Receptacle for cryogenic coupling, and assembly comprising such receptacle

Abstract

To provide a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic coupling, and an assembly comprising such receptacle and cryogenic coupling.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic coupling for filling between two uses, the receptacle (1) comprising a tubular sleeve (2) which has an inlet and a bottom and delimits a tubular housing configured to accommodate a coupling (3) of cylindrical overall shape. The tubular sleeve (2) is thermally insulated. The bottom is situated above the inlet thereof in a use configuration such that the terminal end of the coupling (3) is held there oriented upwards in a position stowed in the receptacle. The receptacle has a detachable drying module (9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic joint, and to an assembly comprising such a receptacle and a cryogenic joint.

[0002] The invention more particularly relates to a receptacle for receiving a cryogenic joint for filling between two uses, the receptacle comprising a tubular sleeve having an inlet and a bottom and defining a tubular housing configured to receive in an airtight manner the joint of cylindrical overall shape. [Background technology]

[0003] To reduce the duration of the steps for connecting and disconnecting hoses for transferring cryogenic fluids (LNG, LH2, etc.), quick-connect type couplings (or nozzles) are utilized.

[0004] These techniques allow the ends of the joint to self-close, which reduces the need for purging and heating over conventional joints of the "Johnson" type.

[0005] This technique allows, among other things, a cold disconnection of the connection. After disconnection, the connection is cold, which generally causes ice build-up (in the case of hydrogen, see the condensation of the air around the connection). This ice must be drained to prevent this water from staying in the dead volume of the connection (which could potentially cause ice build-up or leaks when the hose is in use).

[0006] If the duration between two filling operations is too long (especially overnight), the heat input to the hose requires it to be heated to limit the pressure increase, which requires that the hose must be cooled again before the next use, which extends the duration of the fluid transfer.

[0007] In certain configurations, reducing the duration of the filling operation is a critical issue.

[0008] In the majority of fuel filling stations, the hose is provided with a coupling or pistol having a receptacle for storage between the different filling operations.

[0009] In the case of low temperature or cryogenic fluids, it is known to clean the joints after use to remove any ice deposits that may form. This can be done, inter alia, directly in the receiver when said receiver is stored, by blowing dry air through it.

[0010] Documents WO21093985A1, FR3104671A1 and US20180354778A1 describe receivers for cryogenic joints, but do not fully meet the requirements for use.

[0011] The need for heating / drying before each filling operation is therefore important to avoid ice build-up.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To this end, the receiver according to the invention but otherwise according to its generic definition given in the preamble above is essentially characterized in that it further comprises a drying module provided with detachable mounting member(s) at the end of the tubular sleeve defining its bottom, i.e. the drying module can be arranged in a first position attached to the end of the tubular sleeve and in a second position detached from the tubular sleeve, the drying module comprises a circulation path for circulating a flow of drying gas, the bottom of the tubular sleeve comprises an intake valve configured to be connected to the circulation path when the drying module is in its first position and to allow the flow of drying gas to flow into the tubular sleeve, and the receiver has an assembly of seal(s) configured to cooperate with the coupling and to isolate the internal volume of the tubular sleeve from the exterior of the tubular sleeve.

[0014] Moreover, embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following features: -The intake valve is a check valve, the tubular sleeve comprises a drain valve configured to drain any overpressure in the tubular sleeve, the drain valve being, for example, a check valve; the drying module comprises a heating element, for example a resistor, and an end intended to be connected to a source of pressurized drying gas or to a source of heated pressurized drying gas, The tubular sleeve is insulated, for example with a double-wall construction with vacuum insulation between the walls, the receiver has a locking mechanism configured to cooperate with the coupling and provide a releasable blocking of the coupling in the tubular sleeve; the receiver has a detector for detecting the presence of a bond in the tubular sleeve and / or a temperature sensor in the tubular sleeve, The receiver has a system for discharging the internal volume of the tubular sleeve.

[0015] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a fluid transfer line provided with a fluid coupling and a receiver according to any one of the above or below features, comprising an assembly of O-ring seal(s) arranged at the inlet of the tubular sleeve and / or on the coupling.

[0016] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features falling within the scope of the claims.

[0017] Further particular features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is provided with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given purely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a receiver according to a possible embodiment of the invention in a first configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the aforementioned receiver in a second configuration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the aforementioned receiver in a third configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements.

