Fluid assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid assembly comprising: a first conduit extending in an axial direction and configured to convey a fluid; and a second conduit outside the double wall, the second conduit extending in the axial direction, the second conduit having an inner wall and an outer wall and a first gap between the inner wall and the outer wall, where the first conduit is housed inside the second conduit to form a second gap between the first conduit and the inner wall of the second conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid assembly, another fluid assembly, and a method for replacing components in such a fluid assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid assemblies are used to store fluids or transport fluids from one location to another. Fluid assemblies may include dual-enclosure devices with a primary structure housed within a secondary structure. This creates a fail-safe system that can contain any leaked fluid in the event of a failure in the primary structure. When dual-enclosure systems are used for extended periods, it becomes difficult to perform maintenance on the secondary structure without interrupting the operation of the primary structure, and equally difficult to perform maintenance on the primary structure without interrupting the operation of the secondary structure. These fluid systems are also prone to leakage in the event of a failure in the secondary structure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides a fluid assembly comprising:

[0004] A first conduit extending axially and configured to transport fluid; and a second conduit with double outer walls extending axially, the second conduit having an inner wall and an outer wall, and a first gap between the inner and outer walls.

[0005] The first catheter is housed inside the second catheter to form a second gap between the inner walls of the first catheter and the second catheter.

[0006] Fluid components can be either fluid transport components or fluid containment components. Fluid components can be thermally isolated. Such components are referred to as fluid components below.

[0007] The first gap defines the distance between the inner and outer walls of the second catheter. The inner wall does not directly contact the outer wall of the second catheter. The second gap defines the distance between the first and second catheters. The inner wall of the second catheter does not directly contact the first catheter.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a fluid assembly comprising:

[0009] A first storage tank configured to hold fluid; a second tank with double walls having an inner wall and an outer wall and a first gap between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the first tank is housed inside the second tank to form a second gap between the inner walls of the first storage tank and the second tank.

[0010] The first gap defines the distance between the inner and outer walls of the second can. The inner wall does not directly contact the outer wall of the second can. The second gap defines the distance between the first and second cans. The inner wall of the second can does not directly contact the first can.

[0011] Optionally, the first gap contains a vacuum.

[0012] Optionally, the component further includes at least one support located between the outer wall and the inner wall of the second conduit or the second storage tank, wherein the support is configured to maintain a coaxial relationship between the outer wall and the inner wall of the second conduit or the second storage tank.

[0013] The support can be fixed to the inner and outer walls of the second conduit or the second storage tank. The support can be rigid to maintain the distance between the outer and inner walls of the second conduit or the second tank.

[0014] Optionally, at least one support is removably connected to the inner wall of the second conduit or the inner wall of the second can.

[0015] The stent can be secured to the inner wall of the second conduit or the second tank using internal fasteners. The stent can also be secured to the outer wall of the second conduit or the second tank using external fasteners. The internal and / or external fasteners of the stent can be removable from either the inner or outer wall of the second conduit or the second tank. The inner and / or outer walls can be disconnected from the second conduit or the second tank. The outer and / or second walls can be removed without removing the inner and / or second walls respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the second gap includes an insulation layer wound around the first conduit or the first storage tank.

[0017] The insulation layer provides thermal insulation for the fluid in the first conduit or the first storage tank. If the first conduit or the first storage tank leaks, the insulation layer contains the fluid in the first conduit or the first storage tank. The insulation layer may be wound around or at least partially secured to the first conduit or the first storage tank.

[0018] Optionally, the first gap includes an insulation layer that wraps around the inner or outer wall of the second conduit or around the inner or outer wall of the second tank.

[0019] The insulation layer is used to insulate the first gap. The insulation layer also acts as a barrier in the event of a failure of the inner or outer wall of the second conduit or the second storage tank. The insulation layer may be wrapped around or at least partially fixed to the inner or outer wall of the second conduit or the second tank.

[0020] Optionally, the insulation layer may include multiple insulation layers.

[0021] Optionally, the second gap contains a vacuum.

[0022] Vacuum provides thermal insulation between the inner and outer walls of the second conduit. The inner wall is thermally insulated from the outer wall of the second conduit. Vacuum provides thermal insulation between the inner and outer walls of the second vessel. The inner wall is thermally insulated from the outer wall of the second vessel.

