Having Swivel Coupling For Cargo Conduit Patents (Class 441/5)
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Patent number: 11459067Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering a condensate from a conduit. In one embodiment, the system can include a floating buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly coupled thereto. The system can also include a floating conduit, a first gas transfer conduit, and a second gas transfer conduit that can be configured to transfer a gas discharged from a vessel storage tank to a pipeline end manifold located at a subsea location. The system can also include a first condensation conduit, a pump, and a second condensation conduit that can be configured to transfer at least a portion of any condensate that accumulates within an internal volume of the floating conduit at a low point between the vessel storage tank and the first gas transfer conduit into a flow path defined by a first swivel section of the fluid swivel assembly, a storage tank, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Samuel David Waronoff, Asis Nandi, Ramachandran Gopalakrishnan, Yuen How Leow
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Patent number: 11433975Abstract: A system for temporarily connecting an underwater station arranged on the bed of a body of water and a surface facility has an elongated conducting member with one end connected to the underwater station and one free end selectively and temporarily connectable to the surface facility; a marker buoy; and a cable connected to the free end of the elongated conducting member and to the marker buoy to quickly recover the free end of the elongated conductor element when it is necessary to connect the underwater station via the elongated conducting member to the surface facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.Inventors: Alessandro Radicioni, Alessandro Filippi, Giovanni Moreschi
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Patent number: 11305843Abstract: A system for release of mooring loading and unloading lines between a loading and unloading station at sea and a vessel comprises a yoke with mooring tethers, for connection between the yoke and the vessel. A method for quick release comprises disconnecting the lines, connecting them to a winch arrangement; lowering line connectors for parking on a parking structure on the yoke if the swivel is above sea level, or on the sea floor if the swivel is close to the sea floor; lowering the yoke by the winch arrangement after the line connectors are parked on the parking structure if the swivel is above sea level, lowering the yoke with the line connectors if the swivel is close to the sea floor; stopping the winch arrangement when the yoke has landed on the sea floor, and further lowering the mooring tethers on the sea floor by moving the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: APL Norway ASInventors: Geir O Hovde, Anders L Eide
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Patent number: 11125030Abstract: A guiding system for a hybrid lifting tower includes: one or more guiding structures configured to be positioned along the hybrid lifting tower. The guiding structures comprise main parts adapted to be attachable to the hybrid lifting tower. The main parts are adapted for passage of pipes. One of the guiding structures is connected to at least one other adjacent guiding structure and/or to a tower ending structure by at least one structural connecting member. A hybrid lifting tower including the guiding system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: ODEBRECHT ÓLEO E GÁS S.A.Inventor: Rafael Machado Guigon De Araujo
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Patent number: 11066131Abstract: A floating offshore mooring chain apparatus for preventing collision with a ship is proposed. The mooring chain apparatus includes a buoyant body floating on the water surface to transfer resources to a transport ship, a plurality of mooring chains fixed to the seabed to locate the buoyant body in position on the water surface, and a plurality of spider buoys disposed to a lower portion of the buoyant body such that the mooring chains laterally penetrate through the spider buoys, respectively, and extend toward the seabed in different directions, so that the mooring chains are moved by a rotating force along the extension directions thereof to displace the buoyant body.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & TechnologyInventors: Kang Su Lee, Do Youb Kim, Byoung Jae Park, Hyun Seok Kim
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Patent number: 10899602Abstract: Systems and processes for transferring a gas from a buoy. In one embodiment, the system can include a buoy floating in water. A fluid swivel assembly can be coupled to the buoy. The system can also include a gas submarine conduit and a pipeline end manifold located at a subsea location. The gas submarine conduit can be configured to transfer a gas between the fluid swivel assembly and the pipeline end manifold. The gas submarine conduit can include one or more negatively buoyant members coupled thereto. The one or more negatively buoyant members coupled to the gas submarine conduit can urge the gas submarine conduit toward a seafloor to maintain the gas submarine conduit in a Chinese lantern configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Yonghui Liu, Martin Matthew Duensing, Heejung Lee
