U.S. patent application number 09/801146 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for re-use of vessels for transporting deck payloads.
Invention is credited to Bishop, William M., McClure, Scott Campbell, Pemberton, David Joseph, Weisman, Bram David, White, Charles N..
Application Number | 20020124784 09/801146 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25180316 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020124784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
White, Charles N. ; et
al. |
September 12, 2002 |
Re-use of vessels for transporting deck payloads
Abstract
A system for transporting a payload in a marine environment that
utilizes a converted vessel having at least one internal space, at
least one interface system securingly attached to said vessel to
support in a seaworthy fashion a payload above and/or at the
vessel's deck.
Inventors: |
White, Charles N.; (Houston,
TX) ; Pemberton, David Joseph; (Houston, TX) ;
Bishop, William M.; (Katy, TX) ; McClure, Scott
Campbell; (Houston, TX) ; Weisman, Bram David;
(Katy, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William P. Glenn, Jr.
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery & Williams, L. L. P.
600 Travis Street, Suite 2200
Houston
TX
77002
US
|
Family ID: |
25180316 |
Appl. No.: |
09/801146 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 35/44 20130101;
B63B 35/28 20130101; B63B 3/20 20130101; B63B 25/28 20130101; B63B
83/10 20200101; B63B 25/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/72 |
International
Class: |
B63B 025/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for transporting a payload in a marine environment,
said system comprising: a vessel having at least one internal
space, wherein said vessel is converted from an existing marine
vessel; at least one interface system securingly attached to said
vessel, wherein said interface system is configured to support, in
a seaworthy fashion, said payload; and a deck of said vessel
positioned between a significant portion of said interface system
and said at least one internal space.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel further
having at least one void positioned between said internal space and
said marine environment forming a double hull.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel is self
propelled.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said vessel is adapted
to be moved by a self propelled vessel.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said existing marine
vessel is a tanker.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said existing marine
vessel is a barge.
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one
internal space is a tank adapted to receive fluid material.
8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said fluid is a
liquid, and said vessel further comprises at least one material
handling system fluidly connected to said tank to load and
discharge said liquid.
9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said liquid is ballast
water.
10. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said liquid is
cargo.
11. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein said at least one
material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein said at least one
interface system is further configured and securingly attached to
said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of
said tank and said material handling system.
13. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one
internal space is a cargo hold adapted to receive bulk
material.
14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein said vessel further
comprises at least one material handling system capable of
accessing said cargo hold to load and discharge said bulk
material.
15. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein said at least one
material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein said at least one
interface system is further configured and securingly attached to
said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of
said cargo hold and said material handling system.
17. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one
internal space is a tank adapted to receive fluid material.
18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein said fluid is a
liquid, and said vessel further comprises at least one material
handling system fluidly connected to said tanks to load and
discharge said liquid.
19. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said liquid is
ballast water.
20. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said liquid is
cargo.
21. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein said at least one
material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein said at least one
interface system is further configured and securingly attached to
said vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of
said tank and said material handling system.
23. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said at least one
internal space is a cargo hold adapted to receive bulk
material.
24. The system as recited in claim 23, wherein said vessel further
comprises at least one material handling system capable of
accessing said cargo hold to load and discharge said bulk
material.
25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein said at least one
material handling system is from said existing marine vessel.
26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein said at least one
interface is further configured and securingly attached to said
vessel to substantially preserve the original functionality of said
cargo hold and said material handling system.
27. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one
interface system comprises a network of structural members
configured to simultaneously support, in a seaworthy manner, said
payload, strengthen globally and locally said vessel, and transfer
load forces to said vessel.
28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein said network of
structural members comprises at least one payload support region
and at least one foundation region, said at least one payload
support region is adapted to receive a wide variety of said
payload, and said at least one foundation region comprises a
plurality of substantially vertical stanchions interposed and fixed
between said at least one payload support region and said deck.
