ROTATING CONNECTING DEVICE FOR CRYOGENIC FLUID PIPES

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a rotating connection device for cryogenic fluid conduits, comprising a first conduit piece (A) forming a female joint part and a second conduit piece (B) forming a male joint part, connected so as to delimit a conduit (C) for the circulation of the cryogenic fluid and to form a cryogenic fluid heating chamber between the first (A) and second (B) conduit pieces, said rotating connection device further comprising: a first seal (7) impermeable to the cryogenic fluid, provided around the circulation conduit at a junction interface between said first conduit piece (A) and said second conduit piece (B) giving access to the heating chamber at an internal end thereof;a second seal (2) impermeable to cryogenic fluid provided at a junction interface between said second conduit piece (B), said second external annular flange (12), and said radially internal ring (10), located at an external end of the heating chamber; a third seal (3) impermeable to the gas formed by heating a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and having a temperature greater than -75 degrees, preferably greater than -50 degrees, said third seal (3) being provided at a junction interface between said radially external ring (9), said radially internal ring (10) and said second external annular flange (12).

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR ROTATING CONNECTION OF CRYOGENIC FLUID CONDUITS Field of disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cryogenic fluid transfer installations.

[0002] More particularly, the disclosure relates to a rotating connection device for cryogenic fluid conduits, capable of circulating at temperatures between -180 degrees and -253 degrees.

[0003] Such a device may for example be used in the context of transport over long distances between a fixed unit and a mobile unit, such as at sea or in desert areas, of cryogenic fluid presenting risks of explosion or pollution in the event of contact with outside air. State of the prior art

[0004] In recent years, due to the growing awareness of the problem of global warming, efforts have been made to increase the use of renewable natural energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and geothermal energy, as energy sources to replace fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. For several years, the possibility of using natural energy sources to efficiently produce and use hydrogen has been considered, as hydrogen can be stored in large quantities and transported over long distances, particularly in liquid form.

[0005] Cryogenic fluid transfer installations, such as loading arms, are for example detailed in document WO9815772.

[0006] Such installations also comprise, in a conventional manner, a rotating connection device for cryogenic fluid conduits comprising a bearing as well as a sealing arrangement comprising in particular a sealing joint impermeable to the cryogenic fluid or an impermeable sealing joint making it possible to protect the installation from possible climatic conditions.

[0007] However, a disadvantage of current installations is that, in the event of failure of the means provided to ensure the proper transfer of the cryogenic fluid and in particular in the event of failure of the means to ensure the sealing of such an installation, the cryogenic fluid is directly capable of escaping from the conduits and therefore ending up in the external environment, which is not satisfactory due to the risks of explosion upon contact with the external air.

[0008] There is therefore a need to improve fluid transfer installations. cryogenic so as to limit the risks associated with the transfer of cryogenic fluid. Disclosure Statement

[0009] One aspect of the disclosure is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of prior art techniques.

[0010] To do this, the disclosure relates to a device for rotating connection of cryogenic fluid conduits, comprising a first conduit piece forming a female joint part and a second conduit piece forming a male joint part, connected so as to delimit a cryogenic fluid circulation conduit and to form a cryogenic fluid heating chamber between the first and second conduit pieces, said cryogenic fluid circulation conduit being thermally insulated,

[0011] said first pipe part having a first external annular flange and said second pipe part having a second external annular flange, between which is clamped a bearing comprising a radially external ring detachably connected to one of the two external annular flanges and a radially internal ring detachably connected to the other of the two external annular flanges, so as to guide in rotation the assembly formed by said first pipe part and said second pipe part,

[0012] said rotating connection device further comprising: - a first seal impermeable to cryogenic fluid, provided at an interface junction between said first pipe piece and said second pipe piece opening onto the heating chamber at an internal end thereof; - a second seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid provided at a junction interface between said second pipe part, said second external annular flange, and said radially internal ring, located at an external end of the heating chamber; - a third gas-tight seal formed by heating a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and being provided at a junction interface between said radially outer ring, said radially inner ring and said second outer annular flange.

