DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING LIQUEFIED GAS

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of devices for discharging compressed, liquefied or solidified gases from high-pressure vessels, in particular, to devices for transporting liquefied gas from a land-based storage facility to a gas tanker. The technical result achieved by the claimed solution consists in increasing the reliability of the device. The said technical result is achieved due to the fact that a device for transporting liquefied gas has been developed, comprising a frame on which a pipeline is mounted, a hinge block, a counterweight block, a pipeline configured to transport liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures, an inlet flange located at the inlet end of the pipeline, configured to be hermetically connected to the outlet of a liquefied gas source, an outlet flange with a quick-release connection located at the outlet end of the pipeline, configured to be hermetically secured at the inlet of a liquefied gas receiver,the hinge block is designed with the ability to provide displacement of the pipeline within specified limits in three planes, the counterweight block is designed with the ability to balance the mass of the pipeline and reduce the forces during its movement, characterized in that the pipeline contains a superhydrophobic coating, the inlet flange and the outlet flange contain a superhydrophobic coating.

Description

[0001] Field of technology to which the solution relates

[0002] The claimed solution relates to the field of devices for releasing compressed, liquefied or solidified gases from high-pressure vessels, in particular, to devices for transporting liquefied gas from a land-based storage facility to a gas tanker.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] A known solution (US10495258B2, 2018-07-19) discloses a liquefied hydrogen loading device, which is a system designed for the safe and efficient transportation of liquefied hydrogen cooled to -253°C. The device is based on a supporting frame structure of the loading arm, which includes a base post installed on the ground and two articulated booms: an inner boom and an outer boom. The inner boom consists of inclined frames and connecting elements, and the outer boom has a main frame and reinforcing elements. To balance the rotational moment, a counterweight is attached to the inner boom. The movement of the booms is controlled by hydraulic cylinders, which allows the distal end of the outer boom to be positioned. Rotating coupling parts are provided at the distal end of the outer boom to absorb the displacement and rotation of the carrier vessel, preventing damage to the structure.Beneath this supporting frame structure is a flexible, double-walled, vacuum-insulated pipe specifically designed for transporting liquefied hydrogen. This pipe has a metal inner and outer tube, as well as a vacuum insulation layer. Its distinctive feature is its upward curve (an inverted U-shape), minimizing its length and simplifying the support structure. An intermediate support mechanism with a rigid, curved element provides additional support and prevents deflection of the pipe.

[0005] However, this decision does not mention anything about the use of superhydrophobic coatings to prevent or reduce icing.

[0006] A prior art solution (US10399643B2, 2018-07-26) is known for its use in loading liquefied hydrogen using a liquefied hydrogen loading hose designed to transport liquid cooled to -253°C to prevent evaporation and the formation of liquefied air. The device comprises a supporting frame structure consisting of a vertical base post, a rotating inner boom, a hinged outer boom, and a counterweight for balancing. The booms are positioned using hydraulic cylinders. A key feature is a flexible, double-walled, vacuum-insulated tube consisting of a metal inner and outer tube with a vacuum layer between them, positioned in an upwardly curved shape in the space beneath the supporting frame structure.This arrangement minimizes the length of the pipe and reduces costs, while the use of a flexible pipe eliminates the need for swivel joints, which are unsuitable for liquefied hydrogen. To support the middle section of this pipe and prevent deflection, an intermediate support mechanism is provided, comprising a rigid curved element, a rope, guide rings, and a balancing weight. At the distal end of the sleeve is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated connecting pipe with a shut-off and control valve and an emergency relief system (ERS). A key feature is a flexible, small-diameter, double-walled auxiliary line running along the main pipe and designed to efficiently replace the internal gas (nitrogen or hydrogen) before and after loading, reducing purging time and saving gas. Rotating couplings at the distal end of the outer boom absorb the displacement and rotation of the carrier vessel, preventing damage.The device may also include first and second guide elements to prevent the pipe from rotating outside the vertical plane.

[0007] However, this decision does not mention anything about the use of superhydrophobic coatings to prevent or reduce icing.

[0008] Disclosure of the declared solution

[0009] In one aspect, a device for transporting liquefied gas is disclosed, comprising

[0010] frame on which the pipeline, hinge block, counterweight block are installed,

[0011] a pipeline capable of transporting liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures,

[0012] an inlet flange located at the inlet end of the pipeline, designed to be hermetically connected to the outlet of the liquefied gas source,

[0013] an outlet flange with a quick-release connection located at the outlet end of the pipeline, designed to be hermetically secured at the inlet of the liquefied gas receiver,

[0014] The hinge block is designed to provide displacement of the pipeline within specified limits in three planes,

[0015] The counterweight block is designed to balance the mass of the pipeline and reduce the effort when moving it,

[0016] characterized in that the pipeline contains a superhydrophobic coating, the inlet flange and the outlet flange contain a superhydrophobic coating.

