a new operation or the floating vessel 25 is ready for departure.

Figures 1k and 1l show an embodiment wherein the system 1 comprises a quick release as will be discussed in more details below. In fig.1k, the male stab 10 has been disconnected from a quick release connector 10’’ connected to the trailing portion 24’’ of the pulling line 24 instead of feeding out the pulling line 24’’ from the winch 60 and disconnecting the pulling line 24 from the guiding line 62 as indicated in figures 1i-1j. A quick release operation without any unwinding of the pulling line 24’’ may be important in an emergency disconnect situation. Subsequent an emergency disconnect operation as indicated in fig.

1k, the male stab 10 is no longer connected to the quick release connector 10’’ and the pulling line 24’’ which remains operatively connected to the fluid transfer unit 100.

In one embodiment, the fluid transfer unit 100, further comprises a cutting device (not shown) configured for cutting the pulling line 24 between the female receptacle 50 and the winch 60 so that the male stab 10 and any quick release 10' and quick release connector 10’’ are released from the female receptacle 50. The cutting device may for example be a guillotine-arrangement known per se. A primary purpose of such a cutting device is to provide back-up safety system should the activation of the quick release connector 10’’ fail. The cutting device may for example be a guillotine apparatus known per se.

Fig. 1l shows one way of re-connecting the pulling line 24’’ to the male stab 10 by using an ROV R (ROV- Remotely Operated Vehicle). The pulling line 24’’ with the quick release connector 10’’ has been lowered to the sea floor. The quick release connector 10’’ is then coupled to the quick release 10’ which is connected to the male stab 10, by means of the ROV R, whereupon the pulling line 24’’ with its quick release coupling 10’’, quick release10’ and the male stab 10 are hoisted to the fluid transfer unit 100, until the male stab 10 is reconnected to the female receptacle 50.

Fig. 1n shows in larger scale a detail of the fluid transfer system 100 when the operator 128 is in the process of connecting the trailing portion 24’ of the pulling line 24 to the guiding line 62 of the winch 60. This operation is carried out between the steps illustrated in figures 1c and 1d.

Turning now to figures 2a-2c, showing parts of the system 1 in more details, and with features not shown in the very principle drawings 1a-1n.

Figures 2a- 2c show in a larger scale a perspective view and side views, respectively, details of the male stab 10 being hoisted towards the female receptacle 50 forming part of the fluid transfer unit 100. It should be noted that the fluid transfer unit 100 shown in figures 2a-2c has a different configuration than that indicated in figures 1a-1n, but the operating principle is the same.

The female receptacle 50 is operatively connected to a frame 57 cantilevered from a cabinet 52 comprising the winch 60, a control system and an operator panel 54 for controlling the fluid transfer unit 100 and valve actuators for operating the valve 51 of the female receptacle 50 and also the valves of the male stab 10.

The female receptacle 50 comprises a funnel 53 provided with a recess 53’ configured for receiving a guide bar 11 of the male stab 10 so that the male stab 10 is correctly oriented with respect to the female receptacle 50 to allow fluid communication between an aperture 13 in the male stab 10 and a fluid pipe 55 of the female receptacle 50. The fluid pipe 55 is in fluid communication with a fluid system of the installation 250 shown for example in fig.

1a.

The female receptacle 50 is provided with a gimbal 56 to allow some skewing of the female receptacle 50 with respect to the frame 57 extending from the cabinet 52. The gimbal 56 may allow vertical orientation of the female receptacle 50 even if the cabinet 52 and the frame 57 are inclined due to for example an ocean swell heeling the installation 250 shown for example in fig.1a. Further, the gimbal 56 may also facilitate connection between the male stab 10 and the female receptacle 50 in a situation where the male stab 10 is subject to a sideway drag caused for example by a drift of the vessel 25 (shown in figures 1a-1m). Such a sideways drag may result in a longitudinal axis of the male stab 10 being inclined with respect to a vertical direction.

