Section
8 Liquefied gas transfer systems
8.1 General requirements
8.1.1
Application
- The Rules contained within this Chapter apply to liquefied gas
transfer system(s) installed on board offshore units, for the purpose of
transferring liquefied gas between an offshore unit and a commercially
trading Liquefied gas tanker.
- The Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Offshore
Units are applicable to liquefied gas floating production units and
liquefied gas floating storage ship and barge type units. Unless a dedicated
or novel offloading design is proposed, the gas carriers used for
transferring liquefied gas will have been designed in accordance with the
IGC Code, Classification Rules and industry guidance. Thus the means
provided for discharging liquid gas are to be in compliance with standard
marine practices with regard to Class, layout, loadings and support.
Consideration is to be given to guidance provided in the SIGTTO publication
titled; Manifold Recommendations for Liquefied Gas Carriers.
- Where the method of offloading is of a novel design,
such as a tandem over the bow arrangement, the design of the
liquefied gas transfer system is to be shown to achieve the same
level of safety and integrity as a standard marine system.
- Where a traditional loading arm offloading arrangement
is installed consideration shall be given to the effects of
environmental factors such as unit motions and accelerations.
Loading arm support columns are to be designed in accordance with
the requirements of Pt 3, Ch 7, 2.7 Lifting appliances of these Rules.
- Suitable facilities are to be installed to allow
periodic maintenance such as the change out of offloading swivels,
bearings and PERC overhaul whilst the unit remains on station.
- Each type and design of offloading arrangement is to
have the ability to be locked in a safe storage position in the
event of extreme storms.
- Requirements additional to these Rules may be imposed by the
National Authority with whom the offshore unit is registered and/or by the
Administration within whose territorial jurisdiction the offshore unit is
intended to operate.
- Requirements for fire safety are not included in these Rules;
instead they are subject to the satisfactory requirements of the National
Administration.
8.1.2
Surveys
- The survey of these items is to be arranged to coincide with
hull and machinery surveys. See Periodical Survey Chapter and
Section.
8.1.3
Design and operating principles
- Where the operation of the unit is to be at a specific
location consideration will be given to the metocean data applicable to that
area rather than the global ambient conditions stated in Pt 6, Ch 2, 1.9 Ambient reference and operating conditions of these Rules. Safety systems and essential auxiliary
machinery are to operate at the angles of inclination given in Pt 5, Ch 1, 2.1 Inclination of unit 2.1.1 of these Rules. Any proposal to deviate from these
angles of inclination will be specially considered taking into account the
type, size and service conditions of the unit.
- Unless agreed otherwise, the unit is to be capable of
operation within specified operating conditions that include maximum sea
states, wind conditions and those identified in the Rules for Offshore
Units. Where the metocean data applicable to the area where the unit will be
stationed provides lesser environmental conditions, consistent with the
expected usage, these may be accepted. The following information is to be
submitted where relevant to the offloading unit type and its design. Design
environmental criteria applicable to each mode, including wind speed, wave
height and period, or sea state/wave energy spectra (as appropriate), water
depth, tide and surge, current speed, minimum air temperature, ice and snow
loads. Consideration is to be given to the content of Pt 3, Ch 10, 3.3 Metocean data of these Rules.
- Liquefied gas transfer systems are to be designed and
installed such that degradation or failure of any liquefied gas transfer
systems will not render another essential system inoperable.
- Release of liquefied gas due to the failure, leak or rupture of
the system must not lead to catastrophic failure of the hull structure.
- Liquefied gas transfer systems are to be capable of operating
within the normal vibration modes and cyclic loads of the vessel.
8.2 Acceptance criteria
8.2.1 General
- These Rules have been developed to achieve a standard of design
and construction quality that ensures an acceptable level of safety and
assurance of integrity of the installation.
- Deviations from the Rules, using risk assessment as a method
for justifying Class, must therefore demonstrate that such changes to the
design and construction of an installation or its parts do not result in an
unacceptable level of safety or integrity of the installation.
8.2.2 Risk assessment and safety analysis
- LR will require the Owner/Operator to develop risk acceptance
criteria to be achieved by the design and maintained in service, to ensure
the safety and integrity of the installation in line with the spirit and
intent of Lloyd’s Register’s Rules.
- Risk acceptance criteria are subject to approval by LR.
