A combination hub for cryogenic coupling and assembly comprising such combination hub

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combination hub for receiving a cryogenic coupling for filling between two uses, the combination hub (1) comprising a tubular sleeve (2) having an inlet (5) and a bottom (4) and defining a tubular housing configured to receive a coupling (3) of substantially cylindrical shape, the tubular sleeve (2) being thermally insulated, and in the use configuration, the bottom (4) is located above its inlet (5) such that in the stowed position in which the coupler is located in the socket, the end of the coupler (3) remains above in the tubular sleeve. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a fluid transfer line (13) provided with a fluid coupling (3) and the above socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a socket for receiving a cryogenic coupling and an assembly comprising such a socket and a cryogenic coupling.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic coupling for refilling between uses, the receptacle comprising a tubular sleeve having an inlet and a bottom and defining a tubular housing configured to house a generally cylindrical coupling in a gas-tight manner. Background Art

[0003] In order to shorten the duration of the stages of connecting and disconnecting hoses conveying cryogenic fluids (LNG, LH2, etc.), quick-connect type couplings (or nozzles) are used.

[0004] These technologies enable self-sealing of the coupling ends, which reduces the need for purging / washing and heating relative to traditional "Johnston" type couplings.

[0005] This technology enables, in particular, cold disconnection of the coupling. After disconnection, the coupling is cold, which often leads to the accumulation of ice (in the case of hydrogen, condensation of the air around the coupling). This ice must be drained to prevent it from accumulating in the dead volume of the coupling (which could cause leaks or ice accumulation when using the hose).

[0006] If the duration between two filling operations is too long (especially at night), the heat input to the hose requires heating the hose to limit the pressure increase. This requires cooling the hose again before the next use. This prolongs the duration of the fluid transfer.

[0007] In certain configurations, reducing the duration of the filling operation is a critical issue.

[0008] In most fuel filling stations, the hose is equipped with a coupling or gun with a socket for stowing between different filling operations.

[0009] For cold or cryogenic fluids, it is known to clean the coupling after use to remove ice deposits that form.It is noteworthy that this cleaning can be achieved directly in the socket by blowing dry air when the socket is stowed.

[0010] Documents WO21093985A1, FR3104671A1 and US20180354778A1 describe sockets for cryogenic connectors, but they do not fully meet the requirements for use.

[0011] Therefore, the need for heating / drying before each filling operation becomes crucial to avoid ice deposition. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] To this end, the essential feature of the socket according to the invention, which is otherwise consistent with the general definition given in the above introduction, is that the socket also comprises a drying module, which is provided with a removable attachment member at the end of the tubular sleeve defining the bottom, that is, the drying module can be placed in a first position attached to the end of the sleeve and in a second position detached from the sleeve, the drying module comprising a circulation channel for circulating a flow of drying gas, the bottom of the sleeve comprising an air inlet valve, which is configured to be connected to the circulation channel when the drying module is in its first position and to allow the flow of drying gas to enter the sleeve, the socket having a sealing assembly, which is configured to cooperate with the coupling and to isolate the internal volume of the sleeve from the outside of the sleeve.

[0014] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features:

[0015] -The intake valve is a check valve;

[0016] the sleeve comprises a vent valve configured to vent any excess pressure in the sleeve, the vent valve being, for example, a non-return valve;

[0017] - a drying module comprising heating means such as a resistor and a source of pressurized drying gas or an end portion intended to be connected to a heated source of pressurized drying gas;

[0018] The tubular sleeve is thermally insulating, for example having a double-walled structure with vacuum insulation between the walls;

[0019] The receptacle has a locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the coupling and removably retain the coupling in the sleeve;

[0020] The socket has a detector for detecting the presence of a coupling in the bushing and / or a temperature sensor in the bushing;

[0021] The socket has a system for evacuating the internal volume of the sleeve.

[0022] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a fluid transmission line provided with a fluid coupling and a socket according to any of the above or following features, the assembly comprising an O-ring seal assembly provided at the inlet of the sleeve and / or provided on the coupling.

[0023] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features falling within the scope of the claims.

[0024] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent from a reading of the following description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a socket in a first configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aforementioned socket in a second configuration;

[0028] Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aforementioned socket when it is in the third configuration.

