Device and method for drying a nozzle for a liquefied gas

Abstract

Device (1) for drying a nozzle (2) for a liquefied gas, wherein the device (1) comprises a first member (12) for receiving the nozzle (2), a heating unit (21) adapted to heat a heat accumulator (14), a pneumatic inlet (31), a pneumatic outlet (32) and a channel (30) connecting the pneumatic inlet (31) to the pneumatic outlet (32). The pneumatic outlet (32) is arranged in the first member (12) and the channel (30) is arranged such that a pneumatic flow within the channel (30) is heated by the heat accumulator (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for heating and drying a nozzle for liquefied gas when the nozzle is stored and not for transfer. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, various solutions for transferring liquefied gases are well known; for example, a common solution is to transfer fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a fuel station to a vehicle. Other examples include transferring liquefied gases from or to ships, vehicles, or stationary tanks. In most applications, such transfer of liquefied gases requires at least one coupling or nozzle for connection and disconnection. As is known in the art, liquefied gases require less storage volume, are more secure to store, and are safer to transfer in their liquid state than in their corresponding gaseous form. However, the low boiling points of the useful gases necessitate the cryogenic storage of many liquefied gases. For example, at atmospheric pressure, the gas used for LNG condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -160°C, liquid hydrogen (LH2) condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -250°C, and nitrogen used for liquid nitrogen (LN2) condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -195°C.

[0003] Liquefied gases are used for various purposes, but regardless of the purpose, efficiency and safety are the key factors. To provide one example among many, liquefied gases can be used as fuel and require transfer from refueling stations, for example, to trucks. While such transfers are well-known in the art, there are drawbacks such as reduced efficiency and potential lower occupancy levels at fuel supply stations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] For the purposes of this disclosure, it should be noted that the terms “nozzle” and “connector” are used interchangeably to describe a unit to be dried by the device.

[0005] As is common in the art, nozzles can be made of metals with relatively good thermal conductivity. The delivery of liquefied gases (such as LNG or LN2) through the nozzle or connector lowers the temperature of the nozzle / connector, especially in the area closest to the unit to which the nozzle / connector is connected. Therefore, the nozzle temperature drops rapidly during the transfer of the liquefied gas. The nozzle is simultaneously exposed to the temperature of the surrounding air, typically the outdoor environment. During the transfer of the liquefied gas, the temperature outside the nozzle is significantly higher than the temperature of the liquefied gas. Due to the low temperature of the transferred liquefied gas, the low temperature of the nozzle causes moisture in the air to condense on the nozzle and freeze immediately into ice.

[0006] As previously mentioned, one instance of this problem is at refueling stations, where the nozzles used to transfer LNG to trucks accumulate ice during refueling. The ice surrounding the nozzles increases the risk of leaks, accidental disconnections, abrasion, and tearing, and presents logistical problems at the refueling station. The ice-covered nozzles often freeze at the joint, making disconnection impossible. Similar problems exist in other application areas.

[0007] Liquefied gas nozzles covered in ice or moisture are unsafe to use. Drying such nozzles presents a challenge because liquefied gas nozzles typically operate in areas with explosive atmospheres and are therefore subject to stringent safety requirements, such as the ATEX Directive. Drying a nozzle is not a simple act of using high power to generate a large amount of heat to quickly heat or dry the nozzle. High power and high temperature are two unwanted and dangerous parameters in areas with explosive atmospheres.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The purpose of this solution is to safely dry liquefied gas nozzles.

[0010] Another objective is to reduce the time required to dry the nozzle after it has been used to transfer liquefied gas.

[0011] Another objective is to increase nozzle safety by providing reliable drying between uses.

[0012] Therefore, this solution relates to an apparatus for drying a liquefied gas nozzle. The apparatus includes a first component for receiving the nozzle, a heating unit adapted to heat a heat accumulator, a pneumatic inlet, a pneumatic outlet, and a channel connecting the pneumatic inlet to the pneumatic outlet. The pneumatic outlet is arranged in the first component, and the channel is arranged such that the pneumatic flow within the channel is heated by the heat accumulator.

[0013] One advantage is that, compared to applying a direct heating solution to an airflow, the airflow utilizes heat from a heat accumulator and therefore has greater accessibility to thermal energy. This allows the heating unit to operate at low power and the device to be more efficient. It further increases the time spent by the airflow cooling device, thus achieving a continuous temperature of the airflow during operation.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first member for receiving the nozzle is the top region of the device, wherein the nozzle is received in an opening. In another embodiment, the nozzle is received on the first member, an embodiment in which the nozzle is surrounded by the first member, thereby providing improved heating and drying performance. In yet another embodiment, the nozzle is attached to the device in the same manner as when the nozzle is attached during operation; in such an embodiment, the first member includes a means / mechanism for preventing any flow of liquefied gas by avoiding a valve that actuates the nozzle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pneumatic flow is active during the drying cycle and inactive at other times. Typical drying cycles may be, for example, 1-3 minutes, 2-5 minutes, 5-10 minutes, or 10-60 minutes; however, depending on the application area, longer or shorter drying cycles may be required.