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Patent number: 10858075Abstract: A floating connector of an offshore energy device and a method for connecting the floating connector is provided. The floating connector includes a buoy having a tube, a bay, a joint box, and at least one cable for connecting to the offshore energy device. The buoy provides buoyancy to the floating connector and includes the tube and bay. The bay houses the joint box, which electrically couples the at least one cable to each other and to a switchgear of the offshore energy device.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: PRINCIPLE POWER, INC.Inventors: Christian Cermelli, Tiago Duarte, Cyril Godreau
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Patent number: 10814938Abstract: A mooring buoy system releasably connects risers and anchor lines to a turret of a floating structure, and includes: a buoyant body carrying the risers, which extend to a subsea hydrocarbon well; anchor line connectors, for connecting anchor lines to the buoyant body, each anchor line having one end connected to a connector and the opposing end to the seabed; and a reconnection wire running through a channel coinciding with a center line of the buoyant body, connectable to each anchor line below the buoyant body at some distance from the anchor line connectors through anchor line connection sections on one end and includes a stopper and winch wire connection arrangement on the other end. Also disclosed is a method for pulling up risers and anchor lines, for releasably attaching the risers and anchor lines, as well as a method for constructing a mooring buoy.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Renaud Daran, Xavier Schut, Christian Raymond Bauduin
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Patent number: 10794539Abstract: Systems and processes for recovering a gas from a vessel. The system can include a buoy that can include a fluid swivel assembly. The fluid swivel assembly can have a first swivel section rotatably coupled to a second swivel section. The system can also include a first liquid transfer conduit, a first gas transfer conduit, a second liquid transfer conduit, and a second gas transfer conduit. The first swivel section and the second swivel section can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first liquid transfer conduit and the second liquid transfer conduit. The first swivel section and the second swivel section can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the first gas transfer conduit and the second gas transfer conduit. The first gas transfer conduit and the second gas transfer conduit can be configured to convey a gas from a vessel to a subsea location.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: SOFEC, INC.Inventors: Martin Matthew Duensing, Samuel David Waronoff, Abbas Nalwala, Arun Sanjay Duggal, Yonghui Liu, Asis Nandi, Ramachandran Gopalakrishnan
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Patent number: 10160524Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: BLUEWATER ENERGY SERVICES B.V.Inventor: Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat
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Patent number: 9944357Abstract: An arrangement for mooring, loading and unloading of a vessel, includes a structure connected to the seabed and a Y-formed yoke for connecting the vessel to the structure, the structure including a stationary inner element adapted to be fixedly connected to the sea bed and an outer element having a rotatable fastening to the inner element, the outer element having a connector for fixing the yoke, wherein the yoke is provided with a pitch articulation to fix the first or mutual end of the yoke to the connector of the outer element and a roll articulation positioned between the pitch articulation and the first and second leg to allow the legs to rotate along the longitudinal axis of the yoke with respect to the pitch articulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Yves Tosetti, Jean-Pierre Benoit, Pierre Balleraud, Olivier Allio
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Patent number: 9302744Abstract: A transfer system is described including a subsea installation fixed relative to a seabed, and a transfer element for transfer of fluid, electrical signals, or electric current between the subsea installation and a floating arrangement. The transfer element is configured to connect to the subsea installation and includes a connector for connecting to the floating arrangement. The transfer system includes a buoyancy element anchored to the seabed, and has a through-going hole in the vertical direction. The transfer element extends through the hole and is movable in both directions through the hole. The transfer element includes a fender system that extends at least partially around the circumference of the transfer element. The fender system abuts the buoyancy element when the transfer element is suspended. When the transfer element is suspended, the transfer element forms an S-shape or J-shape between the subsea installation and the buoyancy element.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventor: Paal Pettersen
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Patent number: 9297214Abstract: A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignees: BP Corporation North America Inc., BP Exploration Operating Company LimitedInventors: Roy Shilling, Paul W. Gulgowski, Jr., Philip D. Maule, Kevin Kennelley, Walter Greene, Robert W. Franklin, Vicki Corso, Tony Oldfield, Adam L. Ballard, Graeme Steele, David E. Wilkinson, Ricky Thethi, Chau Nguyen, Steve Hatton
