Piping device and control method for piping device

Abstract

A piping device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure connects a liquefied gas tank for storing liquefied gas and a related device, the piping device comprising: a first piping having a first expansion joint capable of expanding and contracting according to an external force, and having a second expansion joint capable of expanding and contracting according to an external force; a first pipe that conveys a cryogenic fluid from the liquefied gas tank to the associated device or from the associated device to the liquefied gas tank, the cryogenic fluid being liquefied gas or gasified gas obtained by gasifying the liquefied gas; and a second pipe having a second expansion joint capable of expanding and contracting according to an external force, the second pipe being provided in parallel with the first pipe and conveying the same cryogenic fluid in the same direction as the first pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a piping device and a method for controlling the piping device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tank for storing liquefied hydrogen and a hydrogen pipe connected to the tank for conveying the liquefied hydrogen.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-103902 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] A liquefied gas tank storing low-temperature liquefied gas such as liquefied hydrogen expands or contracts depending on the amount of liquefied gas stored and the outside temperature. The liquefied gas tank is displaced relative to other equipment outside the liquefied gas tank as it expands and contracts. Therefore, the piping equipment connecting the liquefied gas tank and related equipment has an expansion joint that can expand and contract so that the displacement can be absorbed. However, the expansion joint is thinner than other parts of the piping equipment and may be damaged. If the expansion joint is damaged, the transportation of the liquefied gas must be stopped until the expansion joint is repaired. In addition, the piping equipment connecting the liquefied gas tank and related equipment sometimes transports not only liquefied gas, but also gasified gas after the liquefied gas is vaporized. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned liquefied gas and liquefied gas are collectively referred to as "cryogenic fluid".

[0008] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a piping device that connects a liquefied gas tank and related equipment and that can continue to transport a cryogenic fluid even if an expansion joint is damaged.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] A piping device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a piping device that connects a liquefied gas tank storing liquefied gas and related equipment, wherein the piping device comprises: a first piping having a first expansion joint that can expand and contract according to an external force, the first piping transporting a cryogenic fluid from the liquefied gas tank to the related equipment or from the related equipment to the liquefied gas tank, the cryogenic fluid being liquefied gas or gasified gas after liquefied gas is vaporized; and a second piping having a second expansion joint that can expand and contract according to an external force, the second piping being arranged in parallel with the first piping and transporting the same cryogenic fluid in the same direction as the first piping.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to this configuration, even if the first expansion joint or the second expansion joint is damaged, the cryogenic fluid can be continuously transported. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the piping equipment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the piping equipment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the electrical system of the piping equipment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of the monitoring program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] (Overview of piping equipment)

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic side view of the piping device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the piping equipment 100 of the embodiment is an equipment that connects a liquefied gas tank 101 and related equipment 102 .

[0019] The liquefied gas tank 101 is a tank for storing liquefied gas. The liquefied gas stored in the liquefied gas tank 101 is, for example, liquefied hydrogen, but is not limited thereto. The liquefied gas tank 101 of the present embodiment is carried on a liquefied gas transport ship 103. However, the liquefied gas tank 101 may not be carried on the liquefied gas transport ship 103, and may be set on the ground, for example. The upper part of the liquefied gas tank 101 of the present embodiment is located above the upper deck 104 of the liquefied gas transport ship 103. The liquefied gas tank 101 has a dome 105 at the top, and the piping equipment 100 is connected to the dome 105.

[0020] The associated equipment 102 is a device for exchanging cryogenic fluid with the liquefied gas tank 101. The associated equipment 102 of this embodiment is a manifold that gathers connection ports for connecting to ground equipment and other equipment. However, the associated equipment 102 is not limited to a manifold, and may be, for example, an engine that uses liquefied gas as fuel, or may be a device for re-liquefying the gasified gas after liquefied gas is gasified. In addition, the associated equipment 102 of this embodiment is set on the upper deck 104 of the liquefied gas transport ship 103, but may also be set inside the liquefied gas transport ship 103, or may be set on land.

