Method for loading LNG on a floating vessel
AssigneeChevron U.S.A. Inc.
InventorsJohn S. Hartono, Kenneth W. Sheets, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located between the inlet and the outlet. The method includes the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the inlet and the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the intermediate port so that different sections of the conduit can be cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, the method further includes pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet of the conduit. The LNG can then be directed from the outlet to a storage tank onboard a floating vessel.
Claims16
A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a loading arm comprising a conduit, the method comprising the steps of:
- pumping a reduced flow of LNG into an inlet of the conduit, the conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located at an apex between the inlet and the outlet;
- pumping a reduced flow of the LNG into the intermediate port;
- and
- when the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet.
A method for transferring a cryogenic fluid between a flow line in fluid communication with an onshore facility and a floating vessel through a movable conduit adapted to be releasably placed in fluid communication with the floating vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
- connecting a movable conduit in fluid communication with the floating vessel, the movable conduit having an upstream end and a downstream end and at least one port located intermediate the upstream and downstream ends;
- wherein:
- the conduit is included as part of a loading arm;
- pumping cryogenic fluid into the upstream end of the conduit to cool a portion of the conduit between the upstream end and the port;
- concurrently pumping cryogenic fluid into the port to cool a portion of the conduit between the port and the downstream end;
- and
- pumping an increased flow of cryogenic fluid into the upstream end when the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring the cryogenic fluid at a higher flow rate through the conduit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.