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Patent number: 9221523Abstract: A disconnectable turret mooring system includes a mooring buoy, a turret structure, and a buoy locking system for locking the mooring buoy to the turret structure, whereby the turret structure includes an intermediate connection member, which includes the buoy locking system, wherein the intermediate connection member is rotatably supported by the turret structure. A method of mooring a vessel includes a turret structure to a mooring buoy, whereby the turret structure is arranged to receive the mooring buoy. The turret mooring system includes a turret structure that is rotatably supported by the vessel and an intermediate connection member that is rotatably supported by the turret structure. The method includes: receiving the mooring buoy into the turret structure, locking the mooring buoy to the intermediate connection member, and rotating the intermediate connection member and the turret structure with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.Inventors: Christian Raymond Bauduin, Jean-Yves Silvain Toggiani
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Patent number: 9097373Abstract: An assembly for transferring fluids between a vessel and a turret structure mounted in said vessel for a rotation around a substantially vertical turret axis is provided. Said turret structure comprises a swivel having at least one fluid outlet which is connected with one end of a fluid piping of which the second end is connected to the vessel. The assembly further comprises a flexible bridge member connecting a part of the turret structure with the vessel. The rotation of said part of the turret structure around the turret axis is substantially locked to the rotation of the vessel while a relative displacement between said part of the turret structure and the vessel or the structure fixed to the vessel is allowed. Said bridge member supports the fluid piping to substantially take away the loads from the fluid piping on the said swivel and its outlets.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventor: Lambert Erik Gooijer
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Patent number: 9097374Abstract: An assembly for transferring fluids between a vessel and a turret structure mounted in said vessel for a rotation around a substantially vertical turret axis is provided. Said turret structure comprises a swivel having at least one fluid path which is connected with one end of a fluid piping of which the second end is connected to the vessel. A swivel tower mounts around the swivel and engages the remainder of the turret structure by a swivel tower bearing. A torsion lock mechanism substantially locks the swivel tower to the vessel for a rotation therewith. A first fluid piping segment extends freely between the vessel and the swivel tower and a second fluid piping segment extends between the swivel tower and the fluid path of the swivel. The segments are joined at an interconnection where the fluid piping is substantially fixed to the swivel tower by fixing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventor: Clemens Gerardus Johannes Maria Van Der Nat
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Patent number: 8944871Abstract: A system for handling a transfer device (10) for transferring load from a storage facility, sub sea or integrated in the production facility (1) to a vessel on the sea surface (2) comprising: a pickup line (11) comprising a first end (11a) connected to the transfer device (10) and a second end (11b & 11c) available at the sea surface (2); a connection device (13) for connection of the transfer device (10) to the tension buoy (14); a swiveling device (20) for rotation of the connection device (13) in relation to the tension buoy (14); and a position limiting device (21) fixed to the connection device (13), for limiting the position of the pickup line (11) in relation to the tension buoy (14).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventor: Geir Evensen
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Publication number: 20150031252Abstract: A system for mooring a floating production vessel comprising: two or more buoys anchored to the seafloor that are also connected directly to the floating production vessel; and one or more risers connected to at least one of the buoys that is also connected to one or more subsea wellheads or manifolds wherein the buoys are not connected to the floating vessel by a swivel and turret system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Yile Li, Joao Paulo Juliao Matsuura, Jan Hendrik Gerretsen
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Patent number: 8915271Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for loading/unloading cryogenic fluids between a ship and storage tanks The system comprises a shaft extended upwards to above the sea level, a transfer pipeline extended from the storage tanks to the shaft with a free end free to expand/contract axially inside the shaft, a header fluidly connected to the free end, at least one downward pipe branch from the header, at least one hose coupler attached to the shaft, at least one internal hose freely hung inside the shaft between the downward pipe branch and the hose coupler, and at least one loading arm fluidly connected to the hose coupler and having an end flange for connection with ship manifolds for fluid transfer. The system further comprises at least one vertical support to support the header in the vertical direction, wherein the header is free to move along with the free end of the transfer pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventor: Xuejie Liu
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Patent number: 8864420Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte LtdInventors: Kok Seng Foo, Wen Sin Chong, Alex Kah Keong Tan, Xiao Xia Sheng, Asbjørn Mortensen