[0021] The liquefied gas tank 101 expands or contracts according to the amount of liquefied gas stored and the outside temperature. Therefore, the liquefied gas tank 101 is displaced relative to the associated equipment 102. For example, the dome 105 of this embodiment is displaced up and down relative to the associated equipment 102. Therefore, the piping equipment 100 has the pipes 10 and 20 including the expansion joints 11 and 21 that can expand and contract so as to absorb the displacement. The details of the piping equipment 100 will be described later.

[0022] (Overall structure of piping equipment)

[0023] Next, the overall structure of the piping equipment 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 1 is a schematic top view of the piping equipment 100. The piping equipment 100 includes a first piping 10, a second piping 20, a tank-side common piping 30, a related equipment-side common piping 40, and a drip tray 50 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). Hereinafter, these components and components related to these components will be described in turn.

[0024] <First piping>

[0025] The first pipe 10 has a first expansion joint 11, and the first pipe 10 is a pipe for transporting a cryogenic fluid from a liquefied gas tank 101 to an associated device 102 or from an associated device 102 to a liquefied gas tank 101. The first expansion joint 11 can expand and contract according to an external force, and is, for example, a bellows, a flexible hose, etc. The first pipe 10 of the present embodiment is a double-layer pipe, including a first inner pipe 12 and a first outer pipe 13 covering the first inner pipe 12. The cryogenic fluid passes through the first inner pipe 12, and a vacuum is maintained between the first inner pipe 12 and the first outer pipe 13, that is, the air pressure is lower than the external air pressure. By making the first pipe 10 a double-layer pipe, the temperature change of the cryogenic fluid passing through the first inner pipe 12 can be suppressed, and the surface temperature drop of the first pipe 10 can be suppressed.

[0026] In addition, since the first pipe 10 is a double-layer pipe, the first expansion joint 11 is also formed in a double layer accordingly. Specifically, the first expansion joint 11 includes: a first internal joint 14 that can be expanded and contracted, which is located in the first inner pipe 12; and a first external joint 15 that can be expanded and contracted, which is located in the first outer pipe 13 and covers the first internal joint 14. However, since the first internal joint 14 cannot be seen from the outside of the first pipe 10, damage to the first internal joint 14 cannot be confirmed by visual inspection.

[0027] The pair of first stop valves 16 are located upstream and downstream of the first internal joint 14 in the first inner tube 12. Hereinafter, the section of the first inner tube 12 between the pair of first stop valves 16 is referred to as "first stop section 17". By closing the pair of first stop valves 16, the first stop section 17 where the first internal joint 14 is located can be fluidically cut off.

[0028] The first pipe 10 is provided with a first thermometer 60. The first thermometer 60 measures the temperature between the first inner pipe 12 and the first outer pipe 13, that is, the first gap temperature. Assuming that the first inner pipe 12 is damaged and the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner pipe 12, the air between the first inner pipe 12 and the first outer pipe 13 is cooled by the cryogenic fluid, and the first gap temperature decreases. That is, by monitoring the first gap temperature, it is possible to determine whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner pipe 12.

[0029] The first gas supply pipe 61 is connected to the first cutoff section 17 of the first inner tube 12. The first gas supply pipe 61 can supply an inert gas to the first cutoff section 17. The first gas supply pipe 61 of the present embodiment is always connected to an inert gas tank storing an inert gas. However, the first gas supply pipe 61 may also be connected to an inert gas tank depending on the situation.

[0030] The first gas supply valve 62 is provided in the first gas supply pipe 61. By opening the first gas supply valve 62, the inert gas can be supplied to the first cutoff section 17. On the other hand, by closing the first gas supply valve 62, the supply of the inert gas to the first cutoff section 17 can be stopped.

[0031] The first cut-off section 17 of the first inner tube 12 is also connected to a first gas exhaust pipe 63. The first gas exhaust pipe 63 can exhaust the gas (gasified gas and inert gas) in the first cut-off section 17. The first gas exhaust pipe 63 of this embodiment is always connected to a processing device such as a vent mast that processes (also discharges) the gas. However, the first gas exhaust pipe 63 can also be connected to a processing device according to the situation.

