LNG load transfer system

US6434948B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S. and Navion AS · NO

Inventors

• Jorgen Eide · Osøyro, NO
• Svein Are Løtvedt · Sandvika, NO
• Jan-Kristian Haukeland · Sola, NO
• Jonas Schanche Sandves · Sandnes, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 20, 2002
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B27/24
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

This invention concerns a unitary system for export of liquid natural gas (LNG) from a floating production vessel (FPSO vessel) (1), with the new and inventive consists of the combination of the following points: an LNG buffer tank in the FPSO vessel, with buffer storage capacity for temporary storage of the continuous produced LNG during an LNG tank vessel's absence, a mooring device arranged for short separation moorage between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, a cryogenic transfer device arranged between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, comprising a flexible LNG pipe and arranged for consecutive transfer of produced LNG; at least one or several LNG storage tanks in an LNG tank vessel, arranged for continuous filling via the cryogenic transfer device until the desired degree of filling of the LNG tank vessel is achieved.