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Patent number: 8821202Abstract: A buoy includes a turret coupled to a buoyant body using a bearing assembly; a deckhouse disposed on the buoyant body; and a bearing retainer configured to retain the bearing assembly and to releasably attach to the turret. The buoy may also include a locking mechanism having an inner opening in the turret, an outer opening in the buoyant body, and a locking member configured for insertion through the inner and outer openings. In one embodiment, the inner opening is out of alignment with the outer opening during operation of the buoy. The buoy may further include a detachable cover on the deckhouse, wherein the cover is configured to attach to the bearing retainer.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Wison Offshore & Marine (USA), IncInventor: Hendricus Hogewoning
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Patent number: 8813668Abstract: A device for rotating a turntable includes a turret and a turntable bearing The turret is rotatable in a through-going opening or well in the hull of a vessel and has axial and radial bearing assemblies arranged in a polar array about the turret center line. In order to reduce the substantial wear caused by relative movements between the axial wheels of the bearing assembly and the circular rail on the bearing support structure, the axial wheels are conically shaped with a double curved surface rolling on the upward facing edge of the circular rail with a slope aligned with an extension line of the rail substantially intersecting with the shaft center line at the center line of the turret. The radial bearing assembly includes horizontally arranged radial wheels with double curved surfaces. Each wheel rolls on an inward facing edge of the circular rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Advanced Production and Loading ASInventor: Sigmund Askestad
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Patent number: 8800607Abstract: A process and system for directly exporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from an offshore location is disclosed. The process comprises (a) obtaining a mixture comprising oil and natural gas from a subsea well; (b) separating LPG from the mixture comprising oil and natural gas at a floating or fixed offshore processing facility; (c) offloading the LPG directly from the floating or fixed offshore processing facility via subsea offloading risers and at least one subsea offloading flowline connecting the processing facility to a floating or fixed offshore transfer station; and (d) transferring the LPG to an export tanker at the transfer station. The system comprises a floating or fixed offshore processing facility, a floating or fixed offshore transfer station, and a set of subsea offloading transfer lines connecting the processing facility and the transfer station.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Ahmed F. Omar, Rick Marshall, Arif Shipchandler, Miguel Ruiz
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Publication number: 20140187109Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating coastal structure used in water transportation terminals for production flowage of the petroleum industry. The structure exhibits a constructive configuration comprised of multiple monobuoys interconnected in an arrangement and in a specific dimensional relationship, being capable of reducing the instability and movements generated by the hydrodynamic effect of waves, thereby reducing the stresses of the accessory components, such as mooring lines, oil transfer lines and discharge hoses, connected to it.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.-PETROBRASInventor: Rodrigo Augusto Barreira
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Patent number: 8734195Abstract: A mooring buoy assembly includes a floating structure, a pipe, an elbow, and a swivel joint. The pipe extends vertically into and away from the floating structure, and is fixed to the floating structure such that the floating structure does not rotate with respect to the pipe. Furthermore, the pipe is configured to provide a flow path in fluid communication with a submerged hose. The elbow is in fluid communication with the pipe and provides a change in direction of the flow path. Furthermore, the elbow is supported by the floating structure and is configured to be in fluid communication with a floating hose. The swivel joint is connected to the pipe and is configured to allow the elbow and floating hose to rotate relative to the submerged hose.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLCInventors: David Coombs, Paul LaMourie, Kelly Briscoe
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Patent number: 8561563Abstract: A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte LtdInventors: Zong Yao, Wen Sin Chong, Hee Yan Yip, Kok Seng Foo
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Publication number: 20130231015Abstract: A buoy includes a turret coupled to a buoyant body using a bearing assembly; a deckhouse disposed on the buoyant body; and a bearing retainer configured to retain the bearing assembly and to releasably attach to the turret. The buoy may also include a locking mechanism having an inner opening in the turret, an outer opening in the buoyant body, and a locking member configured for insertion through the inner and outer openings. In one embodiment, the inner opening is out of alignment with the outer opening during operation of the buoy. The buoy may further include a detachable cover on the deckhouse, wherein the cover is configured to attach to the bearing retainer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: HENDRICUS HOGEWONING
