| US 7,543,613 B2 | ||
| System using a catenary flexible conduit for transferring a cryogenic fluid | ||
| Jimmie Dean Adkins, San Ramon, Calif. (US); and David T. McDonald, Walnut Creek, Calif. (US) | ||
| Assigned to Chevron U.S.A. Inc., San Ramon, Calif. (US) | ||
| Filed on Dec. 16, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/303,216. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/716742, filed on Sep. 12, 2005. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2007/0074786 A1, Apr. 05, 2007 | ||
| Int. Cl. B65B 37/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 141—231 [141/1; 441/4; 441/5] | 11 Claims |
| 7. A process for transferring a cryogenic fluid between a first vessel and a second vessel, comprising:
a. providing a flexible conduit system which includes a flexible conduit, having a catenary configuration, and further having
a first end and a second end, and at least one connection means connected to the second end, wherein the flexible conduit
is substantially submerged in a body of water;
b. supporting the first end of the flexible conduit on a first vessel,
c. supporting the second end of the flexible conduit on a second vessel;
d. transferring the second end of the flexible conduit from the second vessel to a third vessel;
e. connecting the second end of the flexible conduit to the third vessel via the connection means, wherein the flexible conduit
is maintained in a catenary configuration between the first vessel and the third vessel with only the first and second ends
of the flexible conduit exposed above water; and
f. passing a cryogenic fluid through the flexible conduit between the first vessel and the third vessel.
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