Pipe joint for cryogenic media

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe joint (10) for pipe parts (20, 22) which carry cryogenic media, in particular liquid hydrogen, and which are in the form of a socket (20) or plug (22), with a gap (25) being formed between end faces (18) of connecting parts (12, 14). This gap can be connected to a vacuum source. A thermal decoupling element (38) extends between the pipe parts (20, 22) and the connecting parts (12, 14), the material length (70) of which thermal decoupling element is distributed among a plurality of layers (72, 74, 76) which extend concentrically in relation to one another, wherein a sealing contact is formed between the socket (20) and the plug (22) by means of an Invar sealing ring (36).

Description

[0001] Pipe connection for cryogenic media

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a pipe connection for cryogenic media, in particular liquid hydrogen, for round pipe sections designed as a socket and a plug, wherein a gap is formed between the end faces of the connecting components, which gap can be supplied with a vacuum source. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the pipe connection for connecting pipe sections, in particular a socket and a plug, that convey a cryogenic medium, in particular liquid hydrogen.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Previous connecting elements with thermal decoupling for use in conveying cryogenic media, such as liquid hydrogen, require a large installation dimension in the direction of the pipe axis. This is necessary because the heat transfer between the cryogenic inner pipe and the warm outer pipe must be minimized as much as possible over a long distance. Previous solutions create a maximally extended path in the space between the inner and outer pipes, which are usually highly vacuum insulated, which prolongs the heat transfer via the material. This solution requires that the two coupling elements be pushed axially into one another over a length that is many times the pipe diameter. Typical lengths for this are between 300 mm and 600 mm for diameters in the range of approximately 25 mm.Solutions that better address the problem of axial mounting dimensions usually do not have a sufficiently dimensioned heat transfer for satisfactory thermal decoupling.

[0006] US 2023 / 0139421 A1 relates to a connecting arrangement for two sections of a conveying pipe for a cryogenic fluid, including an additional thermal insulation chamber and a fluid expansion chamber. The disclosed arrangement comprises an end that can be at least partially inserted into a complementarily shaped end, creating a sealed mechanical connection extending over several centimeters. Furthermore, a thermal insulation chamber is provided for two pipe sections and a further thermal insulation chamber that thermally insulates the connecting zone of the two interconnected sections. Finally, an expansion chamber for the cryogenic fluid is provided, which is designed to be equipped with a detection-sensitive sensor for cryogenic fluids, which is located in the connecting zone between the two tubular sections.This allows two pipe sections carrying a cryogenic fluid to be represented.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, a pipe connection for cryogenic media is proposed, in particular for line parts carrying liquid hydrogen, which are designed as a socket and as a plug, wherein an intermediate space is formed between end faces of connecting components, which can be connected to a vacuum source, wherein a thermal decoupling element runs between the line parts on the one hand and the connecting parts on the other hand, the material length of which is distributed over several concentric layers and at least one sealing contact is formed between the socket and the plug by an Invar sealing ring.

[0009] The solution proposed by the invention makes it possible to install line elements carrying cryogenic media using a significantly reduced axial installation dimension compared to previously known solutions. In an advantageous development of the solution proposed by the invention, the material length of a low-temperature-resistant, metallic material of the thermal decoupling element is maximized between connection points.

[0010] Advantageously, the pipe connection is designed with regard to the connection points such that one of the connection points of the thermal decoupling element is provided on the socket or plug, and the other of the two connection points is formed on the connecting components. Between the aforementioned connection points, the entire length of the material runs in a serpentine fashion over individual material layers, with the individual material layers separated from one another by relatively narrow gaps. The decoupling elements are designed such that, during assembly, they apply a preload to the internally arranged socket / plug pipe components, thus significantly improving a tight fit.

[0011] In the pipe connection proposed by the invention, the pipe sections carrying the cryogenic medium, in particular the socket and plug, are connected to the external connecting parts via the thermal decoupling element. Between these parts, an annular spacer is arranged, which is subjected to a vacuum. This allows the pipe connection proposed by the invention to be used on vacuum-insulated pipelines.