[0029] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. Although the description relates to one or more embodiments, it does not mean that these features only apply to a single embodiment. The individual features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0031] The illustrated socket 1 is configured to receive a cryogenic coupling 3 for refilling between uses. This coupling 3 (sometimes called a nozzle or gun) has an overall shape, for example cylindrical, and is located at one end of a flexible tube 13 for conveying cryogenic fluid. This coupling 3 has at least one valve 14, in particular a self-closing valve, shown schematically.

[0032] The socket 1 comprises a body in the form of a tubular sleeve 2. The sleeve has an inlet 5 and a bottom 4 and defines a tubular housing configured to house a coupling 3.

[0033] The sleeve 2 is preferably formed by a thermally insulating wall.

[0034] In the use configuration, the bottom 4 can be positioned above its inlet 5 so that the terminal end of the coupling 3 remains oriented upwards in the position stored in the socket 1 .

[0035] The socket 1 further comprises a drying module 9 provided with a removable attachment member 10 at the end defining the bottom 4 of the tubular sleeve 2, that is, the drying module 9 can be arranged in a first position, attached to the end of the sleeve 2, and in a second position, detached from the sleeve 2. For example, the attachment member 10 may comprise a hook system and / or an attachment system by elastic deformation.

[0036] The drying module 9 comprises a circulation channel 12 for circulating a drying gas flow, which opens at the end of the drying module 9 .

[0037] The drying module 9 comprises, for example, heating means, such as an electrical resistor, and a source of pressurized drying gas, or an end intended to be connected to a source of pressurized drying gas, preferably heated.

[0038] The bottom 4 of the sleeve 2 comprises an air inlet valve 7 which is configured to connect with the circulation channel 12 and allow the flow of drying gas into the sleeve 2 when the drying module 9 is in its first position (see Figure 1 ).

[0039] As shown, the sleeve 2 also preferably includes a vent valve 8 configured to vent any excess pressure in the sleeve 2 .

[0040] The inlet valve 7 and / or the exhaust valve 8 may be a check valve, for example a valve that opens according to a pressure difference experienced by its ends.

[0041] In particular, the proposed architecture allows heating / drying of the coupling 3 while maintaining its isolation from the external environment during its movement. This helps to minimize ice formation and thus the possibility of seal leakage.

[0042] The socket has a heating / drying mechanism and a sleeve 2 forming a removable airtight cover making it possible to keep the coupling isolated from and protect it from the external environment during its movement phases.

[0043] The drying module 9 makes it possible to heat and / or dry the coupling 3 in the sleeve 2 .

[0044] This drying can be ensured by the circulation of a drying gas (for example air or nitrogen). The sleeve 2 makes it possible to isolate the coupling 3 from the external environment. The sleeve can be mechanically connected to a drying module 9 so as to allow the coupling 3 to be heated.

[0045] The sleeve 2 is preferably gas-tight, as is its mechanical connection to the coupling 3 .

[0046] The assembly of the sleeve 2 and the drying module 9 can be oriented in such a way as to facilitate the drainage of water and ensure that droplets and crystals ejected during the de-icing process do not accumulate near the valve 14 of the coupling.

[0047] For example, the sleeve 2 may be oriented in any orientation, but preferred orientations would be 60° to 30° (end with base 4 down) and -30° to -90° (end with base 4 up).

[0048] Likewise, the inlet 7 and outlet 8 for the drying gas may be positioned in such a way as to optimize heating / drying.

[0049] A usage example may include all or some of the following steps.

[0050] After the coupling has been used (eg to fill a tank), the coupling 3 is disconnected from the tank being filled.

[0051] The sleeve 2 is placed onto the coupling 3 (or the coupling is introduced into the sleeve 2). The sleeve 2 is mechanically connected to the coupling 3 in an airtight manner. This is preferably achieved with a tightness determined relative to the external environment in order to ensure protection from moisture.

[0052] The assembly comprising the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 can be moved towards the drying module 9 (or vice versa) while being protected from the external environment.

[0053] The assembly comprising the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 is mechanically connected to the drying module 9 .

[0054] After a potential mechanical lock 10 between the sleeve 2 and the drying module 9, drying gas can be circulated in order to purge the coupling 3 in the sleeve 2. This makes it possible to remove any ice that has already accumulated. This purge can be triggered manually and / or by detecting the connection and / or after the coupling 3 has cooled, that is, before (or after) the next filling operation.

[0055] This purging with gas can be carried out for a predetermined duration, for example in the range of 2 minutes to 120 minutes, and / or depending on the reaching of a predetermined temperature threshold value, for example in the range of 0 to -70° C. A temperature probe can be installed in the sleeve 2 to determine the end of de-icing (and the start of vacuum application, if appropriate).