[0023] Optionally, the second gap contains pressurized fluid.

[0024] Optionally, the pressurized fluid is an inert gas, preferably helium.

[0025] Optionally, the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the second gap is higher than the pressure of the fluid in the first conduit or the pressure of the fluid in the first storage tank.

[0026] If the inner wall of the second conduit or the second tank fails, pressurized fluid can flow out from the second gap. If the first conduit or the first storage tank fails, pressurized fluid can flow into the first conduit or the first storage tank.

[0027] Optionally, the second gap contains multiple glass microbubbles.

[0028] Optionally, the fluid transported by the first conduit or held by the first storage tank is a cryogenic fluid, preferably a cryogenic fluid with a temperature below -150°C.

[0029] Alternatively, the fluid is liquid hydrogen.

[0030] Optionally, the second gap may contain at least one sensor.

[0031] Optionally, at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a gas sensor.

[0032] Optionally, the second gap may also include an expandable flexible structure anchored to the first conduit or the first storage tank to surround the first conduit or the first storage tank.

[0033] Optionally, the component also includes at least one spacer located between the second conduit and the first conduit or between the second tank and the first storage tank.

[0034] The spacer can contact the inner wall of the second conduit and the first conduit with an interference fit. The spacer can be non-metallic. The spacer can maintain thermal insulation between the first and second conduits.

[0035] Optionally, the component also includes a filling valve connected to a second conduit or a second storage tank.

[0036] Optionally, the assembly may further include a plurality of first conduits disposed within the second conduit, wherein each first conduit is arranged parallel to each other and each first conduit is configured to deliver fluid, or the fluid assembly may further include a plurality of first storage tanks disposed within the second tank, wherein each first storage tank is arranged parallel to each other and each first storage tank is configured to retain fluid.

[0037] Alternatively, the fluid components are located within the aircraft.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for replacing a component in a fluid assembly as described herein, the method comprising removing and replacing a first conduit or a first storage tank without interrupting a second conduit or a second storage tank; or removing and replacing a second conduit or a second storage tank without interrupting a first conduit or a first storage tank.

[0039] Optionally, removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank or the second conduit or the second storage tank also includes disconnecting at least one spacer located between the first conduit or the first storage tank and the second conduit or the second storage tank before removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank or the second conduit or the second storage tank.

[0040] Optionally, when the first gap contains fluid or vacuum, removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank will not interrupt the fluid or vacuum in the first gap. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the fluid assembly is shown;

[0043] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid component is shown;

[0044] Figure 2B An exemplary method for replacing a component in a fluid assembly is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 An exemplary bracket is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid assembly with glass microbubbles is shown;

[0047] Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid assembly with a degassing membrane is shown;

[0048] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid assembly with an inflatable membrane is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid assembly with a thermal insulation layer is shown;

[0050] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid assembly with multiple first conduits is shown;

[0051] Figure 8 A perspective view of another exemplary fluid component is shown;

[0052] Figure 9 The aircraft is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid assembly 1 is shown. Fluid assembly 1 includes a first conduit 10 and a second conduit 20. Fluid assembly 1 forms part of a larger assembly, which may further include components located remotely from... Figure 1 The spacer 30 is shown in the cross-section.

[0054] The first conduit 10 is configured as a pipe. The first conduit 10 is substantially cylindrical and has a continuous outer wall 14. The first conduit 10 defines an internal volume 15 extending along the length of the first conduit 10 inside the outer wall 14. As shown, the internal volume 15 of the first conduit 10 provides an internal flow path F that allows fluid to flow in the axial direction. The fluid can be a liquid (such as kerosene or liquid hydrogen) or a gas. Preferably, the internal fluid flow path may contain a liquid with a temperature below -150°C. The internal fluid flow path may contain liquid hydrogen with a temperature below -250°C.

[0055] The second conduit 20 is also configured as a conduit. The second conduit 20 is substantially cylindrical. The second conduit 20 is an external double-walled conduit 20 extending in the axial direction, comprising a continuous inner wall 22 and a continuous outer wall 24. The inner wall 22 is coaxial with the outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20. The second conduit 20 defines an internal volume 26 between the inner walls 22 of the second conduit 20. The internal volume 26 extends along the length of the second conduit 20.