[0021] In the description of the present invention, the following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that a feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments can also be combined and / or exchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0022] The illustrated receptacle 1 is configured to receive a cryogenic coupling 3 for filling between two uses. Such a coupling 3 (sometimes called a nozzle or pistol) has, for example, a cylindrical overall shape and is placed at the end of a flexible pipe 13 for transporting the cryogenic fluid. This coupling 3 has at least one valve 14, in particular a self-closing valve shown diagrammatically.

[0023] The receptacle 1 comprises a body in the form of a tubular sleeve 2. This sleeve delimits a tubular housing having an inlet 5 and a bottom 4 and adapted to receive a coupling 3.

[0024] The sleeve 2 is preferably formed from insulated walls.

[0025] The base 4 can be placed above its inlet 5 in a use configuration such that the end of the coupling portion 3 is held oriented upwards in a receptacle 1 in a stored position.

[0026] The receptacle 1 further comprises a drying module 9 provided with removable attachment member(s) 10 at the end of a tubular sleeve defining the bottom 4, i.e. the drying module 9 can be arranged in a first position attached to the end of the sleeve 2 and in a second position detached from the sleeve 2. For example, the attachment member(s) 10 can comprise a system of attachment by elastic deformation and / or a hook system.

[0027] The drying module 9 comprises a circuit 12 for circulating a flow of drying gas, the circuit 12 opening at an end of the drying module 9 .

[0028] The drying module 9 comprises, for example, a heating element, for example a resistor, and an end intended to be connected to a source of pressurized drying gas or preferably to a source of heated pressurized drying gas.

[0029] The bottom 4 of the sleeve 2 is provided with an intake valve 7 configured to connect with the circulation path 12 when the drying module 9 is in its first position and to allow a flow of drying gas into the sleeve 2 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0030] As illustrated, the sleeve 2 also preferably includes a vent valve 8 configured to vent any overpressure in the sleeve 2 .

[0031] The intake valve 7 and / or the exhaust valve 8 may be a check valve, for example a valve that opens depending on the pressure difference experienced at its ends.

[0032] The proposed architecture makes it possible, among other things, to not only heat / dry the joint 3 but also to keep it isolated from the external environment during its movement, which tends to minimize ice and therefore the probability of seal leakage.

[0033] The receiver comprises heating / drying means and a sleeve 2 forming a removable airtight cover making it possible to keep the joint isolated and protected from the external environment during the transfer phase.

[0034] The drying module 9 makes it possible to heat and / or dry the bond 3 in the sleeve 2 .

[0035] This drying can be ensured by the circulation of a dry gas (for example air or nitrogen). The sleeve 2 makes it possible to isolate the joint 3 from the external environment. This sleeve can be mechanically connected to a drying module 9 in order to enable the joint 3 to be heated.

[0036] This sleeve 2 is preferably gas-tight, as is its mechanical connection with the coupling 3 .

[0037] The assembly of the sleeve 2 and dryer module 9 can be oriented to not only facilitate water evacuation, but also to ensure that droplets or crystals blown off during de-icing do not accumulate near the valve 14 of the connection.

[0038] For example, the sleeve 2 may be oriented according to any orientation, but preferred orientations would be 60° to 30° (end with bottom 4 facing down) and -30° to -90° (end with bottom 4 facing up).

[0039] Similarly, the inlet 7 and outlet 8 for the drying gas may be positioned to optimise heating / drying.

[0040] An example of use may include all or some of the following steps.

[0041] After the coupling has been used (eg filling the tank), the coupling 3 is separated from the filled tank.

[0042] The sleeve 2 is placed on the joint 3 (or the joint is introduced into the sleeve 2). The sleeve 2 is mechanically connected in an airtight manner to the joint 3. This is preferably effected with a certain level of airtightness to ensure insulation against moisture and determined against the external environment.

[0043] The assembly comprising the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 can be moved towards the drying module 9 (or vice versa) whilst being protected from the external environment.

[0044] The assembly comprising the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 is mechanically connected to a drying module 9 .

[0045] After potential mechanical locking 10 between the sleeve 2 and the drying module 9, a drying gas can be circulated to sweep the joint 3 in the sleeve 2. This makes it possible to expel accumulated ice. The triggering of this sweeping can be triggered manually and / or by detection of the joint and / or after the joint 3 has cooled, i.e. before (or after) the next filling operation.

[0046] This sweeping with gas may be provided for a predetermined duration, for example 2 to 120 minutes, and / or may be provided in response to a measured, predetermined temperature threshold being reached (for example 0 to -70°C). A temperature probe may be installed in the sleeve 2 to determine the end of the de-icing period (and, where appropriate, the start of application of vacuum).