[0032] The first gas discharge valve 64 is located in the first gas discharge pipe 63. By opening the first gas discharge valve 64, gas can be discharged from the first cutoff section 17. On the other hand, by closing the first gas discharge valve 64, discharge of gas from the first cutoff section 17 can be stopped.

[0033] The first safety pipe 65 is also connected to the first cutoff section 17 of the first inner tube 12. The first safety pipe 65 can discharge the gas (gasified gas and inert gas) in the first cutoff section 17. The first gas discharge pipe 63 is always connected to a processing device such as an exhaust mast that processes (also discharges) the gas.

[0034] The first safety valve 66 is located in the first safety pipe 65. The first safety valve 66 is configured to open when a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is applied. Thus, when the internal pressure of the first cutoff section 17 rises excessively, the first safety valve 66 opens and the internal pressure of the first cutoff section 17 decreases. As a result, the first inner tube 12 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0035] <Second piping>

[0036] The second pipe 20 is provided in parallel with the first pipe 10, and is a pipe that transports the same cryogenic fluid in the same direction as the first pipe 10. For example, when the first pipe 10 transports liquefied gas in the cryogenic fluid from the liquefied gas tank 101 to the associated device 102, the second pipe 20 also transports liquefied gas from the liquefied gas tank 101 to the associated device 102. In addition, for example, when the first pipe 10 transports gasified gas in the cryogenic fluid from the associated device 102 to the liquefied gas tank 101, the second pipe 20 also transports gasified gas from the associated device 102 to the liquefied gas tank 101. Figure 2 As shown, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 are symmetrically arranged with reference to the reference plane 99, and have a shape symmetrical with reference to the reference plane. In addition, the reference plane 99 in this embodiment is a vertical plane passing through the center of the liquefied gas tank 101. By configuring the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 in this way, the pipe resistances of the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 can be made equal.

[0037] The second pipe 20 has basically the same structure as the first pipe 10 . Figure 2 The second expansion joint 21, the second inner tube 22, the second outer tube 23, the second inner joint 24, the second outer joint 25, the second stop valve 26 and the second stop section 27 of the second piping 20 shown correspond to the first expansion joint 11, the first inner tube 12, the first outer tube 13, the first inner joint 14, the first outer joint 15, the first stop valve 16 and the first stop section 17 of the first piping 10, respectively, and therefore a description thereof is omitted here.

[0038] Similarly, the second thermometer 70, the second gas supply pipe 71, the second gas supply valve 72, the second gas discharge pipe 73, the second gas discharge valve 74, the second safety pipe 75, and the second safety valve 76 around the second pipe 20 correspond to the first thermometer 60, the first gas supply pipe 61, the first gas supply valve 62, the first gas discharge pipe 63, the first gas discharge valve 64, the first safety pipe 65, and the first safety valve 66 around the first pipe 10, respectively, and therefore, description thereof is omitted here. In addition, the second thermometer 70 measures the temperature between the second inner pipe 22 and the second outer pipe 23, that is, the second gap temperature.

[0039] <Common piping on the tank side>

[0040] The tank-side common pipe 30 is a pipe located between the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 and the liquefied gas tank 101. One end of the tank-side common pipe 30 is connected to the liquefied gas tank 101. In addition, the other end of the tank-side common pipe 30 is connected to both the end of the first pipe 10 on the liquefied gas tank 101 side and the end of the second pipe 20 on the liquefied gas tank 101 side.

[0041] More specifically, the tank-side common pipe 30 of the present embodiment includes a tank-side inner pipe 31 and a tank-side outer pipe 32 covering the tank-side inner pipe 31. One end of the tank-side inner pipe 31 is connected to the liquefied gas tank 101, and the other end is connected to both the first inner pipe 12 and the second inner pipe 22. In addition, one end of the tank-side outer pipe 32 is connected to the liquefied gas tank 101, and the other end is connected to both the first outer pipe 13 and the second outer pipe 23.

[0042] In this way, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 are connected to the liquefied gas tank 101 via the tank-side common pipe 30. Therefore, the piping equipment 100 of this embodiment can reduce the occupied area near the liquefied gas tank 101. However, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 may be directly connected to the liquefied gas tank 101 respectively without passing through the tank-side common pipe 30.