[0012] In an advantageous development of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention, the intermediate ring arranged between the two connecting parts of the pipe connection reduces the differential pressure between the intermediate space and vacuum insulation chambers of the pipes.

[0013] In an advantageous development of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention, the annular intermediate piece comprises at least one structural connection device and a vacuum valve on its circumference.

[0014] By means of the structural connection device, the pipe connection proposed according to the invention can be attached to one or more articulation points on the structure of an aircraft. The pipe connection proposed according to the invention is further characterized by the fact that the individual concentrically arranged material layers of the thermal decoupling element are joined together in a material-to-material manner within connection areas.

[0015] The pipe connection proposed according to the invention comprises a redundant seal at a joint between the line parts, in particular the socket and the plug, formed by the Invar sealing ring and a prestressed seal, in particular designed as a PCTFE sealing ring. This ensures that the vacuum-loaded space of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention is and remains sealed from the environment. The vacuum-loaded space represents a safety line against gas leakage. The redundant seal ensures that no gas escapes; characteristic in this context is the combination of two sealing principles that can be used in various operating states of the pipeline within the aircraft. The primary goal is to prevent the escape of hydrogen in gaseous or liquid form, and the maintenance of the vacuum state is also ensured.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention, seals made of metallic material are provided on the mutually facing end faces of the intermediate piece and the connecting parts adjacent to it.

[0017] These metallic seals of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention are preferably made of a metallic material, in particular containing copper, and have at least one suspension tab on their periphery, which can be hooked into openings in the intermediate piece of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention. This makes it possible, in contrast to prior art solutions, to pre-assemble the pipe connection and install it in any possible spatial orientation without the metallic seals falling out or endangering functionality due to possible slippage.

[0018] The pipe connection proposed according to the invention, in particular the intermediate piece, has at least one electrical ground point, which is electrically connected to the connecting parts adjacent to the intermediate piece and the line parts, in particular the socket and the plug, via the seals made of metallic material. This eliminates the need for additional bonding points. However, bonding is absolutely necessary to prevent electrostatic charging of pipes through which flow occurs and to prevent ignition sparks caused by potentially resulting electrical voltage differences.

[0019] Advantageously, the pipe connection according to the invention is designed with the thermal decoupling element, which is manufactured as an integral component or as an assembly subtractively, additively or by joining technology.

[0020] The pipe connection proposed according to the invention is further characterized by the fact that a sensor for detecting gas can be accommodated in the vacuum-loaded space of the intermediate piece. This allows the detection of gas leakage in the event of a leak or a leak at the joint of the connection (media-carrying inner line).

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the pipe connection for connecting line parts, in particular a socket and a plug, which carry a cryogenic medium, in particular liquid hydrogen.

[0022] Advantages of the invention

[0023] The pipe connection proposed according to the invention creates the possibility of installing pipes carrying cryogenic media in a small installation space, particularly when there is limited available assembly space within the structure of an aircraft, especially within an aircraft fuselage, under the typical installation situations that arise there, which cannot be realized with the connecting elements available today. The solution proposed according to the invention enables thermal decoupling by means of the thermal decoupling element between the inner and outer parts of the pipe connection while maintaining vacuum insulation, ensuring the tightness of the connection with a double wall.The solution proposed by the invention allows pipe elements to be manufactured using significantly reduced axial installation dimensions compared to previous solutions according to the state of the art. The material length required for low heat transfer in the pipe connection proposed by the invention is provided by the thermal decoupling element, which is inserted axially on both sides in a compact installation space, thereby significantly improving the design options along the pipe connection. The length between the individual components, which can also include pipe bends, or valves, can be designed to be considerably shorter.

