Emergency separation device for liquid cargo handling device

Abstract

To propose an emergency separation device for a fluid handling device capable of performing emergency separation in a short time.SOLUTION: In an emergency separation device for a fluid cargo handling device, a first coupler 1a is provided with a purge gas introduction pipe 6 for introducing a purge gas into an inter-valve body space part 5, wherein the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is connected to a first through hole 8 that communicates with an upper part of the inter-valve body space part 5 and is configured to eject the purge gas in a horizontal direction from the upper part of the inter-valve body space part 5 toward a central axis A of the inter-valve body space part 5 via the first through hole 8; a second coupler 1b is provided with a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for discharging liquid L remaining in the inter-valve body space part 5, wherein the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a second through hole 9 that communicates with a lower part of the inter-valve body space part 5 and is located on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading apparatus, which is provided with a purge mechanism for preventing liquid remaining between the valve bodies of each coupler from being discharged to the outside during emergency release. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, ammonia, which does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, has been attracting attention as one of the next-generation fuels as a measure against global warming. As with LNG fuel, it is thought that large-scale marine transportation by large tankers will be necessary, and there is an urgent need to develop large ammonia transport ships and various infrastructure facilities.

[0003] Regarding infrastructure facilities, a new ammonia bunkering boom is being developed for ammonia fuel supply ships in order to load and unload ammonia between ships.

[0004] Incidentally, since ammonia is toxic to living organisms, emergency separation devices installed in fluid loading equipment for ammonia have conventionally been provided with a purge mechanism, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for preventing the liquid (residual liquid) remaining between the valve bodies of each coupler from being discharged to the outside during emergency separation.

[0005] This purge mechanism is configured to introduce a purge gas such as an inert gas or air into the sealed space (between the valve bodies) formed when the valve bodies of each coupler close during an emergency disconnection operation, and to discharge any liquid remaining in the sealed space from the sealed space and introduce (return) it into a designated piping. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2-10039 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 4-59240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] With regard to the purge mechanism provided in this emergency release device, in the past, since cargo handling operations were carried out in bays with calm waves, the purge time was configured to be around 10 to 20 seconds. However, ship-to-ship cargo handling operations between large tankers are often carried out outside bays with strong waves, and so the drift amount of the tanker is larger than in bays. If the purge time is longer, the drift amount also increases accordingly, and the arm must be made longer to accommodate this, resulting in a problem of the fluid cargo handling equipment becoming larger and higher costs.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to propose an emergency removal device for a fluid loading equipment that can quickly purge residual liquid during emergency removal and can be removed in a short time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The gist of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The emergency release device for a fluid loading device includes a first coupler 1a having a first valve body 2a, a second coupler 1b having a second valve body 2b and separably connected to the first coupler 1a, a holding means 3 for holding the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b, and a valve body operating mechanism 4 for simultaneously opening and closing the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, wherein, after the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are closed by the operation of the valve body operating mechanism 4, the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b by the holding means 3 is released, and the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are in a separable state. a purge gas introduction pipe 6 is provided for introducing a purge gas into the inter-valve space 5 formed by the inter-valve space 5 being in a state where the inter-valve space 5 is in a pressed-down state, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is connected to a first through hole 8 communicating with an upper part of the inter-valve space 5, and is configured to eject the purge gas horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward a central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through the first through hole 8; the second coupler 1b is provided with a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring a liquid L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location outside the inter-valve space 5, and one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a second through hole 9 communicating with a lower part of the inter-valve space 5 on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8.

[0011] In addition, in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 1, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 has one end connected to the second through hole 9 and the other end connected to a third through hole 10 provided at a position lower than the second valve body 2b when the second coupler 1b is in a closed state.

[0012] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment, characterized in that in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 1, a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas is provided, the purge gas supply system having a high-pressure tank 11 for storing high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas stored in the high-pressure tank 11 and supply it as the purge gas.

