Apparatus and method for improving vacuum insulated coupling

Abstract

A coupling (1) for liquefied gas comprises a first part (1a) and a second part (1b), the first part (1a) and the second part (1b) being coupled to each other by inserting the first part (1a) into the second part (1b), each part (1a, 1b) comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit (13) fluidly connected to transport liquefied gas through the coupling (1), the coupling (1) further comprises a warm seal (7) and a cold seal (8), characterized in that the coupling (1) further comprises a warm gas inlet (10) arranged to receive a heating gas flow for heating the warm seal (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for improving a vacuum insulated coupling Background Art

[0002] Different solutions for transporting liquefied gases are well known in the prior art. Couplings for liquefied gases such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied hydrogen (LH2) are known in the art. Furthermore, quick connectors, also known as dry disconnect couplings, are used, for example, in chemical and petrochemical applications, aviation refueling, loading and unloading of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and also in cryogenic applications, such as refueling and bunkering of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquid hydrogen (LH2).

[0003] As is known in the art, liquefied gases require less storage volume, are safer to store, and are safer to transport in their liquid state than in their corresponding gaseous form. However, the low boiling points of the useful gases require that many liquefied gases be stored at cryogenic temperatures. For example, at atmospheric pressure, the gas used in LNG condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -160°C, the gas used in liquid hydrogen (LH2) condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -250°C, and the gas used in liquid nitrogen (LN2) condenses into a liquid at approximately -195°C.

[0004] Liquefied gas is used for a variety of purposes, but regardless of the purpose, efficiency and safety are important factors. To provide just one example, liquefied gas can be used as a fuel and needs to be transported to a vehicle. Other examples include refueling and transporting fuel between tanks, as well as storage. While this type of transport is well known in the art, there are drawbacks associated with how the couplings used for this type of transport are designed and operated.

[0005] When transporting liquefied gas, the connector is a critical and fragile component, and thermal bridges and other problems exist at this component in the prior art. One reason is that the connector for transporting liquefied gas is usually made of metal, which has relatively good thermal conductivity among materials.

[0006] Transferring liquefied gas (such as LNG or LH2) through a coupling reduces the temperature of the coupling, particularly in the area closest to the unit to which it is connected. Consequently, the temperature of the exterior of the coupling rapidly decreases during the transfer of the liquefied gas. The coupling is also subject to the temperature of the surrounding air (typically the typical outdoor environment). During liquefied gas transfer, the temperature outside the coupling is significantly higher than the temperature of the liquefied gas. The low temperature of the coupling causes moisture in the air to condense onto the coupling, where it immediately freezes due to the low temperature of the liquefied gas being transferred. Summary of the Invention

[0007] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupler" is used to describe a complete coupling device comprising both a male part and a female part to be connected to form a fluid connection. In various embodiments, the components of the coupler can be arranged on the male or female part, depending on the design and selection made by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the components can be arranged, for example, on a hose unit or a tank unit within the scope of the solutions described herein.

[0008] Liquefied gas couplings covered in ice or moisture are unsafe to use. Keeping such couplings dry is a challenge, considering they often operate in areas with explosive atmospheres and are therefore subject to extensive safety requirements such as the ATEX directive. Keeping couplings dry and safe for use isn't as simple as using high power to quickly heat or dry the coupling, generating significant heat. High power and high temperatures are both undesirable and dangerous parameters in areas with explosive atmospheres.

[0009] In addition, various connectors are known to alleviate this problem by reducing thermal bridges in the connector by insulation (such as vacuum insulation). Such connectors also generally reduce thermal bridges in the connector interface, as will be described below. Examples are Johnston type connectors and other types of vacuum insulated connectors. These connectors use the space formed between the cold seal and the warm seal to reduce thermal bridges in the connector interface. This requires the cold seal and the warm seal to be spaced apart, thereby increasing the length of the connector. The seals at low temperatures lose their elastic properties and therefore lose their sealing, a behavior that increases the risk of leakage and is an obvious example of a problem associated with the transmission of liquefied gases.

[0010] However, even with vacuum insulated couplings, ice can begin to accumulate on the outside of the coupling, especially if the coupling is used for an extended period of time. One reason for this is that the temperature in the vacuum insulated coupling decreases over time between the cold and warm seals.