[0024] The solution proposed by the invention allows prestressing of an internal connection, i.e., a connection of the thermal decoupling element to the line components carrying the cryogenic medium in the form of a socket and plug, via the decoupling element to compensate for thermal shrinkage. Sealing can be achieved via a redundant arrangement of an Invar sealing ring, which is shrunk on, and, on the other hand, via a prestressed PCTFE seal. Said Invar sealing ring can, for example, be pressed into the socket. During operation, the plug and socket shrink onto the Invar sealing ring due to the larger thermal expansion coefficients, thus forming an extremely tight fit.

[0025] A vacuum can be created in the space between the pipe joint, which results in improved thermal properties, a reduced differential pressure between the pipe insulation and the pipe joint interior and a resulting higher contact pressure between the connecting parts, thus achieving a significantly improved sealing effect.

[0026] Furthermore, the solution proposed by the invention allows for the simple integration of mounting points between the pipe connection and the aircraft structure, including electrical grounding. Furthermore, the solution proposed by the invention makes it possible to integrate sensors for detecting hydrogen leaks into the intermediate section of the pipe connection, thus providing an additional safety feature. By selecting two different sealing principles, tightness is ensured both during the cooling of the system through the cryogenic medium to the cryogenic state, i.e., an operating state with cryogenic hydrogen.

[0027] Short description of the drawings

[0028] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] They show:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention,

[0031] Figure 2 is a plan view of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention,

[0032] Figure 3 shows a section through the pipe connection proposed according to the invention, wherein the thermal decoupling element runs in a serpentine manner between the plug / socket line parts and the connecting parts, which are accommodated on both sides of the intermediate piece,

[0033] Figure 3.1 shows a detailed view of the joint between the cable parts, in particular the socket and the plug,

[0034] Figure 3.2 shows a detailed view of the connection areas of two material layers of the thermal decoupling element,

[0035] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a seal made of metallic material with hooks,

[0036] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention, Figure 5.1 is a detailed view of the metallic seals having suspension tabs which are accommodated on the intermediate piece of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention and

[0037] Figure 6 shows the vacuum between the pre-assembled inner and outer pipes and the vacuum in the space between them, drawn after assembly of the pipe connection.

[0038] Implementation variants of the invention

[0039] In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted in individual cases. The figures only schematically illustrate the subject matter of the invention.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the pipe connection proposed according to the invention.

[0041] From the perspective view according to Figure 1, it can be seen that the pipe connection 10 has a first connecting part 12 and a second connecting part 14. The two connecting parts 12, 14 accommodate a substantially annular intermediate piece 16 between them. A thermal decoupling element 38 is accommodated between the connecting parts 12, 14 of the pipe connection 10. The thermal decoupling element 38 has a number of material layers 72, 74, 76, which enclose either a line part designed as a socket 20 or a plug designed to complement it. The thermal decoupling element 38, which has a relatively large material length 70, thermally decouples the line parts in the form of the socket 20 and the plug 22, which carry a cryogenic medium, such as liquid hydrogen, from the environment.

[0042] From the illustration in Figure 1, it can be seen that the intermediate piece 16 of the pipe connection 10 has a vacuum valve 24, with which a vacuum can be applied to an intermediate space 25 (not shown in Figure 1). At least one structural connection device 26 is accommodated on the outer circumference of the intermediate piece 16 of the pipe connection 10, with which the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention can be fastened or articulated to an aircraft fuselage or another structural component of an aircraft. Instead of the structural connection device 26 shown in Figure 1, several structural connection devices 26 can also be provided on the circumference of the intermediate piece 16.

[0043] The illustration in Figure 1, which shows a perspective view of the pipe connection 10, shows that a grounding point 54 is connected to the intermediate piece 16, forming a bonding point. This is necessary to dissipate the electrostatic charge of the flowing line components, in the form of the socket 20 and the plug 22, and to prevent ignition sparks from occurring due to electrical voltage differences.

[0044] Figure 1 further shows that the components 12, 14, and 16 of the pipe connection 10 are connected to one another by connectors 60. The connectors 60 can, for example, be screws with a longer shaft length, which are provided with a tool attachment 62 and each comprise a nut 64 as a counterpart for building up the tension.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention, which is shown in perspective in Figure 1.

