Receptacle for receiving a cryogenic connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic filling connector between two uses, the receptacle (1) comprising a tubular sleeve (2) that has an inlet (5) and a bottom (4) and delimits a tubular housing configured to accommodate a connector (3) having a generally cylindrical shape, characterised in that the tubular sleeve (2) is thermally insulated and in that the bottom (4) is located above its inlet (5) in the use configuration such that the terminal end of the connector (3) is kept oriented upwards in the stowed position in the receptacle.

Description

Receptacle for receiving a cryogenic connection

[0001] The invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic connection.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic filling connection between two uses, the receptacle comprising a tubular sheath having an inlet and a bottom and delimiting a tubular housing configured to accommodate a connection of generally cylindrical shape.

[0003] To shorten the connection and disconnection phases of cryogenic fluid transfer hoses (LNG, LH2, etc.), quick-connect fittings (or nozzles) are used.

[0004] These technologies allow self-sealing of the end of the fitting which reduces the need for purging and reheating compared to conventional “Johnston” type fittings.

[0005] This technology allows for cold disconnection of the fitting. After disconnection, the fitting is cold, which generally causes a deposit of frost (see air condensation around the fitting in the case of hydrogen). This frost must be removed to prevent this water from lodging in the dead spaces of the fitting (this can generate a leak or an accumulation of ice as the hose is used).

[0006] If the time between two refills is too long (especially during the night), thermal inputs on the hoses require the hose to be reheated to limit the pressure build-up. This means the hose must be recooled before the next use. This lengthens fluid transfer times.

[0007] In some configurations, shortening filling times is a key issue.

[0008] At most fuel filling stations, the hoses are equipped with fittings or nozzles with storage receptacles between different fillings.

[0009] For cold or cryogenic fluids, it is common practice to clean the fittings after use to remove any ice deposits that form. This can be done directly into the receptacle by blowing dry air when it is stored.

[0010] Documents WO21093985A1 and US20180354778A1 describe receptacles for cryogenic connections but which imperfectly meet the requirements of use.

[0011] An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

[0012] To this end, the receptacle according to the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the tubular sheath is thermally insulated and in that the bottom is located above its entry in the use configuration so that the terminal end of the connector is kept oriented upwards in the stored position in the receptacle.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: at least a portion of the sheath 2 is formed by a double-walled structure, for example vacuum-insulated between the walls, the tubular sheath extends between the inlet and the bottom in a longitudinal direction which, in the use configuration, forms an angle of between zero and 45 degrees relative to the vertical, the receptacle comprises a set of sealing gasket(s) arranged at the inlet of the sheath and configured to cooperate with the connector and isolate the interior volume of the sheath from the exterior of the sheath, the receptacle comprises a pumping port comprising a first end opening into the sheath and a second end intended to be connected to a pumping member, the receptacle comprises a pumping member connected to the second end of the pumping port and configured to create a vacuum in the sheath,the receptacle comprises a pumping member connected to the second end of the pumping port and configured to create a vacuum in the sheath, the receptacle comprises a blowing port comprising a first end opening into the sheath and a second end intended to be connected to a blowing member, the receptacle comprises a member for blowing a heated gas, for example air or nitrogen, connected to the second end of the blowing port and configured to blow the hot gas onto the fitting in the sheath, the receptacle comprises a locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the fitting and ensure removable locking of the fitting in the sheath, the receptacle comprises a member for detecting the presence of a fitting in the sheath,the receptacle comprises a control member configured to automatically lock the connector in the sheath in response to the detection by the detection member of the presence of the connector in the sheath and to trigger blowing by the blowing member and / or pumping by the pumping member.

[0014] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0015] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which: Brief description of the figures

[0016] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0017] is a schematic view in vertical section of a receptacle according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

[0018] is a schematic vertical sectional view of the receptacle accommodating a cryogenic connection,

[0019] is a schematic view in vertical and enlarged section of the receptacle of the. Detailed description

[0020] In all figures, the same references refer to the same elements.

[0021] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0022] The receptacle 1 illustrated is configured to receive a cryogenic connection 3 for filling between two uses. Such a connection 3 (sometimes called a nozzle or gun) has, for example, a generally cylindrical shape and is located at one end of a flexible cryogenic fluid transfer pipe. This connection 3 has at least one valve 11, in particular a self-sealing valve which is shown schematically.

[0023] The receptacle 1 comprises a body in the form of a tubular sheath 2. This sheath has an inlet 5 and a bottom 4 and delimits a tubular housing configured to accommodate the connector 3.

[0024] The sheath 2 is formed of thermally insulated walls. In addition, the bottom 4 is located above its inlet 5 in the use configuration so that the terminal end of the connector 3 is kept facing upwards in the stored position in the receptacle 1.

[0025] Thus, this thermally insulated structure, which directs the connection 3 upwards, allows the connection 3 to be kept cold between two uses with the terminal end of the connection 3 (equipped with valve(s) 11 in the upper part). This allows the end of the connection 3 to be sheltered and protected while preventing it from heating up too quickly.

[0026] As illustrated, preferably, at least a portion of the sheath 2 is formed by a double-walled structure, for example vacuum insulated. An insulator (for example of the multi-layer “MLI” type) can be housed in the space between the two walls. This double-walled structure with insulation of the receptacle can be produced in many ways: vacuum insulation (with “MLI”, foams, silica, etc.), or without vacuum (foams, fiberglass, etc.).

[0027] This inter-wall space may or may not communicate with the internal space of the sheath 2 which accommodates the connection 3. In this case, in the event of a vacuum, this makes it possible to draw the two volumes into the vacuum jointly during use.