[0047] When the scan with gas is interrupted, the joint 3 is ready for the next filling operation.

[0048] Before the next filling operation, the coupling 3 provided with its sleeve 2 can be detached from the drying module 9 and moved, protected from the external environment (via the sleeve 2), towards the tank to be filled. During this step, the coupling 3 and the sleeve 2 remain fixed to each other but are detached from the drying module 9.

[0049] In the vicinity of the tank to be filled, the sleeve 2 can be detached from the connection 3 and the connection 3 can be connected to the tank to be filled.

[0050] The dry gas may be nitrogen, dry air, helium, or any other suitable gas or mixture.

[0051] This drying gas may be preheated (either in module 9 or upstream) to speed up drying. Heating may be provided by conduction and / or circulation of the gas.

[0052] It would also be possible to envisage integrating the heating mode with the sleeve 2.

[0053] The sleeve may be placed under a vacuum.

[0054] The sleeve 2 may have a double wall construction with insulation. The insulation may comprise a vacuum (with multi-layer insulation and / or foam, silica, etc.) or may not have a vacuum (foam, fiberglass, etc.). This inter-wall space may or may not be in communication with the interior space of the sleeve 2. If in communication, this may allow the two volumes to be both placed under vacuum during use.

[0055] The outer surface of the inner wall of the double wall (the surface facing the inter-wall space) may be coated with a specific surface treatment or coating that has a reflectance coefficient that limits heat input by radiation.

[0056] The detection of the bond 3 in the sleeve 2 can be effected optically and / or mechanically and / or inductively.

[0057] At the bottom of the sleeve 2 a collector can be provided to facilitate management and discharge of collected water.

[0058] For this reason, the receiver has a sleeve 2 forming a removable, preferably airtight, cover that minimizes ice and therefore the probability of valve 14 seal leakage or ice getting into the line / tank. This sleeve may be mechanically removable from the drying module 9.

[0059] The invention is particularly advantageous for use in stations for filling liquid hydrogen tanks (cars, lorries, planes, ships) in order to minimize the time between two successive filling operations and to limit leaks caused by ice.

[0060] The construction is particularly advantageous for (ship-type) filling installations where the distance to be covered is relatively large between the receiver of the station and the tank to be filled.

Claims

1. A receiver for receiving a cryogenic coupling (3) for filling between two uses, said receiver (1) comprising a tubular sleeve (2) delimiting a tubular housing having an inlet (5) and a bottom (4) and adapted to receive in an airtight manner a coupling (3) of cylindrical overall shape, said receiver (1) further comprising a drying module (9) provided with removable mounting member(s) (10) at the end of said tubular sleeve (2) delimiting said bottom (4), i.e. said drying module (9) comprises a first portion mounted at the end of said tubular sleeve (2) and a second portion mounted at the end of said tubular sleeve (2) and a second portion mounted at the end of said tubular sleeve (2). ) and a second position removed from the drying module (9), the drying module (9) comprising a circulation (12) for circulating a flow of drying gas, the bottom (4) of the tubular sleeve (2) comprising an intake valve (7) configured to be connected to the circulation (12) when the drying module (9) is in its first position and to allow a flow of drying gas to enter the tubular sleeve (2), the receiver having an assembly of seal(s) (6) configured to cooperate with the coupling (3) and to isolate an interior volume of the tubular sleeve (2) from an exterior of the tubular sleeve (2).

2. Receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that the intake valve (7) is a check valve.

3. 3. The receiver according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular sleeve (2) is provided with a drain valve (8) arranged to drain any overpressure in the tubular sleeve (2), the drain valve (8) being, for example, a check valve.

4. Receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drying module (9) comprises a heating element, for example a resistor, and an end intended to be connected to a source of pressurized drying gas or to a source of heated pressurized drying gas.

5. Receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tubular sleeve (2) is insulated, for example with a double-wall construction with vacuum insulation between the walls.

6. 6. The receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a locking mechanism (10) adapted to cooperate with said coupling part (3) and to provide a detachable blocking of said coupling part (3) in said tubular sleeve (2).

7. Receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a detector (12) for detecting the presence of the bond in the tubular sleeve (2) and / or a temperature sensor in the tubular sleeve (2).

8. Receiver according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a system for placing the internal volume of the tubular sleeve (2) under vacuum.

9. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer line (13) provided with a fluid coupling (3) and a receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises an assembly of O-ring seal(s) (6) arranged at the inlet (5) of the tubular sleeve and / or on said coupling (3).

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