Cryogenic gimbal coupling

Abstract

Coupling structure (1) for cryogenic hydrocarbon transfer pipes, comprising: a first and a second cryogenic transfer pipe section (2, 3) and a flexible pipe section (5) interconnecting the first and second sections (2, 3); a hinging support frame (9) comprising a first set of arms (11, 13) connected with a base end (20, 22) to the first pipe section (2); a support ring (15) around the flexible pipe section (5) hingingly attached to hinge end parts (27, 29) of the first set of arms, the first set of arms (11, 13) being pivotable around a first axis (30) and a second set of arms (16, 18) connected with a base end (38, 39) to the second pipe section (3) and with a hinge end part (32, 33) hingingly attached to the support ring (15), the second set of arms (16, 18) being pivotable around a second axis (36), which is transverse to the first axis (30) , wherein the base ends (20, 22, 38, 39) of the first and second set of arms (11, 13, 16, 18) are connected to the first and second pipe sections (2, 3) via at least one connector member (23, 25) extending transversely to the respective pipe section (2, 3).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a coupling structure of a low-temperature hydrocarbon transmission pipeline, which comprises: [0002] - first and second cryogenic transfer conduits, both having metal walls and flexible tubing interconnecting the first and second conduits; [0003] - Articulating stand, consisting of: [0004] - a first set of arms, the base end of which is connected to the first conduit; [0005] - a support ring surrounding the flexible tube, the support ring being articulated to the hinged end pieces of the arms of the first set, and the arms of the first set being pivotable about a first axis; and [0006] - a second set of arms, the base end of which is connected to the second pipe, the second set of arms having hinged end pieces hinged to the support ring and pivotable about a second axis, and the second axis Extends laterally along the first axis. Background technique [0007] From US 4,097,072 it is known that flexible hoses can b...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Especially during start-up and stop-off of cryogenic liquid delivery, temperature differences can cause relatively large localized contractions and expansions; this has the potential to prevent the universal joint from functioning properly due to misalignment of the hinge so that the universal joint can no longer wrap around the axis of the hinge turn on a pivot, thereby becoming stuck

Another detrimental effect of low temperatures on universal joints is the potential for the hinges to freeze together due to icing that occurs in wet offshore environments

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