[0056] When the purging / sweeping with gas is interrupted, the coupling 3 is ready for the next filling operation.

[0057] Before the next filling operation, the coupling 3, provided integrally with its sleeve 2, can be separated from the drying module 9 and moved towards the tank to be filled, while being protected from the external environment by the sleeve 2. During this step, the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 remain fixed to each other, but are separated from the drying module 9.

[0058] In the vicinity of the tank to be filled, the sleeve 2 can be removed from the coupling 3 and the coupling 3 can be connected to the tank to be filled.

[0059] The drying gas may be nitrogen, dry air, helium, or any other suitable gas or mixture.

[0060] The drying gas may be preheated to accelerate drying (in module 9 or upstream). Heating may be achieved by conduction and / or circulation of the gas.

[0061] It is conceivable to make the heating means and the sleeve 2 integral / integrated / formed in one piece.

[0062] The sleeve may be placed under vacuum.

[0063] The sleeve 2 may have a double-walled structure for thermal insulation. The insulation may comprise a vacuum (with multiple layers of insulation and / or foam, silica, etc.) or no vacuum (foam, fiberglass, etc.). The inter-wall space may or may not be in communication with the interior space of the sleeve 2. In the case of communication, this allows both volumes to be placed under vacuum together during use.

[0064] The outer surface of the inner wall of the double wall (the surface facing the space between the walls) can be coated or have a specific surface condition of reflectivity that limits the input of heat by radiation.

[0065] The detection of the location of the coupling 3 in the sleeve 2 can be performed optically and / or mechanically and / or inductively.

[0066] A collector may be provided to facilitate the management and discharge of water recovered at the bottom of the sleeve 2.

[0067] Therefore, the socket has a sleeve 2 which forms a removable, preferably airtight cover which minimizes ice and thus minimizes the possibility of leaks in the valve 14 seal or ice entering the line / tank.

[0068] The invention is particularly advantageous for use in stations for filling liquid hydrogen tanks (cars, trucks, aircraft, ships) in order to minimize the time between two consecutive filling operations and to limit leaks due to ice.

[0069] This configuration is particularly advantageous for (ship-type) filling plants in which the distance between the station's receptacle and the tank to be filled is relatively large.

Claims

1. A socket for receiving a cryogenic coupling (3) for refilling between uses, the socket (1) comprising a tubular sleeve (2) having an inlet (5) and a bottom (4) and defining a tubular housing configured to accommodate a coupling (3) of substantially cylindrical shape in an airtight manner, the socket (1) further comprising a drying module (9) provided with a removable attachment member (10) at the end of the tubular sleeve (2) defining the bottom (4), that is, the drying module (9) can be placed attached to the sleeve The invention relates to a first position at the end of the sleeve (2) and a second position separated from the sleeve (2), the drying module (9) comprising a circulation channel (12) for circulating a drying gas flow, the bottom (4) of the sleeve (2) comprising an air inlet valve (7), the air inlet valve being configured to be connected to the circulation channel (12) when the drying module (9) is in its first position and to allow the drying gas flow to enter the sleeve (2), the socket having a sealing assembly (6), the sealing assembly being configured to cooperate with the coupling (3) and to isolate the internal volume of the sleeve from the outside of the sleeve (2).

2. The socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet valve (7) is a check valve.

3. The socket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sleeve (2) comprises a vent valve (8) configured to vent any overpressure in the sleeve (2), the vent valve (8) being, for example, a non-return valve.

4. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drying module (9) comprises a heating member, such as a resistor, and a source of pressurized drying gas or an end portion intended to be connected to a heated source of pressurized drying gas.

5. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The tubular sleeve (2) is thermally insulating, for example having a double-wall structure with vacuum insulation between the walls.

6. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The socket has a locking mechanism (12) configured to cooperate with the coupling (3) and removably block the coupling (3) in the sleeve (2).

7. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The socket has a detector (12) for detecting the presence of the coupling in the bushing (2) and / or a temperature sensor in the bushing (2).

8. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The socket has a system for placing the inner volume of the sleeve (2) under vacuum.

9. An assembly comprising a fluid transmission pipeline (13) provided with a fluid coupling (3) and a socket according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The assembly comprises an O-ring seal assembly (6) arranged at the inlet (5) of the sleeve and / or arranged on the coupling (3).

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