Improved insulating joints

Abstract

The fitting (1) comprises a first elongated part (11) and a second elongated part (12), which are connected to each other by inserting the first part (11) into the second part (12). Each part (11, 12) comprises an internal liquefied gas conduit (11a, 12a) fluidly connected at a connection point (10) for the transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting (1). The first part (11) or the second part (12) comprises a worm seal (2) and the second part (12) comprises a purge opening (4). By providing a locking device (6) with two positions, a safe and reliable fitting is provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved fitting for the transfer of liquefied gases that allows for safe purging of the volume between a first and second part of the fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] Couplings for liquefied gases such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Liquefied Nitrogen (LN2) are known in the art. Quick connectors are also known as Dry Disconnect Couplings in chemical and petrochemical applications such as aviation refueling, filling, and discharging of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and in cryogenic applications such as injection and filling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

[0003] Liquefied gases are used for a variety of purposes, but regardless of the purpose, efficiency and safety are key factors. To take one of many examples, liquefied gases can be used as fuel and require transportation, for example, from fueling stations to trucks. Such transportation is well known in the art, but has the drawback that the technology does not adequately address safety issues in cryogenic applications. Storing gases in a liquid state typically requires less space than storing them in gas form. However, in cryogenic applications, liquefied gases vaporize long before outdoor or indoor temperatures, and changes in temperature can quickly become dangerous. One example is liquefied hydrogen (LH2), which must be kept below approximately -253°C to remain in a liquid state at atmospheric pressure.

[0004] When transferring liquefied gases, the fittings are critical and vulnerable components and in the prior art there are thermal bridges as well as dead spaces that contain, for example, air and other contaminants. For cryogenic applications, various fittings are known that partially address the challenge, for example Johnston type fittings and other types of vacuum insulating fittings.

[0005] When transferring liquefied hydrogen at -253 °C, all other gases except helium are already solid. The disadvantage of vacuum insulated fittings is that they do not have valves, which means that they are exposed to the atmosphere. To avoid the air in the transfer line solidifying, the air must be removed before delivering the liquefied hydrogen. This requires large amounts of expensive purge gas. After transfer, the hydrogen must be removed from the transfer line before a safe connection can be made. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The aim of the present solution is to provide a safe quick coupling, and a method for a safe quick coupling, which is used for filling and discharging liquefied gas without leakage, where reliability and safety are of utmost concern.

[0007] Another object of the solution is to allow safe operation of the joint without requiring even a minimum of knowledge from the operator.

[0008] Another object of the present solution is to prevent the coupling from being operated in one movement from a fully disconnected state to a fully connected state.

[0009] Another object of the present solution is to allow safe and effective purging of the fitting.

[0010] A further object of the solution is to increase safety when disconnecting the joint.

[0011] The solution is based on the idea of ​​providing an integrated vacuum-insulated shut-off valve in order to minimize the amount of gas, which requires purging before and after operation.The solution therefore comprises a fitting comprising a first elongated part and a second elongated part, the first part and the second part being connected to each other by inserting the first part into the second part, each part comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit fluidly connected at a connection point for the transfer of liquefied gas, preferably liquefied hydrogen or liquefied helium, through the fitting, one of the first part and the second part comprising a warm seal and the second part comprising a purge opening, the fitting further comprising a cold seal, the cold seal being arranged to seal the area between the cold seal and the warm seal from the internal liquefied gas conduit. the worm seal is positioned to block a space between the first and second parts from the atmosphere, the fitting further comprising a locking device having a first locked position and a second locked position, in the first locked position the first part is partially inserted into the second part forming a space between the first and second parts and the worm seal is engaged such that a purge opening is located between the space and the worm seal allowing purging of the area between the first and second parts, and in the second locked position the first part is fully inserted into the second part making a fluid connection at the connection point.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the worm seal is telescoped such that the worm seal is between the purge opening and the connection point, and the worm seal is telescoped such that the worm seal is located between the purge opening and the connection point.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when the fitting is fully connected, the distance between the purge opening and the connection point is greater than the distance between the worm seal and the connection point.

[0014] One advantage of this solution is that the fitting arrangement provides a safe purge location, allowing the area between the first and second fitting parts to be safely purged, another advantage is that the area between the valve arrangements of the first and second fitting parts can also be purged at the same time.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the warm seal and the cold seal are annual seals.