[0046] From the top view according to Figure 2, it can be seen that the connectors 60 can be arranged at a 60° pitch 58 along the circumference of the intermediate piece 16 of the pipe connection 10. More or fewer connectors 60 can also be used, at a pitch that corresponds to the number. The illustration according to Figure 2 further shows that in this exemplary embodiment of the pipe connection 10, several structural connection devices 26, arranged here at a 120° pitch, can be implemented on the outer circumference of the intermediate piece 16. Figure 2 further shows that the bushing 20 shown here in the top view, which represents a line part that carries a cryogenic medium, such as liquefied hydrogen, is concentrically enclosed by material layers 72, 74, 76 of the thermal decoupling element 38.The plan view according to Figure 2 also shows the connecting areas 78 indicated in Figure 1, where the individual material layers 72, 74, 76 made of a low-temperature-resistant metallic material can be joined together, for example, by a material bond. Figure 3 shows a section through the components of the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] Figure 3 shows that the thermal decoupling element 38, which is only partially shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a serpentine course 42 and a relatively small wall thickness in a range between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, from a connection 40 on the line parts 20, 22, in particular the socket 20 and the plug 22, to form material layers 72, 74, 76, extending radially outwards in the direction of connection points 46 on the first connecting part 12 and on the second connecting part 14. The low-temperature-resistant material from which the layered thermal decoupling element 38 is made covers a maximized material length 70, so that the resulting heat transfer is optimized radially from the inside to the outside.The connection points 40, 46 on the connecting parts 12, 14 of the pipe connection 10, on the one hand, and on the line parts carrying the cryogenic medium, in particular the socket 20 and the plug 22, are formed with a material bond to ensure tightness. It is crucial that the material length 70 of the thermal decoupling element 38 assumes a maximum value over its path in the radially outward direction. The sectional view according to Figure 3 further shows that there are gaps between the individual material layers 72, 74, 76 of the cryogenic material of the thermal decoupling element 38, which promote heat transfer.

[0048] Reference numeral 50 designates an installation dimension which, in the solution proposed according to the invention, amounts to only a few millimeters. Due to the optimized heat transfer behavior of the thermal decoupling element 38 in the radially outward direction, a short installation length of 10 mm to a maximum of 20 mm can be maintained compared to the prior art. This approximately corresponds to an overlap area within which the line parts carrying the cryogenic medium, namely the socket 20 and the plug 22, are inserted into one another in the region of the joint 34. In the region of the joint 34 according to the illustration in Figure 3, for example, an Invar sealing element, preferably in the form of a sealing ring 36, is shrunk onto one of the two line parts 20, 22, i.e., either onto the socket 20 or the plug 22.A redundant seal at the joint 34 is further formed by accommodating a prestressed seal in the form of a PCTFE sealing element 28 in the mating area of ​​the joint 34 of the line sections 20, 22 carrying the cryogenic medium. This creates a redundant seal against the environment in the area of ​​the joint 34, which is surrounded by the vacuum prevailing in the intermediate space 25.

[0049] Furthermore, the sectional view in Figure 3 shows that recesses for receiving metallic sealing elements 32 are formed on the end faces 18 on both sides of the intermediate piece 16, as well as on the connecting parts 12, 14. The metallic sealing elements 32 are essentially ring-shaped and are shown in the perspective view according to Figure 4.

[0050] Figure 3 further shows that the components first connecting part 12, second connecting part 14, and intermediate piece 16 of the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention are non-positively connected to one another at several points on the circumference of the first connecting part 12, the second connecting part 14, and the intermediate piece 16 by connectors 60. The connectors 60 can, for example, be through-bolts with a longer shaft and a relatively short thread, which are provided with a nut 64. A tool attachment 62 is provided on one side of the connector 60. According to Figure 2, the connectors can be arranged on the circumference of the intermediate piece 16 at the aforementioned 60° pitch 58.