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Patent number: 8491350Abstract: An offshore production system comprising a floating production unit, a production buoy, and a modular production transfer system therebetween. The modular production transfer system may include a support structure configured to be secured to an exterior side of the floating production unit, a moon pool secured outboard of the support structure, an inspection platform secured above the moon pool, a turntable secured to the inspection platform. The modular production transfer system may be configured to mate with the buoy connector and rotate within the moon pool, thereby maintain the buoy in a fixed orientation, while the floating production unit rotates about the buoy, during production.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.Inventors: Majid Al-Sharif, Tony A. Owen
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Publication number: 20130157535Abstract: A system for handling a transfer device (10) for transferring load from a storage facility, sub sea or integrated in the production facility (1) to a vessel on the sea surface (2) comprising: a pickup line (11) comprising a first end (11a) connected to the transfer device (10) and a second end (11b & 11c) available at the sea surface (2); a connection device (13) for connection of the transfer device (10) to the tension buoy (14); a swiveling device (20) for rotation of the connection device (13) in relation to the tension buoy (14); and a position limiting device (21) fixed to the connection device (13), for limiting the position of the pickup line (11) in relation to the tension buoy (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: FRAMO ENGINEERING ASInventor: Geir Evensen
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Patent number: 8449341Abstract: An oil production floating support having a mooring device for mooring anchor lines anchoring to the bottom of the sea and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The device has two mooring buoys having the anchor lines and the bottom-to-surface connection pipes moored respectively thereto. The said two mooring buoys being connectable and disconnectable to a turret under which they are fastened, independently of each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Jean-Paul Denise, Thomas Marty
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Patent number: 8435091Abstract: A disconnectable mooring assembly for a vessel comprises a mooring buoy and a swivel positioned above the mooring buoy. The mooring buoy is provided with a central member for being anchored to the seabed and comprises a number of passages each adapted for receiving a riser. The mooring buoy further comprises an outer member surrounding the central member and capable of a rotation relative thereto. Said outer member is adapted to be housed in and locked to a corresponding receiving opening of the vessel. The swivel is located above the mooring buoy in such a manner that an interspace is defined between the mooring buoy and the swivel.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventor: Bernardus Cornelis Hendrikus Hoogeveen
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Publication number: 20130109258Abstract: A mooring buoy assembly includes a floating structure, a pipe, an elbow, and a swivel joint. The pipe extends vertically into and away from the floating structure, and is fixed to the floating structure such that the floating structure does not rotate with respect to the pipe. Furthermore, the pipe is configured to provide a flow path in fluid communication with a submerged hose. The elbow is in fluid communication with the pipe and provides a change in direction of the flow path. Furthermore, the elbow is supported by the floating structure and is configured to be in fluid communication with a floating hose. The swivel joint is connected to the pipe and is configured to allow the elbow and floating hose to rotate relative to the submerged hose.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: David Coombs, Paul LaMourie, Kelly Briscoe
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Patent number: 8342777Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil production floating support having a releasable mooring system of anchor lines to the sea bottom and of bottom-surface connection pipes, the support comprising: a mooring buoy for said anchor lines and first bottom-to-surface connection pipes; and a turret extending within a cavity passing through the entire height of the floating support, said mooring buoy being fastened under the hull of the floating support to said turret; and said floating support being characterized in that it includes a connection/disconnection system for connecting/disconnecting said mooring buoy relative to said bottom wall of the turret, which system comprises: a plurality of hoist cables; and pump means for pumping water out from said valve chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Saipem S.A.Inventors: Michel Baylot, Jean-Paul Denise, Thomas Marty
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Patent number: 8328465Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Reel Pipe, LLCInventor: Gary J. Chouest
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Patent number: 8231420Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corp.Inventor: Peter Alan Lunde