[0056] The inner wall 22 does not directly contact the outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20. A first gap 28 is provided between the outer wall 24 and the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20. The first gap 28 also defines a volume extending along the length of the second conduit 20.

[0057] The outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 of the second conduit can be reinforced. The outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 can be reinforced in any suitable manner. For example, the outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 can be thicker than the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 20. The outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 are reinforced to withstand any external forces applied to the outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20. This can originate from routine maintenance tasks such as welding, loading, or other contact forces. In examples where the first gap 28 contains fluid or vacuum (described in more detail below), the outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 can be reinforced to withstand fluid or vacuum loads. The inner wall 22 and outer wall 24 can be welded to a joint (not shown), such as a flange connector or a polar mounting device. The flange connector or polar mounting device can extend between the outer wall 24 and inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20 to provide a seal (not shown) between the inner wall 22 and outer wall 24. The flange connector or polar mounting device serves as an end plate that completes the boundary of the first gap 28.

[0058] The first catheter 10 is housed within the internal volume 26 of the second catheter 20. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20 is close to the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10. The outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10 is coaxial with the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20, therefore the first conduit 10 does not directly contact the second conduit 20. The absence of direct contact between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 also avoids significant conductive heat transfer between them. The internal volume 26 of the second conduit 20 may include any number of additional structures, such as those shown for clarity. Figure 1 Electrical routines, piping, or other structures omitted in the text.

[0059] A second gap 18 is provided between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. The second gap 18 is located within the space of the inner volume 20 of the second conduit 20 minus the space of the first conduit 10. The second gap 18 can be used to contain any fluid leaking from the fluid flow path F. In the case of a cryogenic fluid, such as hydrogen, the first gap 18 can be evacuated to create a vacuum. This vacuum provides thermal insulation for the first conduit 10. The second gap 18 can be evacuated from either side of the fluid assembly 1.

[0060] In other examples, the second gap 18 may be configured to deliver fluid in the axial direction along a fluid path within the second gap 18. The fluid delivered by the second gap 18 is preferably different from the fluid delivered by the first conduit 10. The fluid delivered by the second gap 18 may be a liquid or a gas, such as helium, gaseous hydrogen, or liquid hydrogen, or a combination of liquid and gaseous components.

[0061] In one example, the fluid conveyed by the second gap 18 is pressurized. Preferably, the fluid in the second gap 18 is at a higher pressure than the fluid in the first conduit 10. If the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 10 or the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10 fails, this will cause the fluid conveyed in the second gap 18 to leave the second gap. The pressurized fluid can be an inert gas, such as helium, which is easily detectable in the event of a failure in the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 10.

[0062] The second gap 18 may include at least one sensor 38. The sensor 38 is arranged to monitor the second gap 18 and issue an alarm in the event of a failure in the inner wall 22 of the first conduit 10 or the second conduit 20. It will be understood that the sensor 38 can be any suitable sensor capable of recording and / or monitoring the second gap 18 and communicating with an external system in any suitable manner. Data collected by the sensor 38 can be used to monitor whether a failure has occurred in the first conduit 10 or the second conduit 20.

[0063] The type of sensor 38 in the second gap 18 can be selected based on the contents of the second gap 18. In the example shown in FIG2, the second gap 18 includes three exemplary sensors 38a, 38b, and 38c. In this example, the second gap 18 includes a pressure sensor 38a, a temperature sensor 38b, and a gas sensor 38c. The second gap 18 may include only one sensor 38 or may include any number and / or arrangement of sensors 38 along the length of the second conduit 20.

[0064] In an example where the second gap 18 contains pressurized fluid, a pressure sensor 38a can be used to monitor the pressure in the second gap 18. The pressure sensor 38a can be arranged to issue an alarm if there is a change in pressure within the second gap 18. For example, if a fault exists in the inner wall 22 of the second conduit or in the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10, the pressure in the second gap 18 can decrease.

[0065] If the fluid transported by the first conduit 10 is a cryogenic fluid, the temperature sensor 38b can be arranged to issue an alarm if the temperature in the second gap 18 changes. In the example where the first conduit 10 transports gas, the gas sensor 38c can issue an alarm if gas transported by the first conduit 10 is detected in the second gap 18.

