WO2006054180A1 - Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid - Google Patents

Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006054180A1
WO2006054180A1 PCT/IB2005/003748 IB2005003748W WO2006054180A1 WO 2006054180 A1 WO2006054180 A1 WO 2006054180A1 IB 2005003748 W IB2005003748 W IB 2005003748W WO 2006054180 A1 WO2006054180 A1 WO 2006054180A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotatable
axis
rotatable member
transfer system
fluid transfer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/003748
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacob De Baan
Original Assignee
Bluewater Energy Services Bv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bluewater Energy Services Bv filed Critical Bluewater Energy Services Bv
Priority to EP05805002A priority Critical patent/EP1815180B1/en
Priority to AU2005305607A priority patent/AU2005305607B2/en
Priority to US11/791,353 priority patent/US20070292243A1/en
Publication of WO2006054180A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006054180A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C6/00—Methods and apparatus for filling vessels not under pressure with liquefied or solidified gases
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/02—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with liquefied gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2225/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water

Definitions

  • the fluid system transfer may comprise at least one conduit supported on first and second hard (i.e. non-flexible) support arms.
  • the fluid transfer system may comprise at least one flexible hose.
  • the longitudinal position of the fluid transfer system 6 may be maintained constant relative to the LNG carrier vessel by effecting appropriate rotation of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5. This may further reduce or minimise side-loads on the fluid transfer system 6.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus is described which is suitable for effecting the offshore loading and offloading of fluids, such as liquefied natural gas. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rotatable members (3,4,5) and a fluid transfer system suitable for connecting the apparatus to a fluid source or a fluid store. The apparatus is mounted on a base (2) and the fluid transfer system is mounted on or coupled to one of the rotatable members (3,4,5). In use, rotation of the rotatable members (3,4,5) relative to each other is controlled so as to maintain the fluid transfer system is a predetermined orientation relative to the base (2).