[0013] Moreover, the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment, characterized in that in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 2, a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas is provided, the purge gas supply system has a high-pressure tank 11 in which high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more is stored, and the high-pressure gas stored in the high-pressure tank 11 is reduced in pressure and supplied as the purge gas.

[0014] Moreover, in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 1, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12a for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b for controlling the flow of the liquid L transferred from the inter-valve space portion 5 to the specified portion, and the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are configured so that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes.

[0015] Moreover, in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 2, the purge gas inlet pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12a for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b for controlling the flow of the liquid L transferred from the inter-valve space portion 5 to the specified portion, and the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are configured so that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes.

[0016] Moreover, in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 3, the purge gas inlet pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12a for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b for controlling the flow of the liquid L transferred from the inter-valve space 5 to the specified location, and the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are configured so that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes.

[0017] Moreover, in the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment described in claim 4, the purge gas inlet pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12a for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b for controlling the flow of the liquid L transferred from the inter-valve space 5 to the specified location, and the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are configured so that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes.

[0018] The present invention also relates to an emergency detachment device for a fluid loading and unloading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the purge gas is nitrogen gas.

[0019] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus, characterized in that in the emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the fluid loading apparatus is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus as described in claim 9, characterized in that the fluid loading apparatus is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply vessel.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is installed in the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0022] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is installed in the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0023] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0024] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 11, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0025] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0027] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided in the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0028] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 11, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided in the fluid loading equipment having a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0029] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment with a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0030] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment with a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0031] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment with a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 11, characterized in that the loading piping 13 is provided on the fluid loading equipment with a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner pipe diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner pipe diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm. Effect of the Invention

[0033] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to speed up the purging of residual liquid during emergency detachment, thereby providing an emergency detachment device for a fluid loading and unloading device which can be detached in a short time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view showing the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional front view showing the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the direction in which purge gas is ejected from a purge gas introduction pipe in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional side view showing the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a purge gas supply system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a detachment operation of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below with reference to the drawings to illustrate the operation of the present invention.

[0036] In the present invention, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 for introducing a purge gas into the inter-valve space 5 is connected to a first through hole 8 that communicates with the upper part of the inter-valve space 5, and is configured so that the purge gas is sprayed horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8. In addition, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring the liquid L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location is connected to a second through hole 9 that communicates with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5 on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8. Therefore, a smooth discharge flow of the liquid L is generated within the inter-valve space 5, and it is difficult for the liquid L to remain (residual liquid) near the center of the inter-valve space 5 or near the second through hole 9, and the liquid L within the inter-valve space 5 can be efficiently discharged.

[0037] This makes it possible to significantly shorten the purging time compared to the conventional method. For example, in an emergency release device installed in a large-diameter fluid loading device with a piping diameter of φ12 inches or more, even if the volume of the inter-valve space 5 is large and a large amount of liquid L remains in the inter-valve space 5, it is possible to complete the purging in a short time of 10 seconds or less (for example, about 2 to 7 seconds).

[0038] Therefore, with the present invention, the time required for emergency release is shorter than before (emergency release can be achieved in a short time) and the amount of drift of the tanker is reduced, so there is no need to extend the arm, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost of fluid loading equipment such as bunkering booms and loading arms. EXAMPLES

[0039] A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] This embodiment relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading device, which is provided on a fluid loading device (bunkering boom) provided on an ammonia fuel supply ship that supplies ammonia fuel to a tanker, and is configured to quickly suspend fluid loading between ships in an emergency such as when an unexpected movement (drift) of the tanker occurs due to strong winds, high tides, tsunamis, etc., and to separate the loading pipe 13 (transport line) between the tanker side and the supply ship, and reduce the load on the loading pipe 13. Note that, as described above, this embodiment is a case where the device is provided on a bunkering boom provided on an ammonia fuel supply ship, but the fluid to be loaded is not limited to ammonia, and the fluid loading device on which this embodiment is provided is not limited to a bunkering boom (for example, a loading arm installed on land may be used).