[0011] One way to alleviate this problem is to increase the length of the vacuum insulation coupling, thereby increasing the space between the cold and warm seals. This has the disadvantage of increasing the size of the coupling. In many applications, the space available for the coupling is limited, such as to optimize the function of a vacuum insulation tank.

[0012] Therefore, one object is to reduce the length of the vacuum insulated connector without reducing its ability to mitigate thermal bridges.

[0013] Another object is to increase the time that the coupling can be used continuously for transmission without ice forming on the outside.

[0014] Yet another object is to improve the safety of the coupling for the operator.

[0015] The solution therefore relates to a coupling for liquefied gas, comprising a first portion and a second portion that are coupled to each other by inserting the first portion into the second portion. Each portion comprises an internal liquefied gas conduit that is fluidly connected to transport the liquefied gas through the coupling. The coupling further comprises a warm seal, a cold seal, and a warm gas inlet arranged to receive a heated gas flow for heating the warm seal.

[0016] One advantage of this solution is that the heated air flow entering the coupling at the warm gas inlet helps maintain the temperature of the warm seal. Another advantage is that the heated air flow reduces the concentration of any undesirable leakage before it exits the coupling. Another advantage is that the length between the warm and cold seals can be reduced without compromising the functionality of the coupling.

[0017] Another advantage is that seals in cryogenic conditions often exhibit poor tightness, durability, and flexibility, especially under load. At ambient temperatures, they typically perform better, so the solution described here creates a higher temperature condition for the heat seal / hot side seal. This increases coupling safety and reduces coupling length requirements. Advantageously, heat transfer is balanced with liquefied gas transfer and does not affect the ability to transport liquefied gas.

[0018] Yet another advantage is that the coupling and method as described herein allow for the use of compressed air instead of nitrogen (N2), which enhances the economic performance of the coupling over time given that compressed air is less expensive than nitrogen as a heating gas stream.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first part is a male part and the second part is a female part.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the solution involves a coupling for liquefied gas, comprising a first male portion and a second female portion that couple to each other by inserting the first portion into the second portion. Each component includes an internal liquefied gas conduit that is fluidly connected to transfer the liquefied gas through the coupling. The coupling further comprises a warm seal, a cold seal, and a warm gas inlet arranged to receive a heated gas flow for heating the warm seal.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the warm seal and the cold seal are arranged to seal the interface between the first portion and the second portion, thereby forming a space between the warm seal and the cold seal. The warm seal is arranged to seal the space from the external atmosphere, and the cold seal is arranged to seal the liquefied gas pipeline from the space.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the coupling further comprises a leak detection seal arranged between the warm seal and the external atmosphere, thereby forming a leak detection space between the warm seal and the leak detection seal.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the sensor is arranged to detect any leakage through the warm seal into the leak detection space.

[0024] According to one embodiment, at least one additional seal is arranged between the warm gas channel and the warm seal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the leak detection seal is arranged to seal the leak detection space between the leak detection seal and the warm seal. The warm seal is arranged to seal the leak detection space relative to the space between the warm seal and the cold seal. The leak detection seal is arranged to seal the second space relative to the external atmosphere.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the warm gas inlet is fluidically connected to the outside atmosphere via the interface between the first and second parts. In different embodiments, the warm gas inlet can therefore be arranged distally or proximal to the interface between the male and female parts, depending on the overall design of the coupling.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the outlet is located in the interface between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the outlet location is a warm gas outlet.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the outlet location is an opening to the outside atmosphere formed in the interface between the male and female coupling parts.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the outlet location is arranged distally to the interface between the male and female parts.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the warm gas channel is connected to an outlet location arranged at an open end of an interface between the first portion and the second portion. The open end of the interface is a connection point between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the interface is exposed to the outside atmosphere.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the warm gas inlet is fluidly connected to a warm gas channel defined on one side of the middle portion. The middle portion is arranged between the warm gas channel and the warm seal.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the middle portion is heated by a heated air flow.