To monitor a load from the male stab 10 and the hose 20 connected thereto, the gimbal 56 is provided with a sensor in the form of a load cell. The load cell communicates with the control system of the fluid transfer unit 100. If a tension measured by the sensor exceeds a predetermined level, the control system is configured to issue a signal to the actuators for controlling the valves of the male stab and the female receptacle 50 to a closed position, and activating disconnect of a quick release 10’ operatively connected to the male stab 10. The purpose of the quick release connector 10’’ is to disconnect from the quick release 10’, and thus the male stab 10 with the hose 20, while the quick release connector 10’’ and guiding line 24’’ connected to a quick release connector 10’’ still being connected to the female receptacle 50. By closing the valves of the female receptacle 50 and the male stab 10 automatically when the load cell measures a tension above a predetermined level, and before the quick release connector 10’’ is activated to disconnect, there will be substantially no spill of fluid even if fluid is flowing in any direction between the vessel 25 and the installation or ship 250.

Preferably, the system comprises two types of quick release systems, hereinafter denoted emergency quick disconnect, EQD, namely an electronic EQD and a mechanical EQD.

The electronic EQD function are triggered by signals from the load cell. The load cell constantly sends weight / tension information to the control system within the fluid transfer unit 100.

An integrated program will activate signals to the EQD if a pre-programmed tension value is exceeded, and activate disconnect of the quick release connector 10’’.

In one embodiment, the EQD further comprises audible and/or visual alarms which will be activated by the control system to notice the operator that tension measured by the load cell is close to reaching the pre-set value. An operator can then decide whether or not to activate the EQD manually via the control panel 54.

The mechanical EQD is fully mechanical and will function as a redundant or back-up system in case of power failure or similar occurs on the control system. The mechanical EQD shall be adjusted to release if the load cell measures a tension exceeding the pre-set value.

The mechanical EQD is configured to close the valves on both male stab 10 and the female receptacle 50 before the quick release connector 10’’ is activated to disconnect.

The quick release 10’ and the quick release connector 10’’ themselves and the operation thereof is of a type known per se.

From the above, it should be understood that the method and a system for providing the fluid transfer system independently of a weather window. In one embodiment, the method and system further comprises an emergency quick disconnect, EQD, configured to close valves of the male stab 10 and the female receptacle prior to activating a disconnect so that any spill of fluid flowing through the system is substantially avoided.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A method for providing fluid communicating between a floating vessel (25) and an installation, such as an offshore installation or a ship (250), the installation comprising a fluid transfer unit (100), the method comprising:

- connecting a first end portion of a pulling line (24) to an initially closed male coupling stab (10) being arranged at a leading end of a fluid hose (20) stored on a spool (22) on the floating vessel (25), the male coupling stab (10) provided with a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow through the male coupling stab (10), a trailing end of the hose (20) being connected to a fluid system on the floating vessel (25), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the method further comprising:

- transferring a second end portion of the pulling line (24) to the fluid transfer unit (100) comprising a female receptacle (50) operatively connected to a fluid system, the female receptacle (50) provided with a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow through the female receptacle (50), and;

connecting said second end portion of the pulling line (24) to a guiding line (62) having a first end portion operatively connected to a winch (60) forming part of the fluid transfer unit (100), and a second end portion running through the female receptacle (50);

- activating the winch (60) to spool the guiding line (62) and the pulling line (24) onto the winch (60) while at the same time unspooling the fluid hose (20) from the spool (22) on the floating vessel (25);

- continue winching of the pulling line (24) until the male coupling stab (10) connects to the female receptacle (50); and

opening the valves of the male coupling stab (10) and the female receptacle (50) for fluid flow to allow fluid transfer through the hose (20) between the floating vessel (25) and the installation (250).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pulling line comprises a leading portion (24’) constituted by a rope, and a trailing portion (24’’), the trailing portion being connected to the male coupling stab (10), the method comprises transferring the leading portion (24’) from the floating vessel (25) to the fluid transfer unit (100), and transferring the trailing portion (24’’) of the pulling line (24) to the in stallation (250) by pulling the leading portion (24’) of the pulling line (24) to the fluid transfer unit (100) .