[0043] <Common piping for related equipment>

[0044] The associated device side common pipe 40 is a pipe located between the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 and the associated device 102. One end of the associated device side common pipe 40 is connected to both the end of the first pipe 10 on the associated device 102 side and the end of the second pipe 20 on the associated device 102 side. In addition, the other end of the associated device side common pipe 40 is connected to the associated device 102.

[0045] More specifically, the associated equipment side common piping 40 of the present embodiment includes an associated equipment side inner pipe 41 and an associated equipment side outer pipe 42 covering the associated equipment side inner pipe 41. One end of the associated equipment side inner pipe 41 is connected to both the first inner pipe 12 and the second inner pipe 22, and the other end is connected to the associated equipment 102. In addition, one end of the associated equipment side outer pipe 42 is connected to both the first outer pipe 13 and the second outer pipe 23, and the other end is connected to the associated equipment 102.

[0046] In this way, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 are connected to the related device 102 via the related device side common pipe 40. Therefore, the piping device 100 of this embodiment can reduce the occupied area near the related device 102. However, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 may be directly connected to the related device 102 respectively without passing through the related device side common pipe 40.

[0047] <Drip tray>

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the drip tray 50 is located vertically below the first expansion joint 11 and the second expansion joint 21. When each expansion joint 11, 21 is damaged, for example, when the first inner joint 14 or the second inner joint 24 is damaged, the air around the damaged part is cooled to generate liquid air. The drip tray 50 can receive the liquid air falling from the damaged part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid air from falling onto the upper deck 104 and causing the upper deck 104 to be deformed and damaged due to the temperature.

[0049] (Structure of the electrical system of piping equipment)

[0050] Next, the configuration of the electrical system of the piping equipment 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the piping device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the piping equipment 100 has a control device 90. The control device 90 has a processor, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, an I / O interface, etc. The nonvolatile memory of the control device 90 stores a monitoring program and various data described below, and the processor uses the volatile memory to perform calculations based on each program.

[0051] The control device 90 is connected to the first thermometer 60 and the second thermometer 70, and can obtain the first gap temperature and the second gap temperature respectively according to the signals received from these devices. In addition, the control device 90 is electrically connected to the first stop valve 16, the first gas supply valve 62, the first gas exhaust valve 64, the second stop valve 26, the second gas supply valve 72, and the second gas exhaust valve 74, and can open and close these valves by sending control signals to these valves.

[0052] The functions of the elements disclosed in this specification can be performed using circuits or processing circuits including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), existing circuits, and / or combinations thereof that are constructed or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. The processor includes transistors and other circuits and is therefore considered a processing circuit or circuit. In the present disclosure, a circuit, unit, or component is hardware that performs the listed functions, or hardware that is programmed to perform the listed functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed in this specification, or it may be other known hardware that is programmed or constructed to perform the listed functions. In the case where the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a circuit, the circuit, component, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used for the structure of the hardware and / or processor.

[0053] (Monitoring Program)

[0054] Next, the monitoring program of this embodiment will be described. The monitoring program is a program for monitoring leakage of the cryogenic fluid in the piping equipment 100 and taking appropriate measures. The monitoring program is executed by the control device 90. Figure 4 It is a flowchart of the monitoring program.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, when the monitoring program starts, first, the control device 90 obtains the first gap temperature and the second gap temperature (step S1 ). The first gap temperature and the second gap temperature can be obtained from the first thermometer 60 and the second thermometer 70 .

[0056] Next, the control device 90 determines whether the first gap temperature obtained in step S1 is lower than the first reference temperature (step S2). As described above, when the first inner tube 12 (particularly the first inner joint 14) is damaged and the cryogenic fluid leaks, the first gap temperature decreases. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the cryogenic fluid has leaked in the first inner tube 12 based on whether the first gap temperature is lower than the predetermined first reference temperature.