[0066] The double outer wall arrangement of the second conduit 20 provides an improved container for the fluid in the first conduit 10. In the event of a failure in the first conduit 10, the second gap 18 can serve as a secondary container for the fluid. Furthermore, if both the inner wall 22 of the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 fail, the fluid can be retained in the first gap 28. Therefore, this arrangement provides multiple structural options to prevent fluid in the first conduit 10 from escaping from the fluid assembly 1. This provides a reliable and robust system for transporting fluid within the fluid assembly 1, capable of withstanding multiple failure modes without fluid in the first conduit 10 escaping from the second conduit 20.

[0067] This arrangement allows the first conduit 10 to be operated independently of the second conduit 20. The second conduit 20 can be removed, repaired, and replaced independently of the first conduit 10. The second conduit 20 can be replaced without disturbing the fluid flow in the first conduit 10. Similarly, the first conduit 10 can be removed, repaired, or replaced independently of the second conduit 20. The modular arrangement of the fluid assembly 1 facilitates the maintenance of the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 without affecting the surrounding structure and / or the fluid flow in the first conduit 10.

[0068] The fluid assembly 1 may also include multiple spacers 30, such as Figure 2A As shown. Spacers 30 can provide a coaxial arrangement between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. As shown, the spacers are installed in the second gap 18 to partially block the second gap 18. In this example, each spacer 30 is substantially cylindrical and arranged to contact the outer wall 14 of the first conduit at one end and to contact the inner wall 22 of the second conduit at the opposite end. The spacers 30 can be evenly spaced and equidistantly arranged on opposite sides of the circumference of the first conduit 10, such as... Figure 2A As shown. In other examples, the spacers 30 may be arranged offset from each other around the circumference of the first conduit 10.

[0069] In other examples, the spacer 30 may be configured as a loop or collar arranged to wrap around the circumference of the first conduit 10. In this example, the spacer 30 extends through the entire height of the second gap 18 and contacts the second conduit 20 at one end and the first conduit 10 at the opposite end. In this example, the spacer 30 includes multiple openings through it, so that the spacer 30 does not interrupt the continuity of the second gap 18. Therefore, the spacer 30 does not block the second gap 18.

[0070] The fluid assembly 1 may include any number of spacers 30. Spacers 30 may be disposed on either side of the first conduit 10. Spacers 30 may be spaced apart along the length of the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. Spacers 30 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, composite materials such as carbon-carbon composites, or polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene. When the fluid transported by the first conduit 10 is cryogenic, it is preferable that the spacers 30 comprise a non-conductive material to minimize conductive thermal connections between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20.

[0071] The end of the spacer 30 may be fixed to the first conduit 10 or the second conduit 20, or each end of the spacer 30 may have a sliding connection with the first conduit 10 or the second conduit 20. The spacer 30 may be positioned between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 by any suitable means, such as by an interference fit or a tight fit that allows relative movement between the conduits 10 and 20.

[0072] The first conduit 10 of fluid assembly 1 can be replaced without interrupting the operation of the second conduit 20. Similarly, the second conduit 20 can be removed and replaced without interrupting the operation of the first conduit 10. Figure 2B An exemplary method 200 for replacing components in fluid assembly 1 is illustrated. The fluid assembly is provided in step 210. In step 220, the first conduit 10 is removed from the second conduit 20. This can be done without removing the second conduit 20. If the first gap 28 contains fluid, such as pressurized gas or a vacuum, the first conduit 10 can be removed in step 240 without interrupting the first gap 28. Therefore, components in fluid assembly 1 can be removed and replaced more easily and quickly because it is not necessary to remove the contents of the first gap 28 to replace the first conduit 10. Thus, the first gap 28 can be kept pressurized fluid or can be kept vacuum throughout the removal and replacement process.

[0073] Alternatively, in step 230, the second conduit 20 can be removed and replaced without interrupting the first conduit 10. Therefore, the first conduit 10 can continue to deliver fluid. Similarly, it is therefore easier and faster to remove and replace components in the fluid assembly 1 because it is not necessary to interrupt the contents of the first conduit 10 to replace the second conduit 20.

