Full scale ambient water flow tests of a 10-inch emergency release coupling for LNG transfer
conference paper
For LNG transfer in ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore configurations emergency release couplings (F.RC) in combination with loading arms and multi-composite hoses are applied In view of a demand for increasing transfer flow rates in offshore LNG applications a 10-inch ERC has been developed intended for LNG transfer flow rates up to 2250 m3lhr This paper describes the results of ambient water flow tests and release of the ERC in combination with a multi-composite hose If a standard instant closure ERC is activated it will stop any flow almost instantaneously due to fast closing of spring- operated butterfly valves, and will separate to disconnect the upstream and downstream transfer system. Due to fast closing of the ERC pressure surges will occur both in the upstream hose and downstream piping KLAW has developed a new model, whereby there is also a controlled closure valve (CCV) system incorporated in the emergency release coupling to reduce pressure surge amplitude by reducing the flow rate before Instantaneous' flip-flap valve closure. The test results show the impact of variation of flow rates and valve closure times on the amplitude of pressure surges, the spill rate and the mechanical integrity. The hose flexibility contributes to the damping of pressure surge amplitude, resulting shock load and high acceleration levels on the upstream piping The results of the test described contribute to the qualification of the ERC by Bureau Veritas and may contribute to further modelling and prediction of the impact of ERC release in actual applications.
Topics
TNO Identifier
536121
Publisher
BHR Group Ltd
Source title
12th International Conference on Pressure Surges, Transients & Water Hammer, 18-20 November 2015, Dublin, Ireland
Collation
15 p.
Pages
493-508
Files
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