[0034] One advantage is that the intermediate portion heats the warm seal indirectly, so that the sealing ability of the warm seal is not affected in any negative way.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the intermediate portion is arranged such that it heats the warm seal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the female portion further comprises a middle portion to be heated by the warm gas.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the male portion further comprises a middle portion to be heated by the warm gas.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the coupling is a vacuum insulated coupling.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the warm gas inlet is arranged at the proximal end of the coupler and the outlet location is arranged at the distal end of the coupler.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the warm gas inlet is fluidly connected to a warm gas channel arranged to heat the intermediate portion. The warm gas channel is fluidly connected to the interface between the coupler and the receptacle (ie the male and female parts).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the coupling is the male part and the socket is the female part.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the coupling is the female part and the socket is the male part.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the coupling is a coupling for transmitting cryogenic liquefied gas.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the warm seal is separated from the hot air flow and is only heated indirectly.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the heated air flow heats all or any of the warm seal, the auxiliary seal, portions of the coupling, and the leak detection seal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the warm seal is heated directly by the heated air flow.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the middle portion to be heated by the warm gas is in contact with the warm gas channel on one side and abuts the warm seal on the opposite side.

[0048] According to one embodiment, any one of the temperature of the heated air flow and the flow rate of the heated air flow is adjusted based on the sensor data.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the temperature of the coupling is monitored to ensure balance between the warm and cold seals.

[0050] An advantage of this solution is that the temperature at the warm seal can be controlled. If the temperature is too high, there is a risk of heating the coupling and the liquefied gas flow, and if the temperature is too low, the risk of icing increases.

[0051] According to one aspect, a coupling includes a female portion that couples to a male portion by inserting the male portion into the female portion. Each portion includes an internal liquefied gas conduit that is fluidly connected to transmit liquefied gas through the coupling. When the first and second portions are connected, the coupling includes a warm seal and a cold seal. The female portion further includes a warm gas inlet adapted to receive heated gas, and the warm gas inlet is connected to a warm gas channel of a portion that heats the coupling, thereby indirectly heating the warm seal.

[0052] According to one aspect, a coupling for liquefied gas includes a first male portion and a second female portion that couple to each other by inserting the first portion into the second portion, each portion including an internal liquefied gas conduit that is fluidly connected to transfer the liquefied gas through the coupling. The coupling further includes a warm seal and a cold seal. A heated gas flow is supplied to the coupling at a warm gas inlet.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the heated gas flow enters the coupling at the warm gas inlet, flows through the warm gas passage, and exits the coupling in the interface between the male and female parts.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a connector portion for a connector according to any aspect of the present disclosure is provided, the connector portion including an internal liquefied gas pipeline, which is fluidly connected to transmit liquefied gas through the connector, wherein, when the first part and the second part are interconnected, the connector includes a warm seal and a cold seal, wherein a warm gas inlet suitable for receiving heated gas is further included in the connector component, and wherein the warm gas inlet is connected to a warm gas channel of a portion that heats the connector so that the warm seal is indirectly heated.

[0055] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided in a connector for liquefied gas, the connector comprising a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being coupled to each other by inserting the first part into the second part, each part comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit, the internal liquefied gas conduit being fluidly connected to transmit liquefied gas through the connector, the connector further comprising a warm seal and a cold seal, wherein the connector further comprises a warm gas inlet, and the method comprises the following steps: supplying a heated gas flow to the warm gas inlet.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the heated gas flow enters the coupler at the warm gas inlet, flows through the warm gas passage, and exits the coupler in the interface between the first portion and the second portion.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the coupling is a coupling according to any aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 One embodiment of a coupling is illustrated that includes a first male portion and a second female portion.

[0060] Figure 2 One embodiment of a coupler is illustrated.

[0061] Figure 3 A cross-section of one embodiment of a portion of a coupling is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, a detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. All examples herein should be considered part of the overall description and can therefore be combined in any general terms. Individual features of various embodiments and aspects can be combined or interchanged unless such combination or interchange is clearly inconsistent with the overall functionality of the device or method.

[0063] In this specification, the term "coupler" will refer to the two halves of a connection unit with an internal valve, comprising a female part in the form of a socket, nozzle, hose unit or coupling, and a male part in the form of a socket, nozzle, hose unit or coupling. The socket is primarily vacuum-mounted and can, for example, be arranged on a transport unit such as a tanker, rail car or receiving vessel, but can also be independent, while the coupling is primarily vacuum-mounted on a supply unit such as a flexible hose from a gas station, a loading arm from a storage tank, a supply tanker or a fuel container, although other applications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] Now go to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The present invention illustrates a coupling generally represented by 1, which includes a socket 1a and a coupling 1b, which are connected to each other by inserting the male part 1a into the female part 1b. The interconnection is achieved by first inserting the socket 1a into the coupling 1b and then rotating the coupling 1b around its central axis by turning a handle 50 attached to the coupling 1b. Since the socket 1a is usually fixed to prevent rotation by being attached to, for example, a receiving container, there will be mutual rotation between the coupling 1b and the socket 1a. It should be noted that in different embodiments, the male part 1a and the female part 1b can be constructed differently, for example, the male part or the female part is a coupling or a socket. Therefore, in different embodiments, the rotation, handle and other parts of the coupling can be related to the male part or the female part.