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising disconnecting the leading portion (24’) of the pulling line (24) from the trailing portion (24’’) of the pulling line (24), and connecting the trailing portion (24’’) of the pulling line to the guiding line (62).

4. The method according to claims 1, further comprises:

- closing at least the valve of the male coupling stab (10) for fluid flow to prevent fluid flowing through the male coupling stab (10);

- releasing the male coupling stab (10) from the female receptacle (50);

- start unwinding the pulling line (24) from the winch and releasing the pulling line from the guiding line (62); and

winding the hose (20) onto the reel on the floating vessel (25).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the method further comprising providing the female receptacle (50) with an emergency disconnect system for disconnecting the male coupling stab (10) from the female receptacle (50).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method comprises providing a sensor apparatus configured for measuring a tension between the female receptacle (50) and the male coupling stab (10) to measure tension form the hose (20), and configuring the sensor apparatus to issue a signal to a control system operatively connected to actuators for closing the valves of the female receptacle and the male stab, and activating disconnect means (10’) of the female receptacle (50) and the male coupling stab (10), when a tension measured by the sensor apparatus exceeds a predetermined level, whereby the male coupling stab (10) with the hose (20) releases from the female receptacle (50).

7. A system (1) for providing fluid communicating between a floating vessel (25) and an installation, such as an offshore installation or a ship (250), the installation comprising a fluid transfer unit (100), wherein the system (1) comprising:

- a male coupling stab (10) for communicating a fluid, the male stab (1) connected to a leading end of a spoolable hose (20) configured for fluid communication with a fluid system on the floating vessel (25), the male stab provided with a valve for opening and closing for fluid communication, the system (1) further comprising:

- a female receptacle (50) operatively connected to the fluid transfer unit (100) provided with a winch (60) configured for bringing the male coupling stab (10) by means of a pulling line (24) that in a pulling operation runs through the female receptacle (50) and being connected to the male coupling stab (10), into mating contact with the female receptacle (50), the fluid transfer unit (100) operatively connected to a fluid system, wherein the female receptacle (50) comprises:

- a valve for opening and closing for fluid communication; and

- a locking device for locking the male coupling stab with respect to the female receptacle.

8. The system (1) according to claim 7, wherein an end portion of the male coupling stab (10) is provided with a quick release (10’) configured for disconnect from the end portion of the male coupling stab (10) in a controlled disconnect, the quick release (10’) further comprising a quick release connector (10’’) for attaching to an end portion of the pulling line (24), the quick release connector (10’’) being configured for disconnect from the quick release (10’) in an emergency situation so that the pulling line (24) is disconnected from the quick release (10’) and the male coupling stab (10) when the quick release connector (10’) is activated to disconnect.

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the quick release (10’) is activated to disconnect from the male coupling stab (10) by means of a release actuator being responsive to an activation signal from a control system arranged in connection with the fluid transfer unit (100).

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the activation signal is initiated by an operator (128).

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the activation signal is provided by a sensor configured for measuring a tension between the female receptacle (50) and the male coupling stab (10) to measure tension from the hose (20), the sensor configured to issue a signal to the control system operatively connected to a valve actuator for closing at least the valve of the male coupling stab (10), and the release actuator for activating disconnect of the quick release connector (10’’) when a tension measured by the sensor exceeds a predetermined level, whereby the quick release (10’) and male coupling stab (10) with the hose (20), releases from the quick release connector (10’’) still being connected to the female receptacle (50).

12. The system according to any one of the claims 7-11, wherein the female receptacle (50) and the male coupling stab (10) are provided with orientating means (53; 11) for axially orienting the male coupling stab (10) with respect to the female receptacle 50).

13. The system (1) according to any one of claims 7-12, wherein the female receptacle comprises a gimbal (56) for facilitating connection between the female receptacle (50) and the male coupling stab (10) when one or both of these are inclined with respect to an imaginary vertical axis.

