Coupling device and method
AssigneeL'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
InventorGaetan Coleiro
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A coupling device and method for cryogenic fluid transport features quick connection, automatic closure, and emergency separation. The device includes two insulated pipes with self-closing valves at their connection ends. A quick-connection mechanism rapidly joins the pipes, while a distinct emergency separation system, located at one pipe's connection end, allows for immediate, safe disconnection in emergencies. This system ensures a rigid link during normal operation and a split configuration upon activation, separating the connection end from the pipe without fluid spillage. The design prioritizes reliable, sealed coupling/uncoupling and minimizes heat transfer, making it suitable for applications like liquid hydrogen.
Claims14
A coupling device for cryogenic fluid transport with emergency separation and automatic closure, the coupling device comprising:
- two fluid transport pipes extending in a longitudinal direction and each of the two fluid transport pipes comprising, at a respective connection end, a valve mechanism configured to automatically close the respective fluid transport pipe when the two connection ends are separated and to enable the respective fluid transport pipe to open when the two connection ends are coupled;
- an outer tube arranged about each of the two fluid transport pipes and defining a space under vacuum to thermally insulate the respective fluid transport pipe;
- a quick-connection mechanism for the two fluid transport pipes comprising mating mechanical attachment members located respectively at the two connection ends;
- and
- an emergency separation system configured to enable the two fluid transport pipes to be separated when the two connection ends are coupled using the quick-connection mechanism,
- wherein the emergency separation system is located at a connection end of a first pipe and comprises a set of linking parts movable between a first configuration ensuring a rigid mechanical link between the connection end provided with an attachment member or members for said first pipe and the rest of the first pipe and a second split configuration in which the connection end of the first pipe provided with a mechanical attachment member or members of the quick-connection mechanism is separated from the rest of the first pipe,
- wherein the connection end provided with the emergency separation system comprises a structure with two separable segments, the emergency separation system comprising a mechanical link separably linking the two separable segments,
- wherein the emergency separation system comprises a set of balls mounted at a joint between the two separable segments, the set of balls being mounted movably relative to the two separable segments between a first cooperating position butting against or clamping the two separable segments to provide a rigid link between the two separable segments, and a second position in which the set of balls are neither butting against nor clamping one of the two separable segments to enable separation of the two separable segments, the emergency separation system comprising a locking ring that is movable between a locked position blocking the set of balls in their first position and an unlocked position enabling the set of balls to move toward their second position, the emergency separation system comprising a return member urging the locking ring toward its locked position.
A coupling device for cryogenic fluid transport with emergency separation and automatic closure, the coupling device comprising:
- two fluid din in a longitudinal direction and each of the two fluid transport pipes comprising, at a connection end, a valve mechanism configured automatically close the respective fluid when the two connection ends are separated and to enable the respective fluid transfer pipe to open when the two connection ends are coupled;
- an outer tube arranged about each of the two fluid transport pipes and defining a space under vacuum to thermally insulate the respective fluid transport pipe;
- a quick-connection mechanism for the two pipes comprising mating mechanical attachment members located respectively at the two connection ends;
- and
- an emergency separation system configured to enable the two fluid transport pipes to be separated when the two connection ends are coupled using the quick-connection mechanism,
- wherein the emergency separation system is located at a connection end of a first pipe and comprises a set of linking parts movable between a first configuration ensuring a rigid mechanical link between the connection end provided with an attachment member or members for said first pipe and the rest of the first pipe and a second split configuration in which the connection end of the first pipe provided with a mechanical attachment member or members of the quick-connection mechanism is separated from the rest of the first pipe,
- wherein the valve mechanism of a first of the two fluid transport pipes comprises a movable valve urged by a return member toward a closed position against a stationary seat arranged about the movable valve, the valve mechanism of a second of the two fluid transport pipes comprising a reference valve and a movable seat arranged about the reference valve, the movable seat being urged toward a closed position against the reference valve by a return member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.