[0016] One advantage is that the pneumatic flow is active / operational only or primarily when the nozzle is present at the device. That is, the pneumatic flow does not need to be constantly on. However, it should be understood that within the scope of this disclosure, this refers to the state in which the pneumatic flow is on when, before, or after the nozzle is positioned onto the device. The drying cycle can be, for example, a defined time period typically spent drying the nozzle, or a predetermined cycle of drying the nozzle operated by a processing device as part of an automated process. In another embodiment, the drying cycle is manually determined by the user initiating the pneumatic flow.

[0017] Another advantage of the solution disclosed herein is that the pneumatic flow allows the moisture dried from the nozzle to be transported away from the area of ​​the first component. In one embodiment, the pneumatic flow is released into the surrounding atmosphere after passing through the nozzle; in another embodiment, the pneumatic flow is collected after passing through the nozzle to avoid increasing humidity in the area and / or to prevent potentially toxic or otherwise hazardous residues of the liquefied gas from dispersing into the surrounding air.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first component is an opening.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the channel is longer than the distance between the inlet and the outlet to increase the contact area between the channel and the heat accumulator. Preferably, the length of the channel is at least twice the length of the shortest distance between the inlet and the outlet, more preferably at least three times.

[0020] One advantage is that longer channels increase the distance and thus the contact area between the channels and the accumulator. One example is where the channels are arranged in multiple loops around the accumulator. In another embodiment, the channels are arranged in uneven twists and loops around or through the accumulator. In yet another embodiment, the channels are arranged inside the accumulator and / or as part of the accumulator.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sleeve is arranged around the accumulator, and the channel is formed by the space between the accumulator and the sleeve.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the channel is threaded in the accumulator, such that the channel is a threaded groove in the accumulator.

[0023] In one embodiment, the channel is a groove formed around the heat accumulator as an external (also called a convex) thread, and the sleeve is arranged to cover the open thread, thereby forming a channel between the lower part of the threaded groove and the sleeve.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a channel is a pipe. For clarity, these terms may be used interchangeably herein.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the channel is a pipe in or around the heat accumulator.

[0026] The channel can also be interpreted as a conduit or pipe that allows pneumatic flow to pass through, around, or in relation to the accumulator.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the channel is threaded along the entire length of the accumulator.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the heating unit is an elongated heating unit that extends into the channel, such that the pneumatic flow within the channel is heated by both the heating unit and the accumulator.

[0029] One advantage is that, in one embodiment, both heat from the heating unit and stored heat from the accumulator can be used to heat the pneumatic flow.

[0030] The elongated heating unit can be, for example, a heat cable, a heat pipe, or a tube for conveying a heating medium such as a water-glycol mixture, steam, or any other suitable medium for heating the accumulator via the elongated heating unit.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the heat accumulator is a solid metal body, wherein the solid metal body is selected from any of the following: aluminum, cast metal, iron, stainless steel, or any other suitable metallic material having sufficiently high thermal inertia to allow it to function as a heat accumulator.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the heat accumulator is a liquid storage device in which thermal energy is stored in a suitable liquid.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the heating unit is any one of a heat cable, a hot liquid pipe, and a hot gas pipe.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the heating unit is arranged as part of a heat accumulator.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the device includes a first actuator for activating the heating unit and a second actuator for activating the pneumatic flow.

[0036] In order for the heating unit to effectively heat the accumulator, the pneumatic flow needs to be shut off after the nozzle is dried. This can be accomplished using different types of second actuator devices.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second actuator is actuated by inserting a nozzle into the component.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a second actuator is arranged to the dispensing member such that when the nozzle engages with the first member, the second actuator is actuated to allow pneumatic flow. In one embodiment, the second actuator is a mechanical actuator; in another embodiment, the actuator is a microswitch, switch, optical sensor, or any other form of electrical component. In yet another embodiment, the second actuator is controlled by a digital processing device (e.g., a microcontroller or CPU).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device further includes means / mechanism for locking the nozzle engaged with the first member.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a computer device for running a predetermined program for drying the nozzle.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the nozzle is released once the predetermined procedure for drying the nozzle is completed.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the predetermined procedure for drying the nozzle also utilizes input from a sensor arranged to detect whether the nozzle is properly dried. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 An embodiment of a device for drying a liquefied gas nozzle is shown, wherein the nozzle is inserted into the device.

[0045] Figure 2 An embodiment of an apparatus for drying a liquefied gas nozzle is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 Cross-section of the embodiment shown.