[0013] Thus, the disclosure provides a novel and inventive approach to at least partially overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] In particular, by implementing three seals, additional safety is ensured at the level of the rotating connection device so that if a failure occurs at the level of the first sealing level, or first sealing barrier, corresponding to the first seal and the third seal, the cryogenic fluid does not escape from the cryogenic fluid transfer installation due to that the second sealing level, or second sealing barrier, corresponding to the second seal prevents the leakage of cryogenic fluid to the outside. The second seal thus provides safety in the event of failure of the first seal and / or the third seal.

[0015] In other words, the first seal ensures a seal against the cryogenic fluid. The third seal ensures a seal against the cryogenic gas coming from the heating, therefore here from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid which could escape at the level of the first seal, and which would be heated while circulating in the heating chamber. In the event of failure of this first sealing barrier, the second seal ensures a seal to prevent the leakage of cryogenic fluid to the outside.

[0016] It should be noted that said cryogenic fluid circulation conduit is thermally insulated so as to minimize heat inputs into said cryogenic fluid circulating in said circulation conduit.

[0017] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first pipe part and said second pipe part are connected by fitting the male joint part into the female joint part.

[0018] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first seal is provided around the circulation duct.

[0019] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first seal is annular and is made from polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

[0020] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen is based on PTFE.

[0021] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said second seal is annular and is made from polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

[0022] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said springs are made of a material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement.

[0023] Hydrogen embrittlement means the embrittlement of a material under the influence of hydrogen. This phenomenon occurs due to the diffusion and dissolution of hydrogen in the microstructure of a metal component, here the spring.

[0024] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said hydrogen embrittlement resistant material is an alloy comprising a plurality of components comprising between 39 and 41% cobalt, between 19 and 21% chromium, between 14 and 16% nickel, between 11.3% and 20.5% iron, between 6% and 8% molybdenum, between 1.5 and 2.5% manganese, and an amount of carbon less than or equal to equal to 0.15%, the sum of the components being equal to 100%.

[0025] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said third seal is impermeable to the gas formed by vaporization of a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and having a temperature greater than -75 degrees, preferably greater than -50 degrees.

[0026] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said third seal is a lip seal made from an elastomer.

[0027] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the device comprises a fourth seal provided at a junction interface between said radially outer ring, said radially inner ring and said first outer annular flange.

[0028] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said fourth seal comprises an impermeable annular seal.

[0029] As a result, this makes it possible to make the device waterproof to the conditions in which it is placed, and for example to protect it from possible humidity in an external environment in which this device is placed.

[0030] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first pipe part comprises: a first inner tubular wall radially spaced from said outer annular flange by a first upstream space; a first external tubular wall formed in the continuity of said first external annular flange, and a first intermediate tubular wall arranged radially between said first external tubular wall and said first internal tubular wall, and spaced from said first external tubular wall by a first downstream space smaller in diameter than said first upstream space,

[0031] said first intermediate tubular wall and said first internal tubular wall being arranged in a staggered manner and being connected by an annular junction partition. In addition, said second cylindrical pipe part comprises: a second internal tubular wall; a second external tubular wall formed in the continuity of said second external annular flange, and a second intermediate tubular wall arranged radially between said second outer tubular wall and said second inner tubular wall, said second intermediate tubular wall being spaced from said second inner tubular wall by a second inner space and being spaced from said second outer tubular wall by a second outer space,

[0032] said second intermediate tubular wall and said second internal tubular wall being arranged in a staggered pattern and being connected by a second annular junction partition,

[0033] said first external tubular wall and first intermediate tubular wall, at least partially inserted into said second external space,

[0034] said second intermediate tubular wall and second internal tubular wall being inserted into said second conduit part so as to abut against said first annular junction partition so that said first internal tubular wall and said second internal tubular wall are juxtaposed and form said conduit for circulation of a cryogenic fluid.

[0035] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said radially outer ring is detachably connected to one of the two outer annular flanges and said radially inner ring detachably connected to the other of the two outer annular flanges.

