Boat installation frame for transportation tanks

Abstract

A method includes attaching a storage unit to a removable frame assembly. The storage unit is then locked to the removable frame assembly. A flow conduit may be connected from the frame assembly to the storage unit and provided with a flow of material between the flow conduit and the storage unit.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method comprising:
 attaching a first storage unit to a removable frame assembly;   locking the first storage unit to the removable frame assembly;   connecting a first flow conduit from the frame assembly to the first storage unit; and   providing a first flow of material between the first flow conduit and the first storage unit.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the material flows from the first flow conduit to the first storage unit. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the material flows from the first storage unit to the first flow conduit. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising monitoring the first flow of material with a fill sensor. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the fill sensor is a sensor selected from at least one of the group consisting of a level sensor, a flow-rate sensor, a conductivity sensor, and a load-cell sensor. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising providing the first flow of material between a supply vessel and a main flow pipe. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the removable frame assembly comprises a first frame module having a first valve connected to the first flow conduit and a second frame module having a second valve connected to a second flow conduit. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the first valve and the second valve are in fluid communication with a main flow pipe. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising providing the first flow of material from the main flow pipe to at least one of the first and second valves. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising adjusting the first and second valves as a system. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising adjusting the first and second valves independently. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising diverting fluid flow from the first storage unit to a second storage unit. 
     
     
         32 . A method comprising:
 assembling a frame assembly including at least a first frame module;   securing a first storage unit to the first frame module;   locking the first storage unit to the first frame module with a locking mechanism;   connecting a first flow conduit to the first storage unit.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising discharging the first storage unit, the discharging comprising:
 pressurizing the first storage unit;   opening an outlet valve; and   pneumatically discharging contents of the first storage unit.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the locking mechanism is one chosen from a group consisting of automated locks and manual locks. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein assembling a frame assembly comprises attaching a second frame module to the at least first frame module. 
     
     
         36 . A method comprising:
 lifting a first frame module and a second frame module onto a supply vessel deck;   attaching the first frame module to the second frame module to form a frame assembly;   attaching fluid flow equipment to the frame assembly;   securing a first storage unit to the first frame module; and   attaching the fluid flow equipment to the first storage unit.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the fluid flow equipment comprises a main flow pipe, a valve, and a flow conduit. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising mounting a second main flow pipe on the frame assembly. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the lifting of the first frame module and the second frame module are performed individually.