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Patent number: 8197293Abstract: A mooring assembly for a vessel comprises a receiving vessel part, a geostationary part received rotatably in said receiving vessel part and a main bearing assembly connecting the geostationary part to the receiving vessel part. The main bearing assembly comprises at least two separate bearings which are manipulable such that the one or the other or both bearings are in an operative position, thus allowing the non-operative bearing to be replaced, overhauled, repaired and alike in situ.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventors: Lambert Erik Gooijer, Huibert Van Tol, Michiel Cornelis Kloosterboer, Pieter Cornelis Burger
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Patent number: 8152580Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventors: Jarle Straume, Arild K. Samuelsen
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Patent number: 8122919Abstract: Disclosed herein is an LNG transferring arm. The LNG transferring arm includes a cylindrical support base. A main body is rotatably provided on the support base. A boom assembly is connected to a side of the main body to rotate up and down. A support assembly supports the boom assembly and is bent along with the boom assembly. A transfer pipe and a return pipe are arranged along the boom assembly. An end of each of the transfer pipe and the return pipe is connected to a tank to which LNG will be transferred. A balance weight is rotatably supported above the main body via a bracket, and is hinged at one end thereof to the boom assembly, thus maintaining balance. A rotary branch means is provided in the main body, and includes two pipes having different diameters and arranged concentrically.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Jae-Wook Park
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Patent number: 8104417Abstract: A device for dynamically positioning a ship, assisting in offload of a processed hydrocarbon fluid, and assisting in return of hydrocarbon vapors is disclosed herein. The device can be a soft yoke that is pivotable and collapsible with at least two telescoping mooring arms having a boom and jib in a nested arrangement to safely hold floating stations to transport vessels. The boom and the jib can form a gangway to move personal and loads.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas CorporationInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
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Patent number: 8104416Abstract: A floating natural gas processing station for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas for offloading is disclosed herein. The station can use a station heat exchanger, a natural gas liquefaction train, and an offloading device having a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from a transport vessel. At least two telescoping mooring arms with a boom and a jib in a nested arrangement can hold the transport vessel at a nominal distance from the floating natural gas processing station, while forming a gangway to safely move personnel and loads between the floating natural gas processing station and the transport vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas CorporationInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
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Patent number: 8100076Abstract: A station and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The system can include a transport vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas processing station with a heat exchanger for receiving the dry gas from a pretreatment source and forming liquefied natural gas using a natural gas liquefaction train, a primary quick connect/disconnect device, a secondary emergency disconnect device, and a tertiary emergency disconnect device mounted to a station hull to allow quick connect/disconnect or emergency disconnect of the floating natural gas processing station from the transport vessel. The system can include a soft yoke with at least two telescoping soft yoke mooring arms, a boom, and a jib that form a gangway to safely hold the floating station to the transport vessel and to move personal and loads.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas CorporationInventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, William T. Bennett, Jr., David Trent
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Publication number: 20110294380Abstract: An offshore production system comprising a floating production unit, a production buoy, and a modular production transfer system therebetween. The modular production transfer system may include a support structure configured to be secured to an exterior side of the floating production unit, a moon pool secured outboard of the support structure, an inspection platform secured above the moon pool, a turntable secured to the inspection platform. The modular production transfer system may be configured to mate with the buoy connector and rotate within the moon pool, thereby maintain the buoy in a fixed orientation, while the floating production unit rotates about the buoy, during production.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS GROUP, INC.Inventors: Majid AL-SHARIF, Tony A. OWEN
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Publication number: 20110223820Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: SEAHORSE EQUIPMENT CORP.Inventor: Peter Alan Lunde