[0036] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said cryogenic fluid heating chamber has a U-shape winding between the first conduit piece and the second conduit piece and defining a thermally insulated annular intermediate space, so as to minimize heat inputs into said cryogenic fluid circulating in said circulation conduit.

[0037] By implementing a heating chamber between the first pipe part and the second pipe part, this makes it possible to thermally isolate said circulation pipe from the cryogenic fluid so as to minimize heat inputs into said cryogenic fluid circulating in said circulation pipe.

[0038] By implementing a heating chamber which has a U shape, the compactness of the connection device is improved because the heating chamber is subdivided into several overlapping portions. In addition, this makes it possible to implement a bearing which is relatively close to the connection plane by fitting the male joint part into the female joint part.

[0039] Finally, the fact of implementing a thermally insulated annular intermediate space makes it possible to force any leaks from the circulation duct to pass through this heating chamber without circulating radially through the walls, to heat up to a temperature preferably greater than -50 degrees before reaching the third seal, which allows the use of a very gas-tight seal.

[0040] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said cryogenic fluid heating chamber comprises: a first portion formed between the first intermediate tubular wall and the second intermediate tubular wall, - a second portion extending the first portion and formed between the first external tubular wall and the second external tubular wall,

[0041] said first portion and second portion being connected by a connecting portion formed between one end of said first pipe piece and a junction partition connecting said second external tubular wall to said second intermediate tubular wall.

[0042] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid is provided around the circulation conduit between said first annular junction partition and said second annular junction partition.

[0043] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said second seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid is provided in a housing formed in said second external annular flange and located at an external end of the heating chamber.

[0044] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said third gas-impermeable seal formed by heating a portion of the cryogenic fluid is provided in the vicinity of said second cryogenic fluid-impermeable seal.

[0045] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the device comprises a static annular seal provided between said first external annular flange and said radially internal ring.

[0046] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said bearing comprises at least two toric raceways which are arranged between said radially inner ring and said radially outer ring, and in which balls circulate.

[0047] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said first outer annular flange and said second outer annular flange have a plurality of through holes provided opposite blind holes formed in at least one of said radially inner ring and said radially outer ring. Furthermore, said device comprises a plurality of screws, each of said screws passing through one of said through holes and being screwed into one of said blind holes.

[0048] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said thermally insulated annular intermediate space is a vacuum insulated space in which thermal insulation means are housed.

[0049] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said thermal insulation means comprise a plurality of combined reflective / insulating layers.

[0050] In this case, according to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, said thermal insulation means comprise a plurality of layers based on fiberglass and aluminum.

[0051] According to a particular aspect of at least one embodiment of the disclosure, the cryogenic fluid is liquid hydrogen.

[0052] The disclosure also relates to a use of a rotating conduit connection device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, for the transfer of liquid hydrogen.

[0053] The disclosure also relates to a loading arm comprising a device for rotating connection of conduits according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. Presentation of the figures

[0054] The disclosure, as well as the various advantages it presents, will be more easily understood in light of the following description of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment thereof, and the appended drawings among which:

[0055] [Fig-1] is a sectional diagram illustrating a cryogenic fluid transfer installation according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

[0056] [Fig.2] is a partial view of [Fig.l];

[0057] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a fluid transfer installation cryogenic according to the embodiment of [Fig.l], and

[0058] [Fig.4] is a partial exploded view of [Fig.3].

[0059] Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Disclosure

[0060] The general principle of the disclosure is based on the implementation of at least three levels of sealing, formalized by three seals including two seals impermeable to the cryogenic fluid (i.e. both cryogenic liquid and cryogenic gas) and one seal impermeable to the gas formed by vaporization of a quantity of said cryogenic fluid, as well as a chamber for heating the cryogenic fluid, so that if a failure occurs at the level of the first level of sealing, or first sealing barrier, corresponding to the first seal and the third seal, the cryogenic fluid does not escape from the cryogenic fluid transfer installation.

[0061] Such a rotating conduit connection device can be used in particular for the transfer of liquid hydrogen.

[0062] According to other variants, it could also be used for the transport of other cryogenic fluids, which must be transported at very low negative temperatures.