[0016] One advantage of this solution is that vacuum insulation is provided by sealing the area between the warm seal and the cold seal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, in the first locked position, the cold seal is removed so that the purge path is open to the purge opening between the first part and the second part, and in the second locked position, the cold seal is engaged, creating a closed area between the cold seal and the warm seal.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises a movable lock, which prevents the joint from passing through the first locked position without activation of the lock.

[0019] It is an advantage of this solution that the first locking position is mandatory for the user and in one embodiment the coupling cannot be connected without stopping in this position, in another embodiment the coupling cannot be connected or disconnected without stopping in the first locking position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first part and the second part further include a valve arrangement having at least one valve disposed in the first part and the second part, the valve allowing liquefied gas to flow into the internal liquefied gas conduit when the first liquid conduit and the second liquid conduit are connected and preventing flow when the first liquid conduit and the second liquid conduit are separated.

[0021] One advantage of this solution is that the entire fitting can have only one valve on each side, since the warm and cold seals create an additional safety barrier. Furthermore, by introducing a first locking position, which does not allow complete separation of the fitting without a gradual or sudden stop in the purge position, any leaks at any point in the valve arrangement can be detected by the purge opening before separation is complete.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the joint further comprises an emergency release device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the fitting includes a powered emergency release fitting powered by one of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric cylinder. According to one embodiment, the fitting includes either a break stud or a break pin to allow for safe emergency release. According to another embodiment, the emergency release device includes a collar that is released to separate the fitting.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the emergency release device is separated from the locking arrangement such that during emergency release at least a part of the second part is detached and attached instead to the first part after separation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first part includes a first valve arrangement having a valve with a base and a valve head, and the second part includes a second valve arrangement having a valve with a base and a valve head, one of the valves being spring-loaded and the other of the valves being positioned in a fixed position in the valve arrangement.

[0026] According to one embodiment of purging and connecting a first elongated part and a second elongated part of a fitting, the following steps are performed: - inserting the first part into the second part; - purging the area between the first part and the second part in the first locked position; - further inserting the first part into the second part to fully connect the fitting in the second locked position. The method according to claim 10, comprising the additional step of purging the internal liquefied gas conduit (11a, 12a) prior to the transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting (1).

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, there is an additional step of purging the internal liquefied gas conduit prior to the transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting. Alternatively or additionally, there is an additional step of purging the internal liquefied gas conduit after the transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fitting comprising a first elongated part and a second elongated part, the first part and the second part being coupled to one another by insertion of the first part into the second part, each part comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit fluidly connected at a connection point for transfer of liquefied gas, preferably liquefied hydrogen or liquefied helium, through the fitting, one of the first part and the second part comprising a worm seal and the second part comprising a purge opening, the fitting further comprising a cold seal, the cold seal positioned to isolate an area between the cold seal and the worm seal from the internal liquefied gas conduit, and wherein when the fitting is fully connected a distance between the purge opening and the connection point is greater than a distance between the worm seal and the connection point.

[0029] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a joint according to one embodiment, with the first and second parts separated. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a fitting according to one embodiment in a first locked position that allows purging of the area between the first and second parts. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the cold seal in a first locked position. [Figure 2b] FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of the worm seal in a first locked position and its position relative to the purge opening. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a fitting in a second, locked position, allowing transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting. [Figure 3a] FIG. 13 shows a portion of the cold seal in a second, locked position. [Figure 3b] FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of the worm seal in a second locked position and its position relative to the purge opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows the joint with the emergency release device released. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the emergency release device has been released and separation of the first and second joint parts has been completed. [Figure 6a] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of one embodiment of a valve arrangement. [Figure 6b] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of one embodiment of a valve arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present solution will be disclosed in detail with reference to the attached drawings. All examples described herein should be considered as part of the summary, and therefore general terms can be combined in any manner. Individual features of various embodiments and aspects can be combined or exchanged, unless such combination or exchange is obviously inconsistent with the overall function of the device or method.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a coupling 1, in which a first part 11 and a second part 12 are shown. In FIG. 1, the parts 11 and 12 are not connected. The first part 11 is a male part and the second part 12 is a female part, the first part being adapted to be inserted into the second part. In a typical application, the first part 11 is most likely installed in a vehicle, a fuel tank, a fuel ship or other suitable unit for receiving liquefied gas. The second part 12 is most likely installed in a fuel station, a transport unit, a rail car, a tanker truck or a similar unit for delivering liquefied gas. However, it is understood that other arrangements are possible within the scope of the solution described herein.

