Turret

Abstract

A turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement, for transferring petroleum products from an off-shore or subsea facility to a vessel, including a turret arranged in a cavity of the vessel. The turret is held firmly in axial and radial directions within the cavity, but is rotatable relative to the vessel. The turret is adapted to be moored to the seabed. A riser assembly extends through a bore in the turret to an upper surface of the vessel. The bore of the turret is a monobore and the riser assembly is rotationally coupled to the turret but is free to move axially relative to the turret. The riser assembly is axially supported by the vessel.

Claims

1. A turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement, for transfer of petroleum products from an off-shore or subsea facility to a vessel, the turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement comprising: a turret arranged in a cavity of the vessel, the turret being suspended in an axial direction by a first axial bearing that is arranged within a hull of the vessel, and also being held in radial directions within the cavity, but being rotatable relative to the vessel, the turret being adapted to be moored to the seabed; a riser assembly extending through a bore in the turret to an upper surface of the vessel, wherein the bore of the turret is a monobore; the riser assembly being rotationally coupled to transfer rotational torque to the turret but being free to move axially relative to the turret; the riser assembly being axially supported by the vessel during the transfer of the petroleum products by a second axial bearing attached to the upper surface of the vessel; and wherein the second axial bearing allows the riser assembly to rotate relative to the upper surface of the vessel during the transfer of the petroleum products.

2. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the turret has a generally circular cylindrical cross-section and is provided with the first axial bearing at an upper end thereof and at least one radial bearing some distance below the first axial bearing.

3. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the turret has a height that is substantially shorter than the height between the bottom of the vessel and the upper surface of the vessel.

4. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bore has at least one radial bearing forming an interface with the riser assembly to transfer radial forces between the riser assembly and the turret.

5. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the radial bearing interacts with a plate extending radially outward from the riser assembly, the plate having a notch or cut-out that enables the plate to pass a projection provided in bore during installation of the riser assembly.

6. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein one of bore and the riser assembly is provided with at least one projection, the projection interacting with a corresponding notch or cut-out of the other one of the riser assembly or the turret, for transferring the rotational torque between the turret and the riser assembly.

7. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the projection or the notch or cut-out is formed on a plate extending radially outward from the riser assembly.

8. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is arranged within a moonpool through a hull of the vessel in a forward part of the vessel.

9. The turret mooring and riser hang-off arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is arranged in a structure attached to a bow of the vessel, and that the upper surface of the vessel is an upper surface of a structure attached to an upper part of the bow of the vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Having described the main features of the invention above, a more detailed and non-limiting description of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the drawings is provided below.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view of the turret in connectivity with the riser pipe assembly and the vessel according to the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line A-A in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the turret, riser pipe assembly, as well as portions of the vessel.

(5) FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the entire arrangement from another angle.

(6) FIG. 5a is an enlarged view of the portion marked B in FIG. 3

(7) FIG. 5b is an enlarged view of the portion marked C in FIG. 3.

(8) FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are views of various stages of installation of the riser pipe assembly/riser tube within the turret, in that order.

(9) FIG. 7 is a view of the forward part of a vessel having a turret system according tot eh invention.

(10) FIG. 8 is perspective sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of the turret of the invention with an alternative embodiment of the means for transferring the rotational and axial forces between the riser package and the turret.

(11) FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 with yet another alternative of the means for transferring the rotational and axial forces between the riser package and the turret.

(12) FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative placement of the turret system in the bow of the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The following describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non-limiting.

(14) In all the figures, like reference numerals represent like features. Further, when in the following it is referred to top, bottom, upward, downward, above or below, right hand side or left hand side and similar terms, this is strictly referring to an orientation with reference to the sea bed, where the sea bed is considered to be horizontal and at the bottom, and where left and right refers to the position in the drawings.

(15) It should also be understood that the orientation of the various components may be otherwise than shown in the drawings, without deviating from the principle of the invention. Also in the figures components have been shown only on one side of the turret for the sake of simplicity. These components can be present on both sides of the turret and this is within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the disposition of off-shore units like off-shore storing facilities, vessels/ships/oil tankers and related units are not shown in detail, as those are not consequential to the present invention and should be understood by persons skilled in the art.

