Bonding device and method for flushing same - Patents.com

Abstract

Disclosed is a self-closing emergency coupling and decoupling device for transporting a cryogenic fluid, comprising two fluid transport pipes (2, 3) extending longitudinally and each including at a connecting end a valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) configured to automatically close the pipe when the connecting ends are separated and to allow the pipe to be opened when the connecting ends are coupled together, the device (1) comprising an outer cylinder (10) and an outer sleeve (11). , 11), further comprising an outer casing (10, 11) arranged around each transport pipe (2, 3) and defining a vacuum space for insulating the transport pipes (2, 3), wherein the device (1) is configured to define a sealed dead volume (24) defined between the joined connection ends, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a system for evacuating the dead volume (24), the evacuating system being provided with a fluid circuit (30, 26) fluidly connected to the dead volume (24).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device and a method for purging a coupling device.

[0002] The present invention more specifically relates to an automatic closing emergency coupling and release device for the transport of cryogenic fluids, comprising two fluid transport pipes extending longitudinally and each including a valve mechanism at the connecting end configured to automatically close the pipes when the connecting ends are separated and to open the pipes when the connecting ends are coupled, the device further comprising an outer casing arranged around each transport pipe and defining a space under vacuum for insulation of the transport pipes, the device configured to define a defined fluid tight dead volume boundary between the coupled connecting ends. [Background technology]

[0003] Different types of connections can be used to transfer the cryogenic fluid.

[0004] In the case of sections connected without shutoff means, i.e. without valves (e.g. "Johnston" type), the lines must be purged before fluid transfer is performed, so as not to degrade the purity of the fluid, create dangerous mixtures, or deposit undesirable fluids (which tend to liquefy or solidify). See, for example, US Patent Application Publication No. 20090261578A1.

[0005] To overcome these problems and also the risk of fluid loss, it is known to use a valved quick connect device that makes two separate line sections fluid tight when they are separated.

[0006] These devices must manage any space between the two ends when a fluid-tight connection is made. The need to purge the lines may be reduced or eliminated, however, the use of (auto-)closing connectors for cold connection / disconnection tends to present additional problems due to the close time period between connection and the initiation of fluid transfer. Specifically, the valve mechanisms may remain cold during their use and therefore ice may accumulate. This may result in blockages (inability to connect / disconnect), leaks (non-fluid-tight valves) or safety issues.

[0007] Additionally, the valve mechanism may leak. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the above-listed disadvantages of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] For this purpose, a device according to the invention, usually according to its general definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterised in that it comprises a system for purging a dead volume, the purging system comprising a fluid circuit fluidly connected to said dead volume.