[0033] 1 further shows an embodiment of the solution, where the joint 1 is engaged by aligning the roller 6b1 with the entry of the cam curve 6a1. The solution provides a specific process for achieving the first and second locking positions. However, it should be noted that other solutions are possible as well.

[0034] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the user pulls the locking device button and pushes the second part 12, which is the hose unit, forward to engage the roller into the cam curve. Then, rotate, for example, 5°-10°, until the locking device is locked in the locking hole. The roller keeps the second part 12 connected to the first part 11 in the first locking position, also called the purge position. The locking pin is locked in the locking hole. To proceed with the post-purge process, pull the locking device button and rotate, for example, an additional 20°-50°, until the roller stops rotating in the second locking position. In the process, the valve slowly opens, the locking device is locked in the second locking hole, and the connection between the liquefied gas conduits is completed.

[0035] As further shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first section 6a of the locking device 6 comprises a plurality of cam curves 6a1 and the second section 6b of the locking device 6 comprises a plurality of rollers 6b1. Each curve 6a1 contacts a roller 6b1 when the sections 6a and 6b of the locking device 6 are in contact with each other. The sections 6a and 6b rotate relative to each other until the sections 6a and 6b and the locking device 6 reach the first locking position, with each roller 6b1 interdigitated with its respective cam curve 6a1. This is the purge position, and in one embodiment, movement from the first locking position is prevented by an actuator 6e, which, when actuated, allows further movement to separation or to the second locking position.

[0036] As sections 6a and 6b rotate further relative to each other, each roller 6b1 continues to interleave with its respective cam curve 6a1 until sections 6a and 6b reach a final stop end position, the second locked position. When locking device 6 is in this stop position, in one embodiment, actuator 6e of locking device 6 enters an end position and locks first part 11 and second part 12 of joint 1 together. Actuator 6e can be, for example, a pin in second section 6b of locking device 6, cooperating with a hole in first section 6a of locking device 6. In other embodiments, the movement is restricted in other ways. Locking device 6 can be of another design and can be moved to the two positions in any suitable way.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the fitting 1 and how it has a double-walled, vacuum-insulated design to avoid external air condensation and reduce thermal bridging in the fitting 1. A first part 11 of the fitting 1 includes a valve arrangement 2b with a valve body and a valve guide with a valve seat. A second part 12 of the fitting 1 also includes a valve arrangement 3b with a valve body and a valve guide with a valve seat.

[0038] The first part 11 and the second part 12 are each elongated in shape and comprise internal liquefied gas conduits 11a and 12a for the transport of liquefied gas through the fitting 1 when the parts 11 and 12 are connected. The elongation makes it possible to keep the temperature of the liquefied gas passing inside the first part 11 and the second part 12 under control and to slow the temperature rise of the gas, which is achieved by the area between the warm seal 2 and the cold seal 3 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0039] When the first part 11 is inserted into the second part 12, air, moisture and other contaminants for the cryogenic environment are present around the fitting 1 and are trapped between the first part 11 and the second part 12. This problem is often reduced in the prior art by minimizing the dead space between the valves of the fitting, but this only reduces the problem. In this solution, to remove air and contaminants, the fitting stops in a first locked position before being fully connected, leaving a space 10a between the valve arrangement 2b and the valve arrangement 3b, and between the elongated parts of the first part 11 and the second part 12. At this stage, the cold seal 3 is not fitted and in this embodiment is located a short distance away from the second part. The space 10a is surrounded by the first part 11 and the second part 12 and is separated from the atmosphere by a warm seal. 2 thus shows a first locked position in which the first part 11 and the second part 12 are connected, the warm seal 2 is engaged, but the cold seal 3 is not engaged. Furthermore, this state results in the formation of a space 10a between the valve arrangement 2b and the valve arrangement 3b near the connection point 10.

[0040] In the first locked position as shown in Fig. 2 it is therefore possible to purge both the area between the valve arrangement 2b and the valve arrangement 3b and the area between the first part 11 and the second part 12. This is achieved in one embodiment by releasing a small amount of liquefied gas via the internal liquefied gas conduits 11a, 12a, which enter the space 10a and exit the fitting from the surroundings of the first part 11 and via the purge opening 4. The worm seal 2 prevents the liquefied gas from entering the atmosphere, and the purge opening 4 is for example attached in one embodiment to a purge return pipe 4a, which returns the liquefied gas to the distribution system or another suitable storage location.

