FLEXIBLE ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS-Fluid Transfer Systems

Fluid Transfer Systems

Flexible Engineered Solutions have built up a reputation for satisfying client requirements in the field of fluid transfer. The basis of the total supply is a multi-package system tailored to meet the specific client and project requirements, which is designed, manufactured and installed on time and within budget

Well Test
FPSO Operations
Sub-sea to Shuttle Tanker Transfer
Ship to Ship Transfer
Suitable for DP or Moored Systems

Flexible Engineered Solutions has built up a proven track record in the supply of complete fluid transfer systems which includes the design, procurement, project management, quality, supervision, delivery, installation and commissioning, sub–sea hoses, floating hoses and hydraulic & electrical control umbilicals.
FES has developed a unique Disconnectable Transfer System (DTS), which has successfully operated in both the North Sea and the Timor Sea.

Fluid transfer Systems
Disconnectable Transfer System - Introduction

The Disconnectable Transfer System developed by FES is based upon a conventional internal turret FPSO design, which can be used with either a dynamically positioned (DP) vessel / FPSO or a moored vessel / FPSO. Either system allows simultaneous fluid transfer from the sub-sea wellheads to the vessel / FPSO for processing, storage and offloading on station.

The Disconnectable Transfer System can be tailored for new, existing or converted vessels / FPSOs. The system has a number of unique features, which means the system can offer significant advantages over conventional disconnectable systems.

The Disconnectable Transfer System offers an automated connection and disconnection without the need for manual intervention or access to a floodable turret space. This means that the vessel / FPSO can remain on station for longer periods of time allowing prolonged wellhead fluid transfer. The system can also be deployed in areas of the world were the time to disconnect and reconnect is of utmost importance.

By anchoring the vessel / FPSO moorings, sub sea risers and umbilicals to a buoyancy tank can have significant benefits with regards the timescales and costs of installing and de-commissioning the system at the field

Disconnectable Transfer System - Overview
The Disconnectable Transfer System utilises a unique articulated joint allowing a Quick Connect Disconnect Connector Coupling (QCDC) to be used. The articulated joint also allows significant advantages for the fixed turret systems such as eradicating the requirement for an on-site machined Radial Turret Bearing thus allowing the system to be retrofitted to vessel / FPSO with an existing Moonpool.

The Disconnectable Transfer System utilises a multi-path Rotating Fluid Seal Connector stack (RFSC - Swivel stack) tailored to meet the project requirements. The RFSC stack can be built as a modular design allowing the system to be upgraded for future field development.

The main advantages of this Disconnectable Transfer System are:

Automated connect and disconnect utilising a multi-bore QCDC allowing a significant downtime reduction and therefore increased well-stream production.
Removal of the requirement to pump the Moonpool of water to allow manual intervention. This increases both personnel safety and well-stream production time.
No requirements for a machined radial turret bearing.
The system can be retrofitted into an existing vessel / FPSO Moonpool.

Normal operation of the DTS consists of a Riser Buoy connected to the vessel / FPSO via a QCDC / piping system configuration used to transfer Wellstream fluids from the field to the vessel / FPSO. The vessel / FPSO is held in position by either dynamic positioning or mooring chains anchored to the sea bed and fixed to the Riser Buoy.

In the case of severe weather or an emergency situation the QCDC isolation valves in the QCDC isolate the fluid in the FPSO from the Riser array. Clamps on the QCDC can then be released remotely and the Riser Buoy, with the Risers, Umbilicals and Mooring Chains attached, can be disconnected from the vessel / FPSO. Disconnection of the Riser Buoy allows the vessel / FPSO to leave the field location.

Disconnectable Transfer System
General Arrangement

Disconnectable Transfer System
Riser Buoy and Support Structure

The Riser Buoy consists of a buoyancy tank that has connected to it the lower half of the QCDC, Risers, Umbilicals and Mooring Chains. When disconnected from the vessel / FPSO the buoyancy of the Riser Buoy acts in opposition with the weight of the connected equipment to maintain position at a pre-determined depth below sea level.

When connected the Riser Buoy, items located upon it and specific sections of the turret fixed to the vessel / FPSO are required to remain geostatic. To ensure that the vessel / FPSO bow always faces the prevailing weather it is required that the vessel / FPSO is free to rotate. An upper turret bearing is therefore utilised to ensure appropriate independent rotation of the geostatic and weathervaning section of the Disconnectable Transfer System.

Winch Handling
Upper Turret System

Disconnectable Transfer System
Upper Turret

Disconnectable Transfer System – Components

The main components of the Disconnectable Transfer System are as follows:

Riser Buoy & associated equipment
Radial Turret Bearing
QCDC
Upper Turret Bearing
Rotating Fluid Seal Connector Stack
Winch Handling System
ESD Valves & Actuators and Interfacing Pipe-work
HPU and Control System
Bridge Controls
Supporting Structures

Fluid Transfer Systems

Flexible Engineered Solutions offer a range of range transfer systems for a range of applications, fluid media, operating parameters and system requirements. In addition to the Disconnectable Turret System FES can offer numerous other system types including:

Reeling Systems
Bow / Stern Loading System
Skid Mounted Systems
LNG & LPG Transfer Systems
Off-take Systems
Hose Breakaway Systems

Reeling System

Bow Loading System

All fluid transfer systems supplied by FES are supplied in accordance with client, end user and regulatory authorities requirements. Project management skills ensure that suitably third party inspection is undertaken on all equipment supply.

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