29. The system as recited in claim 28, wherein a substantial number
of said stanchions are positioned across a significant portion of
said deck and each are securely fixed near a first end to said deck
with a second end projecting away from said deck.
30. The system as recited in claim 29, wherein said at least one
foundation region further comprises support bracing and web frames
attached to a significant number of said stanchions to encourage
unity in said at least one foundation region.
31. The system as recited in claim 30, wherein said at least one
payload region further comprises a network of substantially
co-planar interconnected longitudinal and transverse beams.
32. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one
payload region is permanently fixed to a significant number of said
second ends.
33. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one
payload region is permanently fixed to a substantially mid-portion
of a significant number of stanchions so that a significant number
of said second ends extend above said interconnected beams.
34. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one
payload region can be removably mounted to said at least one
foundation region at a number of predetermined planes above said
deck.
35. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein said predetermined
planes are substantially parallel to said deck.
36. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein said predetermined
planes are not substantially parallel to said deck to promote
handling of said at least one payload.
37. The system as recited in claim 34, wherein securing pin and
receiver arrangements are used to removably mount said at least one
payload region to said foundation region.
38. The system as recited in claim 31, wherein said at least one
payload region is slidably mounted to said at least one foundation
region at an infinite number of planes above said deck thereby
providing said at least one payload region the ability to
articulate about at least three degrees of freedom irrespective of
said vessel's trim and list.
39. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein a rack and pinion
assembly is interposed between said at least one payload region and
said at least one foundation region to achieve said slidable
mounting and said articulation.
40. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein a jacking screw
mechanism is interposed between said at least one payload region
and said at least one foundation regions to achieve said slidable
mounting and said articulation.
41. The system as recited in claim 38, wherein said structural
members of said at least one interface system have articulated
interconnections between each of said members at least
significantly reduce binding forces upon said at least one
interface system.
42. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is at
least one compressed natural gas container.
43. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is at
least one intermodal container.
44. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said payload is a
hotel accommodation.
45. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said internal space
is a tank.
46. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said internal space
is a hold.
47. A method for converting an existing marine vessel with at least
one internal space to support, in a seaworthy fashion, a payload
subjected to a marine environment, comprising the steps of:
constructing at least one interface system configured to support a
substantial portion of said payload; adapting said existing marine
vessel to securingly receive said at least one interface system
whereby forces from said at least one interface system are
substantially transferred to said marine vessel; and fitting said
at least one interface system to said marine vessel without
substantially altering the functionality of said at least one
internal space to receive and convey materials.
48. The method as recited in claim 47, further comprising the step
of constructing at least one void in said marine vessel to form a
double skinned marine vessel.
48. A method for transporting payloads in a seaworthy manner aboard
an existing marine vessel, comprising the steps of: installing an
interface system in proximity to a deck of said marine vessel, said
interface system is configured to support a substantial portion of
said payload, and said marine vessel having at least one internal
space capable of being loaded and unloaded with material by a
material handling system; supporting a payload by said interface
system; navigating said vessel to a discharge port; and discharging
said payload at said port.
49. The method as recited in claim 48, further comprising the step
of constructing an interface system configured to support a
substantial portion of said payload above said deck.
50. The method as recited in claim 49, further comprising the step
of configuring said interface system to hold and support, in a
seaworthy manner, at least one container.
51. The method as recited in claim 50, further comprising the step
of configuring said container to receive a fluid.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, namely a
marine vessel which is re-used or converted to support a payload
above and/or on a deck. The present invention further relates to a
method of converting a marine vessel to support a payload above a
deck.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, single hull marine vessels of adequate quality
and seaworthiness that are approaching forced retirement age are
being acquired and converted for special service applications in
the offshore oil field development and construction industry. In
the offshore oil field development industry, such vessels are
converted into storage vessels or floating production storage and
offloading vessels (FPSO's). In the construction industry, such
vessels are converted into pipe-lay vessels, craneships or
specialized lifting vessels. In both industries, the vessel
conversion requires extensive and significant modifications to the
existing or originally designed cargo systems and internal
spaces.
