GB2261634A - Transfer of oil or other fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

For the safe transport of oil or other fluid, a vessel of minimal superstructure tows a train of tanks or barges each of which may be of cylindrical form with converging ends and of double wail construction. The tanks may be submerged when towed and slightly pressurised with an inert gas. Each tank may be provided with storm-proof navigation lights powered from the towing vessel and the final tank of the train may have a powered reversing screw to brake the train's forward motion.

Description

IXPROVEXENTS RELATING TO SAFE TRANSPORT OF OIL OR OTHER FLUID.

This invention relates to the present transport in large ships known as 'Tankers' within the general configuration of ocean-going vessels in which oil is carried and, by virtue of size and shape, are vulnerable to hazards of storm, fire, human error and even sabotage and hostile action, which may result in oil spillage and environmental disaster.

This invention has for its object separation of the power-unit from the oil tanks so that the power unit becomes a Towing Vessel with separate tanks floating safely in-tow behind it.

These tanks may be cigar-shaped, cylindrical with half-spherical or coneshaped ends or other aqua-dynamic shape and may be constructed with a double skin, the outer to be extremely robust and designed to withstand the worst possible conditions encountered at sea, the inner, protected by the outer, will be totally oil-tight so that leakage and spillage would be virtually impossible from all conditions other than deliberate destruction.

Tests may ultimately show that a single skin may suffice.

The size of the tanks would allow a number to be towed behind the Towing Vessel coupled to it and to each other by robust couplings perhaps incorporating spherical ends, to allow free-floating attitudes to be maintained.

In order to shorten the total length of what could be called a 'Floating Oil Train', it may even be possible to tow the tanks two or more abreast, depending upon the dimensions chosen for the individual tanks, but with conditions of safety paramount.

The specific gravity of oil being less than unity it will be possible to so design the tanks that they will float almost completely below water level so that they will be virtually unaffected by surface disturbances such as gales and the like, and being of relatively shallow draught they will be unlikely to come into contact with sunken obstacles. Each tank could be slightly pressurised with an inert gas so that there would be no free oxygen available to make any explosive mixture, or could have an internal compartment filled with inert gas so positioned as to maintain a desired floating attitude to assist loading and off-loading of oil.

Each tank would have its own stormoproof navigation lights which could be connected to the power-source in the Towing Vessel when coupling each tank to the next. The one at the end of the 'train' could be a special unit, regarded as a 'brake van' is, on a railway train, but only manned if necessary, and equipped with a power-driven reversing screw which could be brought into action, either manually or automatically, to assist the whole 'Oil Train' to reduce speed when ordered to do so by the Master of the Towing Vessel. It would also be possible for the Towing Vessel to turn the 'train' into a circular path, so bringing the forward motion to an effective halt in far quicker time than that needed for a conventional Tanker. The Towing Vessel itself could be of special design, with minimal superstructure and a streamlined hull, not unlike a submarine. Having delivered its full tanks it could very soon be on its way, taking another set of empty tanks to the oil source.

A 'special train' could even follow a winding river, each tank being able, electronically, to hold a course relative to a river bank or to a river bed.

This invention is clearly not limited to features described by way of example and other functions may well prove practical without exceeding its scope.

Claims (4)

CLAIXS

1 A powerful and robust sea-going Towing Vessel of aqua-dynamic design, having minimal superstructure, to which will be coupled a number of separate Tanks containing the fluid cargo. The Tanks will also be of aquadynamic shape and of extremely robust construction such that no storm or natural force could release the fluid contents, the whole assembly being simply described as an "oil or fluid train".

2 An assembly as in Claim 1 in which the couplings from Towing Vessel to Tank and from Tank to Tank will be extremely robust, perhaps incorporating massive spherical joints and shock-absorbing features, which may also carry power and telephone cabling which would enable the master of the Towing Vessel to switch navigation lights on the Tanks being towed, and to communicate with the crew, if any, of the final Tank. Each Tank could carry its own lighting source such as batteries so avoiding the need for heavy cabling.

3 An assembly as in claims 1 & 2 in which the final Tank or Tanks will be equipped with a powerful reversing screw to enable the whole train to be slowed and brought to a halt in quick time upon a signal from the Master of the Towing Vessel. The reversing screw may be remotely controlled and powered by its own oil-driven motor, instantly activated by the Xaster's signal. Alternatively the final Tank or Tanks may be manned and in radio communication with the Waster of the Towing Vessel so enabling a degree of additional control upon the forward speed to be exercised by the Master when and if required.

4 An assembly as in Claims 1, 2 & 3 in which certain Tanks may be fitted with devices, perhaps Audio-electronic, to ensure that they maintain a position relative to a water channel bed or side bank such as may be necessary in negotiating a winding river. These devices may take the form of rudders or some other side-thrusting facility automatically controlled by echo-sounding means.