[0017] In additional aspects, it is disclosed that the inlet flange and the outlet flange comprise heating means; the pipeline comprises an emergency disconnection unit configured to disconnect the outlet flange in the event of an emergency and seal the pipeline from both parts of the pipeline disconnected from each other, wherein the emergency disconnection unit comprises a superhydrophobic coating; the pipeline, the inlet flange, and the outlet flange comprise thermal insulation.

[0018] The main task solved by the declared solution is to increase the reliability of the device.

[0019] The essence of the claimed solution is that the pipes for transporting liquefied gas contain a superhydrophobic coating, which significantly reduces the risk of icing. Due to this, the weight of the device during operation is reduced, moving parts are not destroyed due to icing, counterweights operate in a given mode, which makes it easier to control the device and reduces the risk of damage when connecting and disconnecting the inlet and outlet flanges.

[0020] The technical result achieved by the declared solution is to increase the reliability of the device.

[0021] Brief description of drawings

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an approximate implementation of the claimed device.

[0023] Implementation of the declared decision

[0024] The proposed solution is a structurally and functionally unified device. All device elements are housed within a single housing and are interconnected directly or indirectly through a functional link. The sole function of the claimed device is to transport liquefied gas.

[0025] A functional connection between elements is understood to mean a connection that ensures the correct interaction of these elements with one another and the implementation of a particular functionality of the elements. Specific examples of a functional connection may include a connection enabling the transport of a fluid, a connection enabling the transmission of an electric current, a connection enabling the transmission of mechanical motion, a connection enabling the transmission of light, sound, electromagnetic or mechanical vibrations, etc. The specific type of functional connection is determined by the nature of the interaction between the aforementioned elements and, unless otherwise specified, is achieved by well-known means using principles well-known in the art.

[0026] The claimed liquefied gas transportation device is a specialized equipment that connects the shore terminal (storage tanks) to the liquefied gas tanker.

[0027] Structurally, such devices consist of several pipes connected by hinges. The hinged joints allow the pipes to move in all directions and compensate for tanker movements due to tidal motion, wind, or tide. Preferably, there are three pipes (a liquid gas intake pipe, an outlet pipe for connection to the tanker, and an intermediate pipe for connecting these two pipes), but designs with more pipes connected by hinges are also possible. Multiple pipes form a pipeline, which is mounted on a frame consisting of one (usually) or several posts with pipe fastening elements.

[0028] The hinge assembly typically consists of at least some of the following hinges: a frame rotation hinge, a vertical pipeline displacement hinge, a hinge for rotating the receiving pipe relative to the intermediate pipe, a hinge for rotating the intermediate pipe relative to the outlet pipe, and a hinge between the outlet pipe and the tanker. Other hinges may also be included. Some of the hinges may be structurally integral.

[0029] Pipes are made of low-temperature steels that can withstand cryogenic temperatures, as they provide sufficient reliability when transporting liquefied gases. It is preferable to use nickel-containing low-alloy steels (09ХНД, ASTM A333 Gr.8) or austenitic stainless steels (08Х18Н10, 12Х18Н10Т; similar to AISI 304 / 316).

[0030] The entire structure is assembled at the factory, delivered to the installation site and secured to the concrete base using a threaded connection.

[0031] The entire device is quite heavy due to its large dimensions, and high movement precision is required to ensure accurate connection to the tanker. Therefore, to simplify movement and reduce the risk of pipeline damage, the device includes a counterweight unit. The counterweight unit can contain one to three counterweights, depending on the pipeline and frame design. Counterweights balance the pipeline section, allowing it to move with less force, which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the outlet flange and pipeline, as the gas tanker is often not stationary.

[0032] The pipeline movement adopts a hydraulic cylinder based power drive unit which moves the pipeline pipes to connect the outlet flange to the inlet of the gas tanker.

[0033] In one embodiment, the pipelines contain cryogenic thermal insulation for operation at temperatures down to -163°C (for liquefied natural gas - LNG). If operation is expected at temperatures down to -163°C (for liquefied petroleum gases - LPG), cryogenic insulation may not be used.

[0034] The inlet of this device is equipped with an inlet flange with a quick-release coupling for connection to a liquefied gas source (LNG or LPG), and the outlet flange with a quick-release coupling for connection to the tanker inlet. Both flanges ensure a tight connection. The quick-release coupling is required for disconnection in an emergency.