[0057] When the control device 90 determines in step S2 that the first gap temperature is lower than the first reference temperature ("Yes" in step S2), that is, when it is determined that leakage of the cryogenic fluid has occurred in the first inner tube 12, the pair of first stop valves 16 are closed (step S3). When leakage of the cryogenic fluid has occurred in the first inner tube 12, it is highly likely that the leakage site is the first inner joint 14. In the present embodiment, the pair of first stop valves 16 located upstream and downstream of the first inner joint 14 are closed, and the first stop section 17 where the first inner joint 14 is located is fluidically cut off.

[0058] After executing step S3, the control device 90 supplies the inert gas to the first cut-off interval 17 (step S4). Specifically, the control device 90 sends a control signal to the first gas supply valve 62 to open the first gas supply valve 62, thereby supplying the inert gas to the first cut-off interval 17. In addition, in the present embodiment, the control device 90 opens the first gas discharge valve 64 while opening the first gas supply valve 62. As a result, the low-temperature fluid in the first cut-off interval 17 is squeezed out by the inert gas and discharged to the outside through the first gas discharge pipe 63.

[0059] When steps S3 and S4 are performed by the control device 90, the cryogenic fluid is discharged from the first cutoff section 17, so that repair work that generates sparks such as welding can be performed on the first internal joint 14. In addition, although the cryogenic fluid cannot be transported through the first pipe 10 at this time, the cryogenic fluid can be transported through the second pipe 20. Therefore, the transportation of the cryogenic fluid in the piping equipment 100 can continue.

[0060] Returning to step S2, the control device 90 proceeds to step S5 when it is determined that the first gap temperature is not lower than the first reference temperature (is higher than the first reference temperature) ("No" in step S2). In step S5, the control device 90 determines whether the second gap temperature obtained in step S1 is lower than the second reference temperature. As in the case of step S2, it is possible to determine whether leakage of the cryogenic fluid has occurred in the second inner tube 22 based on whether the second gap temperature is lower than the predetermined second reference temperature.

[0061] When the control device 90 determines in step S5 that the second gap temperature is not lower than the second reference temperature (is equal to or higher than the second reference temperature) (NO in step S5), the control device 90 returns to step S1 and repeats each step.

[0062] On the other hand, when the control device 90 determines in step S5 that the second gap temperature is lower than the second reference temperature ("Yes" in step S5), that is, when it is determined that leakage of the low-temperature fluid has occurred in the second inner tube 22, the pair of second stop valves 26 are closed (step S6). As a result, the second stop section 27 where the second inner joint 24 is located is fluidically cut off by the second stop valve 26.

[0063] After executing step S6, the control device 90 supplies the inert gas to the second cutoff interval 27 (step S7). Specifically, the control device 90 supplies the inert gas to the second cutoff interval 27 by opening the second gas supply valve 72. In the present embodiment, the control device 90 opens the second gas discharge valve 74 while opening the second gas supply valve 72. As a result, the low-temperature fluid in the second cutoff interval 27 is squeezed out by the inert gas and discharged to the outside through the second gas discharge pipe 73.

[0064] When steps S5 and S6 are performed by the control device 90, the cryogenic fluid is discharged from the second cutoff section 27, so that a repair operation that generates sparks, such as welding, can be performed on the second internal joint 24. In addition, although the cryogenic fluid cannot be transported through the second pipe 20 at this time, the cryogenic fluid can be transported through the first pipe 10. Therefore, the transportation of the cryogenic fluid in the piping equipment 100 can continue.

[0065] (Variation Example)

[0066] In the above, the control device 90 is described as controlling the opening and closing of each valve according to the first gap temperature and the second gap temperature, but the opening and closing of each valve may also be performed manually by the operator. In the case of manually opening and closing each valve, the control device 90 may also be configured to output an alarm signal to a monitor or an alarm device when the first gap temperature is lower than the first reference temperature or when the second gap temperature is lower than the second reference temperature. According to this structure, the operator can easily grasp the timing of closing each valve based on the monitor or the alarm device.