[0010] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may have one or more of the following features: - the fluid circuit of the purge system comprises a transfer pipe having an end leading into the dead volume, at least one reservoir of pressurized purge and / or inert gas connected to the transfer pipe and configured to supply gas to the dead volume, the purge system comprising exhaust means for the gas; the gas discharge means comprise at least one of a collection zone, e.g. a vent connected to the atmosphere, a system for emptying the dead volume, e.g. a vacuum pump, a gas analysis unit, a fluid transfer channel including an end leading into said dead volume, the fluid circuit of the purge system includes a set of one or more flow control valves and / or a set of one or more valves, in particular one or more check valves; - the fluid circuit of the purge system includes a safety valve configured to vent an overpressure above a determined threshold in the dead volume; - the fluid circuit of the purge system includes a pressure sensor and / or a spectrometer; - when the connection end is fluid-tightly coupled with the set of closed valves, the purge system is configured to purge the dead volume via the gas exhaust means; - after purging the dead volume via the gas discharge means, the purge system is configured to fill the dead volume with pressurized gas from the gas in the reservoir and then measure the leak rate and / or the pressure of the dead volume; - the purge system is configured to pressurize the dead volume with an inert gas from a reservoir; - the dead volume is located between the fluid-tightly coupled connection end of the transport pipe and the fluid-tightly coupled outer cylinder; - the device includes an insulating chamber at each connecting end, the volume of each insulating chamber being bounded by longitudinally extending and transversely spaced tubular walls, a first end of the volume of each insulating chamber located at the connecting end being open and an opposite second longitudinal end being closed, the open first ends of the two insulating chambers being configured to be fluid-tight connected to each other and to form a single fluid-tight closed insulating volume when the connecting ends are joined, the insulating volume forming part of or constituting a dead volume; - Dead volume is 1 to 1000 cm 3 having a volume of - the valve mechanism includes a valve biased towards a closed position against the base by a return member; - When the connection ends are joined, the ends of the two outer cylinders are fluid-tight connected, and the ends of the two transport pipes are fluid-tight connected; - the valve ends of the two transport pipes are configured to come into contact with each other and mechanically push each other back out of their respective seats, inversely to the return members, when the connection ends are joined in a determined relative longitudinal position; - the valve mechanism of one of the two transport pipes is housed inside its outer tube in such a way that it is recessed relatively more than the valve mechanism of the other is recessed into its tube, so that at the joining point of the two transport pipes, a male / female system is formed in which one connecting end enters the other connecting end; - The vacuum space between the outer cylinder and the transport pipe contains a multi-layer insulation, "MLI"; - when the two connecting ends transition from a separated position to a coupled position, the valve mechanisms are configured to transition sequentially from a first configuration to a second configuration, in which in the first configuration, the connecting ends are in fluid-tight contact and the two valve mechanisms are closed, and in the second configuration, the connecting ends are in fluid-tight contact and the valve mechanisms are mutually actuated to open; the transition from the first configuration (closed valve mechanism) to the second configuration (open valve mechanism) can be brought about by a relative movement of the two fluid-transporting pipes towards each other and / or by a relative movement of the two valve mechanisms towards each other, for example manually and / or under the control of a control member; - before the step of opening the two valve mechanisms, the sequence may have a stable intermediate configuration in which the two connection ends are fluid-tightly coupled to the outside and the two valve mechanisms are in a closed position, and the step of opening the two valve mechanisms is brought about via an additional relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes towards each other and / or a relative movement of at least a part of the two valve mechanisms, - the closing of the two valve mechanisms may be obtained via a relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes away from each other and / or a relative movement of at least parts of the two valve mechanisms, this closing may be followed by a step of separating the two connection ends, - between the step of closing the two valve mechanisms and the step of separating, the device may pass through a stable intermediate configuration in which the two valve mechanisms are in a closed position while the two connection ends remain fluid-tightly coupled to the outside, and the step of closing the two valve mechanisms may be brought about via an additional relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes away from each other and / or a relative movement of at least a part of the two valve mechanisms, The coupling method may include the steps of moving the two connecting ends towards each other, whereby the two connecting ends are fluid-tightly coupled to the outside, bringing the two valve mechanisms into contact, opening the two valve mechanisms, and circulating the cryogenic fluid from one pipe to the other pipe.

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for producing a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of: - fluid-tightly coupling the connection end with a set of closed valves, thus forming a dead volume; and - purging the dead volume towards the vent via an exhaust means for the pressurized gas contained in the dead volume and / or pumping gas into the dead volume, then - filling the dead volume with purge gas The present invention relates to a method for purging a coupling device according to any one of the above or below features, comprising:

[0012] According to other possible specific features: The purging and filling steps are repeated to perform several expansion / compression cycles in the dead volume; The method comprises the steps of pressurising the dead volume to a determined level during filling and measuring the tightness of the dead volume, for example by measuring the pressure and / or by measuring the leak rate by spectroscopy.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a method for purging a coupling device according to any one of the above or below characteristics, comprising the following steps: - closing the set of valves at the fluid-tight coupled connection ends; and - purging the dead volume towards the vent via an exhaust means for the pressurized gas contained in the dead volume and / or pumping gas into the dead volume, then - measuring the tightness of the dead volume, for example by manometric measurement and / or by spectroscopy to measure the leak rate.

[0014] If the seal measurement is greater than a threshold value, a set of valves may be opened to allow fluid to move.

[0015] According to other possible specific features: when the tightness is greater than a determined threshold, the method comprises the following steps: inertizing the dead volume by ventilating the dead volume and / or filling the dead volume with an inert gas, isolating the connection ends; if the tightness is below a determined threshold, the method comprises the following steps: taking corrective measures for tightness and then inerting the dead volume by ventilating it and / or filling it with an inert gas, for example helium, then isolating the connection ends; The dead volume is filled with a purge gas of the same nature as the cryogenic fluid intended to be transported in the transport pipe, for example when the cryogenic fluid to be transported is liquid hydrogen, the purge gas is hydrogen gas.

