Coupling for a vacuum isolation tube

Abstract

This invention provides a connector for a vacuum-isolated conduit. This connector facilitates the detection of unwanted fluid ingress into the low-pressure isolated outer portion of the vacuum-isolated conduit, as well as the detection of leaks from the central portion of the vacuum-isolated conduit used to carry cold fluids. This is achieved by providing a first leak path from the central portion of the vacuum-isolated conduit to a sensor outlet and a second leak path from the outer portion of the vacuum-isolated conduit to the sensor outlet. A sensor can be used to detect unwanted fluid ingress into the low-pressure isolated outer portion and also to detect leaks from the central portion of the vacuum-isolated conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors for connecting vacuum-isolated conduits. Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to a connector for connecting vacuum-isolated conduits. More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a connector for vacuum-isolated conduits. The invention also relates to a kit for forming the connector, a first and second component for forming the connector, a vacuum-isolated conduit assembly, a fuel delivery device, and a vehicle including a vacuum-isolated conduit assembly and / or a fuel delivery device.

[0003] Rigid couplings in vacuum-isolated piping (also known as “vacuum-jacketed piping” or “super-isolated piping”) are typically based on standard bolted flanges with compressible seals, clamped V-flanges with compressible seals, or vacuum-isolated “bayonet” couplings.

[0004] Vacuum-isolated piping is a double-walled type of piping typically used to carry cold fluids (usually liquids). The cold fluid is carried by a central conduit. An outer annular low-pressure zone surrounds the central conduit and provides thermal insulation. In some cases, air is removed from the piping to provide the low-pressure zone during piping manufacturing. In other cases, a vacuum pump can be used to continuously remove air from the piping to provide the low-pressure zone. The various sections of the piping are typically joined together using two-piece pipe fittings, which can include standard bolted flanges with compressible seals, clamping V-flanges with compressible seals, or vacuum-isolated "bayonet" fittings.

[0005] Of course, leaks in the central duct or in low-pressure areas are undesirable. Leaks in the central duct will result in the loss of the cold fluid carried in the pipes. Leaks in low-pressure areas will cause an increase in pressure in those areas, thereby reducing their insulation performance.

[0006] Therefore, detecting leaks in the central conduit and low-pressure areas is crucial. This is typically accomplished using a first sensor to detect leaks in the central conduit and a second sensor to detect leaks in the low-pressure areas. In long pipe installations comprising several pipe sections, this configuration results in a large number of sensors and associated electrical, optical, or pneumatic connections and wiring.

[0007] The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the problems mentioned above. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved coupling for vacuum-isolated conduits. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides a connector for a vacuum isolation pipe, the connector comprising:

[0009] The first and second components are used to form the connecting parts.

[0010] A first sealing member is used to form a seal between the first component and the second component.

[0011] Each of the first and second components includes an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being for connection to an internal component of the vacuum isolation pipe, and the outer portion being for connection to an external low-pressure component of the vacuum isolation pipe.

[0012] The internal portions of the first component and the second component are adapted to form internal regions for fluid passage.

[0013] The outer portion of the first component defines a first outer region, and the outer portion of the second component defines a second outer region;

[0014] Sensor outlet, used for leak detection sensors;

[0015] A first flow path, the first flow path being configured to allow fluid to flow from the internal region to the sensor outlet in the event of failure of the first sealing member; and

[0016] A second flow path is provided to allow fluid to flow from the first or second external region to the sensor outlet when the pressure in the first or second external region is greater than a predetermined pressure. The second flow path is equipped with a check valve, which allows fluid to flow from the corresponding first or second external region to the sensor outlet when the pressure in the corresponding first or second external region is greater than a predetermined pressure, and prohibits fluid from flowing from the sensor outlet to the corresponding first or second external region when the pressure in the corresponding first or second external region is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure.

[0017] The applicant has found that it is advantageous to provide a flow path from both the low-pressure isolation region of the connector and the fluid-bearing internal region of the connector to the same sensor outlet, thereby facilitating the use of a single sensor to sense leaks in the connector and unwanted pressure increases in the isolation region.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of “vacuum” in connection with the coupling of the first invention does not imply the presence of an absolute vacuum in the pipe or area. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “vacuum” refers to a low pressure sufficient to provide thermal insulation to the fluid-bearing area to suppress undesirable heating of the fluid and undesirable cooling of the environment.