[0067] In addition, in step S4 of the above-mentioned monitoring procedure, the control device 90 opens the first gas discharge valve 64 while opening the first gas supply valve 62, thereby the low-temperature fluid in the first cut-off interval 17 is discharged to the outside through the first gas discharge pipe 63. However, the low-temperature fluid in the first cut-off interval 17 may not be discharged to the outside from the first gas discharge pipe 63. For example, the low-temperature fluid in the first cut-off interval 17 may be discharged through the first gas supply pipe 61. According to this method, the first gas discharge pipe 63 and the first gas discharge valve 64 can be omitted. For the same reason, the second gas discharge pipe 73 and the second gas discharge valve 74 can also be omitted.

[0068] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control device 90 determines whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube 12 based on the temperature between the first inner tube 12 and the first outer tube 13 measured by the first thermometer 60, and determines whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube 22 based on the temperature between the second inner tube 22 and the second outer tube 23 measured by the second thermometer 70. However, it is also possible to determine whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube 12 and whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube 22 by other methods. For example, it is also possible to determine whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube 12 based on the pressure between the first inner tube 12 and the first outer tube 13 or the concentration of the cryogenic fluid, and to determine whether the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube 22 based on the pressure between the second inner tube 22 and the second outer tube 23 or the concentration of the cryogenic fluid.

[0069] (Summarize)

[0070] The first item disclosed in the present specification is a piping device that connects a liquefied gas tank storing liquefied gas and related equipment. The piping device comprises: a first piping having a first expansion joint that can expand and contract according to an external force, the first piping transporting a cryogenic fluid from the liquefied gas tank to the related equipment or from the related equipment to the liquefied gas tank, the cryogenic fluid being liquefied gas or gasified gas after liquefied gas is vaporized; and a second piping having a second expansion joint that can expand and contract according to an external force, the second piping being arranged in parallel with the first piping and transporting the same cryogenic fluid in the same direction as the first piping.

[0071] According to this structure, even if the first expansion joint is damaged, the cryogenic fluid can be continuously transported via the second pipe. In addition, even if the second expansion joint is damaged, the cryogenic fluid can be continuously transported via the first pipe.

[0072] The second item disclosed in the present specification is the piping equipment described in the first item, wherein the first piping includes a first inner tube and a first outer tube covering the first inner tube, the second piping includes a second inner tube and a second outer tube covering the second inner tube, the first expansion joint includes a first inner joint, the first inner joint is located in the first inner tube and can be expanded and contracted according to an external force, the second expansion joint includes a second inner joint, the second inner joint is located in the second inner tube and can be expanded and contracted according to an external force, and the piping equipment has: a pair of first stop valves, which are located at positions upstream and downstream of the first inner joint of the first inner tube and can fluidically cut off the first inner tube; and a pair of second stop valves, which are located at positions upstream and downstream of the second inner joint of the second inner tube and can fluidically cut off the second inner tube.

[0073] According to this structure, if the pair of first stop valves is closed when the first internal joint is damaged, the cryogenic fluid can be prevented from leaking from the first internal joint. Similarly, if the pair of second stop valves is closed when the second internal joint is damaged, the cryogenic fluid can be prevented from leaking from the first internal joint.

[0074] Item 3 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in Item 2, wherein the piping equipment comprises: a first gas supply pipe, which is connected to the first cutoff section of the first inner tube located between the pair of first cutoff valves, and can supply inert gas to the first cutoff section; and a second gas supply pipe, which is connected to the second cutoff section of the second inner tube located between the pair of second cutoff valves, and can supply inert gas to the second cutoff section.

[0075] According to this structure, when the first nipple is damaged, the pair of first stop valves can be closed to cut off the first stop section, and an inert gas can be supplied to the first stop section via the first gas supply pipe. As a result, a low-temperature fluid can be discharged from the first stop section where the first nipple is located, and a repair operation that generates sparks can be performed on the first nipple. For the same reason, when the second nipple is damaged, a low-temperature fluid can be discharged from the second stop section, and a repair operation that generates sparks can be performed on the second nipple.

[0076] Item 4 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in Item 3, wherein the piping equipment comprises: a first gas exhaust pipe, which is connected to the first cut-off section of the first inner tube and can exhaust the gas in the first cut-off section; and a second gas exhaust pipe, which is connected to the second cut-off section of the second inner tube and can exhaust the gas in the second cut-off section.

