Patent Application
20240117911
The invention relates to an emergency release and coupling device.
In certain embodiments, the invention relates more particularly to a self-closing emergency release and coupling device for the transport of cryogenic fluid, comprising two fluid transport pipes extending along a longitudinal direction and each comprising, at a connection end, a check valve mechanism configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to open the pipe when the connection ends are coupled, the device moreover comprising an external tube that is disposed around each transport pipe and defines a space under vacuum for the thermal insulation of the transport pipe.
The invention relates to a system of one or more ducts for transporting cryogenic fluid (for example liquefied hydrogen) that is insulated so as to limit inputs of heat and enables the disconnection of the ducts in the event of an emergency without loss or outflow of fluid.
These devices are generally denoted by the term “breakaway” (cf. for example EP3581839 A1). The known devices have relatively unsatisfactory thermal performance and/or a complex structure and/or disadvantageous ergonomics of use.
An aim of certain embodiments of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art that are set out above.
In an effort to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed supra, the coupling device according to certain embodiments of the invention, which is otherwise in accordance with the generic definition thereof given in the preamble above, can include a thermal insulation chamber disposed around the check valve mechanism and delimited by an assembly of one or more walls that is/are located between the external tube and the transport pipe, the volume of the insulation chamber being independent of the space under vacuum located between the external tube and the transport pipe.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following features:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only several embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope as it can admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The self-closing emergency release and coupling device 1 for the transport of cryogenic fluid that is illustrated comprises two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 extending along a longitudinal direction A. Each transport pipe 2, 3 may be composed of stainless steel or any other material compatible with cryogenic temperatures (less than −100° C., for example).
Each transport pipe 2, 3 comprises, at a connection end, a check valve mechanism 4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9 configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated (cf. [
The check valve mechanism may comprise a check valve 4, 5 urged toward a closed position against a seat 6, 7 by a return member 8, 9, such as a spring, notably a compression spring.
The terminal ends of the check valves 4, 5 of the two transport pipes 2, 3 are configured to come into contact and mechanically push one another back out of the respective seats counter to the return members 5, 9 when the connection ends are coupled.
For example, the terminal ends of the check valves 4, 5 of the two pipes 2, 3 longitudinally project beyond the ends of the transport pipes 2, 3 (and may have complementary shapes, where appropriate).
The device 1 moreover comprises an external tube 10, 11 (made of stainless steel, metal or other) that is disposed around each transport pipe 2, 3 (for example concentrically) and defines a space under vacuum between around the transport pipe 2, 3 for the thermal insulation of the latter.
This space under vacuum may contain a thermal insulator 22, for example of multilayer type (Mil).
The device 1 moreover may include a thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 disposed around each check valve mechanism and delimited by an assembly of one or more walls 12, 13 located between the external tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3. This volume in the insulation chamber 18, 19 is preferably independent of the space under vacuum located between the external tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3.
As illustrated, the volume of each thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 may be delimited by tubular walls that extend longitudinally and are spaced apart transversely (the volume of the chamber 18, 19 may thus be delimited between two spaced-apart portions of cylinders).
For example, a first end of the volume of each thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 located at the connection end is open (cf. [
The open first ends of the two thermal insulation chambers 18, 19 may be configured to be connected to one another in a sealed manner and to form a single sealed and closed insulation volume when the connection ends are coupled (cf. [
Preferably, the device 1 comprises a system for evacuating this insulation volume formed by the two thermal insulation chambers 18, 19 when the connection ends are coupled; this evacuation system comprises, for example, a fluid transfer channel 26 comprising an end leading into said volume and another end that can be linked to a pumping member, for example. This makes it possible to produce a closed volume under vacuum, which is independent of the vacuum located between the external tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3. A safety non-return check valve system may be provided for this volume of vacuum.
Similarly, the thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 may comprise a safety relief valve system configured to discharge any overpressure beyond a determined threshold (passing through a distinct or identical channel 27).
This closed insulation volume forms an additional thermal insulation screen around the check valve mechanism and a thermal insulation path between the hot (external) part and the cold (internal) part of the device, as will be described in more detail below.
At least part of the assembly of one or more walls 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 and/or the interior of the insulation chamber 18, 19 may comprise a thermal insulation 21 of multilayer type (“MLI”), for example.
Specifically and advantageously, the mechanical link between the external tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3 may comprise or be made up of the assembly of one or more walls 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19. This assembly of walls may thus form a thermal path producing at least one back-and-forth along the longitudinal direction, for example a thermal path in an “S” shape along a longitudinal section.
Preferably, the walls are composed of metal, stainless steel or any other suitable material and may have a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm and a length of between 10 mm and 500 mm. This configuration constitutes an insulating thermal path between its two ends.
As a result, giving consideration, for example, to the pipe illustrated on the left, a first longitudinal wall 121 may be linked (welded for example) at a right-hand end to the terminal end of the external tube 10 (or a flange 14 fixed to this end); cf. also [
As a result, the assembly of one or more walls 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 can ensure at least partially the retention of the transport pipe 2, 3 in the external tube 10, 11 via mechanical links (welding or otherwise) between on the one hand the assembly of walls 12, 13 and, on the other hand, the transport pipe 2, 3 and the external tube 10, 11 (and/or flanges). The mechanical links may be situated essentially or solely at the connection end.