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE OFFSHORE TRANSFER OF FLUID
The present application relates to apparatus suitable for effecting the loading and offloading of fluids, such as liquefied natural gas.
Various methods have been developed to make offshore loading and offloading of liquefied natural gas (LNG) a practical proposition. Such a method is known from OTC paper 15301 (prepared for presentation at 'the 2003 Offshore Technology
Conference held in Houston, Texas, U.S.A., 5-8 May 2003, and entitled "Offshore Transfer Re-Gasification and Salt Dome Storage of LNG") . This paper describes a single-point mooring system suitable for the mooring of an LNG carrier vessel. The paper further describes apparatus for discharging the LNG through the existing mid-ships manifold. The discharging apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted rigid arm which carries a standard fluid transfer system. The fluid transfer system consists of three pipe-in-pipe (PIP) lines; two of the lines are dedicated to the transfer of LNG and the third line is dedicated to vapour return. The fluid transfer system is hingedly coupled to the rigid arm to allow the arm to weathervane and pitch to accommodate changes in movement between the vessel and platform.
When offloading from the mid-ship manifold of a vessel moored at a single-point mooring structure, the structure may surge backwards and forwards under the. influence of wave and wind loads. To accommodate this movement, the lrigid arm of the transfer apparatus described in the above-referenced OTC paper would require a large reach capable of covering the full range of surge motions of the vessel, including those which may occur after failure of a mooring hawser and any further movements which take place in the time it takes to shut transfer valves before a physical disconnect can be performed.
With certain types of loading equipments, such as steel loading arms or flexible hoses, these large surge motions result in large angular offsets between the extremities of such loading arms and hoses and this poses large strains on their constituent components.
Moreover, since physical spacing between loading arms and hoses is limited, a certain "shadowing" occurs between the arms and hoses and hence, during a disconnect operation, clashing between mechanical components becomes unavoidable.
The present application, at least in preferred embodiments, attempts to address at least some of the problems outlined above.
Viewed from a first aspect, the present application relates to an apparatus suitable for the offshore transfer of fluids, the apparatus comprising a plurality of rotatable members, and a fluid transfer system suitable for connecting the apparatus to a fluid source or a fluid store; the apparatus being mountable on a base and said fluid transfer system being mounted on or coupled to one of said rotatable members; wherein, in use, the rotation of- the rotatable members relative to each other is controlled so as to maintain the fluid transfer system in a pre-determined orientation relative to the base. The apparatus of the present invention advantageously creates a stable platform on which the fluid transfer system may be mounted. The fluid transfer system may comprise hard loading arms or flexible hoses capable of spanning the entire range of surge motions such that the loading arms or hoses themselves can be operated with virtually zero angular offset during large surge motions. Clearly, this arrangement provides improved functionality and allows the fluid transfer system to operate without clashes occurring during the critical phases of any disconnect operation.
The rotatable members are preferably each rotatable about a respective axis. The axes are preferably parallel and, in use, the fluid transfer system preferably undergoes translation in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axes.
The apparatus preferably comprises first, second and third rotatable members . The second rotatable member is preferably mounted on the first rotatable member; and the third rotatable member is preferably mounted on the second rotatable member. The first rotatable member is preferably rotatably mounted on the base which may in turn be fixedly mounted, for example on a single point mooring structure. The base may in fact form part of the single point mooring structure. The fluid transfer system is preferably mounted on the third rotatable member. Of course, the apparatus may comprise 2, 4, 5, 6 or more rotatable members in alternative embodiments.
Preferably, the first member is rotatable about a first axis, the second member rotatable about a second axis and the third member rotatable about a third axis . The first and second axes are preferably offset from each other; and the second and third axes are preferably also offset from each other.
The apparatus thereby allows the fluid transfer system to undergo translation relative to the base and may, therefore, accommodate relative movement between a vessel and the fluid transfer system at least in one plane.
The first, second and third axes are preferably all arranged substantially vertically to facilitate translation of the fluid transfer system in a substantially horizontal plane.
The apparatus is preferably configured such that when the first element is rotated about the first axis through an angle of α°, the second member is rotated about a second, axis through an angle of 2αo (i.e. the second member undergoes angular rotation twice that of the first member) . The first member is preferably rotated in the first direction and the second member in a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite to each other.
The apparatus is preferably further configured such that, when the first element is rotated about said first axis through an angle of a°, the third member is also rotated through an angle of α° (i.e. the angular rotation of the first and third members is the same) . The- first and third members preferably rotate in the same direction.
This configuration of the first, second and third rotatable members may allow the third member, and consequently the fluid transfer system, to be maintained in a pre-determined orientation relative to the base, even when the- first and second members are rotated.
The fluid transfer system is preferably translated along a straight line whilst the pre-determined orientation thereof is maintained. The distance between the first axis and the second axis is preferably the same as the distance between the second axis and the third axis to enable the fluid transfer system readily to be translated along a straight line. It is, of course, possible to implement translation along a straight line in arrangements where these distances are different, provided different angular rotations of the first, second- and third rotatable members are implemented. The present application is intended also to cover these a11ernative arrangements.
The first, second and/or third rotatable members may be rotated by first, second and/or third actuators (such as electric motors or hydraulic cylinders) respectively.
Preferably, however, the first member is rotated by an actuator and first and second linkage assemblies affect rotation of the second and third rotatable members respectively.
The apparatus may further include means for determining the angular rotation of each rotatable member, to allow for control of the apparatus.