[0019] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the leak detection sensor is not part of the connector of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the first and second flow paths may be shared by each other. For example, the first and second flow paths may converge at a junction, from which a conduit extends to the sensor outlet.

[0021] The first or second component of the connector may be provided with one or more of a first flow path, a second flow path, and a sensor outlet. The first or second component of the connector may be provided with two or more of a first flow path, a second flow path, and a sensor outlet. It has been shown that it is advantageous to provide the first flow path, the second flow path, and the sensor outlet in the first or second component of the connector.

[0022] The first flow path may include a continuous channel, such as an annular channel. This channel can be a peripheral channel because it extends around the periphery of the first sealing member. The continuous channel can extend around the first sealing member during use. The continuous channel can be located outside the first sealing member. In the event of failure of the first sealing member, fluid from the internal region will leak outwards through the first sealing member. The continuous channel also facilitates monitoring leakage around the entire periphery of the first sealing member. When the connector is provided with a second sealing member, the continuous channel can be located outside the first sealing member and inside the second sealing member. The first flow path and the continuous channel—if present—can optionally be provided in a first or second component without a first sealing member. For example, if the first component of the connector is provided with a first sealing member, then optionally, the second component of the connector can be provided with a continuous channel of the first flow path.

[0023] The first flow path may include a connecting channel that forms a flow path from the continuous channel to the sensor outlet. The connecting channel may extend away from the continuous channel and / or may extend perpendicular to the continuous channel.

[0024] The second flow path may optionally be provided in the first or second component of the connector that does not have the first sealing member. For example, if the first component of the connector has the first sealing member, then optionally, the second component of the connector may have the second flow path.

[0025] The second flow path may include a conduit that forms a flow path to the sensor outlet. A check valve may be located in the fluid flow path provided by the conduit. The second fluid flow path may include an inlet for fluid to pass through a corresponding first or second external region. The check valve may be located near this inlet.

[0026] The first flow path and the second flow path can be joined at the junction. If the first flow path includes a connecting channel and the second flow path includes a conduit as described above, then the connecting channel and the conduit can be joined at the junction. The sensor channel can form a flow path from the junction to the sensor outlet.

[0027] A buffer reservoir may be provided in one or both of the first and second flow paths. Those skilled in the art will recognize that sealing members are not perfect and sometimes allow a small, acceptable amount of leakage through the seal. In some cases, this acceptable leakage through the first sealing member can be detected by a sensor and indicate the presence of a leak. This is undesirable, and it may be desirable to provide a buffer reservoir in the flow path between the first sealing member and the sensor outlet. Such a buffer reservoir will effectively contain the small amount of fluid leaking through the first sealing member under “normal” and acceptable leakage conditions and will prevent the pressure rise sensed by the sensor. The buffer reservoir can be of any suitable shape. For example, the buffer reservoir may include a coiled conduit. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer reservoir may include an extended region. This extended region may optionally have a larger dimension than the adjacent conduit in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The buffer reservoir may include a compartment, such as a cylindrical compartment.

[0028] If the connector includes a sensor channel, that sensor channel may be equipped with a buffer memory.

[0029] The connector may be provided with a second sealing member for forming a seal between the first and second components. The second sealing member may be disposed within the first or second component where the first sealing member is disposed. One or both of the first and second sealing members may be annular. The first and second sealing members may be concentrically disposed relative to each other. The second sealing member may optionally be located outside the first sealing member (the first sealing member is an internal sealing member, and the second sealing member is an external sealing member). The second sealing member can be used to suppress leakage in the event of failure of the first sealing member.

[0030] One or both of the first and second components of the connector may include an internal conduit portion for forming a connection with the internal conduit of the vacuum isolation conduit. The cross-section of the internal conduit portion may optionally be annular. One of the first and second components of the connector may be provided with a recess for receiving the internal conduit portion of the other component. This recess may facilitate the mating of the first and second components of the connector.

[0031] One or both of the first and second components of the connector may include an external conduit portion for forming a connection with an external conduit of a vacuum-isolated conduit. The cross-section of the external conduit portion may optionally be annular.

[0032] The connecting elements may optionally be made of materials capable of withstanding extreme cold. For example, the first and second sealing elements (if present) may be cryogenic seals.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, a component kit for forming a coupling according to a first aspect of the invention is also provided, the kit including a first component and a second component for forming the coupling, and a first seal for forming a seal between the first component and the second component.