[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 reading the following description, given with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic partial diagram illustrating, in simplified form, an example of the structure and operation of a device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial diagram illustrating, in simplified form, an example of the structure and operation of a device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial diagram illustrating, in simplified form, an example of the structure and operation of a device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic partial view in longitudinal section illustrating an example of the structure and operation of a device according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic partial view in longitudinal section illustrating an example of the structure and operation of a device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic partial view illustrating one example of operations for purging and bonding such a device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic partial view illustrating one example of operations for purging and isolating such a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] [Figures 4] and [Figure 5] each illustrate an example of a self-closing coupling and uncoupling device 1 for the transport of cryogenic fluids.

[0020] The device 1 comprises two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 extending longitudinally and each comprising at its connecting ends a valve mechanism 4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9 configured to automatically close (self-close) the pipe when the connecting ends are separated and to open (automatically or in a controlled manner) the pipe when the connecting ends are joined.

[0021] The device 1 further comprises an outer casing 10, 11 which is arranged around each transport pipe 2, 3 and which defines a space for the insulation of the transport pipes 2, 3. The tubes 10, 11 define a space, preferably insulated under vacuum, around the transport pipes 2, 3. This space under vacuum between the outer casing 10, 11 and the transport pipes 2, 3 comprises, for example, a multi-layer insulation, "MLI".

[0022] The device 1 is configured to define a defined fluid-tight dead volume 24 between the connecting ends when they are joined.

[0023] A dead volume 24 is preferably located between the fluid-tight connected connection ends of the transport pipes 2, 3 and the fluid-tight connected ends of the outer cylinders 10, 11. This dead volume 24 may be, for example, 1 to 500 cm. 3 This dead volume can trap gases in the connections and / or fluids in the event of a leak in the valve mechanism.

[0024] The device 1 comprises a system for purging the dead volume 24, several variants of which are described below. The purging system notably comprises a fluid circuit 30, 26 fluidly connected to said dead volume 24.

[0025] As shown diagrammatically, the fluid circuit of the purge system may include a transfer pipe 30 having an end leading into the dead volume 24, and at least one reservoir 31 of pressurized purge and / or inert gas connected to the transfer pipe 30 and configured to supply gas to the dead volume 24, the purge system including exhaust means 32, 33 for the gas.

[0026] The gas exhaust means 32, 33 may include at least one of a collection zone, e.g. a vent 32 connected to the atmosphere, a system for emptying the dead volume 24, e.g. a vacuum pump, a gas analysis unit 133, a fluid transfer channel 26 including an end leading into said dead volume 24.

[0027] The fluid circuits 30, 26 of the purge system preferably further include a set of one or more flow control valves 34 and / or a set of one or more valves 35, notably one or more check valves.

[0028] In the example shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, a purge gas reservoir 31 and a vent 32 (or vacuum pump) are connected in parallel to the dead volume 4 via respective flow control valves 34 and check valves arranged in series in each line.

[0029] As shown, a pressure sensor 131 may be provided in the circuit, for example to measure the pressure in the transfer pipe 30 (the section common to the two parallel branches).

[0030] In the example shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, the circuit includes six branches, six of which are connected in parallel to the end of the transfer pipe 30 connected to the dead volume 24 (preferably via a respective flow control valve 34 and a respective check valve 35). The first five branches (from top to bottom in the non-limiting exemplary diagram) may each include a reservoir 31 of purge gas, a reservoir 31 of inert gas, a vent 32, a vacuum pump 33, a spectrometer (allowing for closer monitoring of the leak rate). The sixth branch may include a safety valve 27 arranged to vent a determined overpressure (which makes it possible to avoid abnormal overpressure in the circuit and the dead volume 24). Of course, in another variant, one or more of these parallel branches may be omitted. As shown, a pressure and / or temperature sensor 131 may be provided to measure the pressure (and / or temperature) in the circuit, for example in the transfer pipe 30 (the part common to the two parallel branches).

[0031] In the example shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 3], the device 1 comprises two dead volumes 24, 124. These two dead volumes 24, 124 may belong to the same connection device or to two separate connection devices respectively. For example, the two dead volumes belong respectively to a system for connecting two pipes and to another connection system. The two dead volumes 24, 124 may be connected in parallel (through respective flow control valves 34) to a common line 130 to which several (in this example five) branches are connected in parallel. The branches may comprise in series flow control valves 34 and check valves 35 and respectively: a reservoir 31 of purge gas, a reservoir 31 of inert gas, a vent 32, a vacuum pump 33, a spectrometer (which may be provided with a safety valve).

[0032] Thus, when the connection ends are fluid-tightly coupled with a set of closed valves, the purge system may be configured to purge the dead volume 24 via gas exhaust means 32, 33 (eg vacuum pumps).