[0051] Figure 3 further shows that a structural connection device 26 shown here, which is located on the circumference of the intermediate piece 16, has an eye 68 with which the pipe connection proposed according to the invention can be fastened to an aircraft fuselage or another structure of an aircraft, for example by means of a tie rod (articulated rods for absorbing forces).

[0052] Figures 3.1 and 3.2 show details of the sectional view of the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention according to Figure 3.

[0053] Figure 3.1 shows that in this embodiment, the Invar sealing ring 36 is pressed into the socket 20, for example. During operation, the socket 20 and the plug 22 shrink onto the Invar sealing ring 36, thus establishing the sealing function. A suitably designed overlap area between the socket 20 and the plug 22 creates space for accommodating a preloaded sealing element in the form of a PCTFE seal, as shown in Figure 3.1.

[0054] Figure 3.2 shows that the individual material layers 72, 74, 76 of the thermal decoupling element 38 can be joined together within the connecting regions 78, for example, by a material bond. It is also possible to construct the thermal decoupling element 38 from multiple components using subtractive, additive, or joining techniques, as indicated in Figure 3.2. Figure 3.2 further shows that the relatively thin-walled thermal decoupling element 38 comprises a number of annular gaps 48 between the individual material layers 72, 74, 76, which optimally influence heat transfer.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a metallic seal 32 in the form of a sealing ring.

[0056] Tabs 52, which may be designed as suspension tabs, are received in opposing positions on the circumference of the metallic sealing element 32. As can be seen in Figure 4, this is inserted between the end faces 18 of the first connecting part 12, the second connecting part 14, or the intermediate piece 16 received between them. The radially projecting tabs 52 are, as shown in Figure 4, bent into the illustrated shape in openings 66 on the outer circumference of the intermediate piece 16 during assembly and then suspended, so that during any pre-assembly, the metallic sealing elements 32 can be captively pre-assembled in any installation position.

[0057] Analogous to the illustration in Figure 3, Figure 5 shows that the connection point 40 of the low-temperature-resistant, preferably metallic material of the thermal decoupling element 38 can be joined in a material-to-material manner, for example, to the circumference of the line parts 20, 22, in particular the socket 20 and the plug 22. Analogously, the connection points 46 of the low-temperature-resistant, metallic material of low wall thickness 44 of the thermal decoupling element 38 are preferably fastened in a material-to-material manner to the inner circumference of the two opposing connecting parts 12, 14. Figure 5 further shows that the connecting parts 12, 14 and the intermediate piece 16 are connected to one another by connectors 60, each of which comprises a tool attachment 32 and a nut 34 for forming the force-fitting connection.Position 68 marks an eyelet which is to be fastened in a structural connection device 26 for fastening the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention to the structure of an aircraft, for example to an aircraft fuselage.

[0058] Figure 5 also shows the Invar sealing element 36, which is, for example, pressed into the socket 20 or pressed onto the circumference of the plug 22. In the operating state, the socket 20 and the plug 22 shrink onto the Invar sealing ring 36, thereby forming the sealing function. This, as well as the prestressed sealing element in the form of the PCTFE seal 28, can create a redundant sealing connection in the area of ​​the transition point in the region of the joint 34 between the socket 20 and the plug 22, which represent the line sections carrying the cryogenic medium.

[0059] The solution proposed by the invention thus enables the formation of a redundant sealed connection at the joint 34, on the one hand, and, by providing the thermal decoupling element 38 with a relatively large maximum length of 70, on the other hand, optimal heat transfer in the radial direction from the inside to the outside. The aforementioned mounting dimension 50 for mounting the opposing line sections 20, 22, in the form of the socket 20 and the plug 22, which carry the cryogenic medium, is minimized compared to previous solutions according to the prior art.

