Robust rotating energy supply on an FPSO mooring turret

Profile

• What was needed:Rotating energy supply system, E4.1 series energy chain
• Requirements: Long-term use on the mooring turret of an FPSO to ensure that the hoses are guided in all weather and in corrosive environments.
• Industry: Offshore
• Success for the customer: The rotary module with a 380° rotation angle allows flexible hose feeding. The plastic E4.1 energy chain is free from corrosion and stable even under high tensile loads.

Problem

For an FPSO (floating production storage and offloading) vessel, an equally suitable energy supply system was needed for the rotating mooring turret.
The turrets, from which all delivery hoses originate, are integrated internally into the ship's structure or located on the outside of the bow. Since they are firmly connected to the seabed via hoses for moving crude oil and natural gas, the ship rotates around the mooring turret according wind and weather conditions.
Thus there were high demands on the energy supply system, primarily relating to flexible ship orientation and high rotating radii. The hose guidance system is also exposed to conditions at sea. It must not corrode and must ensure safe guidance even with heavy tensile loads.

Solution

One of our rotary energy supply systems proved to be the optimal solution for the customer's requirements. The rotary module, consisting of two circular guide troughs, was connected on the one hand to the mooring turret structure and on the other to the rotating part of the rig. The rotating energy supply system allows a maximum rotation angle of 380° during operation and also easily follows fast FPSO vessel movements. Integrated strain relief is among the elements ensuring long service life. The module houses an E4.1 series energy chain, which is used especially frequently in offshore applications. The high strength, low weight, and optimal use of existing installation space have proven themselves in this application.