[0041] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment includes a first coupler 1a having a first valve body 2a, a second coupler 1b having a second valve body 2b and separably connected to the first coupler 1a, a holding means 3 for holding the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b in a connected state, a valve body operating mechanism 4 for simultaneously opening and closing the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, and a purge mechanism for preventing ammonia L remaining between the valve bodies 2a and 2b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b from being discharged to the outside during an emergency disconnection. In the event of an emergency, the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are closed simultaneously by operation of the valve body operating mechanism 4 to block the flow of ammonia L in the loading pipe 13, and the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 between the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b in the closed state is purged (replaced), and then the connection between the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is released by the release operation of the holding means 3, so that the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are in an emergency detachable (separable) state.

[0042] In detail, the first coupler 1a is provided on the supply ship side, and the second coupler 1b is provided on the tanker side, and as shown in the figure, they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are connected by a holding means 3 so that they can be freely separated (disconnected in an emergency).

[0043] The holding means 3 connecting the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is composed of a pair of clamp halves 3a, a clamp lever 3b provided on one of the pair of clamp halves 3a, and a clamp lever receiving portion 3c provided on the other. Each clamp half 3a holds the respective connecting flanges 14a, 14b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b in an abutted state, and the clamp lever 3b engages and locks with the clamp lever receiving portion 3c (in this embodiment, a pressure lock using a spring is used, but this is not limited to this, and for example a coupler may be used). This maintains the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b. In an emergency, the clamp lever 3b is released from the clamp lever receiving portion 3c, and the holding state of each clamp half 3a against the connecting flanges 14a, 14b is released, and the connection between the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is released, and the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b can be separated ( It is configured to be in a state where it can be safely removed in an emergency.

[0044] The first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are provided with butterfly valves, specifically eccentric butterfly valves, as the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, respectively.

[0045] In this embodiment, the provision of this eccentric butterfly valve reduces the weight, reduces the load on the loading pipe 13 (arm), and is configured to provide high sealing performance.

[0046] The first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are not limited to butterfly valves, and for example, ball valves may be used.

[0047] In addition, the valve body operating mechanism 4, which closes the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b simultaneously, is composed of a cylinder device 4a, an operating rod that moves back and forth by activation of the cylinder device 4a, and a cam mechanism (not shown) that engages with the operating rod and converts the forward and backward movement of the operating rod into a rotational motion that closes the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b.

[0048] Specifically, the operating rod is composed of a first operating rod 4b connected to the cylinder device 4a, and a second operating rod 4c connected to the first operating rod 4b via a rod connecting means so as to be freely engaged and disengaged.

[0049] The rod connecting means is composed of a locking portion 15a provided on one of the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c, a locking receiving portion 15b provided on the other, and a locking state retaining portion 15c that retains the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b. When the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are in an open state or during a closing operation, the locking portion 15a is in a locked state to the locking receiving portion 15b, and the locking state retaining portion 15c retains the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b. When the connection with the operating rod 4c is maintained and the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are in a closed state, the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b by the locking state maintaining portion 15c is released, and after this release, the rod connection releasing means 15d performs an unlocking operation of the locking portion 15a from the locking receiving portion 15b, causing the locking portion 15a to detach from the locking receiving portion 15b and releasing the connection between the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c, thereby making the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c separable.

[0050] Next, the purge mechanism of this embodiment will be described.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the purge mechanism of this embodiment is composed of a purge gas introduction pipe 6 for introducing a purge gas into the inter-valve space 5 formed when the first valve body 2a provided in the first coupler 1a and the second valve body 2b provided in the second coupler 1b are in a closed state, a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location, and a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas.

[0052] The purge gas introduction pipe 6 is connected to an upper part of the inter-valve space 5, specifically, a first through hole 8 that communicates with the uppermost part, and is configured to eject purge gas horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8 (see FIG. 3).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is provided, before the first through hole 8, with a first ball valve 12a as an on-off valve for controlling whether or not the purge gas can be introduced into the inter-valve space 5.

