A joint fitting for connecting hydrogen delivery flexible pipe

Abstract

This invention discloses a connector fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, comprising: an inner shell, the outer portion of which has a C-shaped cross-section, including a first vertical arm and a fifth vertical arm arranged in parallel, and a first horizontal arm connecting the two; an outer shell, the outer portion of which also has a C-shaped cross-section, including a sixth vertical arm and a seventh vertical arm arranged in parallel, and a second horizontal arm connecting the two; the outer shell is fitted over the inner shell; a connector, disposed inside the inner and outer shells, the outer portion of which has an I-shaped cross-section, including an eighth vertical arm, a third horizontal arm, and a fourth horizontal arm; the outer protective layer of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline extends into and is securely connected to the expansion space formed by the eighth vertical arm, the third horizontal arm, and the fourth horizontal arm. This invention, during flexible hose installation and hydrogen transport, can meet the requirements of sealing and molding of polymer materials, as well as improving the pipeline's fatigue and corrosion resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new energy development and utilization technology, and more particularly to a connector fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of the current energy transition and carbon emission reduction, hydrogen is a high-energy-density fuel whose only byproduct upon combustion is water, posing no additional pollution to the environment. Furthermore, hydrogen can be used for energy storage, industrial applications, and as a feedstock in chemical reactions. The importance of pipeline hydrogen transportation as a clean energy source is self-evident.

[0003] The advantages of using flexible hydrogen delivery hoses for hydrogen transportation are strong adaptability to different terrains, good corrosion resistance in various corrosive media, rapid laying speed during operation, and recyclability.

[0004] The fittings for flexible hydrogen transport hoses can connect two sections of flexible hydrogen transport hoses together and can be used in different working conditions such as marine and onshore environments. However, the fittings have a complex structure and many components, and have high requirements for connection and sealing performance.

[0005] Currently, flexible hydrogen delivery hoses and traditional flexible hose fittings have the following problems in practical applications:

[0006] ① Traditional flexible hose connectors typically have epoxy resin or other composite materials poured into the cavity to bond and fix the flexible hose to the connector. However, as the equipment is used for a long time, epoxy resin may age and crack, which seriously affects its adhesion performance and can easily lead to separation between the hydrogen transport flexible hose and the connector, causing safety accidents.

[0007] ② In marine hydrogen transportation applications, pipelines are subjected to large axial loads. Traditional flexible hose joints are prone to separation at the connection with the hydrogen transportation flexible hose. Furthermore, under the influence of ocean wind, waves, and currents, the connection is prone to fatigue failure or even breakage, which seriously affects the service life of the pipeline.

[0008] ③ The connection between traditional flexible hose connectors and hydrogen delivery flexible hoses is prone to leakage of the transported medium. Since hydrogen is flammable and explosive with a wide explosion limit range, it is highly dangerous. Once a hydrogen leak occurs, it will cause a major safety accident and result in a large amount of economic loss.

[0009] ④ Traditional flexible hose joints generally do not have gas leak detection devices. If leaks are not detected and measures are not taken in time during pipeline operation, on-site explosion accidents can easily occur, posing serious safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention provides a fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, designed to meet the requirements of polymer material sealing during hose adaptation and hydrogen transport, as well as improving the pipeline's fatigue and corrosion resistance.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0012] A fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, suitable for connecting two sections of flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, the fitting includes: an inner shell, which is an annular shell structure, with a "C"-shaped cross-section on the outer portion of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline, including a first vertical arm and a fifth vertical arm arranged in parallel and a first horizontal arm connecting the two into one; an outer shell, also an annular shell structure, with a "C"-shaped cross-section on the outer portion of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline, including a sixth vertical arm and a seventh vertical arm arranged in parallel and a second horizontal arm connecting the two into one, the outer shell being fitted over the inner shell and its two ends being fixedly connected to the inner shell by pressure rings; a connector, disposed inside the inner shell and the outer shell, with an "I"-shaped cross-section on the outer portion of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline, including an eighth vertical arm, a third horizontal arm, and a fourth horizontal arm; the outer protective layers of the two sections of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline respectively extend into and are securely connected to the two expansion spaces formed by the eighth vertical arm, the third horizontal arm, and the fourth horizontal arm.

[0013] Preferably, the connector further includes a wedge-shaped member, and the expansion space is bottle-shaped. The end of the outer protective layer is provided with a V-shaped opening that matches the shape and size of the wedge-shaped member. After the V-shaped opening of the outer protective layer is connected to the wedge-shaped member, it extends into the expansion space. The upper and lower parts of the outer protective layer fill and confine the expansion space through the expansion effect and interference fit.