[0034] The kit of the second aspect of the invention may include those features described above with respect to the coupling of the first aspect of the invention. For example, the first and second components of the coupling may include those features described above with respect to the coupling of the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] For example, the kit may include a second sealing member for forming a seal between the first component and the second component.

[0036] The kit may include sensors.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the invention, a first component for forming a connecting member according to a first aspect of the invention is also provided. The first component of the third aspect of the invention may include those features described above with respect to the connecting member of the first aspect of the invention.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a second component for forming a connecting member according to a first aspect of the invention is also provided. The second component of the fourth aspect of the invention may include those features described above with respect to the connecting member of the first aspect of the invention.

[0039] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a connector for a vacuum isolation conduit is also provided, the connector comprising a first connecting member and a second connecting member joined together to provide the connector.

[0040] The first connecting component includes a first central fluid-carrying space and a first external space, the first external space surrounding the first central fluid-carrying space and serving to form a thermally insulated low-pressure area.

[0041] The second connecting component includes a second central fluid-carrying space and a second external space, the second external space surrounding the second central fluid-carrying space and serving to form a thermally insulated low-pressure area.

[0042] The first central fluid-carrying space and the second central fluid-carrying space form a channel for fluid flow when the first and second components of the connector are placed together.

[0043] The connector includes a seal located between the first and second components of the connector, which prevents fluid from flowing out of the channel.

[0044] The first component of the connector includes a low-pressure leak detection path leading from the first external space to the sensor outlet, wherein a valve is provided in the low-pressure leak detection path to allow fluid to flow from the first external space to the sensor outlet if the pressure in the first external space exceeds a predetermined value.

[0045] The first component of the connector includes a seal failure leak detection path leading to the sensor outlet for detecting seal failure.

[0046] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a vacuum isolation conduit is provided, comprising a first or second component according to a third or fourth aspect of the invention. The vacuum isolation conduit may include more than one of the first and / or second components. Such first and / or second components are located at the conduit outlet / inlet and therefore may be located at the end of the conduit. For example, the vacuum isolation conduit may include two first components, two second components, or one first component and one second component.

[0047] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a vacuum isolation conduit device is also provided, which includes two portions of a vacuum isolation conduit connected by a coupling according to a first aspect of the invention, or two connected conduits according to a sixth aspect of the invention.

[0048] Vacuum-isolated piping systems may include sensors connected to the sensor outlet of a connector.

[0049] The vacuum isolation conduit assembly may include multiple sections of the vacuum isolation conduit and multiple couplings according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0050] Thermal insulation can be provided around the pipe to suppress heating of the material in the pipe installation.

[0051] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a fuel delivery device is provided, comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to an engine or motor via a vacuum-isolated conduit arrangement according to a sixth aspect of the invention. The fuel may be a liquefied gas, such as hydrogen.

[0052] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a means of transportation is provided, comprising a vacuum-isolated conduit device according to a sixth aspect of the invention and / or a fuel delivery device according to a seventh aspect of the invention. The means of transportation can be a land-based vehicle such as a motor vehicle, transport vehicle, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, tram, or train. The means of transportation can also be an aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotary-wing aircraft.

[0053] Although the invention has been described above primarily in the context of applications in fixed-wing aircraft, it can also be advantageously applied to a variety of other applications, including but not limited to applications in vehicles such as helicopters, drones, trains, motor vehicles, and spacecraft.

[0054] Of course, it will be understood that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention can be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention can be combined with any features described with reference to the device of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view is shown of an example of a connector through a first embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the first component of the connector shown;

[0058] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the second component of the connector shown;

[0059] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a first component, illustrating an embodiment of the coupling according to the present invention, is shown.

[0060] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vacuum isolation pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0061] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an example of a fuel delivery device and an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Example of an embodiment of the connector according to the invention is described by way of example only. The connector is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 and includes a first component 2 and a second component 3 for forming the connector. The first and second components are made of stainless steel. The connector 1 is used to form a connection between a first conduit 101 and a second conduit 201. The first conduit 101 and the second conduit 201 are vacuum-isolated conduits. In this respect, the first conduit 101 includes an inner conduit 102 and an outer conduit 103, the inner conduit 102 defining an inner conduit 104 for carrying a cold fluid, and the outer conduit 103 defining an external space 105 between the outer conduit 103 and the inner conduit 102. Similarly, the second conduit 201 includes an inner conduit 202 and an outer conduit 203, the inner conduit 202 defining an inner conduit 204 for carrying a cold fluid, and the outer conduit 203 defining an external space 205 between the outer conduit and the inner conduit 202. The external spaces 105, 205 are low-pressure spaces that provide thermal insulation for the fluid carried in the inner conduits 104, 204. Furthermore, the external space and associated piping help to suppress any leakage that may occur due to the failure of the first sealing member 4, which forms a seal between the first component 2 and the second component 3 of the connector 1.