[0077] According to this structure, when the inert gas is supplied to the first cutoff section, the low temperature fluid in the first cutoff section can be easily discharged to the outside through the first discharge pipe. Similarly, when the inert gas is supplied to the second cutoff section, the low temperature fluid in the second cutoff section can be easily discharged to the outside through the second discharge pipe.

[0078] Item 5 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the piping equipment comprises: a first safety pipe, which is connected to the first cutoff section of the first inner pipe located between the pair of first cutoff valves; a second safety pipe, which is connected to the second cutoff section of the second inner pipe located between the pair of second cutoff valves; a first safety valve, which is located in the first safety pipe and opens when a pressure greater than a specified pressure is applied; and a second safety valve, which is located in the second safety pipe and opens when a pressure greater than a specified pressure is applied.

[0079] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first inner tube and the second inner tube from being damaged due to an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the first inner tube and the second inner tube.

[0080] Item 6 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first piping and the second piping are symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical reference plane passing through the center of the liquefied gas tank, and have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the reference plane.

[0081] According to this configuration, even if the liquefied gas tank is displaced relative to the related equipment, the pipe resistances of the first pipe and the second pipe can be made equal.

[0082] Item 7 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the piping equipment has a tank-side common piping, one end of which is connected to the liquefied gas tank, and the other end is connected to both the end of the first piping on the liquefied gas tank side and the end of the second piping on the liquefied gas tank side.

[0083] According to this configuration, the area occupied by the piping equipment near the liquefied gas tank can be reduced.

[0084] Item 8 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the piping equipment has a control device that outputs a specified alarm signal when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the first inner tube or when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the second inner tube.

[0085] According to this configuration, when leakage of the cryogenic fluid occurs in the first inner tube or the second inner tube, for example, an operator can recognize the leakage and take appropriate measures.

[0086] Item 9 disclosed in this specification is the piping equipment described in any one of Items 2 to 5, wherein the piping equipment has a control device that closes the pair of first stop valves when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the first inner tube, and closes the pair of second stop valves when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the second inner tube.

[0087] According to this configuration, when the first or second internal joint is damaged and leakage of the cryogenic fluid occurs, the pair of first stop valves or the pair of second stop valves are automatically closed, thereby preventing leakage of the cryogenic fluid from the first or second internal joint.

[0088] Item 10 disclosed in this specification is a control method for a piping device, which is the control method for the piping device described in Item 2, wherein the pair of first stop valves are closed when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the first inner tube, and the pair of second stop valves are closed when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the second inner tube.

[0089] According to this method, when the first or second internal joint is damaged and leakage of the cryogenic fluid occurs, the pair of first stop valves or the pair of second stop valves are closed, thereby preventing leakage of the cryogenic fluid from the first or second internal joint.

[0090] Item 11 disclosed in the present specification is a control method for a piping device, which is a control method for a piping device as described in any one of Items 3 to 5, wherein, when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the first inner tube, the pair of first stop valves are closed and an inert gas is supplied to the first cutoff interval via the first gas supply pipe, and when the low-temperature fluid leaks from the second inner tube, the pair of second stop valves are closed and an inert gas is supplied to the second cutoff interval via the second gas supply pipe.

[0091] According to this method, when the first internal joint is damaged and the cryogenic fluid leaks, the cryogenic fluid can be discharged from the first cutoff section where the first internal joint is located, and the first internal joint can be repaired by generating sparks. Similarly, when the second internal joint is damaged and the cryogenic fluid leaks, the cryogenic fluid can be discharged from the second cutoff section where the second internal joint is located, and the second internal joint can be repaired by generating sparks.