[0074] If the fluid assembly 1 includes a spacer 30, removing and replacing the first conduit 10 or removing and replacing the second conduit 20 may include disconnecting at least one spacer 30 between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. Removing the spacer 30 allows the first conduit 10 to be removed independently of the second conduit 20, and also allows the second conduit 20 to be removed independently of the first conduit 10.

[0075] As described above, if only the first conduit 10 needs to be replaced, the replacement can be completed without removing the second conduit 20. If the second conduit 20 needs to be replaced, the replacement can be completed without interrupting the fluid flow in the first conduit 10.

[0076] The fluid assembly 1 also includes at least one support 35 to maintain the coaxial arrangement between the outer wall 24 and the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20, such as Figure 2A As shown. The fluid assembly 1 may include a plurality of supports 35. Each support 35 is arranged in the first gap 28 such that the continuity of the first gap 28 is not interrupted. Each support 35 does not completely block the first gap 28.

[0077] exist Figure 3 An exemplary bracket 35 is shown in more detail below. The bracket 35 is configured to be mounted in the second gap 28. The bracket 35 can be any suitable shape, such as... Figure 3 An exemplary U-shaped support 35 is shown. Each support 35 is arranged such that it contacts the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20 at one end and the outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20 at the opposite end. The supports 35 may be evenly spaced and equidistantly arranged on opposite sides of the circumference of the second conduit 20, such as... Figure 2A As shown. In other examples, the stent 35 may be arranged offset from each other around the circumference of the second conduit 20.

[0078] The support 35 can be positioned by an interference fit between the support 35 and the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 24. The support 35 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal, composite material such as carbon-carbon composite, or polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyethylene. Preferably, the support 35 is made of metal so that the support 35 can be rigid to withstand load forces.

[0079] In other examples, the bracket 35 may be permanently or removably attached to the outer wall 24 and the inner wall 22. For example, one end of the bracket 35 may be secured by an internal fastener 36 (in... Figure 3 (Schematally shown) It is fixed to the inner wall 22. The bracket 35 can be fixed to the inner wall 22 by the external fastener 37. Figure 3(Illustrated schematically) Secured to the outer wall 24. The internal fastener 36 and / or the external fastener 37 can be removably attached to the inner wall 22 or outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20. The internal fastener 36 and external fastener 37 can be any suitable form of mechanical fastener when the inner wall 22 and outer wall 24 are subjected to different temperatures. The support 35 can be positioned between the inner wall 22 and outer wall 24 in any suitable manner, such as by an interference fit or a tight fit that allows movement of the second conduit 20. Preferably, the support 35 is short to minimize the possibility of buckling under the force of the outer wall 24.

[0080] In another example, the inner wall 22 and outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20 can be removably connected to a support 35. Therefore, the support 35 can be removable to allow the outer wall 24 to be detached from the inner wall 22. This arrangement allows the outer wall 24 to be replaced without interrupting the second gap 18 between the inner wall 22 and the first conduit 10. This is desirable, for example, if the outer wall 24 is damaged or corroded and needs replacement. The outer wall 24 can also be easily replaced without interrupting the second gap 18 in the event of a failure. Similarly, the inner wall 22 can be removed from the outer wall 24 by using the removable support 35. Therefore, the inner wall 22 can also be replaced without removing the outer wall 24 in the event of a failure.

[0081] In other examples, the second gap 18 may include glass microbubbles 40, such as Figure 4 As shown. Glass bubbles can be introduced by adding a mesh (not shown) to one end of the second conduit 20 and blowing the bubble 40 into the inner volume 26. Glass microbubbles 40 can be removed in a similar manner by blowing them out of the inner volume 26 or by evacuating. The glass microbubbles 40 surround the first conduit 10 and are arranged to provide additional thermal and radiation insulation. The glass microbubbles 40 provide relatively low thermal conductivity.