[0041] 2a shows a portion of the cold seal 3 and how it does not telescope but seals between the first and second parts. Instead, there is a distance between the first and second parts, leaving an area open towards the purge opening 4.

[0042] FIG. 2b shows parts of the purge opening 4 and the worm seal 2 and how they are positioned relative to each other in the first locked position.

[0043] 3 shows one embodiment of fitting 1, where the first part 11 and the second part 12 of fitting 1 are fully coupled together in a second, locked position, allowing liquefied gas to flow from the conduit 11a of the first part 11 to the conduit 12a of the second part 12 of fitting 1. When the first part 11 and the second part 12 of fitting 1 are separated (see, for example, FIG. 1), at least one valve element is urged against a corresponding valve seat, preventing the flow of liquefied gas through the respective liquefied gas conduits 11a and 12a.

[0044] In one embodiment, fitting 1 includes a second worm seal to protect and isolate fitting 1 from the atmosphere. The second worm seal further isolates purge opening 4 from the atmosphere in the second locked position, where purge opening 4 is between worm seal 2 and the second worm seal.

[0045] 3 further illustrates how the first part 11 and the second part 12 isolate the liquefied gas conduit from the outside world by the cold seal 3 and the warm seal 2. The warm seal 2 further seals the purge opening 4, preventing leakage even if the cold seal 3 fails to seal.

[0046] FIG. 3a shows a portion of the cold seal 3 and how it fits together in the second, locked position to provide a seal between the first and second parts, in comparison with FIG. 2a.

[0047] FIG. 3b shows, in comparison with FIG. 2b, parts of the purge opening 4 and the worm seal 2 and how they are arranged relative to each other in the second locked position.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the fitting 1 with the emergency release device 8 disengaging the first part 11 from the second part 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the emergency release device 8 separates the first and second parts in a different position than normal operation, but as shown, a portion of the second part 12 is still connected to the first part 11. This allows the emergency release device 8 to override the requirement for the fitting 1 to stop in the first locked position. The action of the emergency release device 8 provides an emergency stop that stops the flow of liquefied gas. The emergency stop separates the first part 11 of the fitting 1 from the second part 12 of the fitting 1, preventing damage to the transfer system.

[0049] The emergency release device 8 comprises an element which is attached to the second part 12 of the joint 1. When the joint 1 is subjected to a determined unwanted load or angle, the element of the emergency release device 8 is activated.

[0050] In one embodiment, when it is necessary to separate the fitting 1, a wire attached to the release ring is stretched. The release ring is then released from the clamping structure 8a, which then releases its grip around the flange 8b, causing it to be pushed outwards by the cone of the flange 8b. A portion of the second part 12 of the fitting 1 disengages from the first part 11 and moves away from the locking device 6. A stop flange on the outside of the second part 12 of the fitting 1 stops the movement of the release ring along the elongated body of the second part 12 of the fitting 1. The valve arrangements 2b and 3b are closed before the cold seal 3 is released.

[0051] The emergency release device 8 can be of another design and can be operated in any suitable way, for example a powered emergency release coupling, a break stud, a break pin or any other suitable solution.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the joint 1 fully released by the emergency release device 8 .

[0053] Figures 6a and 6b show an embodiment of the valve arrangements 2b, 3b, where Figure 6a shows the valve arrangements 2b, 3b in the second locking position and Figure 6b shows the valve arrangements 2b, 3b in the first locking position. Each of the valve arrangements 2b, 3b comprises a valve 111, 121, a valve seat insert 112, 122 and a spring 114, 124, allowing each valve arrangement 2b, 3b to go from a closed state to an open state. The valve seat 123 of the second part 12 is held in place by a spring 124 in the illustrated embodiment. The valve 121 of the second part is fixed in its appropriate position. The valve seat 112 of the first part 11 is fixed in its appropriate position and the valve 111 of the first part 11 is held in place by a spring 114. This single poppet valve positioning aid allows for effective purging since no dead space between the double valves is required.

[0054] In order to remove air from the conduits so that the product being transferred is not contaminated by air, the internal liquefied gas conduits 11a, 12a are preferably purged prior to the transfer of liquefied gas through the fitting 1. Correspondingly, the internal liquefied gas conduits 11a, 12a are purged after the transfer of liquefied gas through the fittings, for example to remove hydrogen residues which may mix with air to create a flammable mixture.