- A safety and reliability analysis is to be carried out to
demonstrate that the liquefied gas transfer system achieves a suitable level
of safety and reliability. It is to be shown that this is at least
equivalent to that associated with terminal practises (i.e., EN 1474,
SIGTTO, OCIMF, OGP). The analysis is to be carried out in accordance with
acceptable National or International standards such as; ISO/IEC Guide 73,
ISO 16903, ISO/TC 16901 and OGP Draft 118683 as well as the spirit of the
Revised IGC Code.
- The analysis is to include identification of the hazards
associated with the operation and maintenance of the liquefied gas transfer
system under all normal and reasonably foreseeable abnormal conditions, and,
in the event of a single failure, the potential effects on the safety of the
offshore unit and its occupants, its machinery and equipment, and the
environment.
- When the analysis is to be carried out in accordance with
land-based codes and standards, the acceptance criteria is to be verified as
both appropriate and acceptable for the proposed transfer system when
installed on the unit. The analysis is also considered the potential effects
of any hazards identified as a result of abnormal conditions and is to
include arrangements to mitigate any consequence.
- The analysis is to consider at least and not limited to the
following hazards:
- low rate gas leakage, e.g. from joints, seals,
etc.;
- high rate gas leakage, e.g. from pipe rupture;
- corrosion/erosion in gas piping, components and
tanks;
- mechanical failure of liquefied gas transfer system,
equipment or components;
- control/electrical failure of ESD system, ERS and
electrical isolation in liquefied gas transfer system, equipment or
components;
- manufacturing defects in equipment and machinery;
- human error in operation, maintenance, inspection and
testing liquefied gas transfer, equipment and components;
- location of gas-containing tanks, piping, machinery,
equipment and components;
- fire in areas or spaces containing tanks, piping,
machinery, equipment and components;
- fire adjacent to areas or spaces containing liquefied
gas transfer system, cargo tanks, piping, machinery, equipment and
components;
- failure of lifting devices due to heavy loads, maximum
sea states, wind conditions; and
- failure of quick coupling system.
- In order to facilitate the proper selection and installation
of equipment to be used safely in areas where explosive gas atmospheres may
occur, an area classification study, in accordance with Pt 7, Ch 2, 2 Classification of hazardous areas is to be carried out.
- To ensure that mechanical equipment located in hazardous areas
does not represent a source of ignition, an ignition hazard assessment, in
accordance with an acceptable National or International Standard such as EN
13463-1, is to be carried out. See
Pt 7, Ch 2, 5.1 General 5.1.2.
- The assessment process for liquefied gas transfer systems will
consider all aspects of the system including offshore unit to ship dynamic
interaction and environmental effects.
- The transfer system is to be subject to both commissioning and
acceptance trials to show compliance with both safety and operational
performance criteria. The acceptance trials are to include operational
testing and be witnessed by an attending Lloyd’s Register Surveyor. All
safety, operational and functional testing is to be demonstrated by the
designer/Builder and Owner/Operator to the satisfaction of LR.
8.3 Documentation
8.3.1
Plans and particulars
- Plans, together with the relevant information as detailed in
this Section, are to be submitted for consideration. Any subsequent
modifications are subject to approval before being put into operation.
- Any alterations to basic design, construction, materials,
manufacturing procedure, equipment, fittings or arrangements of the liquid
gas transfer system are to be re-submitted for approval.
- A design statement of the liquefied gas transfer systems that
details the capability and functionality under defined operating and
emergency conditions. The design statement is to be agreed between the
designers and Owners/Operators.
8.3.2
Lifting appliances.
- Plans and details of all lifting appliances as required by LR’s
Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment or other
specified design code to be submitted.
8.3.3
Piping plans.
- Arrangements of loading/offloading system to be submitted for
appraisal.
8.4 Materials
8.4.1 General
- The materials used in the construction are to be manufactured
and tested in accordance with the requirements of the Rules for the
Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials (hereinafter
referred to as the Rules for Materials) and of Chapter 6 of the Rules and
Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Ships for the
Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk (hereinafter referred to as
Rules for Ships for Liquefied Gases), as applicable. Materials for which
provision is not made in those requirements may be accepted, provided that
they comply with an approved specification and such tests as may be
considered necessary.
- Materials of construction are to be suitable for the intended
service, having regard to the substances, process and temperatures
involved.