(16) FIG. 7 shows the forward part of a vessel V having a moonpool M extending from the deck D of the vessel to the bottom B of the vessel. In the moonpool is arranged a structure S, which provides a receptacle for a turret T. The structure S forms a part of the hull of the vessel. A riser package R extends through the turret T up to the deck D of the vessel V.

(17) FIG. 1 is a front view of the turret arrangement, FIG. 2 is a section along the line A-A in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the turret 1 (T in FIG. 7), the riser pipe assembly 5a (R in FIG. 7) and the individual riser tubes 5b. These three figures also partially show the deck 7 (D in FIG. 7), the hull structure 8 (S in FIG. 7) and the bottom portion 11 (B in FIG. 7) of the vessel (V in FIG. 7), but the vessel in totality is not shown in these figures for the sake of simplicity.

(18) To understand the structure as explained immediately hereinafter, all the three FIGS. 1 to 3 should be referred to and construed together.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the turret 1 has a cylindrical body which allows riser pipe assemblies and riser tubes to pass through. It should be understood that depending upon requirement only riser pipe assembly or only riser tubes such as say umbilicals may pass through the turret. In the embodiment, both riser assembly 5a and riser tubes 5b pass through the turret 1, as it would be particularly clear from FIG. 3.

(20) In the embodiment shown, the turret has a compact structure and has height extending between the bottom 11 of the vessel and into its hull 8.

(21) The riser pipe assembly 5a and riser tubes 5b extend from the bottom 11 to the deck 7 of the vessel.

(22) Referring to FIG. 2 in particular, near the top portion of the turret 1, within the hull 8, the turret has an axial bearing 3. The turret 1 can rotate freely with the help of this bearing 3 and absorbs axial force acting on it. The turret 1 also has a radial bearing 2 near the bottom 11 of the vessel which is located at the side of the turret 1 that is adjacent to the vessel. The radial forces acting on the turret 1 are transferred to the body of the vessel by this bearing 2. Elaborate functioning and consequential importance of these bearings will been explained below.

(23) Referring to FIG. 3 in particular, the axial bearing 6 on the deck 7 of the vessel is also seen, which absorbs the axial forces acting on the riser pipe assembly 5a and the riser tubes 5b. The riser pipe assembly 5a and riser tubes 5b can rotate relative to the deck 7 by means of this bearing 6. The axial bearing can also be situated at another appropriate level, such as at a lower deck or in a structure placed on the upper deck.

(24) The FIGS. 1 to 3 also show the chain stopper unit 4 for attachment of a mooring chain (not shown) for mooring the turret 1 and thus the vessel.

(25) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the complete arrangement from another angle. None of the FIGS. 1 to 4, however, show the mooring chain for the sake of simplicity. It is known that such chain passes through the turret housing and through the chain stopper units 4, for mooring the turret 1.

(26) FIG. 5a is an enlarged portion of the region marked B in FIG. 3. From FIG. 5a it would be clear that the turret 1 has a spline like protrusion 9 at its sides adjacent to the riser pipe assembly 5a and riser tubes 5b, close to the hull 8 of the vessel This spline like protrusion 9 will be present on either side of the turret 1, or there may be any number of splines 9 distributed around the inner circumference of the turret. The spline like protrusion 9 engages with a groove 9a (similar features shown in FIG. 5b) located on a plate like body 10 attached to the side of the riser pipe assembly/riser tubes 5a, 5b facing the turret 1.

(27) The features 9, 9a, 10 described in the preceding paragraph constitutes a rotational transfer means 12 to facilitate transfer of rotational momentum from the turret 1 to the riser pipe assembly/riser tube 5a, 5b as explained below.

(28) FIG. 5b is an enlarged portion of the region marked C. It shows that a plate like body or ring 10 also exists between the turret 1 and the riser pipe assembly/riser tubes 5a, 5b close to the bottom 11 of the vessel. The plate like body 10 also has a groove 9a, which merely serves to get the plate 10 past the splines 9 during installation of the riser package. This groove 9a and plate like body 10 may be identical to the ones atop these in the region marked B in FIG. 3 and as shown in FIG. 5a. The plate like body 10 just like the identical feature located atop it in the region marked B in FIG. 3, is attached to the side of the riser package 5a facing the turret 1. The plate like body 10 bears against a reinforced region 13 on the inside of the turret 1, The features 10 and 13 constitutes a radial bearing 14 for transferring axial forces between the turret and the riser package 5a.