Patentkrav

1. Fremgangsmåte for å tilveiebringe fluidkommunikasjon mellom et flytende fartøy (25) og en installasjon, så som en offshoreinstallasjon eller et skip (250), hvor installasjonen omfatter en fluidoverføringsenhet (100), hvilken fremgangsmåte omfatter:

- å forbinde et første endeparti av en trekkline (24) til en initialt stengt hannkobling (10) som er anordnet ved en fremre ende av en fluidslange (20) lagret på en spole (22) på det flytende fartøyet (25), hvor hannkoblingen (10) er forsynt med et ventilarrangement for å styre fluidstrøm gjennom hannkoblingen (10), idet en bakre ende av slangen (20) er forbundet med et fluidsystem på det flytende fartøyet (25), k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at fremgangsmåten videre omfatter:

- å overføre et andre endeparti av trekklinen (24) til fluidoverføringsenheten (100) omfattende en hunnkopling (50) driftsmessig forbundet med et fluidsystem, idet hunnkoplingen (50) forsynt med et ventilarrangement for å styre fluidstrøm gjennom hunnkoplingen (50), og;

å forbinde nevnte andre endeparti av trekklinen (24) til en føringsline (62) som har et første endeparti driftsmessig forbundet med en vinsj (60) som danner del av fluidoverføringsenheten (100), og et andre endeparti som går gjennom hunnhunnkoplingen (50);

- å aktivere vinsjen (60) for å spole føringslinen (62) og trekklinen (24) på vinsjen (60) samtidig med avspoling av fluidslangen (20) fra spolen (22) på det flytende fartøyet (25);

- fortsette å vinsje trekklinen (24) inntil hannkoplingen (10) forbindes til hunnkoplingen (50); og

å åpne ventilene i hannkoplingen (10) og hunnkoplingen (50) for fluidstrøm, for å tillate fluidoverføring gjennom slangen (20) mellom det flytende fartøyet (25) og installasjonen (250).

2. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 1, hvor trekklinen omfatter et fremre parti (24') bestående av et tau, og et bakre parti (24''), hvor det bakre partiet er forbundet med hannkoplingen (10), hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter overføring av det fremre partiet (24') fra det flytende fartøyet (25) til fluidoverføringsenheten (100), og overføring av det bakre partiet (24'') av trekklinen (24) til installasjonen (250) ved å trekke det fremre partiet (24') av trekklinen (24) til fluidoverføringsenheten (100).

3. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 2, omfattende frakopling av det fremre partiet (24') av trekklinen (24) fra det bakre partiet (24'') av trekklinen (24), og sammenkople det bakre partiet (24'') av trekklinen med føringslinen (62).

4. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 1, videre omfatter:

- å stenge i det minste ventilen i hannkoplingen (10) for fluidstrøm for å forhindre at fluid strømmer gjennom hannkoplingen (10);

- å frigjøre hannkoplingen (10) fra hunnkoplingen (50);

- begynne å vikle trekklinen (24) av fra vinsjen og frigjøre trekklinen fra føringslinen (62); og

å vikle slangen (20) på spolen på det flytende fartøyet (25).

5. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 4, hvor fremgangsmåten videre omfatter å forsyne hunnkoplingen (50) med et nødfrakoblingssystem for frakopling av hannkoplingen (10) fra hunnkoplingen (50).

6. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 5, hvor fremgangsmåten omfatter å tilveiebringe et sensorapparat konfigurert til å måle et strekk mellom hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10), for å måle strekk fra slangen (20), og konfigurere sensorapparatet til å sende ut et signal til et styresystem driftsmessig forbundet med aktuatorer for å stenge ventilene i hunnkoplingen og hannkoplingen, og aktivere frakoplingsmidler (10') i hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10) når et strekk målt av sensorapparatet overstiger et forutbestemt nivå, hvorved hannkoplingen (10) med slangen (20) frigjøres fra hunnkoplingen (50).