[0065] Figure 2 A cross section of an embodiment of a connected coupling 1 is illustrated, wherein parts 1a, 1b are connected to form the coupling 1. In the illustrated cross section, the warm seal 7 and the cold seal 8 are visible. Figure 2 Further illustrated is an embodiment of the proximal end 14 and distal end 15 of the coupling 1. The warm gas inlet 10 and the warm gas passage 11 in the coupling 1 are shown. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the warm gas inlet 10 and the warm gas duct 11 are arranged on the coupling 1b, however, in different embodiments, the warm gas inlet 10 may be arranged at the socket 1a instead, depending on the design of the coupling 1. In one embodiment, the warm gas duct 11 may be formed between the socket 1a and the coupling 1b, and in another embodiment, it may be arranged in the socket 1a.

[0066] Figure 2 Further illustrated is an embodiment arranged for indirectly heating the middle portion 9 of the warm seal 7. The middle portion 9 is heated by warm gas (e.g. compressed air or any other suitable gas or mixture) flowing into the warm gas inlet 10, and the heat is transferred to the warm seal 7 without affecting its sealing ability. Figure 2 It also illustrates how warm air can escape through the interface between the socket 1a and the coupling 1b, thereby carrying any moisture or other residues to the outside atmosphere. This quickly increases the safety of the coupling 1 and reduces the length required between the warm seal 7 and the cold seal 8.

[0067] Figure 3 An embodiment of a connected coupling 1 is illustrated, wherein the distance between the warm seal 7 and the cold seal 8 is clearly shown. As illustrated, the warm seal 7 is arranged to seal the space 16 from the outside atmosphere, and the cold seal 8 is arranged to seal the liquefied gas pipe 13 from the space 16. Figure 3yes Figure 2 , where the path of the heated airflow is clearly visible. The heated airflow enters the coupling at warm air inlet 10 and further flows into warm air passage 11, where the central portion 9 is heated by the airflow. Warm air passage 11 terminates at the interface between coupling 1b and socket 1a and flows out to outlet location 12 and into the surrounding atmosphere. It should be noted that in various embodiments, outlet location 12 may be a separate outlet, a suitable opening, or any other suitable means for discharging the heated airflow.

[0068] Figure 3 Further parts of the coupling are illustrated, which show how embodiments of the coupling 1 may be arranged. For example, the coupling 1b comprises a valve 41 which is arranged to open by retraction of the outer section 42 when in contact with the contact surface 34 of the socket 1a. The valve 41 is further arranged to actuate the first valve 31 of the socket 1a. Figure 3 In some embodiments, the socket 1a further includes a second valve 32. It should also be noted that although in some embodiments the socket 1a and coupling 1b are described herein as a male portion and a female portion, the socket 1a and coupling 1b include interacting internal portions such that, for example, a portion of the female portion extends into the male portion. It should further be noted that in some embodiments, the position of the warm seal 7 and the cold seal 8 is related to their arrangement relative to the liquefied gas pipeline 13 and the external atmosphere, rather than their position relative to other portions of the coupling 1.

[0069] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the warm seal 7 is arranged at the proximal end 14 of the coupling 1b, thereby providing an arrangement in which a heated air flow can flow from the warm air inlet 10, through the coupling 1, and out at the outlet location 12 in a direction away from the operator and the handle. The warm seal 7 is arranged to seal the space 16 from the external atmosphere. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the interface between the socket and the coupling is the path between the outside atmosphere and the warm seal 7. This allows any leaks at the warm seal 7 to be effectively vented by the heated air flow.