(29) The FIG. 5b also elaborately shows the radial bearing 2, as discussed hereinbefore with reference to FIG. 2.

(30) Instead of the radial bearing 14 and the rotational transfer means 12 being situated one at the lower end of the turret 1 and one at the upper end of the turret 1, both can be situated next to one another anywhere along the height of the turret. It is also possible to combine both functions into one set of features. This can be done by adding a reinforced region between the turret wall and the spline 9 in FIG. 5a and/or by attaching, e.g., by welding, a spline onto the reinforced region 13 in FIG. 5b.

(31) Further alternatives for transfer of rotation and axial forces between the turret and the riser package are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8 the splines 9 has been replaced by a broader semi-circular section 15. These may extend along a majority of the circumference of the turret 1. The plates 10 of the riser assembly are provided with corresponding semi-circular cut-outs 9a. This allows for transfer of greater rotational torque.

(32) In FIG. 9 splines 9 have been attached to the reinforced region 13, thereby combining the rotational torque transfer function and the axial bearing into one.

(33) How the features elaborated in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 8 and 9 contribute to achieve proper force distribution during petroleum transfer will be been explained below.

(34) As explained before the turret is installed into the vessel before the vessel leaves the harbor and is consequently an integrated part of the vessel. The riser package may also be installed before the vessel leaves the harbor, but may conveniently be installed offshore after the vessel has been moored through the turret. Consequently, the installation process of the riser package will now be explained.

(35) FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are views of different stages of installation of the riser pipe assembly 5a with the riser tubes 5b within the turret 1.

(36) Further FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c emphasize that the riser pipe assembly 5a can be installed after installation of the turret 1 when it is moored to the seabed and has achieved reasonable equilibrium with the vessel.

(37) All the above figures are again referred to while explaining the functioning as herein below.

(38) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, these figures indicate the entire arrangement in operation, with the turret 1 moored to the seabed (not shown).

(39) Now, at this position, it should be understood that the mooring forces act on the entire arrangement. Further, due to constant wave motion the entire arrangement moves vertically as well as horizontally. Having regard to this aspect, it should be also understood that the turret 1 and the riser pipe assembly/riser tubes 5a, 5b also have rotational motion.

(40) To ensure optimal equilibrium and alignment, it is essential that the turret 1, the riser assembly 5a and the vessel should move together both vertically and horizontally. However, the turret should not take up the weight of and other vertical forces acting on the riser assembly.

(41) Also, to ensure that the vessel, turret and riser package move together vertically and horizontally, but that the vessel can rotate relative to the turret and the riser package, it is essential that the mooring/anchoring forces are largely absorbed by the turret 1 and the other forces are also judiciously distributed and absorbed. This also ensures that the riser assembly 5a can be installed after installation of the turret 1, since the turret 1 and the vessel may achieve equilibrium prior to installation of the riser assembly 5a.

(42) How, the above aspects are taken care of are now explained. The axial bearing 6 on the main deck 7 of the vessel absorbs the axial forces acting on the riser assembly 5a. The riser pipe assembly 5a can freely rotate by virtue of this axial bearing 6, relative to the deck 7.

(43) The axial bearing 3 on the top portion of the turret 1 close to the hull 8, absorbs the axial force acting on the turret 1. By means of this axial bearing 3, the turret 1 can rotate relative to the vessel. This ensures that the vessel, the riser assembly/riser pipe 5a, 5b always move together vertically when the turret and thus the vessel are moored to the sea bed by means of a mooring chain (not shown) and chain stopper 4.

(44) FIGS. 5a and 5b are views of an embodiment of two aspects of the invention. The below explanation is also valid for the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, with slights modifications, that will be obvious to a person of skill inn the art.

(45) FIG. 5a, as stated before, is the enlarged portion of the region marked B in FIG. 3. This portion is near the top of the turret 1. It can be seen from FIG. 5a that the turret 1 has a spline-like protrusion 9 which engages with a groove 9a (identical structure shown in FIG. 5b and can be referred to for clarity) located on a plate like structure 10. The plate like structure is located between the turret 1 and the riser pipe assembly 5a. This structure 10 is formed on side of the riser pipe assembly 5a facing the turret 1.