[0047] Figure 4 An embodiment for an outlet for pneumatic flow is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. All examples herein should be considered part of the general description and can therefore be combined in any general terminology. Features of various embodiments and aspects may be combined or interchanged unless such combination or interchange is obviously inconsistent with the overall function of the device or method.

[0049] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a device for heating the nozzle 2 is shown, with and without the nozzle 2 inserted into the device 1. The device 1 in the illustrated embodiment is circular in form, but may have any form or shape suitable for drying the nozzle 2. In a typical embodiment, the device for heating the nozzle 2 serves as a storage point for the nozzle 2 when not in use.

[0050] Figure 1 A nozzle 2 is also shown, which may be, for example, a nozzle for LNG and has a locking mechanism controlled by a handle 4. However, in different embodiments, the nozzle may have other shapes and forms, such as nozzles that can rotate to engage with their mating parts (such as the first member 12). For the purposes of this disclosure, it should be noted that the nozzle 2 may be any form of coupling, but for the purpose of providing several non-limiting examples, it may be an LNG nozzle or a dry cryogenic coupling. In one embodiment, the device 1 includes a first actuator 22 to activate the heating unit 21, see [link to previous document]. Figure 2 The first actuator can be, for example, a switch, a lever, or any other suitable actuator that enables the heating unit 21 to be turned on and off, i.e., such as... Figure 1 The purpose of the first actuator shown is to activate the heating unit 21. The heating unit 21 is adapted to heat the heat accumulator 14 (see...). Figure 3 (Cross-sectional view), and maintain it at a suitable temperature. The heat storage unit 14, which may be solid, can be made of any suitable material, such as metals like aluminum, cast metal, iron, or stainless steel, which has sufficiently high thermal inertia to allow the heat storage unit 14 to be used as a heat storage unit. In one embodiment, the heating unit 21 is always active during the time when liquefied gas transfer can be initiated (e.g., the opening hours of a fuel station or port). In another embodiment, a thermostat is provided to control the heating unit 21 so as to maintain the heat storage unit 14 at a suitable temperature. In another embodiment, the heating unit 21 is always on, and in yet another embodiment, the heating unit 21 is always on if the first actuator 22 is turned on / off. The first actuator 22 does not have to be a physical actuator; in one embodiment, it is a digital first actuator controlled internally by the processing device, externally at a local site, or communicating with the cloud.

[0051] Figure 1This illustration shows how a pneumatic inlet 31 is arranged in the lower part of device 1 and adapted to receive a pneumatic flow from an external source in one embodiment. The pneumatic flow can be compressed air, nitrogen, or any other suitable gas. In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic inlet 31 is arranged at the end of device 1 opposite to the first member 12 and the outlet 32. The pneumatic inlet 31 is connected to channel 30, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 Heat from the heat accumulator 14 is extracted into the pneumatic flow. Therefore, the pneumatic inlet 31 can have other positions relative to the first component 12 as long as the purpose of heating the pneumatic flow is achieved. Preferably, the channel 30 is longer than the shortest distance L1 between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 This increases the contact area between the channel 30 and the heat accumulator 14. Preferably, the length of the channel is at least twice the length of the shortest distance L1 between the inlet 31 and the outlet 32, more preferably at least three times. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by helically shaping the channel 30 (i.e., wrapping it around the heat accumulator 14). However, it should be understood that other methods involve shaping the channel 30 into a zigzag or other curved shape, as long as the channel 30 contacts the heat accumulator 14.

[0052] Figure 2 The apparatus 1 is shown without the nozzle 2. The apparatus 1 includes a first component 12 as part of the apparatus 1, where the nozzle 2 to be dried is placed. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 12 is an opening for receiving the nozzle 2. However, it should be noted that the first member 12 may have other forms and shapes for engagement with the nozzle 2. Depending on the design of the nozzle 2, the nozzle may be heated by an airflow passing through, for example, the interior of a ball cage adapted to lock the nozzle 2 into engagement with another member during operation. In another embodiment, the airflow may flow around the nozzle or coupling to dry the nozzle or coupling from the outside.

[0053] Figure 2 The diagram also illustrates how the heating unit 21 extends into the device 1. The heating unit 21 can be arranged to heat only within the device 1 or to emit heat along its entire length. In one embodiment, a sleeve 13 surrounds the heat accumulator 14. In one embodiment, insulation is added along the portion of the heating unit 21 exposed to the outside of the heat accumulator 14 and / or the sleeve 13. In different embodiments, the sleeve 13 may have different functions for the device 1, such as surrounding such... Figure 3 The channel 30 shown is used as a thermal protector to keep the exterior of the device cool.