[0063] This rotating conduit connection device can in particular be implemented within a loading arm.

[0064] We now present, in relation to Figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of disclosure.

[0065] As illustrated, the rotating conduit connection device according to the disclosure comprises a first conduit piece A and a second conduit piece B.

[0066] These two parts are here cylindrical and are, in this embodiment, connected by fitting the second pipe part B forming the male joint part into the first pipe part A forming the female joint part so as to delimit a conduit C for circulation of a cryogenic fluid according to a flow F.

[0067] The first pipe part A has a first external annular flange 11. This external annular flange has, in this embodiment, a fin extending in projection along an axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis L of extension of this first pipe part A.

[0068] For its part, the second pipe part B has a second external annular flange 12. This external annular flange also has, in this embodiment, a fin extending in projection along an axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis L of extension of this second pipe part B.

[0069] Between the first outer annular flange 11 and the second outer annular flange 12 is clamped a bearing comprising a radially outer ring 9, which is here detachably connected to one of the two outer annular flanges and a radially inner ring 10 which is here also detachably connected to the other of the two outer annular flanges, in order to keep the first pipe part A connected to the second pipe part B and in order to guide in rotation the assembly formed by the first pipe part A and the second pipe part B.

[0070] This bearing comprises at least two toroidal raceways 91, here two raceways, arranged between the radially inner ring 10 and the radially outer ring 9, in which balls 90 circulate.

[0071] According to different variants, the bearings can be either greased or ungreased. The greased bearings can comprise a grease operating at low oxygen-compatible temperatures, i.e., which does not present a risk in the event of contact with an oxygen-rich atmosphere, which can be the case in the event of deterioration of the sealing of the rotating seal and a drop in bearing temperature. The ungreased bearings can comprise raceways swept with nitrogen or pressurized with nitrogen in order to prevent the appearance of moisture at these raceways.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first outer annular flange and the second outer annular flange have a plurality of through holes provided opposite blind holes formed in at least one of the radially inner ring and the ring radially external. Furthermore, said device comprises a plurality of screws, each of the screws passing through one of the through holes and being screwed into one of the blind holes.

[0073] More particularly, and as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first external annular flange 11 has a plurality of through holes 80 arranged opposite blind holes 81 formed in the radially internal ring 10 while the second external annular flange 12 has a plurality of through holes 82 arranged opposite blind holes 83 formed in the radially external ring 9.

[0074] Furthermore, the installation comprises a plurality of screws 8, each of the screws being able to pass through one of the through holes 80 and being screwed into one of the blind holes 81. Furthermore, the installation comprises a plurality of screws 8' being able to pass through one of the through holes 82 and being screwed into one of the blind holes 83.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the first outer annular flange and the radially inner ring could be in one piece while the second outer annular flange and the radially outer ring could be in one piece.

[0076] As can be seen in particular in [Fig.4], the first cylindrical conduit part A of this embodiment comprises: - a first internal tubular wall 112 radially spaced from the external annular flange 11 by a first upstream space 116; - a first external tubular wall 110 formed in the continuity of the first external annular flange 11, and - a first intermediate tubular wall 111 arranged radially between the first external tubular wall 110 and the first internal tubular wall 112, and spaced from the first external tubular wall 110 by a first downstream space 115 smaller in diameter than the first upstream space 116.

[0077] This first intermediate tubular wall 111 and this first internal tubular wall 112 are arranged in a staggered pattern and are connected by a first annular junction partition 113.

[0078] Furthermore, the second cylindrical pipe part B of this embodiment comprises: - a second internal tubular wall 122; - a second external tubular wall 120 formed in the continuity of the second external annular flange 12, and - a second intermediate tubular wall 121 arranged radially between the second external tubular wall 120 and the second internal tubular wall 122, the second intermediate tubular wall 121 being spaced from the second internal tubular wall 122 by a second internal space 126 and being spaced from the second external tubular wall 122 by a second external space 125.

[0079] Here again, the second intermediate tubular wall 121 and said second internal tubular wall 122 are arranged in a staggered pattern and are connected by a second annular junction partition 123.