[0070] Figure 3 One of the advantages of this solution is further illustrated in that a heated air flow enters the warm gas inlet 10 and heats the warm seal 7. By maintaining a temperature equilibrium of the warm seal 7, the distance between the warm seal 7 and the cold seal 8 can be reduced without compromising the insulating capacity of the coupling 1. Consequently, the length of the coupling 1 can be reduced, enabling cheaper production and a coupling that can be used in applications with limited available space.

[0071] Figure 3The example shows a leak detection space 45 formed between the warm seal 7 and the leak detection seal 43. In the leak detection space 45, a sensor can be arranged to detect a leak in the coupling interface. The sensor can provide sensor data that can control, for example, either the temperature or the flow rate of the heated air flow.

[0072] Figure 3 It further illustrates how the material of the coupling 1 (and in particular the middle portion 9) is heated by the heated air flow. Heating the coupling 1 and the middle portion 9 enables the entire coupling to maintain a more suitable temperature, thereby reducing the risk of moisture, condensation and ice. As shown in the figure, Figure 3 The secondary seal and other parts of the coupling are also illustrated.

Claims

1. A coupling (1) for liquefied gas, the coupling (1) comprising a first part (1a) and a second part (1b), the first part (1a) and the second part (1b) being coupled to each other by inserting the first part (1a) into the second part (1b), each part (1a, 1b) comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit (13), the internal liquefied gas conduit (13) being fluidly connected for transmitting liquefied gas through the coupling (1), the coupling (1) further comprising a warm seal (7) and a cold seal (8), characterized in that The coupling (1) further comprises a warm gas inlet (10) arranged to receive a heated air flow for heating the warm seal (7).

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein The warm seal (7) and the cold seal (8) are arranged to seal the interface between the first portion (1a) and the second portion (1b), thereby forming a space (16) between the portions (1a, 1b) located between the warm seal (7) and the cold seal (8), wherein the warm seal (7) is arranged to seal the space (16) relative to the external atmosphere, and the cold seal (8) is arranged to seal the liquefied gas pipeline (13) relative to the space (16).

3. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The coupling further comprises a leak detection seal (43) arranged between the warm seal (7) and the external atmosphere, thereby forming a leak detection space (45) between the warm seal (7) and the leak detection seal (43).

4. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The coupling includes more than one warm seal.

5. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The warm gas inlet (10) is fluidly connected to the outside atmosphere through the interface between the first portion (1a) and the second portion (1b).

6. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The warm gas inlet (10) is fluidly connected to a warm gas channel (11), which is defined on one side of a middle portion (9) arranged between the warm gas channel (11) and the warm seal (7), wherein the middle portion (9) is heated by the heated air flow.

7. The coupling according to claim 6, wherein: The intermediate portion (9) is arranged such that the intermediate portion (9) heats the warm seal (7).

8. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The warm gas passage (11) further includes an outlet location (12) arranged at an open end (15) of an interface between the first portion (1a) and the second portion (1b).

9. The coupling according to claim 8, wherein: The outlet location (12) is an opening to the outside atmosphere formed in the interface between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.

10. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The connector (1) is a vacuum insulation connector.

11. The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The connector (1) is a connector (1) used for transmitting cryogenic liquefied gas.

12. A coupling part (1a; 1b) for a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the coupling part (1a; 1b) comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit fluidly connected to transmit liquefied gas through the coupling (1), wherein The coupler comprises a warm seal (7) and a cold seal (8) when the first part (10) and the second part (40) are interconnected, characterised in that the coupler part (1a; 1b) further comprises a warm gas inlet (10) adapted to receive heated gas, and wherein the warm gas inlet (10) is connected to a warm gas channel (11) of a part that heats the coupler, so that the warm seal (7) is indirectly heated.

13. A method in a coupling for liquefied gas, the coupling comprising a first part (1a) and a second part (1b), the first part (1a) and the second part (1b) being coupled to each other by inserting the first part (1a) into the second part (1b), each part (1a, 1b) comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit (13), the internal liquefied gas conduit (13) being fluidly connected to transmit liquefied gas through the coupling (1), the coupling (1) further comprising a warm seal (7) and a cold seal (8), characterized in that The coupling (1) further comprises a warm gas inlet (10), and the method comprises the following steps: - Supplying a heated air flow to the warm air inlet (10).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The heated air flow enters the coupling at the warm gas inlet (10), flows through the warm gas passage (11), and exits the coupling in the interface between the first portion (1a) and the second portion (2a).

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein The coupling is a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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