[0028] The external face of the internal wall (surface facing the inter-wall space) can have a coating or a particular surface condition to have a high reflection coefficient to limit thermal inputs by radiation.

[0029] The tubular sheath 2 extends between the inlet 5 and the bottom 4 in a longitudinal direction which, in the configuration of use, is preferably vertical. However, this longitudinal direction may form an angle of between zero and 45 degrees relative to the vertical.

[0030] As illustrated, the receptacle preferably comprises a set of sealing gasket(s) 6 arranged for example at the inlet 5 of the sheath and configured to cooperate with the connector 3 and isolate the interior volume of the sheath comprising the connector 3 from the exterior of the sheath. That is to say that the connector 3 is held in a sealed volume in the sheath 2. For example, an O-ring 6 is provided at the inlet of the sheath 2.

[0031] As illustrated, the receptacle 1 may comprise a pumping port 7 having a first end opening into the sheath and a second end connected to a pumping member 13 to create a vacuum in the sheath 2.

[0032] In addition, the receptacle 1 may comprise a blowing port 8 comprising a first end opening into the sheath 2 and a second end connected to a blowing member 12 such as a compressor or fan. The blowing port 8 is configured to blow a relatively hot and dry gas (for example air or nitrogen).

[0033] Preferably, the blowing port opens at the bottom of the sheath 2, for example at the terminal end of the connector 3. This relative orientation with a connector facing upwards makes it possible to prevent any droplets or crystals blown during defrosting from accumulating near the valve 11 of the connector 3. It is possible to provide a discharge line which collects the water or purged elements in the lower part of the receptacle.

[0034] Vacuum pumping line 7 and purge gas inlet line 8 can be separate or combined (adjacent in particular on the same line).

[0035] Defrosting of connection 3 can be carried out by sweeping(s) or by compression / expansion cycles in the sealed receptacle (purge then vacuum, etc.).

[0036] When storing a fitting 3 in receptacle 1 the following steps can be implemented.

[0037] The connector 3 is inserted into its receptacle 1, for example, in the same way as when it is installed on a tank to be filled. A seal can be made via the seal 7 at the inlet.

[0038] Preferably, the receptacle 1 comprises a locking mechanism 9 configured to cooperate with the connector 3 to allow removable locking of the connector 3 in the sheath. For example, a retractable mechanical stop locks the connector 3 in the receptacle.

[0039] Once the locking is achieved, the purge gas can be blown onto the connector 3 to evacuate all the frost that has deposited on it. This can be done at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector 3 to evacuate the drops present at the valve seal 11 of the connector. The triggering of this sweep can be caused automatically by the detection of the presence of the connector 3 in the receptacle 1. For this purpose, the receptacle 1 can comprise a member 10 for detecting the presence of a connector 3 in the sheath, for example an optical and / or mechanical and / or inductive type sensor.

[0040] For example, if the presence of a connector 3 in the sheath 2 is detected, the locking mechanism can be switched to lock the connector 3 in the sheath 2 and the receptacle can start blow drying and / or vacuuming in the sheath and then allow the connector 3 to be released when the sequence is finished. Thus the receptacle can detect the presence of a connector in the sheath and in response, lock the connector without the sheath and then blow / defrost and possibly vacuum. This can be controlled by an electronic control unit comprising a microprocessor.

[0041] After defrosting, the hot gas supply can be stopped and vacuum pumping can be carried out in the receptacle 2 to minimize convective exchanges and have more effective insulation. The seal 6 at the inlet (exposed to the heat) ensures the seal with the outside. A temperature probe (not shown for simplification) can be installed in the sheath 2 to determine the end of defrosting and the start of vacuum pumping.

Claims

Receptacle for receiving a cryogenic filling connection between two uses, the receptacle (1) comprising a tubular sheath (2) having an inlet (5) and a bottom (4) and delimiting a tubular housing configured to accommodate a connection (3) of generally cylindrical shape, characterized in that the tubular sheath (2) is thermally insulated and in that the bottom (4) is located above its inlet (5) in the use configuration so that the terminal end of the connection (3) is kept facing upwards in the stored position in the receptacle. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the sheath (2) is formed by a double-walled structure, for example vacuum insulated between the walls. Receptacle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular sheath (2) extends between the inlet (5) and the bottom (4) in a longitudinal direction which, in the configuration of use, forms an angle of between zero and 45 degrees relative to the vertical. Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a set of sealing seal(s) (6) arranged at the level of the inlet (5) of the sheath and configured to cooperate with the connector (3) and isolate the interior volume of the sheath from the exterior of the sheath (2). Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a pumping port (7) comprising a first end opening into the sheath (2) and a second end intended to be connected to a pumping member. Receptacle according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a pumping member (13) connected to the second end of the pumping port (7) and configured to create a vacuum in the sheath. Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a blowing port (8) comprising a first end opening into the sheath and a second end intended to be connected to a blowing member. Receptacle according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a member (12) for blowing a heated gas, for example air or nitrogen, connected to the second end of the blowing port (8) and configured to blow the hot gas onto the connection in the sheath (2). Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a locking mechanism (9) configured to cooperate with the connector (3) and ensure removable locking of the connector (3) in the sheath (2). Receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a member (10) for detecting the presence of a connector (3) in the sheath. Receptacle according to claims 6, 8, 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises a control member configured to automatically ensure the locking of the connector (3) in the sheath (2) in response to the detection by the detection member (10) of the presence of the connector (3) in the sheath and to trigger blowing by the blowing member (12) and / or pumping by the pumping member (13).

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