[0063] The first component 2 of the connector 1 includes an internal pipe portion 17 connected to an internal pipe 102 of the first pipe 101, which connects the internal portion 6 of the first component 2 to the internal conduit 104 of the first pipe 101. Similarly, the second component 3 of the connector 1 includes an internal pipe portion 19 connected to an internal pipe 202 of the second pipe 201, which connects the internal portion 7 of the second component 3 to the internal conduit 204 of the second pipe 201. The internal portions 6 and 7 form an internal region 8. The flow path for the cold fluid is thus configured to flow from the first pipe 101 through the connector 1 and into the second pipe 201.

[0064] The first component 2 of the connector 1 includes an external pipe portion 18 for connection to an external pipe 103 of the first pipe 101, the external pipe portion 18 defining a first external region 9. The first external region 9 forms part of a low-pressure space that provides thermal insulation for cold fluid carried in the internal pipe 102.

[0065] The second component 3 of the connector 1 includes an external pipe portion 20 for connection to an external pipe 203 of the second pipe 201, the external pipe portion 20 defining a second external region 10. The second external region 10 forms part of a low-pressure space that provides thermal insulation for cold fluid carried in the internal pipe 202.

[0066] The first outer region 9 and the second outer region 10 are typically under low pressure. This is achieved by evacuating the outer spaces 105 and 205 using methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0067] The aim is to monitor for leaks of cold fluid from the first conduit 101 and the second conduit 102. In this regard, the connector 1 includes a first flow path 12 for allowing fluid to flow from the inner region 8 of the connector to the sensor outlet 11 in the event of failure of a first sealing member 4, which forms a seal between the first component 2 and the second component 3 of the connector. The first sealing member 4 is an annular seal for use with cryogenic fluids and is positioned outward from the inner region 8 of the connector. The first sealing member 4 is carried by the second component 3 of the connector 1. If the sealing member 4 fails, fluid flows through the first flow path 12 to the sensor 50 located at the sensor outlet 11. At some point along the first flow path 12, the fluid typically evaporates from a liquid to a gas. The sensor 50 detects an increase in pressure associated with the gas flow along the first flow path 12. The first flow path 12 includes an annular channel 12a formed in the surface of the first component 2 of the connector. The annular channel 12a is located outside the first sealing member 4. Therefore, if the annular first sealing member 4 fails at any point around the sealing member 4, fluid will enter the annular channel 12a. The first flow path 12 also includes a connecting channel 12b extending orthogonally away from the annular channel 12a. The connecting channel 12b is in fluid communication with the sensor channel 15, and the sensor channel 15 is in fluid communication with the sensor outlet 11.

[0068] It is also desirable to monitor the pressure in the low-pressure external region 9. In this regard, the connection includes a second flow path 13 for fluid communication between the first external region 9 and the sensor outlet 11. The second flow path 13 is provided with a check valve 16, which allows fluid to flow from the first external region 9 to the sensor outlet 11 if the pressure in the first external region 9 exceeds a predetermined pressure. In this case, the check valve is a piston-sealed valve. Therefore, if a leak occurs in the external space 105 of the first conduit 101, the pressure in the external space 105 and the first external region 9 will increase. If the pressure increases to a level greater than the predetermined pressure, the check valve will allow fluid to flow to the sensor outlet 11, and the sensor 50 will detect the pressure change.

[0069] The second flow path 13 includes an inlet 13a and a conduit. The second flow path 13 connects to the first flow path 12 via a connection channel 12b at a junction 14. A sensor channel 15 extends from the junction 14 to a sensor outlet 11. This arrangement allows a single sensor 50 to sense leaks in both the low-pressure region and the cold fluid-carrying region of the vacuum-isolated conduit.

[0070] To avoid ambiguity, check valve 16 inhibits fluid flow from sensor outlet 11 to the first external region 9 when the pressure in the first external region 9 is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, check valve 16 thus prevents gas from flowing from sensor outlet 11 into the low-pressure region, for example, in the event of a pressure increase due to failure of sealing member 4.