[0082] Fluid component 1 may also include Figure 4The filling valve 42 is schematically shown. The filling valve 42 is in fluid communication with the internal volume 26 of the second conduit 20 and the external external wall 24 of the second conduit 20. If the external wall 14 of the first conduit 10 fails, fluid in the first conduit 10 will flow into the second gap 18. The escaped fluid can be retrieved by operating the filling valve 42, which allows fluid in the second gap 18 (including fluid from the first conduit 10) to flow through the filling valve 42 and be collected outside the second conduit 20. If any fluid is used in the second gap 18, the fluid from the first conduit 10 can then be separated from the fluid in the second gap 18 in a subsequent separation process. Therefore, the filling valve 42 can be operated to collect any escaped fluid from the first conduit 10. This may be desirable if the fluid in the first conduit 10 is difficult to obtain and it is desirable to reuse the fluid in the second gap, such as an inert gas. This may be particularly desirable when the fluid in the first conduit 10 includes a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen. Similarly, the filling valve 42 can be operated to introduce fluid into the second gap 18. The filling valve 42 can also be operated to introduce pressurized gas into the second gap 18.

[0083] The fluid assembly 1 may also include an expandable structure 52. Figure 5A An expandable structure 52 in a contracted state is shown, while Figure 5B An expandable structure in a partially expanded state is shown. The expandable structure 52 surrounds the first conduit 10 and is positioned within the second gap 18. The expandable structure 52 includes an internal volume 53. As shown, the expandable structure 52 can be anchored to the first conduit 10 at multiple connection points 54 along the length of the first conduit 10. In other examples, the expandable structure 52 can be connected only at either end of the first conduit 10. The expandable structure 52 may include an extended radial bellows 55 (in... Figure 5A (Illustrated schematically). The radial bellows 55 is collapsed in the contracted state but allows the expandable structure 52 to expand when needed.

[0084] If there is no malfunction or leakage in the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10, the expandable structure 52 remains in a contracted state, such as Figure 5A As shown. If the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10 has failed, the fluid in the first conduit 10 will flow into the internal volume 53 of the expandable structure 52. Then, as... Figure 5B As shown, the expandable structure 52 expands and contains the escaping fluid from the first conduit 10. The expandable structure 52 does not block the second gap 18 when fully expanded. This prevents the fluid from the first conduit 10 from mixing with the second gap 18, which may contain fluid. This is desirable if the second gap 18 contains fluid. Therefore, the escaping fluid from the first conduit 10 can also be easily retrieved from the expandable structure 52.

[0085] The fluid assembly 1 may also include a thermal insulation layer 60 located in the second gap 18. Figure 6 In the example shown, the insulation layer 60 extends around the first conduit 10. The insulation layer 60 may extend along the entire length of the first conduit 10 or may extend in segments around the conduit 10. The insulation layer 60 may be wound around the conduit 10 or may be partially secured to the first conduit 10 by any suitable means. In this arrangement, the insulation layer 60 is configured to insulate the fluid in the first conduit 10 and also act as a barrier in the event of a failure of the outer wall 14 of the first conduit 10. In other examples, the insulation layer 60 may be positioned against the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20.

[0086] The fluid assembly 1 may also include a heat insulation layer 62 located in the first gap 28. Figure 6 In the example shown, the insulation layer extends around the outer wall 24 of the second conduit 20. The insulation layer 62 may extend along the entire length of the second conduit 10 or may extend segmentally around the conduit 20. The insulation layer 62 may be wound around the conduit 20 or may be partially secured to the second conduit 10 by any suitable means. In this arrangement, the insulation layer 62 is configured to provide additional insulation to the fluid in the second conduit 20 and the fluid contained within the first conduit 10. The insulation layer 62 also acts as a barrier in the event of a failure of the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20. In other examples, the insulation layer 62 may be positioned against the inner wall 22 of the second conduit 20, or may include insulation layers located on both the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 24. In other examples, the insulation layer 62 may extend alternately between the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 24 of the second conduit. The insulation layers 60, 62 prevent thermal effects between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. Insulation layers 60 and 62 can be multilayer insulation (MLI) to reduce radiative heat transfer.

[0087] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the example shown, fluid assembly 1 includes a fluid conduit 10 housed within a second conduit 20. In other examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, the fluid assembly 1 may include a plurality of first conduits 10 disposed within the second conduit 20. Figure 7 In the example shown, each of the first conduits 10a, 10b, and 10c is arranged in parallel. The characteristics of each first conduit 10 are indicated by the suffixes "a," "b," and "c," respectively. Each first conduit 10a, 10b, and 10c is configured to transport fluid as described above. Figure 7In the example shown, each of the first catheters 10a, 10b, 10c is arranged in parallel. However, in other arrangements, each of the first catheters 10a, 10b, 10c can be arranged inside the second catheter 20 in any suitable arrangement that allows sufficient spacing between each of the first catheters 10. Preferably, each of the first catheters 10a, 10b, 10c is arranged within the second catheter 20 such that there is an equidistant gap between each of the first catheters 10a, 10b, 10c and the inner wall of the second catheter 20.