The fluid system transfer may comprise at least one conduit supported on first and second hard (i.e. non-flexible) support arms. Alternatively, the fluid transfer system may comprise at least one flexible hose.
A conduit is preferably provided which defines a fluid pathway for the transfer of fluids through said rotatable members. Fluids to be transferred using the apparatus of the present invention may then be passed from the fluid transfer system through the interior of the rotatable members. Alternatively, one or more conduits may be provided to the exterior of the rotatable members.
The base on which the first rotatable member is rotatably mounted may be, for example, a column. The column may be provided on a single point mooring structure, or on a LNG carrier vessel.
Two preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the transfer apparatus of the present invention mounted on a single point mooring structure;
Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 from a different perspective; Figure 3 shows an end view of the apparatus of the present invention; and
Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
A single point mooring (SPM) structure 1 of the type described in OTC paper 15301 is shown by way of example in Figure 1, adjacent to tanker vessel V. Transfer apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided on a column 2 at the aft-end of the SPM structure 1. The transfer apparatus comprises a first rotatable member 3 which is mounted on the column 2. A second rotatable member 4 is mounted on the first rotatable member 3; and a third rotatable member 5 is mounted on the second rotatable member 4.
As shown in Figure 2, a fluid transfer system 6 is provided on the third rotatable member 5. The fluid transfer system 6 comprises four hard conduits 7-10, each of which are carried by a support arm 11-14.
The first rotatable member 3 is rotated by an electric motor. It will, of course, be appreciated that other actuation means, such as a hydraulic cylinder, may be implemented to effect rotation of the first rotatable member 3. The transfer apparatus further comprises a linkage bar system 15 for effecting angular rotation of the second and third rotable members 4, 5. The implementation of a linkage bar system 15 advantageously removes the need to provide additional actuation means and may thereby reduce the cost of the transfer apparatus.
The first rotatable member 3 is rotated about a first axis A; the second rotatable member 4 is rotated about a second axis B; and the third rotatable member 5 is rotated about a third axis C. The first, second and third-axis A, B, C are arranged substantially vertically such that the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 each rotate in respective substantially horizontal planes. The distance between the first axis A and the second axis B is the same as the distance between the second axis B and the third axis C.
The linkage bar assembly 15 is such that when the first rotatable member 3 undergoes an angular rotation of a° relative to the column 2, the second rotatable member 4 undergoes an angular rotation of 2ce° relative to the first rotatable member 3. For example, if the first rotatable member 3 is rotated through 30° relative to a reference plane, the second rotatable member 4 undergoes an angular rotation of 60° relative to the first rotatable member 3.
The linkage bar system 15 is arranged such that rotation of the first rotatable member 3 through an angle of a° results in a corresponding rotation of the third rotatable member 5 through an angle of a° relative to the second rotatable member 4.
The linkage bar assembly 15 is arranged such that the first and third rotatable members 3, 5 rotate in the same direction, whereas the second rotatable member 4 rotates in the opposite direction. Thus, in the arrangement shown in Figures 1-3, rotation of the first rotatable member 3 in a clockwise direction (viewed from above) causes the third rotatable member 5 to rotate in a clockwise direction, and the second rotatable member 4 to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction.
The net result of the arrangement of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 is that the fluid transfer system 6 undergoes translations along a horizontal axis. Advantageously, the transfer apparatus is arranged such that the fluid transfer system may undergo translation along a longitudinal axis parallel to an adjacent edge of the SPM structure 1. Thus, the fluid transfer system 6 may translate in the surge direction of the vessel carrying the liquefied natural gas without getting closer or further away from the manifold provided on the vessel .
It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the transfer apparatus is such that the orientation of the fluid transfer system 6 relative to the SPM structure 1 is maintained constant as it undergoes translation. This functionality is especially desirable as the stresses applied to the supporting arm 11-14 may be reduced as the fluid transfer system 6 may be maintained in an orientation perpendicular to the vessel.
Moreover, the longitudinal position of the fluid transfer system 6 may be maintained constant relative to the LNG carrier vessel by effecting appropriate rotation of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5. This may further reduce or minimise side-loads on the fluid transfer system 6.
The support arms 11-14 are provided with an elbow joint to accommodate transverse movement of the LNG carrier vessel relative to the SPM structure 1.
As shown in Figure 3, the transfer apparatus is provided with a series of fluid swivels 16 to allow the transfer of fluid through the transfer apparatus irrespective of the angular orientation of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5. In order to monitor the motions of the LNG carrier vessel carrying the liquefied natural gas, an optical or other tracking system may be provided. This tracking system preferably provides continuous information as to the location of the vessel relative to the SPM structure 1 and allows the angular orientation of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 to be controlled to maintain the longitudinal position of the fluid transfer system 6 constant relative to the vessel.
A second embodiment of the transfer apparatus is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, like reference numerals have been used for like components. The apparatus of this embodiment is modified insofar as the hard loading arms 11- 14 have been replaced by a set of catenary hoses 17 mounted on the underside of the third rotatable member 5.
To allow the catenary hoses to be suspended under the transfer apparatus, the third rotatable member 5 is rotatably mounted on the underside of the second rotatable member 4, which in turn is mounted on the underside of the first rotatable member 3.
The third rotatable member 5 is also provided with a support mechanism 18 for carrying the fluid transfer system 6.
The angular control of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 is generally the same as for the first embodiment such that the fluid transfer system 6 may translate along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the SPM structure 1. The support member 18 advantageously allows for transverse movement of the vessel relative to the SPM structure 1 in the same way as this motion was accommodated by the hard loading arms 11-14 of the first embodiment.