[0060] Figure 5.2 shows a detail according to which the tabs 52 on the metallic, essentially annular seals 32 are designed as suspension tabs that are hooked into openings 66 provided on the outer circumference of the intermediate piece 16. As a result, the metallic sealing elements 32, which are preferably annular, are captively fastened during pre-assembly. The sealing areas of the metallic seals 32 are located between the opposing end faces 18 of the first connecting part 12 and the intermediate piece 16, on the one hand, and on the end face 18 between the second connecting part 14 and the opposite end face 18 of the intermediate piece 16, on the other hand. Figure 5.1 shows the position of the connection points 46 of the thermal decoupling element 38 on the inner circumference of the connecting components 12, 14.In the pipe connection 10 described above and proposed according to the invention, a vacuum can be drawn in the intermediate space 25 of the intermediate piece 16 at the vacuum valve 24 (see illustration in Figure 6), resulting in a reduction in the differential pressure between the vacuum insulation of the pipes and the intermediate space 25 of the pipe connection 10. Creating a vacuum in the intermediate space 25 also enables better isolation and detection of gas leaks by the sensors provided there.

[0061] The intermediate piece 16 is housed between the two connecting parts 12, 14. The intermediate piece 16 encloses the vacuum valve 24 with a self-sealing device. Sensors for detecting gas leaks can be installed in the space 25 of the essentially annular intermediate piece 16, enabling early shutdown of the system and thus preventing subsequent damage.

[0062] The thermal decoupling element 38 proposed according to the invention allows a relatively long heat transfer path to be achieved within a relatively short axial installation space. The thermal decoupling element 38 can be manufactured as an integral component or as an assembly consisting of multiple components using subtractive, additive, or joining techniques.

[0063] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the pipe connection 10, as shown above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, for sealing cryogenic media, such as line parts 20, 22 carrying liquid hydrogen, in particular the socket 20 and the plug 22 sealingly joined thereto.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a representation of the vacuum between the pre-assembled inner and outer pipes as well as a representation of the vacuum in the intermediate space 25, drawn after assembly of the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention.

[0065] Figure 6 shows that, in addition to the illustration in Figure 3, the pipe connection 10 has an outer pipe 80 which has a materially bonded connection 84 with the first or second connecting part 12, 14 at a joint 86. Analogously, inner pipes 82 are accommodated on the internally arranged components socket 20 and plug 22. The illustration in Figure 6 shows that an annular gap 92 results between the outer pipe 80 and the inner pipe 82. In the pre-assembled state of the inner and outer pipes 80, 82, a vacuum 90 is present there, which extends between the individual material layers, i.e. between the first material layer 72, the second material layer 74 and the third material layer 76 of the decoupling element 86 into the annular gap 92. The annular gap 92 or the vacuum prevailing in the annular gap 92 represents the vacuum insulation between the outer tube 80 and the inner tube 82.

[0066] Figure 6, which largely corresponds to Figures 1, 3 and 5, further shows that a vacuum 88 extends from the intermediate space 25 into the latter. This vacuum extends into the individual material layers, i.e. the first material layer 72, the second material layer 74 and the third material layer 86 of the thermal decoupling element 38. The vacuum 88 in the intermediate space 25 is released after assembly of the pipe connection 10 at the vacuum valve 24, so that the aforementioned vacuum insulation is achieved via the pipe connection 10 proposed according to the invention. By means of the proposed sealing concept, a first seal is created via the two metallic seals 32 between the first connecting part 12 and the second connecting part 14, while a redundant seal is created via the Invar sealing ring 36 and the PCTFE seal 28.

[0067] The connection 40 between the material of the thermal decoupling element 38, the socket 20 and the plug 22 is designed as a material-to-material connection, as is the connection 46 of the thermal decoupling element 38 or of its material to the opposing connecting parts 12, 14.

[0068] The pipe connection 10 is created by the number of connectors 60, which have on the one hand the tool attachment 62 and on the other hand a nut 64.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, which are within the scope of expert practice.