[0014] Preferably, an aluminum layer is wound and installed on the outer protective layer of the two sections of the flexible hydrogen transport pipe and on the outer side of the fourth cross arm of the connector through an adhesive layer; and / or,

[0015] An outer mating layer is provided between the pressure ring and the aluminum layer. The outer mating layer is made of aramid fiber tape wound together and is bonded to the aluminum layer by an adhesive.

[0016] Preferably, a second vertical arm, a third vertical arm, and a fourth vertical arm are formed inside the inner shell, wherein the second vertical arm and the fourth vertical arm act perpendicularly to the connection between the connector and the outer protective layer of the two sections of the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline, and the third vertical arm acts perpendicularly to the eighth vertical arm position of the connector.

[0017] Preferably, a pressure member is provided in the cavity between the second vertical arm and the third vertical arm and between the fourth vertical arm and the third vertical arm, and the pressure member is in contact with the outer side of the aluminum layer.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the third cross arm of the connector is less than the thickness of the fourth cross arm, and the two ends of the third cross arm are streamlined.

[0019] Preferably, an optical fiber detector is installed on the pressure ring for real-time monitoring of leaked gas.

[0020] Preferably, an arc-shaped protrusion is formed on the outer side of the lower end of the first and second vertical arms of the inner shell, and an arc-shaped groove is formed on the inner side of the lower end of the sixth and seventh vertical arms of the outer shell. The inner shell and the outer shell are assembled by the arc-shaped protrusion and the arc-shaped groove.

[0021] Preferably, a labyrinth sealing device is provided in the cavity between the first and second vertical arms and between the second and fourth vertical arms, and the lower end of each labyrinth sealing device is provided with an alternating tooth-like structure of long and short teeth; and / or,

[0022] A spring receiving cavity is formed on the first cross arm of the inner shell, and a spring is arranged in the spring receiving cavity. The upper end of the labyrinth sealing device abuts against the spring through a top rod.

[0023] Preferably, the inner shell, outer shell, and connectors are all made of carbon fiber composite material.

[0024] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0025] 1. When the connector provided by the present invention is connected to the flexible hydrogen delivery hose, the end of the outer protective layer of the flexible hydrogen delivery hose is fitted with the wedge-shaped part. Through interference fit and expansion effect, the two sections of the flexible hydrogen delivery hose are connected together. The connection method is simple, the structure is stable, and the construction is convenient.

[0026] 2. The two ends of the outer shell of the connector accessory provided by the present invention are connected and fixed by a clamping ring and a groove. The clamping ring, together with the clamping ring, makes the axial connection between the connector accessory and the hydrogen delivery flexible hose stable and prevents structural failure.

[0027] 3. The inner shell and outer shell of the connector fitting provided by the present invention are connected and fixed. The inner shell has five vertical arms, which provide clamping force to the joint connection in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a pressure ring is placed in the middle of the vertical arms to further improve the stability of the joint and make the structure more robust.

[0028] 4. The inner shell gap of the connector fitting provided by the present invention adopts a labyrinth seal, which makes the connection of the connector fitting more secure while ensuring the sealing performance of the connector fitting.

[0029] 5. The connector fittings provided by this invention are equipped with fiber optic detectors for detecting hydrogen leaks, providing early warning of hydrogen leaks and greatly improving the safety of production operations.

[0030] 6. Except for the aluminum layer, all components of this invention are made of non-metallic carbon fiber composite materials, which greatly reduces the occurrence of hydrogen embrittlement. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is an external view of the connector fitting provided in an embodiment of the present invention when connected to a flexible hydrogen delivery hose;

[0033] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connector fitting provided in an embodiment of the present invention when connected to a flexible hydrogen delivery hose;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the inner shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the outer shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention when connected to a flexible hydrogen delivery hose;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wedge-shaped body after it enters the expansion space of the connector, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0045] The present invention provides a connector fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, comprising: an inner shell, the outer portion of which has a C-shaped cross-section, including a first vertical arm and a fifth vertical arm arranged in parallel, and a first horizontal arm connecting the two; an outer shell, the outer portion of which also has a C-shaped cross-section, including a sixth vertical arm and a seventh vertical arm arranged in parallel, and a second horizontal arm connecting the two; the outer shell is fitted over the inner shell; a connector, disposed inside the inner and outer shells, the outer portion of which has an I-shaped cross-section, including an eighth vertical arm, a third horizontal arm, and a fourth horizontal arm; the outer protective layer of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline extends into and is securely connected to the expansion space formed by the eighth vertical arm, the third horizontal arm, and the fourth horizontal arm. This invention, during flexible hose installation and hydrogen transport, can meet the requirements of sealing and molding of polymer materials, as well as improving the pipeline's fatigue and corrosion resistance.

[0046] The following is a detailed description of the connector fittings for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines provided in the embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The connector fitting provided by the present invention is suitable for connecting two sections of flexible hydrogen transport pipeline 100. The connector fitting mainly includes an inner shell 1, an outer shell 2 and a connector 3.