[0033] Furthermore, after purging the dead volume 24 via the gas exhaust means 32, 33, the purge system may be configured to fill the dead volume 24 with pressurized gas from the gas in the reservoir 31 and then measure the leak rate and / or pressure of the dead volume 24.

[0034] The purge system may be configured to pressurize the dead volume 24 with an inert gas from a reservoir 31 .

[0035] For example, during the connection 100 of two transport pipes 2, 3, the following sequence may be implemented (see FIG. 6): - a fluid-tight connection 101 of the two ends that are still closed by a set of valves, thus forming a dead volume 24; - purging 102 the dead volume 24, which can be done by simple venting (dead volume ventilation) and / or by pumping via a vacuum pump or other pump; - Fill 103 the dead volume 24 with a purge gas. This purge gas is preferably of the same nature as the fluid transported through the transport pipes 2, 3 (for example hydrogen gas if the fluid being transported is liquid hydrogen). The value of the purge pressure also preferably does not exceed the minimum pressure of the line (downstream of the valve of the set of valves that shuts off the transport pipes). - Pressurize the dead volume 104 and measure the leakage at the connection. This leakage measurement may be performed using a pressure sensor 131, comparing the value with a threshold limit and / or using a spectrometer 133; if the leakage is compliant (correct seal), - 105, which opens a set of valves; - Fluid transfer 106 is effected in a safe manner.

[0036] Note that corrective measures for tightness are provided between 104 and 105 if the leak is not met.

[0037] It should be noted that the purging 102 and filling 103 steps may be repeated to perform several expansion / compression cycles in the circuit and the dead volume 24.

[0038] To separate 107 the two transport pipes 2, 3 (after the transfer of the fluid), the following sequence can be performed (see FIG. 7): - 108, closing a set of valves; - purging 102 the dead volume 24, this purging can be performed by simple venting (dead volume ventilation) and / or by pumping via a vacuum pump, - Measure / detect leaks in connections 104 (measure leaks in valves). This measurement of leaks can be performed using a pressure sensor 131, by comparing values ​​with threshold limits and / or using a spectrometer 133; - If no abnormal leaks are detected, - inerting 110 the dead volume 24. This inerting can be performed via ventilation of the dead volume 24 and / or by filling the dead volume 24 with an inert gas. In certain cases, ventilation (with atmospheric or dry air) can be sufficient. If the fluid to be transported is hydrogen, the inert gas is preferably helium (to avoid explosion or freezing risks); - The two pipe ends can be completely and safely separated111.

[0039] However, if the leak detection step concludes that there is an unacceptable leak 119, the method preferably includes corrective measures, such as verifying / correcting proper closure of valves. After this corrective step 120, inactivation 110 and then separation (or disconnection) 107 may be performed as described above. This may be the same during coupling.

[0040] Thus, the device and its use allows for managed purging of the dead volume 24 of a device for connecting two entities for transferring a cryogenic fluid.

[0041] The invention thus allows monitoring of the tightness of the connections before opening the valves as well as monitoring of the tightness of the valves after their closure and before separation 111 .

[0042] The present invention relates to a dead volume, particularly between 1 and 1000 cm 3 , especially 10~500cm 3 And especially 50~200cm 3 The present invention may be applied to any coupling device having a dead volume of 0.1 μm or less.

[0043] [Figures 4] and [5] show two non-limiting examples of the coupling device 1.

[0044] As shown, the valve mechanisms 4,6,8;5,7,9 may include a valve 4,5 at each end biased towards a closed position against the base 6,7 by a return member 8,9, e.g. a spring.

[0045] The ends may include a set of flanges 14, 15, 16, 17 (eg, attached via the shaft 20) and / or seals 25, 28, 29, 114, 115 configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the ends of the transportation pipes 2, 3 and the ends of the casings 10, 11.

[0046] The ends of the valves 4, 5 of the two transport pipes 2, 3 may be configured to contact each other and mechanically push each other back out of their respective seats, conversely to the return members 5, 9, when the connection ends are joined in a determined relative longitudinal position.

[0047] As shown in [Figure 4], the valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8 of one of the two transport pipes 2 can be housed inside its outer tube 10 in such a way that they are recessed relatively more than the valve mechanisms 5, 7, 9 of the other are recessed into its tube 11, so as to form a male / female system in which one connecting end enters the other connecting end at the joining position of the two transport pipes 2, 3.