[0054] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2The cross-section of device 1 is shown, in which the heat accumulator 14 is clearly visible. In this particular embodiment, the heat accumulator 14 is a circular solid body. However, it may have any shape or form suitable for a nozzle or coupling (which is adapted to be dried). Figure 3 It also shows how the channel 30 is threaded in the accumulator 14 and covered by the sleeve 13, that is, in Figure 3 In one illustrative embodiment, the channel 30 is formed by the external threads of the accumulator 14 covered by the sleeve 13, thereby collectively forming a channel 30 extending from the bottom to the top around the accumulator 14. A pneumatic outlet 32 ​​is further shown in the first component 12.

[0055] Figure 3 This further illustrates the significant advantages of the device 1 for the drying nozzle, as disclosed herein. The pneumatic flow from inlet 31 to outlet 32 ​​passes through channel 30 and is heated by heat from accumulator 14. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic flow is also heated by heating unit 21. Although this is only one example of how the channel 30 can be arranged, it clearly illustrates the benefits of the solution. For the pneumatic flow to effectively dry the nozzle, the temperature of the pneumatic flow needs to be increased from the surrounding indoor or outdoor temperature, where, for example, a compressor for compressed air or a tank containing compressed gas is located indoors or outdoors. Another parameter affecting the drying time is the velocity of the pneumatic flow, measured, for example, in liters per minute. To allow the temperature to increase sufficiently without needing to reduce the velocity of the pneumatic flow, the solution includes a heat accumulator 14.

[0056] Figure 4 A dispensing member 33 is shown, which is arranged to dispense flow from pneumatic outlet 32 ​​in a suitable manner to dry the nozzle. In one embodiment, the dispensing member 33 includes a second actuator 23 means for allowing or preventing airflow through outlet 32, such that pneumatic flow begins when the nozzle is in place.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for drying a nozzle (2) for liquefied gas, wherein, The device (1) includes a first component (12) for receiving the nozzle (2), and further includes a heating unit (21) adapted to heat a heat accumulator (14), a pneumatic inlet (31), a pneumatic outlet (32), and a channel (30) connecting the pneumatic inlet (31) to the pneumatic outlet (32), wherein the pneumatic outlet (32) is arranged in the first component (12), and the channel (30) is arranged such that the pneumatic flow within the channel (30) contacts the heat accumulator (14) and is heated by the heat accumulator (14). The heating element (21) is an elongated heating element (21) that extends into the channel (30) and is arranged to emit heat along the length of the heating element (21) such that the pneumatic flow within the channel (30) is heated by the heating element (21), and the channel (30) extends from bottom to top around the accumulator (14), wherein the pneumatic flow within the channel (30) is further heated by the accumulator (14), and wherein the pneumatic flow approaches more thermal energy compared to a solution that applies only direct heating.

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The channel (30) is longer than the shortest distance (L1) between the pneumatic inlet (31) and the pneumatic outlet (32) to increase the contact area between the channel (30) and the heat accumulator (14).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The device (1) includes a sleeve (13) surrounding the heat accumulator (14), and the channel (30) is formed by the space between the heat accumulator and the sleeve.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The channel (30) is spiral-shaped.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The channel (30) is a threaded groove located in the heat accumulator (14).

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heat storage device (14) is a metal body.

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The heating unit (21) can be any one of a heat cable, a hot liquid pipe, or a hot gas pipe.

8. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The device (1) includes a first actuator (22) for activating the heating unit (21) and a second actuator (23) for activating the pneumatic flow.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The second actuator (23) is actuated by inserting the nozzle (2) into the first member (12).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The device (1) further includes a mechanism for locking the nozzle (2) in the first member (12), and wherein the device (1) includes a computer device for running a predetermined program to dry the nozzle (2), and wherein the nozzle (2) is released once the program is completed.

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first component (12) is an opening.

12. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The device (1) is also adapted to heat the nozzle (2).

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The channel (30) is at least twice the length of the shortest distance (L1) between the pneumatic inlet (31) and the pneumatic outlet (32).

14. The apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The channel (30) is at least three times the length of the shortest distance (L1) between the pneumatic inlet (31) and the pneumatic outlet (32).

15. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The heat accumulator (14) is a solid metal body.

16. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The heat storage device (14) is made of a metallic material with sufficiently high thermal inertia to allow it to function as a heat storage device.

17. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The heat storage device (14) is made of any of the following materials: aluminum, iron and stainless steel.

18. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The heat storage device (14) is made of cast metal.

19. A method for drying a nozzle (2) for liquefied gas using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The method includes the following steps: - Insert the nozzle (2) into the first component (12); - Actuate the second actuator (23) to initiate the pneumatic flow; - Remove the nozzle (2).

20. The method for drying a nozzle (2) for liquefied gas according to claim 19, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: - Lock the nozzle (2) to the device (1); - Start a predetermined drying procedure, in which the nozzle (2) is dried; - When the predetermined drying process is completed, the nozzle (2) is unlocked from the device (1).

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