[0003] In certain circumstances, the forebody or cargo carrying
portions of the vessel are completely removed and disposed of as
scrap. The remaining section with the propulsion plant is typically
fitted to a new forebody and thereafter enters service as a new
vessel. In other circumstances, original material handling systems,
such as the piping and pumping systems, are totally or partially
removed or rendered inoperably in the conversion. Similar
alterations are carried out to the internal spaces which
significantly alter or destroy the original functionality.
[0004] Vessels which are not acquired or selected for conversion,
but face forced retirement due to legislation or regulations (such
as the requirement for double skinned hulls) are typically
scrapped. A significant number of these vessels are of a high
structural and operational quality, but for legislation or
regulations, are being scrapped or at least forced out of the
originally intended service.
[0005] Previous usages or conversions of existing marine vessels
are disclosed in a number of references. A few exemplars are set
forth below. U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,960 issued to Amoss in 1975
discloses a ship and method of construction for converting two
ships into a single wider hulled ship by utilizing a pair of
juxtapositioned stern sections. More specifically, each stern
section (with its own machinery) is joined to a common and wider
forebody. This conversion transforms existing conventional vessels,
which are economically obsolete because of their limited cargo
carrying capacity, into vessels of increased load carrying and
power capacities.
[0006] However, the disclosure does not contemplate exploitation of
the existing payload characteristics and quality of the discarded
forebodies.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,162 issued to Beaupre et al. in 1999
discloses a tanker reconstruction method whereby a new outer hull
is constructed around the existing hull to form a double hull
vessel. This disclosure seeks to extend or at least maintain the
usefulness of the original tanker and its cargo carrying capacity
but at great cost and with an increase in the vessel's molded depth
and molded beam. An increase which may prohibit the converted
vessel from transiting the Suez and/or Panama Canals.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,088 issued to Fanse et al. in 1989,
an over-water compressed gas transport system having a storage
vessel disposed on or above the deck of a vessel is disclosed. This
disclosure contemplates only on or above deck storage and
transportation of compressed gases in storage elements formed from
standard oil field pipeline type pipes. A major drawback of this
disclosure is the failure to: exploit the vessel's existing
internal spaces and piping systems for the carriage of
cargoes/ballast; and extend the operational life of an existing
vessel by allowing a variety of payloads to be carried above
deck.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention in its several disclosed embodiments
alleviates the drawbacks described above with respect to
conventional vessel conversions and the carriage of payloads on or
above a deck. Furthermore the present invention as disclosed
incorporates several additionally beneficial features further
enhances the conversion and re-use of existing vessels.
[0010] The present invention generally contemplates a low-cost
conversion and novel re-use of existing marine vessels by
controlling and exploiting the buoyant force of the vessel's
internal space to allow a substantial amount of a payload to be
supported in a seaworthy manner above the main deck. Furthermore
the present invention is intended to provide:
[0011] (a) a vessel fitted with an interface system to support, in
a seaworthy manner, a substantial portion of a payload in a marine
environment through the control and manipulation of the vessel's
buoyant force and stability;
[0012] (b) a novel conversion of an existing vessel by performing
low-cost modifications which strengthen locally and globally the
hull to support, in a seaworthy fashion, a payload in a marine
environment;
[0013] (c) a novel conversion of an existing vessel with at least
one internal space by installing an interface system to support a
payload above a deck and constructing at least one void in the hull
to form a double skinned vessel to allow the carriage of valuable
material in the at least one internal space;
[0014] (d) a method for re-using a seaworthy vessel to support
payloads above deck with an installed interface system and below
deck carriage of valuable material with at least one existing
internal space (like a cargo tank or hold) and at least one
existing material handling system (like a liquid cargo
piping/pumping system or crane);
[0015] (e) a method for re-classifying a vessel to support, in a
seaworthy fashion, a payload above and/or on a deck without
significant changes (or modifications) to the functionality of the
existing internal space(s) or the existing material handling
system(s).
