Key Cryogenic Components for Dynamic Marine LNG Transfer at Sea: Development and Tests Completed
Authors: Dupont Bernard , Cox Phillip , Garrigues Jean Claude 
Published: October 2008

Recent developments of new architectures targeting safe LNG transfer at sea in exposed locations - therefore in real dynamic conditions - reveal the need for development of several key components of the transfer system serving these architectures. These key components are the following:

The cryogenic flexible hose. The 16" internal diameter hose has been developed by Technip-Coflexip with thesupport of a Joint Industry Program sponsored by BHP, BP, Chevron, Gaz de France and Shell, based on a previous 8" design. The dynamic tests in cryogenic conditions have been performed in 2001-2002 at Technip-Coflexip manufacturing plant. The hose can be produced in a single piece with length up to 100 m, which covers all the needs of LNG transfer systems. This product is fully described in OTC 2003 paper 15400 (reference [2]).

The multifunction connecting system. This gives the flexible hose the ability, in dynamic conditions, to be safely handled, guided into position, connected and disconnected in normal operating conditions and in emergency conditions. This device developed initially by Eurodim and - KSB-Amri has become part of LNG transfer system in combination with the flexible hose developed by Technip-Coflexip. Its joint development is performed by the association Amplitude-LNG grouping Eurodim, KSB-Amri, and Technip-Coflexip. The association has promoted the Amplitude-LNG Loading System - ALLS - able to serve the various architectures of transfer facilities contemplated for ship-to-ship as well as for ship-to-shore LNG transfer. A Joint Industry Program sponsored by BP, ChevronTexaco, Eni Agip division, Gaz de France, Leif HÃ¶egh & Co and TotalFinaElf is in progress to develop, fabricate and test a prototype comprising the multifunction connecting system and the flexible hose endfitting with optimised stiffener. Base case considered for the system scantling is a stern to bow tandem loading in harsh sea conditions. The light and compact multifunction connecting system includes a "no spill" Double Butterfly Valves & Emergency Release Coupler, a Quick Connect/Disconnect Coupler and guiding and handling devices. As a generic equipment, it is suitable for both dedicated and non-dedicated (i.e. mid-ship manifold) carriers.

The two-path cryogenic swivel joint for LNG transfer and vapour return. This component allows unlimited degrees of rotation of the LNG carrier around Single Point Mooring or rotating quay architectures and it is a major key element to transfer LNG at sea in exposed locations. This light and compact two-path cryogenic swivel joint is designed by Eurodim. A prototype will be built and test with KSB-Amri. This paper is organised into four parts:Section 1 presents the Amplitude-LNG Loading System design philosophy.Section 2 is a description of the main parts of the multifunction connecting system.Section 3 explains the scantling and the tests of the Amplitude-LNG Loading System involving the flexible hose end-fitting with a stiffener and the multifunction connecting system.Section 4 presents the developments made on the twopath cryogenic swivel joint and the tests that will be carried out.