[0054] The first through hole 8 is set to the same diameter as the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6, and is provided on the side surface of the first coupler 1a corresponding to a position near the valve body seal portion 16a provided in the first coupler 1a, which is closer to the opening than the valve body seal portion 16a.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a second through hole 9 which is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 and communicates with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5, specifically, the lowest part, and the other end is connected to a third through hole 10 which communicates with a position lower than the second valve body 2b in the closed state of the second coupler 1b (the downstream side of the second valve body 2b, outside the inter-valve space 5 of the second valve body 2b).

[0056] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b between the second through hole 9 and the third through hole 10, which is linked to a first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the second ball valve 12b provided in the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are configured so that, in the valve closing operation after the completion of purging, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes. This prevents ammonia L from flowing back into the intervalve space 5.

[0058] In addition, the second through hole 9 is set to the same diameter as the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 (directly below the first through hole 8), and is provided on the side of the second coupler 1b at a position near the valve body seal portion 16b on the opening side of the second coupler 1b.

[0059] In this embodiment, as described above, ball valves are used in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, but check valves may be used instead of the ball valves. When a check valve is used, it is possible to control the start of purging and prevent backflow simply by controlling the supply of purge gas.

[0060] Furthermore, there is no particular position designated for the third through hole 10 as long as it is located below the second valve body 2b when the second coupler 1b is in the closed state, but it is preferable for it to be located on the same vertical line as the second through hole 9 (directly below the second through hole 9) and as close to the second through hole 9 as possible (because locating it on the same vertical line as the second through hole 9 makes the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 straight, allowing the ammonia L to flow smoothly).

[0061] In this embodiment, the other end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a third through hole 10 provided at a position below the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b, and is configured to return the ammonia L in the space between the valve bodies 5 to the loading and unloading piping 13 on the tanker side. However, for example, a recovery tank may be provided separately from the loading and unloading piping 13, and the ammonia L in the space between the valve bodies 5 may be discharged to this recovery tank.

[0062] In addition, the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to different diameters depending on the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device (bunkering boom) in which this embodiment is installed.

[0063] Specifically, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ16 inches, the pipe inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the pipe inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0064] In this embodiment, from the standpoint of availability and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are made of JIS standard piping with an inner diameter of φ52.7 mm (nominal diameter B:2) or piping with an inner diameter of φ54.5 mm.

[0065] Furthermore, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ10 inches to φ12 inches, the pipe inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the pipe inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0066] In this embodiment, from the standpoint of availability and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are made of JIS standard piping having an inner diameter of φ27.2 mm (nominal diameter B:1).

[0067] Furthermore, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ6 inches to 8 inches, the pipe inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the pipe inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0068] In this embodiment, from the standpoint of availability and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are made of JIS standard piping having an inner diameter of φ16.1 mm (nominal diameter B: 1 / 2).

[0069] In addition, the purge gas supply system is configured to supply nitrogen gas as the purge gas.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the system is configured to have a high-pressure tank 11 that stores high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure nitrogen gas stored in the high-pressure tank 11 and supply it as a purge gas.

[0071] That is, in this embodiment, by installing a high-pressure tank 11 in the purge gas supply system and combining this high-pressure tank with a regulator 17 as shown in the figure, the purge gas supply system can be installed in a space-saving manner and is configured to supply large amounts of nitrogen gas (purge gas) at low cost.

[0072] More specifically, in this embodiment, the high pressure nitrogen gas with a primary pressure of 14.7 MPa is reduced to 2.3 MPa by the regulator 17, and the nitrogen gas is supplied as a purge gas into the inter-valve space 5. Furthermore, the pressure in the inter-valve space 5 is controlled by the safety valve V6 so that it does not exceed 1.9 MPa.