As a result, the assembly of one or more walls 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 may be mechanically linked to the transport pipe 2, 3 and to the external tube 10, 11 by welding.
As illustrated and mentioned above, the ends of the external tubes 10, 11 and of the transport pipes 2, 3 that are intended to be coupled may have one or more respective mounting flanges 14, 15, 16, 17.
For example, an internal flange 16, 17 of annular shape is fixed to the end of the internal tube 2, 3 via an assembly of one or more mounting members 20, such as screws, which preferably make it possible to access the check valve mechanism 4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9 and any seals of the device 1 when the flange 16, 17 is dismounted. This facilitates maintenance. In particular, the screws 20 in terms of their threading may be oriented longitudinally toward the inside of the pipe.
When the connection ends are coupled, the ends of the two external tubes 10, 11 are linked in a sealed manner and the ends of the two transport pipes 2, 3 are linked in a sealed manner. This can be obtained by an assembly of suitable seals.
For example, the sealing between the external tubes 10, 11 may be ensured at least partially by one or more seals 28 at ambient temperature, interposed between the external flanges 14, 15 (seals of the type made of polymer or other). This location at the largest diameter of the device 1 enables improved management of thermal expansions. In particular, the rate of leakage is reduced since the seal contracts toward the inside and increases the forces in the direction of the sealing.
The sealing between the two transport pipes 2, 3 may for its part be ensured at least partially by one or more seals 29 interposed between the internal flanges 16, 17, for example a metal cryogenic seal, notably of “C” or radial type.
The sealing between the check valve 4, 5 and its seat (formed for example by the internal flange) may have a lip seal 25 (for example made of energized polymer or PTFE). Said seal 25 may form the seat and is advantageously located on the internal flange 16, 17, on a face of said internal flange 16, 17 and oriented toward the inside of the transport pipe 2, 3. This protects these sensitive sealing elements from shocks, scratches and dirt. The force of the spring 8, 9 enables sealed closure between the flange 16 and the check valve 4, 5, via the seal 25, without risk of leakage.
This ensures considerable reliability after multiple opening/closing cycles and sealing at any temperature level. The positioning of the check valve is facilitated, which can withstand large pressure differentials.
The device 1 has good-quality insulation compatible with cryogenic temperatures, automatic opening or closing of the check valves, and considerable reliability.
In particular, in the event of loss of vacuum owing to a leakage of liquid, the pressure of the independent volume of the insulation chamber 18, 19 cannot rise. This prevents accidents.
As illustrated schematically in [
This purge makes it possible to control the gaseous atmosphere in the insulation volume (nature of the gas and/or pressure within it). For example, the gaseous insulation volume may be evacuated (to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure), or pressurized with a purge gas (to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure) and the purge gas may be a gas having a boiling point equal to or less than that of the gas transported. In this example, this gas may be hydrogen, helium or a mixture of the two.
As illustrated, the purge system may comprise a transfer pipe 30 leading into the insulation volume and a reservoir 31 of pressurized purge gas (hydrogen or helium, for example) linked to this transfer pipe 30, for example via at least one valve 34. In this way, the reservoir 31 can supply a stream of purge gas toward the insulation volume.
The purge gas may be extracted toward a discharge means, for example another end 32 of the transfer pipe 30. This discharge end 32 may be equipped with a non-return valve 34 and/or check valve 35 controlling the stream toward a vent 33 (atmosphere or evacuation system) and/or a pumping member 33, for example a vacuum pump.
This makes it possible to discharge the purge gas that has purged the insulation volume and/or to pump it.
This makes it possible to configure the insulation volume for perfect insulation and in complete safety.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention may suitably comprise, consist or consist essentially of the elements disclosed and may be practiced in the absence of an element not disclosed. Furthermore, if there is language referring to order, such as first and second, it should be understood in an exemplary sense and not in a limiting sense. For example, it can be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain steps can be combined into a single step.
The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
“Comprising” in a claim is an open transitional term which means the subsequently identified claim elements are a nonexclusive listing (i.e., anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising”). “Comprising” as used herein may be replaced by the more limited transitional terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” unless otherwise indicated herein.
“Providing” in a claim is defined to mean furnishing, supplying, making available, or preparing something. The step may be performed by any actor in the absence of express language in the claim to the contrary.
Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstances may or may not occur. The description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, it is to be understood that another embodiment is from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value, along with all combinations within said range.
All references identified herein are each hereby incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties, as well as for the specific information for which each is cited.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2100472 | Jan 2021 | FR | national |
This application is a § 371 of International PCT Application PCT/EP2022/050825, filed Jan. 17, 2022, which claims the benefit of FR2100472, filed Jan. 19, 2021, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/050825 | 1/17/2022 | WO |
