Gas offloading system
US6973948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0163
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is described for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker for eventual delivery to an onshore gas distribution station. The system includes a floating structure that floats at the sea surface and that is connected to the tanker so they weathervane together. The floating structure carries a regas unit that heats the LNG to produce gas, and delivers the gas through a riser to an underground cavern that stores the gas. Gas from the cavern is delivered through a seafloor pipeline to an onshore gas distribution station. The regas unit includes water pumps and other equipment that is powered by electricity. The electricity can be obtained from an electric generator on the floating structure, with surplus electricity delivered through a sea floor electric power line that extends along the sea floor to an onshore electricity distribution facility. The electricity can instead be obtained by delivery from an onshore facility though a sea floor electric power line that extends up to the floating structure and to the regas unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.