- Details of the materials proposed for all types of
construction are to be submitted for approval.
8.5 Liquefied gas transfer system
8.5.1 General
- Operating requirement(s) associated with liquefied gas
transfer are to meet the requirements of Pt 11, Ch 18 Operating Requirements of the Rules for
Ships for Liquefied Gases.
- Transfer operations, accomplished by other means than transfer
hoses and hard arms, will not be discounted but be given special
consideration.
- All piping, valves and fittings are to be suitable for the
design operating and environmental conditions.
- The piping is to comply with the requirements for manufacture,
testing and certification of Class II piping systems.
8.5.2
Transfer hoses
- There are three types of cargo hoses suitable for liquefied
gases transfer. These can be:
- Composite.
- Rubber.
- Stainless steel construction.
- Liquid and vapour hoses used for liquefied gas transfer should
be compatible with the cargo and suitable for the cargo temperature. The
design, construction and testing of such hoses are to be to a suitable
national standard such as BS ISO 4089 or BS ISO 5842. For hoses carried on
board ship refer to the Rules for Ships for Liquefied Gases.
- Each transfer hose should be permanently marked with the
following information and be compliant with the requirements of EN 1474 and
other applicable Regulations, such as IMO’s International Gas Code:
- Hose serial number;
- Internal diameter of the hose;
- Overall weight of complete hose;
- Date of manufacture;
- Date of proof pressure testing;
- Certifying authority stamp;
- The maximum and minimum allowable working temperature
range.
- The hose vendor should provide the following documents:
- Hose certificate.
- Hose quantity assurance manual.
- Inspection, test and storage plan.
- Operating manual.
- Hose handling manual.
- Where required, hoses are to be supported in a suitably
dimensioned cradle or saddle arrangement to ensure that the manufacturer’s
bend radius criteria are met. These supports may be integral to the load
restraint system thus preventing excessive axial and torsional loads on the
cargo hose end fittings. The support’s design, fabrication and fixing
arrangements should be such to avoid chafing of the hoses and ability to
prevent damage to handrails and other unit fixtures and fittings in the
event of an emergency separation.
- Due to the difference in electrical potential between
the unit and loading ship, there is a risk of an incendive arc when
the transfer arms are being connected or disconnected. Arrangements
shall be made to avoid the risk of arcing from this source by the
installation of an insulating flange in the transfer arm or
hose.
- Care shall be taken that the insulation flanges are not
annulled by the use of electrically continuous hydraulic hoses.
- The use of a unit-to-loading ship bonding cable is not
only considered ineffective but can also be dangerous if it breaks
in a flammable atmosphere, such as where the final stage ESD
activation includes automatic separation.
- When selecting hose size and length, the manufacturer’s
recommendations should be followed to determine the maximum flow rate and
other operating parameters. The maximum hose size will also be governed by
the capabilities of the onboard lifting equipment and manifold
construction.
- In determining the size and length of the
hose(s) to be used, the following , in accordance with the requirements of
the SIGTTO Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and
Liquefied Gases, shall be considered:
- Minimum allowable bend radius of the hose;
- Horizontal distance between the unit and ship;
- Difference in fore and aft alignment (manifold
offset);
- Distance between the manifold and the ship’s side;
- Vertical and horizontal unit to ship movement;
- Any other special characteristics related to the
unit;
- Relative change in freeboard between the unit and
ship;
- Accessibility of flange connections which are to be
minimised;
- Design flow rate for liquid and vapour hoses as
established by the manufacturer;
- Hose handling requirements and limitations of the
asset’s equipment;
- For tandem offloading; the station-keeping accuracy of
the loading ship or the maximum allowable elongation of the mooring
hawser.
- The liquefied gas transfer equipment should be supported by
suitable means to prevent excessive loads on manifold fittings, in
accordance with OCIMF/SIGTTO manifold guidelines.
- Each hose is to be fitted with an emergency release coupling
(ERC). The coupling is to be fitted with a valve, each side of the release
point, which automatically closes before parting can occur. Manual
activation of the coupling is also to be achievable.
- Operation of the ERC is to take place on activation of the
emergency shutdown (ESD) system. The ERC is also to operate prior to the
transfer hoses becoming over-extended. After activation, the resultant
movement of the free end of the hose is to be such as to avoid the
possibility of impact and sparking.