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Patent number: 7997947Abstract: System of a hydrocarbon transfer buoy and a vessel, the buoy having a length of at least 50 m and a length-to-width ratio of at least 10:1, and including a submerged buoyancy member having a length of at least 30 m and being situated at a depth of at least 10 m below water level, another support frame protecting above water level being connected to the top of the buoyancy member and carrying a support deck and a mooring buoy connector for attaching to a mooring arm connector of the vessel, which mooring arm connector is situated on an arm projecting outboard from the vessel's hull, the buoy being anchored to the sea bed via anchor lines which extend at an angle to a vertical direction, at least one hydrocarbon riser being attached to the buoy. The buoyancy member being connected to the sea bed via at least one substantially vertical taut tendon.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Jack Pollack, David Lewis Hankin
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Patent number: 7993176Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Seahorse Equipment CorpInventor: Peter Alan Lunde
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Patent number: 7985110Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system and a method for connecting and disconnecting a floating unit to and from a buoy which is connected to a subsea installation, where the buoy comprises a first connection device for connecting pipes and/or lines for transfer of fluid, control signals and/or electric power between the buoy and the floating unit. The connection system further comprises a support structure which is laterally movable relative to the floating unit and a swivel stack arrangement movably mounted on the support structure. The swivel stack arrangement comprises a second connection device for connecting to the first connection device in the buoy; shut-off devices for opening and closing at least one of the pipes and/or lines in the first and second connection devices by connecting and disconnecting the buoy; and a turret bearing for rotating the buoy relative to the floating unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventors: Atle Ingebrigtsen, Lars Seim, Jostein Erstad
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Patent number: 7975769Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon exploration system, comprising a first vessel (1) having a turret (3) around which the vessel can weathervane, the turret being moored to the sea bed (4), and a second vessel (7) connected with at least one riser (12) to a subsea well (5), the first vessel (1) being connected to the second vessel via a fluid transfer duct (20) comprising a first end section (23) attached to the turret of the first vessel (1), a substantially horizontal mid section (24), and a second end section (22) attached at or near the second vessel (7), the second vessel (7) weighing between 2,000 and 15,000 ton its base being attached to the sea bed via taut tendons (9), the weight exerted by the fluid transfer duct (20) on the second vessel being below 1,000 ton, a power generator being situated on the first vessel (1), power being transferred from the power generator via an electrical swivel on the first vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.Inventors: Jack Pollack, Hein Wille
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Publication number: 20110130057Abstract: An oil production floating support having a mooring device for mooring anchor lines anchoring to the bottom of the sea and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The device has two mooring buoys having the anchor lines and the bottom-to-surface connection pipes moored respectively thereto. The said two mooring buoys being connectable and disconnectable to a turret under which they are fastened, independently of each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Jean-Paul Denise, Thomas Marty
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Patent number: 7836840Abstract: The current invention includes to systems and methods of transferring cryogenic fluids between two locations. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods of using cryogenic risers and rotatable connections for transferring cryogenic fluids, including liquefied natural gas, from an ocean going vessel to a second location. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for transporting a cryogenic fluid between a floating vessel and a second location. The system including a cryogenic riser, a submersible turret connector. The being riser adapted to allow the vertical position of the first end of the riser to be changed, the second end of the first riser located in a body of water and in fluid communication with the second location. The submersible turret connector connected to the first end of the first riser.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Mark E. Ehrhardt, William S. Mathews, Dawn Rymer, W. Brett Wilson
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Publication number: 20100279561Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly for transferring a fluid between an onshore or offshore installation and a tanker, includes a floating device provided with positioning means for maintaining a predetermined position, a first fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said onshore or offshore installation to said floating device, and a second fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said floating device to the tanker. The floating device is provided with a connecting device for establishing a fluid connection between the first and second fluid transfer lines, which connecting device and floating device are separate parts that can be joined and separated by cooperating couplers provided on the connecting device and floating device, respectively, without compromising the original function of the floating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.Inventor: Allard Pieter Van Hoeken