7. System (1) for å tilveiebringe fluidkommunikasjon mellom et flytende fartøy (25) og en installasjon, så som en offshoreinstallasjon eller et skip (250), hvor installasjonen omfatter en fluidoverføringsenhet (100), hvor systemet (1) omfatter:

- en hannkopling (10) for å overføre et fluid, hvor hannkoplingen (10) er forbundet til en fremre ende av en spolbar slange (20) konfigurert til fluidoverføring med et fluidsystem på det flytende fartøyet (25), hvor hannkoplingen er forsynt med en ventil for å åpne og stenge for fluidoverføring, hvor systemet (1) videre omfatter:

- en hunnkopling (50) driftsmessig forbundet med fluidoverføringsenheten (100) forsynt med en vinsj (60) konfigurert til, ved hjelp av en trekkline (24) som i en trekkoperasjon går gjennom hunnkoplingen (50) og er forbundet med hannkoplingen (10), å bringe hannkoplingen (10) i tettende kontakt med hunnkoplingen (50), hvor fluidoverføringsenheten (100) driftsmessig forbundet med et fluidsystem, hvor hunnkoplingen (50) omfatter:

- en ventil for å åpne og stenge for fluidoverføring; og

- en låseanordning for å låse hannkoplingen i forhold til hunnkoplingen.

8. System (1) ifølge krav 7, hvor et endeparti av hannkoplingen (10) er forsynt med en hurtigutløser (10') konfigurert til frakopling fra endepartiet av hannkoplingen (10) i en styrt frakopling, hvor hurtigutløseren (10') videre omfatter en hurtigutløserkonnektor (10'') for fastgjøring til et endeparti av trekklinen (24), hvor hurtigutløserkonnektoren (10'') er konfigurert til frakopling fra hurtigutløseren (10') i en nødssituasjon, slik at trekklinen (24) frakobles fra hurtigutløseren (10') og hannkoplingen (10) når hurtigutløserkonnektoren (10') aktiveres til frakopling.

9. System (1) ifølge krav 8, hvor hurtigutløseren (10') aktiveres til frakopling fra hannkoplingen (10) ved hjelp av en utløseraktuator som er responsiv på et aktiveringssignal fra et styresystem anordnet i forbindelse med fluidoverføringsenheten (100).

10. System ifølge krav 9, hvor aktiveringssignalet initieres av en operatør (128).

11. System ifølge krav 9, hvor aktiveringssignalet tilveiebringes av en sensor konfigurert til å måle et strekk mellom hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10), for å måle strekk mellom hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10), for å måle strekk fra slangen (20), idet sensoren konfigurert til å sende ut et signal til styresystemet driftsmessig forbundet til en ventilaktuator for å stenge i det minste ventilen i hannkoplingen (10), og utløseraktuatoren for å aktivere frakopling av hurtigutløserkonnektoren (10'') når et strekk målt av sensoren overstiger et forutbestemt nivå, hvorved hurtigutløseren (10') og hannkoplingen (10) med slangen (20) utløses fra hurtigutløserkonnektoren (10'') som fortsatt er forbundet til hunnkoplingen (50).

12. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 7-11, hvor hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10) er forsynt med orienteringsmidler (53; 11) for aksial orientering av hannkoplingen (10) i forhold til hunnkoplingen 50).

13. System (1) ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 7-12, hvor hunnkoplingen omfatter et kardansk oppheng (56) for å lette forbindelse mellom hunnkoplingen (50) og hannkoplingen (10) når den ene av eller begge disse står på skrå i forhold til en tenkt vertikal akse.

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

B67D 9/00

B63B 27/24

E21B 33/035

CPC classes

B67D 9/00

B63B 27/24

E21B 33/035

Citations

US 2004/0011424 A1 (A1)

US 2019/0330960 A1 (A1)

US 2015/0001426 A1 (A1)

US 2013/0025726 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

WELL CLEANUP AS

Kanalarmen 10

4033 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 924194871

Inventors

Roar Førland Riseth

Tjodolvs gate 46

4010 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Thomas Aunvik

Bregnevegen 11

4352 KLEPPE

NO (KLEPP Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Postboks 9

4068 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 918752900

Reference: P29414NO00

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

No oppositions or appeals

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries found

Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

A method and a system for transferring fluid

Key information

Abstract and drawing

Publications

Documents

Description, claims and drawings

Priority

Patent classes

Citations

Applicants, owners and inventors

Agent

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

Administrative limitation

Liens and licences

Gazette entries