Method and system for connecting a loading buoy to a floating vessel
US5456622A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2022/028
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and a system for connecting a submerged loading/unloading buoy to a submerged receiving space in a floating vessel for transfer of oil to or from the vessel. The buoy is anchored to the sea bed and is connected to a transfer line for carrying the oil. A sink line, having an auxiliary buoy attached to its end, is lowered from the vessel through the receiving space, with the auxiliary buoy coming to the water surface. A suitably marked pick-up line connected to the loading/unloading buoy, is taken up and connected to the sink line. The vessel is then positioned above the submerged loading/unloading buoy and the sink and pick-up lines are pulled up through the receiving space, so that the loading/unloading buoy is hoisted up and moved to a locking position in the receiving space. The vessel is provided with a hoist to lift the lines and the loading/unloading buoy, and also with a service shaft connecting the receiving space to the deck of the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.