Method and device for draining submerged tanks

Claim 3

Device according to claim 1, wherein said line for transmitting power is an electrical power line.

Claim 4

Device according to the claim 1, wherein said line for transmitting power is a hydraulic line.

Claim 5

Device according to claim 1, wherein propulsion means are provided at the lower end of said flexible pipe.

Claim 6

Device according to claim 14 wherein the lower end of said pipe is provided with propulsion means actuated by electrical power transmitted through conductors of said power line from said loading installation.

Claim 7

Device according to claim 4, wherein said propulsion means are of the fluid jet type.

Claim 8

Device according to claim 1, wherein said flexible pipe is provided at its lower end with locating means for determining the distance separating said end from coupling means on said tank.

Claim 9

Device according to claim 7, wherein said locating means are constituted by the cooperation of an acoustic transmitter-receiver device and at least three responders of acoustic signals said responders having fixed locations with respect to said tank, said transmitter-receiver device including means for transmitting an ultrasonic beam rotating about the axis of said flexible pipe.

Claim 10

Device according to claim 1, wherein said means for coupling said pipe to the tank comprises a valve of the flap type.

Claim 11

Device according to claim 1, wherein said means for coupling said pipe to the tank comprises a valve of the type having movable jaws providing for sealing during the lowering of the lower end of the pipe into the tank and for automatic total closure after withdrawal of said pipe from said tank.

Claim 12

Device according to claim 1, wherein said means for coupling said pipe to said tank comprises a valve of the floating piston type, adapted to receive the lower end of flexible pipe, whilst establishing a communication between this latter and the inside of the tank, by downward displacement of said floating piston.

Claim 13

Device for draining a submerged tank which belongs to a set of submerged tanks, comprising in combination a mobile installation provided with a dynamic positioning device employing means for locating the position of said installation relative to a system of ranging units, wherein each submerged tank is located by means of its coordinates related to said system of ranging units, means for determining the differences between the corresponding coordinates of said submerged tank and said installation, said locating means cooperating with said dynamic positioning device to reduce the said differences, a flexible draining pipe, means for lowering said pipe from said mobile installation, said draining pipe being at its lower end provided with means for connection with a complementary coupling element of said tank, means for displacing said lower end of said pipe, suction and delivery means located substantially at the lower end of said flexible pipe and supplied with power from said mobile installation through at least one power line associated with said flexible pipe, means for determining the distance separating said connection means of said pipe from said coupling means of said tank and propulsion means, provided substantially at the lower end of said flexible pipe, for reducing said distance substantially to zero.

Claim 14

Device for draining a submerged tank which belongs to a set of submerged tanks, comprising in combination a mobile installation provided with a dynamic positioning device employing means for locating the position of said installation relative to a system of ranging units, wherein each submerged tank is located by means of its coordinates related to said system of ranging units, means for determining the differences between the corresponding coordinates of said submerged tank and said installation, said locating means cooperating with said dynamic positioning device to reduce the said differences, a flexible draining pipe, means for lowering said pipe from said mobile installation, said draining pipe being at its lower end provided with means for connection with a complementary coupling element of said tank, means for displacing said lower end of said pipe, suction and delivery means located substantially at the lower end of said flexible pipe and supplied with power from said mobile installation through at least one power line associated with said flexible pipe, means for determining the distance separating said connection means of said pipe from said coupling means of said tank and propulsion means, provided substantially at the lower end of said flexible pipe, for reducing said distance substantially to zero.

Claim 15

Method for draining a submerged tank which belongs to a set submerged tanks, from a mobile installation provided with a dynamic positioning device which includes means for locating the position of said installation with respect to a system of ranging units, comprising the following successive steps: a. locating the respective positions of said submerged tank and of said mobile installation in the form of coordinates relative to said system of ranging units, b. measuring the differences between the corresponding coordinates of said tank and of said mobile installation in said system of ranging units and actuating said dynamic positioning system to reduce said differences, c. lowering from said mobile installation a flexible draining pipe of which the lower end is provided with an element for connection to a complementary coupling element on said submerged tank and which is provided with propulsion means for displacing said lower end in the water, said flexible pipe being provided, substantially at its lower end, with suction and delivery means supplied with power from said mobile installation through at least one power line associated with said flexible pipe, d. determining the distance between said connection element and said coupling element, e. actuating said displacing means to reduce said distance to zero, f. connecting said connection element and said coupling element and, g. supplying power to said suction and delivery means through said power line, to drain said submerged tank.

Claim 16

Method for draining a submerged tank which belongs to a set submerged tanks, from a mobile installation provided with a dynamic positioning device which includes means for locating the position of said installation with respect to a system of ranging units, comprising the following successive steps: a. locating the respective positions of said submerged tank and of said mobile installation in the form of coordinates relative to said system of ranging units, b. measuring the differences between the corresponding coordinates of said tank and of said mobile installation in said system of ranging units and actuating said dynamic positioning system to reduce said differences, c. lowering from said mobile installation a flexible draining pipe of which the lower end is provided with an element for connection to a complementary coupling element on said submerged tank and which is provided with propulsion means for displacing said lower end in the water, said flexible pipe being provided, substantially at its lower end, with suction and delivery means supplied with power from said mobile installation through at least one power line associated with said flexible pipe, d. determining the distance between said connection element and said coupling element, e. actuating said displacing means to reduce said distance to zero, f. connecting said connection element and said coupling element and, g. supplying power to said suction and delivery means through said power line, to drain said submerged tank.