[0080] As described, the two pipe parts are connected by fitting the second pipe part B forming the male joint part into the first pipe part A forming the female joint part so as to delimit a conduit C for circulation of a cryogenic fluid.

[0081] To do this, the first external tubular wall 110 and first intermediate tubular wall 111 are at least partially inserted into the second external space 125.

[0082] Furthermore, the second intermediate tubular wall 121 and the second internal tubular wall 122 are inserted into the second conduit part B so as to abut against the first annular junction partition 113 so that the first internal tubular wall 112 and the second internal tubular wall 122 are juxtaposed and form the conduit C for circulating cryogenic fluid.

[0083] The fitting of the male part of the seal into the female part of the seal forms a cryogenic fluid heating chamber between the first pipe part A and the second pipe part B.

[0084] More particularly, in this embodiment, the cryogenic fluid heating chamber has a U-shaped profile winding between the first pipe part A and the second pipe part B, so as to maintain the compactness of the rotating conduit connection device because the heating chamber is subdivided into several overlapping portions. In addition, this makes it possible to implement a bearing that is relatively close to the connection plane by fitting the male joint part into the female joint part.

[0085] This cryogenic fluid heating chamber further defines a thermally insulated annular intermediate space E, which makes it possible to force the thermal convection of any leaks from the circulation duct to pass through this heating chamber without circulating radially through the walls. In other words, this makes it possible to filter the possibilities of heat transfer between a cryogenic fluid potentially leaking from the circulation duct by only allowing heat transfer through said heating chamber of said cryogenic fluid.

[0086] In this embodiment, this thermally insulated annular intermediate space corresponds to the first downstream space 115, to the second internal space 126.

[0087] As illustrated, in this embodiment, the cryogenic fluid heating chamber comprises: - a first portion 70 formed between the first intermediate tubular wall 111 and the second intermediate tubular wall 121, - a second portion 72 extending the first portion 70 and arranged between the first external tubular wall 110 and the second external tubular wall 120.

[0088] The first portion 70 and second portion 72 are connected by a connecting portion 71 formed between one end of the first pipe part A and a junction partition connecting the second external tubular wall 120 to the second intermediate tubular wall 121, so as to give a U-shaped profile to this cryogenic fluid heating chamber.

[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, the thermally insulated intermediate space is formed in the space formed by the first portion 70 and the second portion 72. This thermally insulated intermediate space thus forces the heat transfer to take place by circulation along the first portion 70, then the connecting portion 71, then the second portion 72, thus making it possible to maximize the heating of the cryogenic fluid leaking from the cryogenic fluid circulation conduit.

[0090] This thermally insulated annular intermediate space is, in this embodiment, a vacuum-insulated space in which thermal insulation means are housed.

[0091] In this embodiment, these thermal insulation means comprise a plurality of layers based on fiberglass and aluminum.

[0092] However, according to other embodiments, the thermal insulation means could comprise a plurality of combined reflective / insulating layers.

[0093] As illustrated in the various figures, the rotating connection device of this embodiment further comprises: - a first seal 7 impermeable to the cryogenic fluid, that is to say to the cryogenic liquid and to the cryogenic gas, provided at a junction interface between the first pipe part A and the second pipe part B opening onto the cryogenic fluid heating chamber at an internal end thereof; - a second seal 2 impermeable to the cryogenic fluid, i.e. to the cryogenic liquid and to the cryogenic gas, provided at a junction interface between the second pipe part B, the second external annular flange 12, and the radially internal ring 10, located at an external end of the cryogenic fluid heating chamber; - a third gas-impermeable seal 3 formed by heating a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and having a temperature greater than -75 degrees, preferably greater than -50 degrees, and provided at a junction interface between the radially outer ring 9, the radially outer ring internal dially 10 and the second external annular flange 12.

[0094] By implementing three sealing joints, safety is ensured at the connection device level.

[0095] In normal operation, the cryogenic fluid circulates in the circulation duct C. The sealing of this circulation duct is firstly achieved by the first seal. The cryogenic fluid which can escape from this first seal heats up in the heating chamber and arrives heated at the third seal.

