Method for transferring a cryogenic fluid

Abstract

A method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from a floating vessel. The cryogenic fluids to be transferred can include liquefied hydrocarbon gases such as LNG. The method includes the steps of pumping a reduced flow of a cryogenic fluid into a first end and/or a second end of a conduit to begin pre-cooling the conduit. Pre-cooling also includes pumping a reduced flow of the cryogenic fluid into the conduit at a point intermediate the first end and the second end so that different sections of the conduit are cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring the cryogenic fluid, an increased flow of the cryogenic fluid is pumped into the first end of the conduit to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the floating vessel. The cryogenic fluid can then be directed from the second end of the conduit to a storage tank on shore or onboard a second floating vessel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.