[0071] A second sealing member 5 is provided in the form of a ring-shaped, cryogenically compatible ring. The second sealing member is located outside the annular channel 12a. The second sealing member 5 helps to suppress any leakage that may occur due to the failure of the first sealing member 4. Furthermore, the suppression of any such leakage by the second sealing member 5 facilitates the detection of leakage by the sensor.

[0072] The second component 3 is provided with an annular protrusion 21, which is received within an annular recess 22 provided by the first component 2. This convex-concave arrangement facilitates a relatively simple arrangement of the first component 2 and the second component 3 of the connector 1.

[0073] As described above, the first component 2 of the connector 1 is attached to the first conduit 101, and the second component 3 of the connector 1 is attached to the second conduit 201. A schematic diagram of the first conduit 101 is shown in [the diagram]. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. The first conduit 101 includes an internal conduit 102 and an external conduit 103, as described above regarding... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described. Figure 5 As shown on the right-hand side, the first pipe 101 includes a first component 2 of a connector 1. The first component 2 of the connector 1 will be formed together with the second component 3 of the connector 1 as described above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connecting component described is connecting component 1. For example... Figure 5 As shown on the left-hand side, the first conduit 101 includes a second component 3 for a connector. The second component 3 will form a connector together with the first component 2 attached to another conduit.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 6An example of an embodiment of the fuel delivery device 500 and the vehicle 1000 (in this case, a fixed-wing aircraft) according to the present invention will be described. The fuel delivery device 500 includes a fuel tank 501 configured to deliver fuel to two aircraft engines 1001, 1002 via two vacuum-isolated conduit assemblies 100. Each vacuum-isolated conduit assembly 100 includes a first conduit 101 and a second conduit 201 connected by a coupling 1, as described above regarding... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described. Fuel tank 501 stores liquefied hydrogen, which is transferred to engines 1001 and 1002 via piping device 100.

[0075] Now refer to Figure 4 Another example of an embodiment of the coupling according to the invention will be described. A small portion of the first component 2 of the coupling is in Figure 4 As shown in the image. Figure 4 The flow path to sensor outlet 11 is shown. The reference numerals refer to the information above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The features described regarding connector 1 are as follows. Except that the sensor channel 15 is provided with a buffer memory 60, this small portion of the first component 2 is essentially the same as described above regarding... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The same applies as described. The buffer reservoir 60 includes an extended area in the form of a cylindrical compartment. The purpose of the buffer reservoir 60 is to reduce the risk of the sensor 50 being "triggered" in the event of a small and acceptable leak through the first sealing member 4. In this regard, those skilled in the art will recognize that seals are not perfect and sometimes allow a small and acceptable amount of leakage through the seal. In some cases, such an acceptable leak through the first sealing member can be sensed by the sensor and indicate the presence of a leak. This is undesirable, and the buffer reservoir will effectively contain the small amount of fluid leaking through the first sealing member in the case of a "normal" and acceptable leak, and will prevent the pressure rise sensed by the sensor 50. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the buffer reservoir 60 can be of any suitable shape, as long as the buffer reservoir 60 has sufficient volume to reduce the risk of a "normal" and acceptable leak through the first sealing member detected by the sensor.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will recognize that sensor 50 need not be part of the coupling of the present invention.

[0077] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention leads itself to many different variations not specifically described herein. Some possible variations will now be described by way of example only.

[0078] The examples above illustrate the use of couplings in aircraft fuel systems for transporting hydrogen fuel. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of couplings is not limited to fuel systems or vehicles.

[0079] The above examples illustrate the use of a piston-sealed check valve. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other check valves can be used. For example, disc valves or rotary valves, plate valves, double-plate valves, or ball-lift valves can be used.

[0080] The above example illustrates a connector with two seals between the first and second connecting parts. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other numbers of seals can be used. For example, while two or more seals may be desirable, in some cases, using only one seal is acceptable.

[0081] Where references have been made in the foregoing description to elements or components having known, obvious, or foreseeable equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if separately stated. The true scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims, and should be interpreted as including any of these equivalents. The reader will also understand that integral elements or features of the invention described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc., are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that these optional integral elements or features, while potentially beneficial in some embodiments of the invention, may be undesirable in others and therefore may not be present.