[0092] Description of symbols

[0093] 10: 1st piping; 11: 1st expansion joint; 12: 1st inner pipe; 13: 1st outer pipe; 14: 1st inner joint; 15: 1st outer joint; 16: 1st stop valve; 17: 1st stop interval; 20: 2nd piping; 21: 2nd expansion joint; 22: 2nd inner pipe; 23: 2nd outer pipe; 24: 2nd inner joint; 25: 2nd outer joint; 26: 2nd stop valve; 27: 2nd stop interval; 30: common piping on the tank side pipe; 50: drip tray; 60: first thermometer; 61: first gas supply pipe; 63: first gas exhaust pipe; 65: first safety pipe; 66: first safety valve; 70: second thermometer; 71: first gas supply pipe; 73: second gas exhaust pipe; 75: second safety pipe; 76: second safety valve; 90: control device; 99: reference plane; 100: piping equipment; 101: liquefied gas tank; 102: related equipment.

Claims

1. A piping device that connects a liquefied gas tank storing liquefied gas and related equipment, wherein: The piping equipment has: a first pipe having a first expansion joint capable of expanding and contracting according to an external force, the first pipe transporting a cryogenic fluid from the liquefied gas tank to the associated equipment or from the associated equipment to the liquefied gas tank, the cryogenic fluid being liquefied gas or gasified gas after liquefied gas is vaporized; as well as The second pipe has a second expansion joint that can expand and contract according to an external force, and the second pipe is arranged in parallel with the first pipe and conveys the same low-temperature fluid in the same direction as the first pipe.

2. The piping equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first pipe includes a first inner pipe and a first outer pipe covering the first inner pipe. The second pipe includes a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe covering the second inner pipe. The first expansion joint comprises a first inner joint, which is located in the first inner tube and can expand and contract according to an external force. The second expansion joint includes a second inner joint, which is located in the second inner tube and can expand and contract according to an external force. The piping equipment has: a pair of first stop valves, the pair of first stop valves being located upstream and downstream of the first internal joint of the first inner tube and capable of fluidically shutting off the first inner tube; and A pair of second stop valves are located upstream and downstream of the second inner joint of the second inner tube and are capable of fluidically shutting off the second inner tube.

3. The piping equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The piping equipment has: a first gas supply pipe connected to a first cutoff section of the first inner tube between the pair of first cutoff valves and capable of supplying an inert gas to the first cutoff section; and The second gas supply pipe is connected to a second cutoff section of the second inner pipe located between the pair of second cutoff valves and is capable of supplying an inert gas to the second cutoff section.

4. The piping equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The piping equipment has: a first gas exhaust pipe connected to the first cutoff section of the first inner tube and capable of exhausting the gas in the first cutoff section; and The second gas discharge pipe is connected to the second cutoff section of the second inner pipe and is capable of discharging the gas in the second cutoff section.

5. The piping equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The piping equipment has: a first safety pipe connected to a first cutoff section of the first inner pipe located between the pair of first cutoff valves; a second safety pipe connected to a second cutoff section of the second inner pipe located between the pair of second cutoff valves; a first safety valve, which is located in the first safety pipe and opens when a pressure exceeding a specified pressure is applied; as well as The second safety valve is located in the second safety pipe and opens when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure is applied.

6. The piping equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first pipe and the second pipe are symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical reference plane passing through the center of the liquefied gas tank, and have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the reference plane.

7. The piping equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The piping equipment includes a tank-side common piping having one end connected to the liquefied gas tank and the other end connected to both the end of the first piping on the liquefied gas tank side and the end of the second piping on the liquefied gas tank side.

8. The piping equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The piping equipment includes a control device that outputs a predetermined alarm signal when the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube or when the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube.

9. The piping equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The piping equipment includes a control device that closes the pair of first stop valves when the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube, and that closes the pair of second stop valves when the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube.

10. A method for controlling a piping device, the method for controlling a piping device according to claim 2, wherein: closing the pair of first stop valves when the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube; When the low-temperature fluid leaks from the second inner tube, the pair of second stop valves are closed.

11. A method for controlling a piping device, the method for controlling a piping device according to claim 3, wherein: When the cryogenic fluid leaks from the first inner tube, the pair of first stop valves are closed and an inert gas is supplied to the first stop section via the first gas supply pipe. When the cryogenic fluid leaks from the second inner tube, the pair of second stop valves is closed and an inert gas is supplied to the second stop section through the second gas supply pipe.

Images