[0048] Please see Figure 3 The inner shell 1 is an annular shell structure. The cross-section of the part located outside the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 is "C" shaped, including the first vertical arm 5 and the fifth vertical arm 6 arranged in parallel and the first horizontal arm 4 connecting the two into one.

[0049] Please see Figure 4The outer shell 2 is also a ring-shaped shell structure. The cross-section of the part located outside the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 is also "C" shaped, including the sixth vertical arm 24 and the seventh vertical arm 23 arranged in parallel and the second horizontal arm 25 connecting the two into one; the outer shell 2 is fitted outside the inner shell 1 and is fixedly connected by the left pressure ring 26 and the right pressure ring 38.

[0050] Please see Figure 4 The connector 3 is located inside the inner shell 1 and the outer shell 2. The cross-section of the part located outside the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 is shaped like an "I" and includes an eighth vertical arm 31, a third horizontal arm 30 and a fourth horizontal arm 32. The first outer protective layer 28 of the left hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 extends into and terminates in the first expansion space 45 formed by the eighth vertical arm 31, the third horizontal arm 30 and the fourth horizontal arm 32. The second outer protective layer 42 of the right hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 extends into and terminates in the second expansion space 46 formed by the eighth vertical arm 31, the third horizontal arm 30 and the fourth horizontal arm 32.

[0051] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 7 The connector 3 also includes a first wedge 33 and a second wedge 49, and both the first expansion space 45 and the second expansion space 46 are bottle-shaped. The ends of the first outer protective layer 28 and the second outer protective layer 42 are provided with V-shaped openings that match the shape and size of the first wedge 33 and the second wedge 49. After the V-shaped opening of the first outer protective layer 28 is connected to the first wedge 33, it extends into the first expansion space 45. The upper part 34 and the lower part 35 of the first outer protective layer 28 fill and confine the first expansion space 45 through the expansion effect and interference fit. After the V-shaped opening of the second outer protective layer 42 is connected to the second wedge 49, it extends into the second expansion space 46. The upper part 47 and the lower part 48 of the second outer protective layer 42 fill and confine the second expansion space 46 through the expansion effect and interference fit. Thus, the two sections of the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 are tightly connected.

[0052] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 Inside the inner shell 1, a second vertical arm 20, a third vertical arm 7, and a fourth vertical arm 21 are formed. The second vertical arm 20 and the fourth vertical arm 21 act perpendicularly to the connection points between the connector 3 and the first outer protective layer 28 and the second outer protective layer 42 of the two sections of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline 100, respectively. The third vertical arm 7 acts perpendicularly to the eighth vertical arm 31 of the connector 3. These three elements can stabilize the connection between the connector 3 and the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline 100. Simultaneously, a pressure member 22 is provided in the cavities between the second vertical arm 20 and the third vertical arm 7, and between the fourth vertical arm 21 and the third vertical arm 7. The pressure member 22 contacts the outer side of the aluminum layer 27 and acts as a clamping force, improving the stability of the connector connection.

[0053] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 6 To avoid excessive diameter changes that could affect the normal flow of gas in the pipeline, the thickness of the third cross arm 30 of the connector 3 is less than that of the fourth cross arm 32. Furthermore, to prevent gas from accumulating at the lower end of the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline 100 and the connector 3, the two ends of the third cross arm 30 are designed to be streamlined, thus maximizing the stability of gas flow.

[0054] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 An aluminum layer 27 is wound and installed on the outside of the first outer protective layer 28, the second outer protective layer 42, and the fourth cross arm 32 of the connector 3 through adhesive layers 40 and 41, thereby providing good sealing performance at the connection between the connector fitting and the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline 100. Meanwhile, a left outer mating layer 29 and a right outer mating layer 55 are respectively provided between the left pressure ring 26 and the right pressure ring 38 and the aluminum layer 27. The left outer mating layer 29 and the right outer mating layer 55 are made of aramid fiber tape and are bonded to the aluminum layer 27 with adhesive to ensure the stability and convenience of installation of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline 100 and the connector fitting.

[0055] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 2 A left fiber optic detector 36 and a right fiber optic detector 53 are installed on the left pressure ring 26 and the right pressure ring 38, respectively, for real-time monitoring of leaked gas.

[0056] In the above embodiments, preferably, please continue to refer to... Figure 2 A left arc-shaped protrusion 18 and a right arc-shaped protrusion 19 are formed on the outer side of the lower end of the first vertical arm 5 and the second vertical arm 6 of the inner shell 1. At the same time, an arc-shaped groove is formed on the inner side of the lower end of the sixth vertical arm 24 and the seventh vertical arm 23 of the outer shell 2. Thus, the stability of the connector fitting is further ensured by the cooperation between the left arc-shaped protrusion 18 and the right arc-shaped protrusion 19 and the two arc-shaped grooves.