[0088] Fluid assembly 1 can be assembled component by component. For example, the second conduit 20 can be provided and installed first. The outer wall 24 can be pre-assembled with the inner wall 22 before the second conduit 20 is installed. Alternatively, the outer wall can be attached to the inner wall 22 after the second conduit 20 is installed in place. This provides access to the inner wall 22 and the first gap 28 before the outer wall 24 is secured in place. This can be used for installing the insulation layer 62 or for inspecting the inner wall 22. Once the second conduit 20 is installed in place, the first conduit 10 is inserted into the internal volume 26 of the second conduit 20 such that the first conduit 10 is received within the second conduit 20. In other examples, the first conduit 10 can be installed first and the second conduit 20 can be installed above the first conduit 10.

[0089] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the example described, fluid assembly 1 includes a first conduit 10 for conveying fluid and housed in a second conduit 20. Figure 8 Another exemplary fluid assembly 100 is shown. The same reference numerals are used for the same features as those for fluid assembly 1, and are increased by 100. It will be understood that the features of fluid assembly 1 are applicable to fluid assembly 100 and detailed descriptions of the same features will not be repeated.

[0090] As shown in the figure, fluid assembly 100 includes a first storage tank 110 configured to hold fluid in an internal volume 115. The first storage tank 110 is configured as a cylindrical tank and has a continuous outer wall 114. Similar to fluid assembly 1, the fluid can be a liquid (such as kerosene or liquid hydrogen) or a gas. Preferably, the internal fluid flow path can contain liquid at a temperature below -150°C. The internal fluid flow path can contain liquid hydrogen at a temperature below -250°C.

[0091] A second tank 120 is also provided. The second tank 120 is a double-walled external tank 120. In this example, the second tank 120 is substantially cylindrical and has a double-outer-wall arrangement comprising a continuous inner wall 122 and a continuous outer wall 124. The inner wall 122 is coaxial with the outer wall 124 of the second tank 120. Therefore, the second tank 120 has a substantially equidistant gap between the inner wall 122 and the outer wall 124. The second tank 120 defines an internal volume 126 between the inner walls 22 of the second tank 120. The internal volume 126 extends along the length of the second tank 120. The second tank has a first gap 128 located between the inner wall 122 and the outer wall 124. In other examples, the first storage tank 110 and the second storage tank 120 may be of any suitable cylindrical shape, such as partially tapered or truncated tapered at either end.

[0092] A first storage tank 110 is housed within the internal volume 126 of a second tank 120. A second gap 118 is provided between the first storage tank 110 and the second tank 120. The second gap 118 can be used to contain any fluid leaking from the storage tank 110. In other examples, the second gap 118 can also retain fluid. In this example, the height of the storage tank 110 is less than the height of the second tank 120. However, the storage tank 110 can have any height within the second tank 120.

[0093] Similar to fluid assembly 1, the double outer wall arrangement of the second tank 120 of fluid assembly 100 provides an improved container for the fluid in the first storage tank 110. Fluid assembly 100 helps prevent fluid in the first conduit 110 from escaping from fluid assembly 100. This provides a reliable and robust system for storing fluid in fluid assembly 100, capable of withstanding multiple failure modes without fluid escaping from the second tank 120. This is because, in the event of a failure in the first storage tank 110, the second gap 118 can serve as a secondary container for the fluid. Furthermore, if both the inner walls 122 of the first storage tank 110 and the second tank 120 fail, the fluid can be preserved in the first gap 128.