(46) Thus, the spline protrusion 9 is on the inside face of the turret 1 which is adjacent to the riser pipe assembly/riser tubes 5a, 5b. The outside face or the other side of the turret 1 is adjacent to a moonpool through the vessel.

(47) This spline-like protrusion 9 feature, as explained above with reference to FIG. 5a, ensures that the rotational momentum on the turret 1 is transferred on to the riser pipe assembly 5a. These ensure that the turret 1 and the riser pipe assembly 5a rotate around a substantially vertical axis in unison relative to the vessel.

(48) Now, during operation, the riser assembly 5a, the turret 1 and the vessel undergo axial movement as explained above. The plate like structure 10 is on the riser assembly/riser tube 5a, 5b face, adjacent to the turret 1. The spline 9 is in positive engagement with the groove 9a, as shown in FIG. 5a, but at the same time during axial movement of the riser pipe assembly/riser tubes 5a, 5b, the structure 10 on the riser assembly 5a can move up and down along the spline 9, due to this groove facility 9a, and hence no axial forces from the riser package are taken up by the turret 1. This also ensures that rotational momentum on the turret 1 is transferred on to the riser pipe assembly 5a.

(49) The region marked C in FIG. 3 is another advantageous aspect of the present invention. The enlarged portion of C is shown in FIG. 5b. The reinforced section comprises a plate like structure 10, similar to the one above it in region B, which is located between the turret 1 and the riser pipe assembly 5a. But the plate like structure 10 is actually formed on the side of the riser pipe assembly 5a very much like the one located above.

(50) This reinforcement section ensures transfer of radial forces acting on the riser pipe assembly 5a on to the turret 1, so that it can absorb such forces, and vice versa.

(51) The groove 9a in the region C has no role to play as such. It only ensures that during axial installation of the riser pipe/tube body the plate 10 can pass through the spline like protrusion 9 on the turret 1, located immediately above, in the region B. Precisely, even if the groove 9a was not there in region C, the reinforcement section 10 could have transferred radial forces on to the turret 1.

(52) FIG. 5b also shows the radial bearing 2 in detail. This can also be seen in FIG. 2. This radial bearing 2, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 5b, is located on the outer side of the turret 1 which is adjacent to the vessel body and is near the bottom portion 11 of the vessel. This radial bearing 2 ensures that all radial forces acting on the turret 1 are transferred to and absorbed by the vessel. These radial forces naturally include the forces transferred to the turret 1 by the riser pipe assembly 5a by the reinforcement portion 10 in region C of FIG. 3.

(53) The radial bearing 2 thus ensures that the turret 1, the vessel and the riser pipe assembly 5a always move together horizontally.

(54) FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are views representing different stages of installation of the riser pipe assembly 5a. It can be seen that prior to installation of the riser pipes 5a the turret 1 has been installed and moored by a method know per se, and has achieved equilibrium with the vessel. Further, in this embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c the turret 1 extends from the deck 7 of the vessel to its bottom region 11.

(55) At the first stage as shown in FIG. 6a, the riser pipe package 5a is slowly lowered down to the opening in the vessel deck 7. In FIG. 6b the pipe package 5a has been lowered through the opening in the vessel deck 7 and moves down towards the turret 1. FIG. 6c is the next stage when the riser pipes 5a have been brought further down and placed inside the turret 1 in position. Thereafter the connections are all established to start transfer of petroleum which is the stage shown in FIG. 4.

(56) FIG. 10 shows the turret system and associated riser package installed in the bow of the vessel. Here the turret is placed in a structure 16 that extends forward of the bow near the bottom of the vessel. On the deck 7 of the vessel another structure 17 is attached. This structure also extends forward to the bow. In both structures a through going opening has been formed. The openings are aligned with one another, so that the riser package 5s can extend between them.

(57) The advantage of placing the system in the bow of the vessel is that the vessel will have a greater ability to turn with the prevailing current and wind.

(58) From the description hereinbefore it would be clear to persons skilled in the art that all objectives of the invention have been achieved.

(59) The present invention has been described with reference to some preferred embodiments and some drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.