[0096] If the first seal fails, the second seal will prevent cryogenic fluid from leaking outwards by stopping the arrival of cryogenic liquid or cryogenic gas that is too cold to be stopped by the third seal.

[0097] If the third seal fails, the second seal will provide redundancy for the first seal in order to limit or even completely stop any possible leakage of cryogenic gas which may have leaked from the first seal and heated up in the heating chamber.

[0098] In other words, the first seal provides a seal against the cryogenic fluid. The third seal provides a seal against the cryogenic gas originating from the heating of the cryogenic liquid which could escape at the first seal, and which would be heated while in the heating chamber. In the event of failure of this first sealing barrier, the second seal provides a seal to prevent the cryogenic fluid from leaking to the outside.

[0099] More particularly, in this embodiment, the first seal 7 impermeable to the cryogenic fluid is provided around the circulation conduit between the first annular junction partition 113 and the second annular junction partition 123.

[0100] Here, the first seal 7 is annular and is made from a polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

[0101] More particularly, here, the first seal 7 is annular and is made from a PTFE-based envelope energized by springs.

[0102] Furthermore, the springs energizing this first joint can be made in one material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement.

[0103] This material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement may for example be an alloy comprising a plurality of components comprising between 39 and 41% cobalt, between 19 and 21% chromium, between 14 and 16% nickel, between 11.3% and 20.5% iron, between 6% and 8% molybdenum, between 1.5 and 2.5% manganese, and a quantity of carbon less than or equal to 0.15%, the sum of the components being equal to 100%.

[0104] According to other variants, and for example in the case where the connection device would be arranged in a vertical main direction, the first seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid could consist of a space left at a junction interface between the first pipe part A and the second pipe part B opening onto the cryogenic fluid heating chamber at an internal end thereof, this space being able for example to be a clearance between the first pipe part and the second pipe part.

[0105] For example, this space may be a reduced or very reduced clearance, relative to a diameter of the parts, between the first pipe part and the second pipe part. For example, this space may be a clearance of the order of a millimeter between the first pipe part and the second pipe part.

[0106] For its part, in this embodiment, the second seal 2 impermeable to the cryogenic fluid is arranged in a housing formed in the second external annular flange 12 and located at an external end of the cryogenic fluid heating chamber.

[0107] As for the first seal, here, the second seal 2 is annular and is made from polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

[0108] More particularly, here, the second seal 2 is annular and is made from a PTFE base envelope energized by springs.

[0109] Furthermore, the springs energizing this second seal can be made of a material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement.

[0110] This material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement may for example be an alloy comprising a plurality of components comprising between 39 and 41% cobalt, between 19 and 21% chromium, between 14 and 16% nickel, between 11.3% and 20.5% iron, between 6% and 8% molybdenum, between 1.5 and 2.5% manganese, and a quantity of carbon less than or equal to 0.15%, the sum of the components being equal to 100%.

[0111] In this way, the cryogenic fluid heating chamber has at an inlet end the first seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid and at an outlet end the second seal impermeable to the cryogenic fluid.

[0112] As for the third gas-impermeable seal 3 formed by heating a quantity of cryogenic fluid, it is provided in the vicinity of the second seal 2 impermeable to the cryogenic fluid.

[0113] More particularly, and as illustrated, it is positioned in a groove formed in the radially internal ring 10, in contact with the radially external ring 9 and the second external annular flange 12.

[0114] Here, this third seal 3 is a lip seal and is made from an elastomer.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating conduit connection device further comprises a fourth seal provided at a junction interface between the radially outer ring 9, the radially inner ring 10 and the first external annular flange 11.

[0116] Here, the fourth seal is an impermeable annular seal.

[0117] This waterproof annular seal makes it possible in particular to make the device waterproof to the conditions in which it is placed, and for example to protect it from possible humidity in an external environment in which this device is placed.

[0118] Furthermore, the rotating conduit connection device comprises a static annular seal 6 arranged between the first external annular flange 11 and the radially internal ring 10.