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the joint have been described. It will be understood that these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the original idea. For example, the worm seal has been described as part of the first part 11, but it may also be part of the second part 12.

Claims

1. A joint (1) comprising a first elongated part (11) and a second elongated part (12), wherein the first part (11) and the second part (12) are connected to each other by inserting the first part (11) into the second part (12), and each part (11, 12) is fluidly connected at a connection point (10) by an internal liquefied gas conduit (11a, 12a) for the transfer of liquefied gas, preferably liquefied hydrogen or liquefied helium, through the joint (1), one of the first part (11) and the second part is provided with a worm seal (2), the second part (12) is provided with a purge opening (4), the joint (1) further comprises a cold seal (3), and the cold seal (3) is arranged to seal the region (volume) between the cold seal (3) and the worm seal (2) from the internal liquefied gas conduits (11a, 12a). The worm seal is arranged to block the space between the first part and the second part from the atmosphere. The joint (1) further comprises a locking device (6) having a first locking position and a second locking position. In the first locking position, the first part (11) is partially inserted into the second part (12), forming a space (10a) between the first part (11) and the second part (12). The worm seal (2) is fitted such that the purge opening (4) is located between the space (10a) and the worm seal (2), enabling the purge of the region between the first part (11) and the second part (12). In the second locking position, the first part (11) is fully inserted into the second part (12), and the joint (1) forms a fluid connection at the connection point (10).

2. The joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein the worm seal (2) is fitted such that the worm seal (2) is between the purge opening (4) and the connection point (10).

3. The joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein when the joint (1) is fully connected, the distance (L1) between the purge opening (4) and the connection point (10) is longer than the distance (L2) between the worm seal (2) and the connection point (10).

4. In the first locking position, the cold seal (3) is removed so that the purge path is open with respect to the purge opening (4) between the first part (11) and the second part (12). The joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the second locking position, the cold seal (3) is fitted to create a closed area between the cold seal (3) and the worm seal (2).

5. The joint (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device includes an actuator (6e) that prevents the joint (1) from passing through the first locking position without the actuator (6e) being actuated.

6. The first part (11) and the second part (12) further include a valve arrangement (2a, 2b) having at least one valve disposed in the first part (11) and the second part (12). The valve allows the liquefied gas to flow into the internal liquefied gas conduits (11a, 12a) when the first liquid conduit (11a) and the second liquid conduit (12a) are connected, and blocks the flow when the first liquid conduit (11a) and the second liquid conduit (12a) are separated. The joint (1) according to claim 1.

7. The joint (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency release device (8).

8. The emergency release device (8) is separated from the locking device such that at least a portion of the second part (12) is separated during emergency release and is attached in place of the first part (11) after separation. The joint (1) according to claim 7.

9. The first part (11) includes a first valve arrangement (2b) having a valve (111) with a base and a valve head. The second part (12) includes a second valve arrangement (3b) having a valve (121) with a base and a valve head. One of the valves (111; 121) is spring-loaded, and the other of the valves (111; 121) is positioned in place in the valve arrangement (2b; 3b). The joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method of purging and connecting a first elongated part (11) and a second elongated part (12) of a joint (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: inserting the first part (11) into the second part (12); purging the region between the first part (11) and the second part (12) in a first locked position; further inserting the first part (11) into the second part (12) and fully connecting the joint (1) in a second locked position. A method comprising the above steps.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising an additional step of purging the internal liquefied gas conduits (11a, 12a) before transferring liquefied gas through the joint (1).

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising an additional step of purging the internal liquefied gas conduits (11a, 12a) after transferring liquefied gas through the joint (1).

13. A joint (1) comprising a first elongated part (11) and a second elongated part (12), wherein the first part (11) and the second part (12) are connected to each other by inserting the first part (11) into the second part (12), and each part (11, 12) is provided with an internal liquefied gas conduit (11a, 12a) that is fluidly connected at a connection point (10) for transferring liquefied gas, preferably liquefied hydrogen or liquefied helium, through the joint (1). One of the first part (11) and the second part is provided with a worm seal (2), the second part (12) is provided with a purge opening (4), the joint (1) further comprises a cold seal (3), and the cold seal (3) is arranged to block the region between the internal liquefied gas conduits (11a, 12a) and the region between the cold seal (3) and the worm seal (2). When the joint (1) is fully connected, the distance (L1) between the purge opening (4) and the connection point (10) is longer than the distance (L2) between the worm seal (2) and the connection point (10). Joint (1).

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