[0035] In one embodiment, the claimed device is equipped with an emergency disconnection system: in the event of a dangerous situation (fire, strong shift of the vessel), the pipeline is automatically disconnected from the tanker and the gas source and closes the valves to prevent gas leakage.

[0036] When transporting liquefied gas, there is a risk of icing. When exposed to humid air, pipes, flanges, and the frame become coated with frost and ice. This can impair the sealing of seals and impede the operation of mechanical components (hinges, quick-release couplings), reducing the reliability of the device.

[0037] To eliminate this problem, at least some of the following are used: thermal insulation (vacuum or polyurethane), dry gas blowing of hinges, heating of hinges, anti-icing coating.

[0038] The claimed solution uses a superhydrophobic coating on pipes, hinges and / or flanges.

[0039] Superhydrophobic coatings can be made from the following:

[0040] polystyrene and manganese oxide nanocomposite (MnO2 / PS),

[0041] Zinc oxide and polystyrene nanocomposite (ZnO / PS),

[0042] Precipitated calcium carbonate,

[0043] carbon nanotubes,

[0044] Silicon dioxide nano coating,

[0045] Fluorinated silanes and fluoropolymer coatings.

[0046] The superhydrophobic coating is characterized by a water contact angle of more than 150 degrees, which results in water not accumulating on the surface and, as a result, this surface does not ice up, which increases the reliability of the declared device.

[0047] An exemplary embodiment of the claimed device is shown in Fig. 1, in which:

[0048] 101 - pipeline,

[0049] 102 - hinges,

[0050] 103 - counterweight,

[0051] 104 - output flange,

[0052] 105 - input flange.

[0053] Description of the operation of the claimed solution

[0054] To transport liquefied gas, the inlet flange is connected to the source, the outlet flange is connected to the tanker via a pipeline and connected to its inlet, the valves are opened, and the fluid moves from the source to the tanker.

[0055] Implementation option 1

[0056] In one embodiment, the inlet flange and the outlet flange comprise heating means, such as heating cables, channels for circulating hot liquid, and means for blowing warm dry air.

[0057] Implementation option 2

[0058] In one embodiment, the pipeline comprises an emergency disconnect unit configured to disconnect the outlet flange in the event of an emergency and seal the pipeline from both pipeline portions disconnected from each other, wherein the emergency disconnect unit comprises a superhydrophobic coating.

[0059] The emergency disconnect unit is a disconnectable pipe with valves on both ends. If the tanker moves the pipe beyond its intended range, the valves close, and the disconnectable pipe splits into two parts, one of which remains connected to the device, and the other to the tanker. This unit is also coated with a superhydrophobic coating to prevent ice from interfering with the disconnection. This solution prevents liquefied gas from escaping, increasing the reliability of the device.

[0060] The embodiments are not limited to the embodiments described herein; other embodiments that do not go beyond the spirit and scope of this solution will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the information provided in the description and knowledge of the prior art.

[0061] Elements mentioned in the singular do not exclude a plurality of elements unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0062] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions to achieve the described method. The steps and / or actions of the method may be substituted for one another without departing from the scope of the utility model claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be varied without departing from the scope of the utility model claims.

[0063] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the broader utility model, and that the present solution should not be limited to the specific arrangements and structures shown and described, since various other modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0064] The features mentioned in various dependent claims, as well as the implementations disclosed in various parts of the description, can be combined to achieve useful effects, even if the possibility of such a combination is not explicitly disclosed.

Claims

1. A device for transporting liquefied gas, comprising - a frame on which the pipeline, hinge block, counterweight block are installed, - a pipeline designed to transport liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures, - an inlet flange located at the inlet end of the pipeline, designed to form a hermetically sealed connection with the outlet of the liquefied gas source, - an outlet flange with a quick-release connection, located at the outlet end of the pipeline, designed with the possibility of hermetically sealed fastening at the inlet of the liquefied gas receiver, - the hinge block is designed with the ability to provide displacement of the pipeline within specified limits in three planes, - the counterweight block is designed to balance the mass of the pipeline and reduce the effort required to move it, characterized in that the pipeline contains a superhydrophobic coating, the inlet flange and the outlet flange contain a superhydrophobic coating.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the input flange and the output flange contain heating means.

3. The device according to claim 1, in which the pipeline comprises an emergency disconnect unit configured to disconnect the outlet flange in the event of an emergency and seal the pipeline from both parts of the pipeline disconnected from each other, wherein the emergency disconnect unit comprises a superhydrophobic coating.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pipeline, inlet flange, and outlet flange contain thermal insulation.

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