[0073] In addition, the purge gas supply line 18 is provided with a heater (not shown) for preventing freezing.

[0074] In FIG. 5 showing the purge gas supply system of this embodiment, V1 to V5 indicate valves, and S1 and S2 indicate compressors. Valves V1 and V2 are always in a closed state (closed valve state) and are opened (open valve state) during a purge operation during an emergency departure. V3 is set to be always in an open state (open valve state). Compressor S1 operates during loading and unloading work and increases the pressure upstream of valve V1 to 1.9 MPa (valve V4 is in an open state at this time). Compressor S2 is used when increasing the pressure of high-pressure tank 11.

[0075] In addition, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the flow rate of the purge gas introduced into the valve body space 5 is set to a different flow rate depending on the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device (bunkering boom) in which this embodiment is installed.

[0076] Specifically, when the pipe diameter of the loading piping 13 of the fluid loading equipment is φ16 inches, the purge gas flow rate is set to 75 L / sec or more (pressure is 1.9 MPa), and when the pipe diameter of the loading piping 13 of the fluid loading equipment is φ12 inches or less, the purge gas flow rate is set to 8 L / sec or more (pressure is 1.9 MPa).

[0077] In this embodiment, nitrogen gas (N2) is used as the purge gas, but the purge gas is not limited to nitrogen gas, and air, helium, or other inert gases can be used as appropriate as long as they can exert the effects of this embodiment.

[0078] The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described below.

[0079] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an emergency detachment operation in this embodiment.

[0080] During emergency disconnection, first, from the normal state shown in Figure 6(a) (where the first valve body 2a of the first coupler 1a and the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b are open and ammonia L is flowing), as shown in Figure 6(b), the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are closed simultaneously to block the flow of ammonia L.

[0081] Next, the first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the second ball valve 12b provided in the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are simultaneously opened, and as shown in FIG. 6(c), a purge gas (nitrogen gas) is introduced from the purge gas introduction pipe 6 provided in the first coupler 1a through the first through hole 8 into the intervalve space 5 formed by the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b being in a closed state for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 10 seconds or less, specifically, about 2 seconds to 7 seconds), and the ammonia L remaining in the intervalve space 5 is discharged through the second through hole 9 provided in the second coupler 1b and introduced (transported) into the inside (rear side) of the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b through the residual liquid transfer pipe 7.

[0082] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge gas (nitrogen gas) has been introduced into the space between the valve bodies 5, first, the second ball valve 12b on the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 side closes, and after this second ball valve 12b is closed, the first ball valve 12a on the purge gas introduction pipe 6 side closes, the purging operation is completed, and the residual ammonia L in the space between the valve bodies 5 is replaced by the purge gas.

[0083] After the replacement of the residual ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 with this purge gas is completed, the connection and retention by the holding means 3 is released, the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, and the emergency disconnection operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 6(d).

[0084] In this manner, in the present embodiment, before the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 between the valve bodies 2a, 2b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is discharged from this inter-valve space 5 and returned to a specified piping (in the present embodiment, the piping on the second coupler 1b side). Therefore, since no ammonia remains in the inter-valve space 5, when the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, no ammonia is released to the outside, and a safe separation operation can be performed.

[0085] Moreover, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 for introducing purge gas into the inter-valve space 5 is connected to a first through hole 8 communicating with the upper part of the inter-valve space 5, and the purge gas (nitrogen gas) is ejected horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8. In addition, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location is connected to a second through hole 9 communicating with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5 on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8. Therefore, a smooth discharge flow is generated in the inter-valve space 5, and it is difficult for ammonia L to remain (residual liquid) near the center of the inter-valve space 5 or near the second through hole 9, and the ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 can be efficiently discharged.

[0086] Furthermore, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are used as the opening and closing valves provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, so that the pressure loss of the purge gas is reduced and the purge gas can be smoothly introduced into the intervalve space 5, making it possible to achieve purging in a short time (high-speed purging).