Claims

1. A connector for a vacuum-isolated conduit, the connector comprising: The first and second components are used to form the connecting member. A first sealing member is used to form a seal between the first component and the second component. Each of the first and second components includes an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being for connection to an internal component of the vacuum isolation conduit, and the outer portion being for connection to an external low-pressure component of the vacuum isolation conduit. The internal portions of the first component and the internal portions of the second component are adapted to form internal regions through which fluid can pass. The outer portion of the first component defines a first outer region, and the outer portion of the second component defines a second outer region; Sensor outlet, the sensor outlet being used for a leak detection sensor; A first flow path is configured to allow fluid to flow from the interior region to the sensor outlet in the event of failure of the first sealing member; as well as A second flow path is provided to allow fluid to flow from the first external region or the second external region to the sensor outlet when the pressure in the first external region or the second external region is greater than a predetermined pressure. The second flow path is provided with a check valve, which allows fluid to flow from the corresponding first external region or the second external region to the sensor outlet when the pressure in the corresponding first external region or the second external region is greater than a predetermined pressure, and prohibits fluid from flowing from the sensor outlet to the corresponding first external region or the second external region when the pressure in the corresponding first external region or the second external region is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first or second component of the connector is provided with a first flow path, a second flow path, and a sensor outlet.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The first flow path is provided in the first or second component of the connector that is not provided with the first sealing member.

4. The connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first flow path includes a continuous channel located outside the first sealing member.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The first flow path includes a connecting channel that forms a flow path from the continuous channel to the sensor outlet.

6. The connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second flow path includes a conduit that forms a flow path to the sensor outlet, and the check valve is located in the fluid flow path provided by the conduit.

7. The connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first flow path and the second flow path meet at the junction, and the sensor channel forms a flow path from the junction to the sensor outlet.

8. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second sealing member for forming a seal between the first component and the second component.

9. The connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, One or both of the first and second components of the connector include an internal pipe portion for connecting with the internal pipe of the vacuum isolation pipe and an external pipe portion for connecting with the external pipe of the vacuum isolation pipe.

10. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The continuous channel is a ring channel.

11. A component kit for forming a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the kit comprising a first component and a second component for forming the coupling, the first component including the sensor outlet, the first flow path and the second flow path, and the second component including the first sealing member.

12. The kit of claim 11, including a sensor.

13. A first component for forming a connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The first component includes the sensor outlet, the first flow path, and the second flow path.

14. A second component for forming the coupling according to claim 8, wherein, The second component includes a first sealing member for forming a seal between the first component and the second component, and a second sealing member for forming a seal between the first component and the second component, wherein the first sealing member is an internal seal and the second sealing member is an external seal.

15. A connector for a vacuum-isolated conduit, the connector comprising: A first connecting component and a second connecting component are joined together to provide the connecting element. The first connecting component includes a first central fluid-carrying space and a first external space, the first external space surrounding the first central fluid-carrying space and serving to form a thermally insulated low-pressure area. The second connecting component includes a second central fluid-carrying space and a second external space, the second external space surrounding the second central fluid-carrying space and serving to form a thermally insulated low-pressure area. The first central fluid-carrying space and the second central fluid-carrying space form a channel for fluid flow when the first and second connecting parts of the connector are placed together. The coupling includes a seal located between the first coupling component and the second coupling component of the coupling and used to prevent fluid from flowing out of the channel. The first connecting component of the connector includes a low-pressure leak detection path leading from the first external space to the sensor outlet, and a valve is provided in the low-pressure leak detection path, the valve being used to allow fluid to flow from the first external space to the sensor outlet if the pressure in the first external space exceeds a predetermined value. The first connecting component of the connector includes a seal failure leak detection path leading to the sensor outlet for detecting seal failure.

16. A vacuum isolation conduit, comprising the first component according to claim 13 or the second component according to claim 14.

17. The vacuum isolation conduit of claim 16, comprising two first components, two second components, or comprising one first component and one second component, wherein each component of the connector is located at an end of the conduit.

18. A vacuum isolation conduit device comprising two portions of a vacuum isolation conduit connected by a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. A fuel delivery device comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to an engine via a vacuum-isolated conduit device according to claim 18.

20. A fuel delivery device comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to a motor via a vacuum-isolated conduit device according to claim 18.

21. A means of transport comprising a vacuum-isolated conduit device according to claim 18 and / or a fuel delivery device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The means of transportation are either land-based vehicles or aircraft.

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