Claims

Claims

1. A device for rotating connection of cryogenic fluid conduits, comprising a first conduit piece (A) forming a female joint part and a second conduit piece (B) forming a male joint part, connected so as to delimit a conduit (C) for circulation of the cryogenic fluid and to form a chamber for heating the cryogenic fluid between the first (A) and second (B) conduit pieces, said conduit (C) for circulation of the cryogenic fluid being thermally insulated, said first conduit piece (A) having a first external annular flange (11) and said second conduit piece (B) having a second external annular flange (12), between which is clamped a bearing comprising a radially external ring (9) connected to one of the two external annular flanges (11, 12) and a radially internal ring (10) connected to the other of the two external annular flanges (11, 12),so as to guide in rotation the assembly formed by said first pipe part (A) and said second pipe part (B), said rotating connection device further comprising:, - a first seal (7) impermeable to cryogenic fluid, provided at a junction interface between said first pipe part (A) and said second pipe part (B) opening onto the heating chamber at an inner end thereof; - a second seal (2) impermeable to the cryogenic fluid provided at a junction interface between said second pipe part (B), said second external annular flange (12), and said radially internal ring (10), located at an external end of the heating chamber; - a third gas-impermeable seal (3) formed by heating a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and being provided at a junction interface between said radially outer ring (9), said radially inner ring (10) and said second outer annular flange (12). said first seal (7) is provided around the circulation duct.

3. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said first seal (7) is annular and is made from a polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

4. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second seal (2) is annular and is made from a polymer resistant to contact with liquid hydrogen, energized by springs.

5. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said springs are made of a material resistant to hydrogen embrittlement.

6. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third seal (3) is impermeable to the gas formed by vaporization of a quantity of said cryogenic fluid and having a temperature greater than -75 degrees, preferably greater than -50 degrees.

7. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third seal (3) is a lip seal made from an elastomer.

8. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fourth seal provided at a junction interface between said radially external ring (9), said radially internal ring (10) and said first external annular flange (11).

9. A rotating conduit connection device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fourth seal is an impermeable annular seal.

10. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first conduit part (A) comprises: - a first internal tubular wall (112) radially spaced from said external annular flange (11) by a first upstream space (116); - a first external tubular wall (110) arranged in continuity with said first external annular flange (11), and - a first intermediate tubular wall (111) arranged ra- dially between said first external tubular wall (110) and said first internal tubular wall (112), and spaced from said first external tubular wall by a first downstream space (115) smaller in diameter than said first upstream space (116), said first intermediate tubular wall (111) and said first internal tubular wall (112) being arranged in a staggered pattern and being connected by a first annular junction partition (113), and in that said second cylindrical pipe part (B) comprises: - a second internal tubular wall (122); - a second external tubular wall (120) formed in the continuity of said second external annular flange (12), and - a second intermediate tubular wall (121) arranged radially between said second external tubular wall (120) and said second internal tubular wall (122), said second intermediate tubular wall (121) being spaced from said second internal tubular wall (122) by a second internal space (126) and being spaced from said second external tubular wall (120) by a second external space (125), said second intermediate tubular wall (121) and said second internal tubular wall (122) being arranged in a staggered pattern and being connected by a second annular junction partition (123), said first external tubular wall (110) and first intermediate tubular wall (111) being at least partially inserted into said second external space (125), said second intermediate tubular wall (121) and second internal tubular wall (122) being inserted into said second conduit part (B) so as to abut against said annular junction partition (113) so that said first internal tubular wall (112) and said second internal tubular wall (122) are juxtaposed and form said conduit (C) for circulating a cryogenic fluid.

11. A rotating conduit connection device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said first seal (7) is impermeable to the cryogenic liquid is arranged around the circulation conduit between said first annular junction partition (113) and said second annular junction partition (123).

12. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a static annular seal (6) provided between said first external annular flange (11) and said radially internal ring (10).

13. A rotating conduit connection device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cryogenic fluid is liquid hydrogen.

14. Use of a rotating conduit connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for the transfer of liquid hydrogen.

15. A loading arm comprising a rotating conduit connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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