[0087] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the volume of the inter-valve space 5 provided in a large-diameter fluid loading device, for example, with a piping diameter of φ12 inches or more, is large and a large amount of ammonia L remains in the inter-valve space 5, it is possible to complete the purging in a short time of 10 seconds or less, specifically, about 2 to 7 seconds.

[0088] Therefore, with this embodiment, the time required for emergency release is shorter than before (emergency release can be achieved in a short time) and the amount of drift of the tanker is reduced, so there is no need to extend the arm, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost of fluid handling equipment such as bunkering booms and loading arms.

[0089] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1a First coupler 1b Second coupler 2a First valve body 2b Second valve body 3 Holding means 4. Valve operating mechanism 5. Space between valve bodies 6 Purge gas inlet pipe 7 Residual liquid transfer pipe 8 First hole 9 Second hole 10 Third hole 11 High Pressure Tank 12a First ball valve 12b Second ball valve 13 Loading and unloading piping A (the central axis of the space between the valve bodies) D1 (Purge gas inlet pipe) inner diameter D2 (Residual liquid transfer pipe) pipe inner diameter L liquid

Claims

1. an emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus, comprising: a first coupler having a first valve body; a second coupler having a second valve body and separably connected to the first coupler; a holding means for holding a connected state of the first coupler and the second coupler; and a valve body operating mechanism for simultaneously opening and closing the first valve body and the second valve body, wherein after the first valve body and the second valve body are closed by the operation of the valve body operating mechanism, the connected state of the first coupler and the second coupler by the holding means is released, and the first coupler and the second coupler are in a separable state, and the first coupler is provided with a first valve body and a second valve body, each of which is in a closed state. a purge gas introduction pipe for introducing a purge gas into the inter-valve space formed by the above-mentioned purge gas introduction pipe is provided, the purge gas introduction pipe is connected to a first through hole which is connected to an upper part of the inter-valve space, and is configured to eject the purge gas horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space toward a central axis of the inter-valve space through the first through hole, and the second coupler is provided with a residual liquid transfer pipe for transferring liquid remaining in the inter-valve space to a predetermined portion outside the inter-valve space, and one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe is connected to a second through hole which is connected to a lower part of the inter-valve space on the same vertical line as the first through hole.

2. 2. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the residual liquid transfer pipe has one end connected to the second through hole and the other end connected to a third through hole provided at a position lower than the second valve body of the second coupler in a closed state.

3. 2. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas, the purge gas supply system having a high-pressure tank for storing high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas stored in the high-pressure tank and supply it as the purge gas.

4. 3. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 2, further comprising a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas, the purge gas supply system having a high-pressure tank for storing high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas stored in the high-pressure tank and supply it as the purge gas.

5. 2. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 1, wherein the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the inter-valve space to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured such that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

6. 3. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 2, wherein the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the inter-valve space to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured such that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

7. 4. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 3, wherein the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the inter-valve space to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured such that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

8. 5. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 4, wherein the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the inter-valve space to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured such that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

9. 9. The emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the purge gas is nitrogen gas.

10. 9. An emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid loading apparatus is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

11. 10. The emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fluid loading apparatus is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

12. 9. An emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameters of the purge gas introduction pipe and the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

13. 10. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 9, wherein the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameters of the purge gas introduction pipe and the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

14. 11. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 10, wherein the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameters of the purge gas introduction pipe and the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

15. 12. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameters of the purge gas introduction pipe and the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

16. 9. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment is provided in the fluid loading equipment with a loading piping diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

17. 10. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 9, wherein the emergency release device is provided on the fluid loading equipment having a loading piping diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

18. 11. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 10, wherein the fluid loading equipment has a loading piping diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

19. 12. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that the emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

20. 9. An emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the emergency release device for a fluid loading apparatus is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

21. 10. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 9, wherein the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

22. 11. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 10, wherein the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

23. 12. The emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

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