[0057] In the above embodiments, preferably, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3A left labyrinth sealing device 16 and a right labyrinth sealing device 17 are respectively installed in the cavities between the first vertical arm 5 and the second vertical arm 20, and between the second vertical arm 6 and the fourth vertical arm 21. The lower ends of the left labyrinth sealing device 16 and the right labyrinth sealing device 17 are both set with alternating long and short tooth-like structures to seal any possible leakage of hydrogen gas and prevent leakage and seepage of fluid inside the pipe. At the same time, a left spring receiving cavity 10 and a right spring receiving cavity 11 are formed on the first horizontal arm 4 of the inner shell 1. A left spring 8 and a right spring 9 are respectively arranged in the left spring receiving cavity 10 and the right spring receiving cavity 11. The upper ends of the left labyrinth sealing device 16 and the right labyrinth sealing device 17 abut against the left spring 8 and the right spring 9 through the left push rod 14 and the right push rod 15, respectively, which facilitates the installation of the labyrinth sealing device.

[0058] In the above embodiments, preferably, the inner shell 1, the outer shell 2 and the connector 3 are all made of carbon fiber composite material, and the metal material of the connector fittings only contains the aluminum layer 27. Since aluminum has good hydrogen barrier properties, this design can greatly avoid hydrogen embrittlement at the connector fittings.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fitting for connecting flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, suitable for connecting two sections of flexible hydrogen transport pipelines, characterized in that, The connector fitting includes: The inner shell is a ring-shaped shell structure. The cross-section of the part located outside the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline is "C"-shaped, including a first vertical arm and a fifth vertical arm arranged in parallel and a first horizontal arm connecting the two into one. The outer shell, also a ring-shaped shell structure, has a "C"-shaped cross-section on the outer part of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline. It includes a sixth vertical arm and a seventh vertical arm arranged in parallel and a second horizontal arm connecting the two into one. The outer shell is fitted outside the inner shell and its two ends are fixedly connected to the inner shell through pressure rings. The connector is located inside the inner shell and the outer shell. Its cross-section on the outer part of the hydrogen transport flexible pipe is shaped like an "I" and includes an eighth vertical arm, a third horizontal arm and a fourth horizontal arm. The outer protective layers of the two sections of the hydrogen transport flexible pipe extend into and are fastened to the two expansion spaces formed by the eighth vertical arm, the third horizontal arm and the fourth horizontal arm. The connector also includes a wedge-shaped member, and the expansion space is bottle-shaped. The end of the outer protective layer is provided with a V-shaped opening that matches the shape and size of the wedge-shaped member. After the V-shaped opening of the outer protective layer is connected to the wedge-shaped member, it extends into the expansion space. The upper and lower parts of the outer protective layer fill and confine the expansion space through the expansion effect and interference fit. A labyrinth sealing device is provided in the cavity between the first and second vertical arms and between the second and fourth vertical arms. The lower end of each labyrinth sealing device is provided with an alternating long and short tooth-like structure; and / or, A spring receiving cavity is formed on the first cross arm of the inner shell, and a spring is arranged in the spring receiving cavity. The upper end of the labyrinth sealing device abuts against the spring through a top rod.

2. The connector fitting according to claim 1, characterized in that, An aluminum layer is wound and installed on the outer protective layer of the two sections of the flexible hydrogen transport pipeline and on the outer side of the fourth cross arm of the connector through an adhesive layer; and / or, An outer mating layer is provided between the pressure ring and the aluminum layer. The outer mating layer is made of aramid fiber tape wound together and is bonded to the aluminum layer by an adhesive.

3. The connector fitting according to claim 2, characterized in that, Inside the inner shell, a second vertical arm, a third vertical arm, and a fourth vertical arm are formed. The second and fourth vertical arms act perpendicularly to the connection between the connector and the outer protective layer of the two sections of the hydrogen transport flexible pipeline, respectively. The third vertical arm acts perpendicularly to the eighth vertical arm position of the connector.

4. The connector fitting according to claim 3, characterized in that, A pressure member is provided in the cavity between the second and third vertical arms and between the fourth and third vertical arms, and the pressure member is in contact with the outer side of the aluminum layer.

5. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the third cross arm of the connector is less than the thickness of the fourth cross arm, and the two ends of the third cross arm are streamlined.

6. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An optical fiber detector is installed on the pressure ring for real-time monitoring of leaked gas.

7. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An arc-shaped protrusion is formed on the outer side of the lower end of the first and second vertical arms of the inner shell, while an arc-shaped groove is formed on the inner side of the lower end of the sixth and seventh vertical arms of the outer shell. The inner shell and the outer shell are assembled by the arc-shaped protrusion and the arc-shaped groove.

8. The connector fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The inner shell, outer shell, and connectors are all made of carbon fiber composite material.

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