8.5.3
Hard arm
- Where hard arms are considered for use in liquefied gas
transfer operations, the following criteria, in accordance with the
requirements of the SIGTTO Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum,
Chemicals and Liquefied Gases, shall be taken into account:
- Accelerations;
- Permissible manifold loadings;
- Arm working envelope;
- Arm support arrangement;
- Arm stowage arrangement;
- The effect of vibration on the arm;
- Maintenance requirements;
- Size of the arm;
- Connectability;
- Vertical and horizontal unit to ship movement;
- Allowable flow velocity and pressure loss;
- Testing requirements.
- An electrical insulation of the hard arm extremity shall be
supplied according to the requirements of EN 1474-1. This may take the form
of an insulating flange installed in the lower end of the outboard arm or
within the middle swivel of the triple swivel assembly. The purpose of the
flange is to prevent stray currents from causing an arc at the loading
ship's flange as the loading arm is connected or disconnected.
- The range of the operating envelope of the hard arm is to be
determined by the perceived tidal variations and change of the freeboard
between the offshore unit and receiving tanker whilst loading or
discharge.
- The hard arm is to be provided with an emergency release
system to provide a means to quickly uncouple the hard arms with minimum
spillage in an emergency.
- The physical disconnection may be achieved by means of a
powered emergency release coupler (PERC). The effect of PERC activation and
the resultant behaviour of the free arms are to be demonstrated.
Consideration needs to be given to mitigating the effects resulting from
unit motions and that the free arms can be controlled without impacting each
other. If a manual type of loading arm is proposed (counter-weighted
pantograph type), the furthest extent of the area which the released end of
loading arm could extend into would need to be established.
- The PERC valves shall close as quickly as reasonably possible
with the valve closure time being sufficient to avoid unacceptable surge
pressure in pipelines. Such valves should close in such a manner as to cut
off the flows smoothly. An interlock shall be provided to ensure that both
the upstream and downstream valves are closed prior to the emergency release
coupling parting thus prevent or minimising loss of liquid.
- The powered emergency release coupler shall be equipped with a
device or devices to prevent overpressure due to thermal expansion of
trapped product between the valves which have been isolated due to the
coupler’s activation and resultant closure of the manifold valves due to
activation of the ESD system.
8.6 Drain system
8.6.1 General
- Once the transfer operation has been completed and the loading
ship ‘topped off’, all liquid lines, transfer hoses and hard arms will be in
a liquid full condition. To alleviate the possibility of overpressure within
these lines, there is to be a means to either drain these lines back to the
storage tanks or provide a suitable drain tank arrangement.
- It is envisaged that the loading ship will not have the
ability or storage capacity to allow the liquid transfer lines to be blown
through. Thus the trapped inventory, from the storage tank pump outlet check
valve to the manifold valve of the hard arm or transfer hose, will need to
be returned to the floating production unit.
- Where novel arrangements are used, such as over the stern
tandem boom arrangement, the amount of trapped inventory may be
considerable. If due to location there is not the ability to drain the
trapped liquid back to the storage tanks then a separate collection and
storage tank system is to be provided.
- Depending on the liquid being transferred, were sufficient
high pressure gas can be generated on board the unit this can be used to
blow back the trapped liquid back to the storage tank. If there is the
ability to remove non-condensable gases from the storage tanks gaseous
nitrogen may be used in lieu of high pressure gas. After blowing through,
the headers and discharge lines shall be able to remain connected to the
storage tank vapour space thus allowing any remaining puddle of liquid to be
boiled off.
- Where required, such as over the stern tandem systems were
their location is remote from the storage tanks, a drain down arrangement,
complete with local collection tank, may be required. This may take the form
of a collection tank, having the ability, through either pressurisation or
pump, to return the drained inventory back to the storage tanks. Thus any
liquid remaining in the boom, manifold and header after discharge is
complete would to drain back to the collection tank by gravity.
- When a separate collection tank is installed it would need to
be provided with dedicated set of equipment and systems to service the tank.
These are to include; high level and high pressure alarms, a means to empty
the collection tank, a relief valve and vent arrangement suitable for the
set pressure of the relief valves and vent gas temperature.
- Where low points are generated in liquid headers or manifold
were liquid may be trapped these are to be fitted with a means to drain them
in accordance with Pt 11, Ch 5, 1.2 System requirements 1.2.2.(b).
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