It will be noted that in the second embodiment, the distance between the first and second axis A, B is not the same as the distance between the second and third axis B, C. The relative angular rotation of the first, second and third members 3, 4, 5 is modified accordingly to ensure that the fluid transfer system 6 is maintained in a pre-determined orientation as it undergoes translation.
In certain cases, the assembly of the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 is more optimally located well above the water level, for example to allow sufficient space for catenary type hoses, as shown in Figure 4. In other applications, such as those with hard loading arms 11- 14, as shown in Figures 1-3, the first, second and third rotatable members 3, 4, 5 are better placed closer to the water line.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. Apparatus suitable for the offshore transfer of fluids, the apparatus comprising a plurality of rotatable members, and a fluid transfer system suitable for connecting the apparatus to a fluid source or a fluid store; the apparatus being mountable on a base and said fluid transfer system being mounted on or coupled to one of said rotatable members; wherein, in use, the rotation of the rotatable members relative to each other is controlled so as to maintain the fluid transfer system in a predetermined orientation relative to the base.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotatable members are each rotatable about a respective axis, the axes being substantially parallel and the fluid transfer system, in use, undergoing translation in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axes.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising first, second and third rotatable members, the second rotatable member being mounted on the first rotatable member, and the third rotatable member being mounted on the second rotatable member; the fluid transfer system being mounted on said third rotatable member.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first rotable member is rotatably mountable on the base.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the first member is rotatable about a first axis, the second member is rotatable about a second axis, and the third member is rotatable about a third axis, the first and second axes being offset from each other and the second and third axes being offset from each other.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in use, the first, second and third axes are arranged substantially vertically to facilitate translation of said fluid transfer system in a substantially horizontal plane.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the apparatus is configured such that when the first element is rotated about said first axis through an angle of oι°, the second member is rotated about said second axis through an angle of 2oι°.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein when said first member rotates in a first direction the second member rotates in a second direction, the first and second directions being opposite to each other.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus is configured such that when the first element is rotated about said first axis through an angle of a°, the third member is rotated about said third axis through an angle of α°.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured such that said first and third members rotate in the same direction.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the distance between the first axis and the second axis is the same as the distance between the second axis and the third axis.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 11 further comprising a first actuator for rotating said first rotatable member.
13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12 further comprising a second actuator for rotating said second rotatable member relative to said first rotatable member.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 13 further comprising a third actuator for rotating said third rotatable member relative to said second rotatable member.
15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 12 further comprising a first linkage assembly for effecting rotation of the second rotatable member relative to the first rotatable member.
16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 13, or claim 15 further comprising a second linkage assembly for effecting rotation of the third rotatable member relative to the second rotatable member.
17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising means for determining the angular rotation of each rotatable member.
18. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid transfer system comprises at least one conduit, each conduit being supported by at least one support arm.
19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the fluid transfer system comprises at least one flexible hose.
20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one conduit defining a fluid pathway through said rotatable members.
21. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17 further comprising at least one conduit defining a fluid pathway external of said rotatable members.
22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said base is suitable for mounting on a platform or forms part of a platform.
23. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IB2005/003748 2004-11-22 2005-11-22 Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid WO2006054180A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05805002A EP1815180B1 (en) 2004-11-22 2005-11-22 Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid
AU2005305607A AU2005305607B2 (en) 2004-11-22 2005-11-22 Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid
US11/791,353 US20070292243A1 (en) 2004-11-22 2005-11-22 Apparatus For Offshore Transfer Of Fluid

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0425654.1 2004-11-22
GB0425654A GB2420319B (en) 2004-11-22 2004-11-22 Apparatus for the offshore transfer of fluid

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006054180A1 true WO2006054180A1 (en) 2006-05-26

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ID=33548656

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2005/003748 WO2006054180A1 (en) 2004-11-22 2005-11-22 Apparatus for offshore transfer of fluid

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US20070292243A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1815180B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100489371C (en)
AU (1) AU2005305607B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2420319B (en)
RU (1) RU2359859C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006054180A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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AU2005305607A1 (en) 2006-05-26
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AU2005305607B2 (en) 2009-01-08
GB0425654D0 (en) 2004-12-22
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CN101061344A (en) 2007-10-24
US20070292243A1 (en) 2007-12-20
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EP1815180A1 (en) 2007-08-08
RU2007123359A (en) 2008-12-27

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