[0048] When transitioning from a separated position to a coupled position of the two connecting ends, the valve mechanisms may be configured to transition sequentially from a first configuration to a second configuration, in which the connecting ends are in fluid-tight contact and the two valve mechanisms are closed, and in which the connecting ends are in fluid-tight contact and the valve mechanisms are mutually actuated to open.

[0049] The transition from the first configuration (valve mechanism closed) to the second configuration (valve mechanism open) can be brought about by relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 towards each other and / or by relative movement of the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 towards each other, for example manually and / or under the control of a control member.

[0050] In the example in FIG. 4, the connecting end of the first of the two pipes 3 includes a sealing ring 112 fixed to the outer casing 11 .

[0051] The sealing ring 112 includes a set of one or more seals 114, 115 configured to ensure an outwardly tight seal between the two connecting ends when the two connecting ends are joined, and is mounted such that it is longitudinally translatable relative to the barrel 111 between two distinct positions, for example, during a transition from a first, closed configuration to a second, open configuration.

[0052] The device preferably includes a return member 113, for example a spring, in particular a compression spring, which biases the sealing ring 112 towards its first position.

[0053] The sealing ring 112 includes an inner surface provided with at least one seal 115 (and preferably at least two seals 115) which sealingly cooperates with the tube 11 to which the sealing ring 112 is secured.

[0054] The sealing ring 112 further comprises an end face or edge intended to abut the other connection end in the mating position, said end face preferably being provided with at least one seal 114 intended to sealingly cooperate with the other connection end when the two connection ends are mated.

[0055] Thus, the sealing ring 112 creates (or contributes to) a fluid-tight connection (at seals 114, 115) between the two joined connection ends, while allowing or not allowing additional relative movement of the two sets of valves towards each other to induce or not open.

[0056] Thus, a stable intermediate configuration is also possible, in which the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 are in a closed position with the two connection ends fluid-tightly coupled to the outside prior to the opening of the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9. The step of opening the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 can be performed via an additional relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 towards each other and / or a relative movement of at least parts of the two valve mechanisms. Closing of the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 can be obtained by a relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 away from each other and / or a relative movement of at least parts of the two valve mechanisms.

[0057] This means that between the steps of closing and separating the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9, the device may pass through a stable intermediate configuration in which the two connecting ends are fluid-tightly coupled to the outside and the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 are in the closed position. Purging and other operations may be performed in this configuration.

[0058] The step of closing the two valve mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 5, 7, 9 may be performed via an additional relative movement of the two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 from each other and / or a relative movement of at least a part of the two valve mechanisms.

[0059] In the embodiment in FIG. 5, the device 1 comprises an insulating chamber 18, 19 at each connecting end. The volume of each insulating chamber 18, 19 is bounded by longitudinally extending and transversely spaced tubular walls 12, 13. A first end of the volume of each insulating chamber 18, 19 located at the connecting end is open and an opposite second longitudinal end is closed. The open first ends of the two insulating chambers 18, 19 are configured to be fluid-tight connected to each other and to form a single fluid-tight closed insulating volume when the connecting ends are joined. This insulating volume may form part of the aforementioned dead volume 24 or may constitute all or part of the aforementioned dead volume 24.

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples given above.

[0061] Thus, the purge system may include a purge line located at one of the ends of the device (eg, at the male or female end in the case of such a configuration).

[0062] Furthermore, all or part of the purge system may be located at a distance from the connection end via one or more tubes / capillaries or pipes (eg, a distance of one or more meters).

[0063] As mentioned above, a temperature sensor 131 may be provided, the measurement of which may make it possible to detect an excessively low temperature, indicative of a leak, in order to cause the closing of a set of valves.

[0064] This solution has many advantages: it allows a simple and effective purging of the dead volume 24 before opening the valves; it limits the ingress of contaminants and their build-up in precise areas inside (especially frost / ice); the device and its use allow monitoring of the tightness of the connections before opening the valves; this makes it possible to avoid leakage to the outside, which could be dangerous; moreover, the system allows monitoring of the tightness of the valves after their closure and before separating the ends.

[0065] The device is therefore particularly advantageous for transferring noble or hazardous gases.

Claims

1. A self-closing emergency coupling and uncoupling device for the transport of cryogenic fluids, comprising two fluid transport pipes (2, 3) extending in a longitudinal direction and each including at its connecting end a valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) configured to automatically close said pipe when said connecting ends are separated and to open said pipe when said connecting ends are joined, said device (1) comprising an outer cylinder (10, 11) for each transport pipe.