[0070] 10 Pipe connection

[0071] 12 First connecting part

[0072] 14 Second connecting part

[0073] 16 Intermediate piece

[0074] 18 Frontal surface

[0075] 20 socket

[0076] 22 plugs

[0077] 24 Vacuum valve

[0078] 25 space

[0079] 26 Structural connection

[0080] 28 PCTFE seal

[0081] 32 Metallic seal

[0082] 34 Joint front side

[0083] 36 Invar seal

[0084] 38 Thermal decoupling element

[0085] 40 Connection socket / plug

[0086] 42 Serpentine course

[0087] 44 wall thickness

[0088] 46 Connection connecting parts

[0089] 48 spaces

[0090] 50 Mounting dimension M (offset)

[0091] 52 tabs, hanging tabs

[0092] 54 Grounding

[0093] 56 bore

[0094] 58 60° divisions

[0095] 60 connectors

[0096] 62 Tool approach

[0097] 64 Mother

[0098] 66 Opening for hanging tabs

[0099] 68 Eye

[0100] 70 material length

[0101] 72 First layer of material

[0102] 74 Second material layer Third material layer Tip / deflection Outer tube Inner tube Material connection Joint Vacuum Intermediate space 25 Vacuum in the annular gap 92 Annular gap

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pipe connection (10) for cryogenic media, in particular line parts (20, 22) carrying liquid hydrogen, which are designed as a socket (20) or as a plug (22), wherein an intermediate space (25) is designed between end faces (28) of connecting parts (12, 14), which intermediate space can be connected to a vacuum source, characterized in that a thermal decoupling element (38) runs between the line parts (20, 22) on the one hand and the connecting parts (12, 14) on the other hand, the material length (70) of which is distributed over a plurality of concentric material layers (72, 74, 76) and a sealing contact is formed between the socket (20) and the plug (22) by means of an Invar sealing ring.

2. Pipe connection (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the material length (70) of a low-temperature-resistant metallic material of the thermal decoupling element (38) between connection points (40, 46) is maximized.

3. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that one of the connection points (40, 46) of the thermal decoupling element (38) is formed on the socket (20) or on the plug (22) and for the other of the connection points (40, 46) on the connecting parts (12, 14).

4. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the line parts (20, 22) carrying the cryogenic medium, in particular the socket (20) and the plug (22), are connected via the thermal decoupling element (38) to the connecting parts (12, 14), between which an annular intermediate piece (16) is arranged, which is subjected to a vacuum.

5. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a vacuum is introduced via the intermediate ring (16) arranged between the two connecting parts (12, 14) of the pipe connection (10), which creates a differential pressure between the intermediate space (25) and vacuum insulation chambers, in particular an annular gap (92) between outer tube (80) and inner tube (82).

6. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the annular intermediate piece (16) comprises at least one structural connection device (26) and a vacuum valve (24) on its circumference.

7. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the individual, concentrically arranged material layers (72, 74, 76) of the thermal decoupling element (38) are joined together in a material-locking manner in the connection region (78).

8. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a joint (34) of the line parts (20, 22), in particular the socket (20) and the plug (22), is redundantly sealed by the Invar sealing ring (36) and a prestressed sealing element, in particular a PCTFE sealing ring (28).

9. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mutually facing end faces (18) of the intermediate piece (16) and the connecting parts (12, 14) are provided with seals (32) made of metallic material.

10. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the seals (32) are made of metallic material, in particular containing Cu, and have at least one suspension hook (52) on their circumference, which can be received in openings (66) of the intermediate piece (16).

11. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the intermediate piece (16) of the pipe connection 10 has at least one electrical ground point (54) and is electrically conductively connected to the connecting parts (12, 14) and the line parts (20, 22), in particular the socket (20) and the plug (22), via the seals (32) made of metallic material.

12. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the thermal decoupling element (38) is manufactured as an integral component, as an assembly subtractively, additively or by joining technology.

13. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that sensors for detecting gas are accommodated in the intermediate space (25) of the intermediate piece (16).

14. Pipe connection (10) according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the material layers (72, 74, 76) are arranged concentrically with respect to one another to achieve a maximum material length (70).

15. Use of the pipe connection (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14 for connecting line parts (20, 22), in particular a socket (20) and a plug (22), which carry a cryogenic medium, in particular liquid hydrogen.

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