[0016] (f) a novel conversion of an existing vessel to carry, in a
seaworthy fashion, loads above deck without significant changes to
the functionality of the existing internal space(s) or the existing
material handling system(s); and
[0017] (g) a novel low-cost method of decommissioning an existing
vessel with at least one internal space from one service and
commissioning it in another service which includes the
transportation of a payload at and/or above a deck.
[0018] In general, the interface system is a network of structural
members configured to support, in a seaworthy manner, a payload;
strengthen globally and locally the vessel's hull; and transfer
load forces to the vessel's hull. The payload support region of the
interface system is adapted to receive a wide variety of
permanently or removably fixed payloads, such as compressed natural
gas storage modules (or containers), intermodal containers,
extremely large bulky cargoes (like preassembled subsections of a
refinery) or even seating, accommodations or a hotel. The
foundation region of the interface system is configured to be
permanently or removably fixed to the vessel. As can be
appreciated, the payload support region (or a portion thereof) can
be in a permanently fixed, removable fixed or moveable fixed
relationship to the foundation region.
[0019] The beneficial effects described above apply generally to
the exemplary devices and mechanisms disclosed herein. The specific
structures and methods through which these benefits are delivered
will be described in detail herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0020] The invention will now be described in greater detail in the
following way of example only and with reference to the attached
drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to
a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a compressed
natural gas module payload.
[0022] FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
1A.
[0023] FIG. 2A shows a side view of an interface module fixed to a
deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a compressed natural
gas module payload above deck and supporting a fluid payload below
deck.
[0024] FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
2A.
[0025] FIG. 3A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to
a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a payload of
intermodal containers.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
3A.
[0027] FIG. 4A shows a side view of an interface module fixed to a
deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a payload of
intermodal containers above deck and supporting a fluid payload
below deck.
[0028] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
4A.
[0029] FIG. 5A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to
a deck of a vessel with internal spaces supporting a payload of
continuous pipes wound in plural layers, each layer having plural
loops.
[0030] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
5A.
[0031] FIG. 6A depicts a side view of an interface module fixed to
a deck of a vessel with a double hull supporting a payload of
continuous pipes wound in plural layers, each layer having plural
loops above deck and supporting a fluid payload below deck.
[0032] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view through the vessel of FIG.
6A.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0033] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated or
minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
to variously employ the present invention.
[0034] Referring to the drawings in general but FIGS. 1A & B,
3A & B and 5A & B in particular, a vessel 10 fitted with an
interface system 30 supporting a payload 40 above a deck 20 is
shown. The vessel 10 depicted has at least one internal space 50
adapted to receive material (not shown) and accessible by at least
one material handling system (not shown). As can be appreciated,
most vessels 10 will have more than one internal space 50.
[0035] As described above, the interface system 30 may be
configured to receive and support, in a seaworthy manner, a
compressed natural gas (CNG) module 42 (FIG. 1A & B), an
intermodal container 44 (FIG. 3A & B), a CNG coselle.TM. 46
(FIG. 5A & B) and/or accommodations (not shown). In each of
these embodiments, the internal space 50 may take the form of a
liquid petroleum cargo tank, a liquid cargo tank, ballast tank,
bulk cargo hold or a combination thereof as found in ore/bulk/oil
(OBO) vessels. In each of these embodiments, the vessel 10 is
limited to the carriage of material (like ballast) or cargo which
does not require a double hull vessel.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the interface module 30 is
securely attached to a single hull tanker converted into a double
hull tanker (FIGS. 2A & B, 4A & B, 6A & B). The single
hull tanker is converted to a double hull vessel 10 by creating a
void 60 between the internal space 50 and the marine environment.
In another embodiment, the interface module 30 is securingly
attached to an existing double hull vessel. In both embodiments,
the internal space 50 retains its original functionality as a cargo
hold or liquid tank. Likewise, the material handling system(s), if
fitted, retain(s) its original functionality to convey material in
or out of the internal space(s) 50. The internal space(s) 50 and
void(s) 60 may be used to control the seaworthiness, buoyancy
and/or stability of the double hull vessel 10.