[0094] Fluid assemblies 1, 100 can be used in a variety of different applications. For example, fluid assemblies 1, 100 can be part of any suitable arrangement that needs to contain fluid and prevent leakage of the fluid and allow for easy detection of leakage. This is especially important when the fluid is a cryogenic fluid. This can be used in transportation applications such as automotive applications or in stationary applications such as laboratory equipment. Fluid assemblies 1, 100 can also be used in... Figure 9The illustrated aircraft 150 includes a fuselage 155 and a pair of wings 153, 154. Fluid assemblies 1, 100 may be part of the aircraft 150's fuel system, which may be located within the wings 153, 154 and / or the fuselage 155. For example, the outer wall 24 of the second duct 20 may form part of the skin of the wings 153, 154 or the fuselage 155. For example, fluid assemblies 1, 100 may deliver liquid hydrogen fuel from a hydrogen tank to a fuel cell that drives a propulsion engine on one of the wings 153, 154. Alternatively, fluid assemblies 1, 100 may deliver liquid kerosene fuel from a fuel tank to an auxiliary power unit (APU) within the fuselage 155.

[0095] When the word "or" appears, it will be interpreted as meaning "and / or", meaning that the items referred to are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be used in any appropriate combination.

[0096] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid assembly, the fluid assembly comprising: A first conduit, which extends in the axial direction and is configured to transport fluid; A second conduit with double walls extending in the axial direction, the second conduit having an inner wall and an outer wall and a first gap between the inner wall and the outer wall; The first catheter is housed inside the second catheter to form a second gap between the inner walls of the first catheter and the second catheter.

2. A fluid assembly, the fluid assembly comprising: A first storage tank, the first storage tank being configured to retain fluid; A second tank with double walls, the second tank having an inner wall and an outer wall and a first gap between the inner wall and the outer wall; The first tank is housed inside the second tank to form a second gap between the inner walls of the first storage tank and the second tank.

3. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first gap contains a vacuum.

4. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The component further includes at least one support located between the outer wall and the inner wall of the second conduit or the second storage tank, wherein the at least one support is configured to maintain a coaxial relationship between the outer wall and the inner wall of the second conduit or the second storage tank.

5. The fluid assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one support is removably connected to the inner wall of the second conduit or the inner wall of the second can.

6. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second gap includes a heat insulation layer wound around the first conduit or the first storage tank.

7. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first gap includes a heat insulation layer wrapped around the inner or outer wall of the second conduit or around the inner or outer wall of the second tank.

8. The fluid assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The insulation layer consists of multiple layers.

9. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second gap contains a vacuum.

10. The fluid assembly of claim 9, wherein, The second gap contains pressurized fluid.

11. The fluid assembly of claim 10, wherein, The pressurized fluid is an inert gas, preferably helium.

12. The fluid assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The pressure of the pressurized fluid in the second gap is higher than the pressure of the fluid in the first conduit or the pressure of the fluid in the first storage tank.

13. The fluid assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The second gap contains multiple glass microbubbles.

14. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid transported by the first conduit or held by the first storage tank is a cryogenic fluid, preferably a cryogenic fluid with a temperature below -150°C.

15. The fluid assembly of claim 14, wherein, The fluid is liquid hydrogen.

16. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second gap contains at least one sensor.

17. The fluid assembly of claim 16, wherein, The at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a gas sensor.

18. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The second gap also includes an expandable flexible structure anchored to the first conduit or the first storage tank to surround the first conduit or the first storage tank.

19. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The component also includes at least one spacer located between the second conduit and the first conduit or between the second tank and the first storage tank.

20. The fluid assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The component also includes a filling valve connected to the second conduit or connected to the second storage tank.

21. The fluid assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of first conduits disposed within the second conduit, wherein, Each first conduit is arranged parallel to each other and each first conduit is configured to deliver fluid, or the fluid assembly further includes a plurality of first storage tanks disposed within the second tank, wherein each first storage tank is arranged parallel to each other and each first storage tank is configured to retain fluid.

22. An aircraft comprising a fluid component according to any of the preceding claims.

23. A method for replacing a component in a fluid assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising: Remove and replace the first conduit or the first storage tank without interrupting the second conduit or the second storage tank; or Remove and replace the second conduit or the second storage tank without interrupting the first conduit or the first storage tank.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank or the second conduit or the second storage tank also includes disconnecting at least one spacer located between the first conduit or the first storage tank and the second conduit or the second storage tank before removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank or the second conduit or the second storage tank.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, When the first gap contains fluid or vacuum, removing and replacing the first conduit or the first storage tank will not interrupt the fluid or vacuum in the first gap.

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