1. A device (1) comprising: a casing (10, 11) arranged around a transport pipe (2, 3) and defining a space under vacuum for thermal insulation of the transport pipe (2, 3), the device (1) being configured to define a fluid-tight dead volume (24) defined between the joined connection ends, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a system for purging the dead volume (24), the purging system comprising a fluid circuit (30, 26) fluidly connected to the dead volume (24).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid circuit of the purge system comprises a transfer pipe (30) having an end leading into the dead volume (24), at least one reservoir (31) of pressurized purge and / or inert gas connected to the transfer pipe (30) and configured to supply gas to the dead volume (24), and the purge system comprises exhaust means (32, 33) for the gas.

3. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the gas exhaust means (32, 33) comprise at least one of a collection zone, e.g. a vent (32) connected to the atmosphere, a system for evacuating the dead volume (24), e.g. a vacuum pump (33), a gas analysis unit (133), a fluid transfer channel (26) with an end leading into the dead volume (24).

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid circuit (30, 26) of the purge system comprises a set of one or more flow control valves (34) and / or a set of one or more valves (35), in particular one or more check valves.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluid circuit (30, 26) of the purge system comprises a safety valve (27) configured to vent an overpressure above a determined threshold in the dead volume (24).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid circuit (30, 26) of the purge system comprises a pressure sensor (131) and / or a spectroscope (133).

7. The device according to claim 2, potentially in combination with any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the purge system is configured to purge the dead volume (24) via the gas exhaust means (32, 33) when the connection ends are fluid-tightly coupled with a set of closed valves.

8. 8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, after purging of the dead volume (24) via the gas exhaust means (32, 33), the purge system is configured to fill the dead volume (24) with pressurized gas from the gas in the reservoir (31) and then measure the leak rate and / or the pressure of the dead volume (24).

9. 9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the purge system is configured to pressurize the dead volume (24) with inert gas from the reservoir (31).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dead volume (24) is located between the fluid-tightly connected connection ends of the transport pipes (2, 3) and the fluid-tightly connected outer casings (10, 11).

11. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device comprises an insulating chamber (18, 19) at each connection end, the volume of each insulating chamber (18, 19) being bounded by longitudinally extending and transversely spaced tubular walls, the first end of the volume of each insulating chamber (18, 19) located at the connection end being open and the opposite second longitudinal end being closed, the open first ends of the two insulating chambers (18, 19) being configured to be fluid-tight connected to each other and to form a single fluid-tight, closed insulating volume when the connection ends are joined, this insulating volume forming part of or constituting the dead volume (24).

12. The dead volume (24) is 1 to 1000 cm ３ A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it has a volume of

13. A method for purging a coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: - fluid-tight coupling (101) of the connection end with a set of closed valves, then - purging (102) said dead volume (24) towards the vent via exhaust means (32, 33) for the pressurized gas contained in said dead volume (24) and / or pumping gas into said dead volume (24), then - filling (103) said dead volume (24) with purge gas; The method includes:

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the purging and filling steps are repeated to perform several expansion / compression cycles in the dead volume (24).

15. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of pressurizing the dead volume (24) to a determined level during filling and measuring (104) the tightness of the dead volume (24), e.g. by measuring the pressure and / or measuring the leak rate by spectroscopy (133), and opening (105) the set of valves to transfer the fluid if the measured tightness is greater than a threshold value.

16. A method for purging a coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: - closing (108) the set of valves of the fluid-tightly coupled connection ends, then - purging (102) said dead volume (24) towards the vent via exhaust means (32, 33) for the pressurized gas contained in said dead volume (24) and / or pumping gas into said dead volume (24), then - measuring (104) the tightness of said dead volume (24), for example by pressure measurements and / or by spectroscopy to measure the leak rate. The method includes:

17. When the hermeticity is greater than a determined threshold (109), the method further comprises: - inerting (110) said dead volume (24) by ventilating said dead volume and / or filling said dead volume with an inert gas, - Separating (107) said connection ends 17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

18. When the hermeticity is below a determined threshold (1119), the method further comprises: - taking corrective action (120) regarding said sealability, then - inerting (110) said dead volume (24) by ventilating said dead volume (24) and / or filling said dead volume (24) with an inert gas, for example helium, then - separating (111) said connection ends; 20. The method of claim 17, comprising:

19. 19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the dead volume (24) is filled with a purge gas of the same nature as the cryogenic fluid intended to be transported in the transport pipes (2, 3), for example when the cryogenic fluid to be transported is liquid hydrogen, the purge gas is hydrogen gas.

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