[0037] In yet another embodiment, the interface system 30 is
removably fixed to an existing vessel 10 in the form of a double
hull bulk, ore or OBO type ship. In this embodiment, the internal
space 50 is in the form of a hold or tank/hold adapted to receive
material (not shown) in bulk form through a hatch (not shown). The
material handling system, if fitted, is in the form of a mast and
boom combination, crane, gantry crane or similar lifting apparatus.
That portion of the interface system 30 which obstructs the
functionality of the internal space(s) 50 is(are) further
configured to be removable by the vessel's material handling
system, if fitted, or a material handling system located off the
vessel 10.
[0038] The interface system 30 is a network of structural members
(not shown) configured to support, in a seaworthy manner, a payload
40; strengthen globally and locally the hull of a vessel 10; and
transfer load forces (such as the payload weight and/or dynamic
loading from the marine environment) to the hull of the vessel 10.
The payload support region (not shown) of the interface system 30
is adapted to receive a wide variety of permanently or removably
fixed payloads 40, such as compressed natural gas storage modules
42 and 46, intermodal containers 44, extremely large bulky cargoes
(like preassembled subsections of a refinery) or even passenger
accommodations (not shown). The foundation region (not shown) of
the interface system 30 is configured to be permanently or
removably fixed to the vessel 10. As can be appreciated, the
payload support region (or a portion thereof) can be in a
permanently fixed or moveable fixed relationship to the foundation
region to encourage or promote the handling of the payload 40. For
example, if the CNG module 42 is supported by a moveably fixed
payload support region, then the payload support region can be
tilted at one end to change or maintain the attitude of the CNG
module independent of the vessel's trim or list.
[0039] In another embodiment, a plurality of substantially vertical
stanchions (not shown) covers a significant portion of the deck 20.
Each stanchion is securely fixed near one end to and extends away
from the deck 20 to form the foundation region (not shown) of the
interface system 30. The foundation region may also include bracing
and/or web frames attached to a significant number of the
stanchions to encourage a unitary foundation region.
[0040] A network of substantially co-planar interconnected
longitudinal and transverse beams to form at least one payload
region of the interface system 30. In one embodiment, at least one
payload region is permanently fixed to the distal end of a
significant number of stanchions. In another embodiment, at least
one payload region is permanently fixed to a substantially
mid-portion of a significant number of stanchions so that the
distal ends extend above the substantially horizontal plane defined
by the interconnected beams. In another embodiment, a significant
portion of at least one payload region can be removably or slidably
mounted to the foundation region at a number of predetermined
planes which are substantially parallel to and above the deck 20.
In another embodiment, a significant portion of at least one
payload region can be removably or slidably mounted to the
foundation region at an infinite number of planes which may or may
not be substantially parallel to the deck 20. This ability to
articulate about at least three degrees of freedom enhances the
ability to accommodate and support irregular shaped payloads 40 or
enhance cargo operations. The articulation described above allows
for inclining the interface system 30 in relation to the deck 20.
Where a slidable mounting is utilized, a preferred embodiment
includes adequate articulation between critical interconnections of
the elements which make up the interface system 30 thereby
eliminating or at least significantly reducing binding forces upon
the interface system 30. Removable and/or slidable mounting may be
achieved with securing pins and receivers arrangements; rack and
pinion assemblies and/or jacking screw mechanisms.
[0041] The lower portion of the interface system 30 is fixed to the
vessel 10 and adapted to transfer forces from the interface system
30 to the vessel 10 via stanchions pads (not shown) and/or deck
inserts (not shown).
[0042] As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the vessel
10 may be a self-propelled marine vessel or a marine vessel adapted
to be moved by a self-propelled vessel. Furthermore, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made
to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the
claims.
[0043] Industrial Applicability
[0044] The present invention finds particular applicability in the
marine transportation industries, but may be utilized in any marine
environment in which an existing vessel can be modified and re-used
to support a payload above a deck in a marine environment.
* * * * *