Emergency release structure for fluid handling equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides an emergency detachment structure 2 that suppresses the formation of liquid accumulation after detachment. [Solution] The emergency release structure 2 for a fluid handling device comprises a first housing 7 having an open end face 7C with a flow path 7A and an opening 7B formed thereon and a valve seat 7D, a first valve body 8 that abuts against the valve seat 7D and closes the opening 7B of the flow path 7A, a second housing 9 having an open end face 9C with a flow path 9A and an opening 9B formed thereon and a valve seat 9D, a second valve body 10 that abuts against the valve seat 9D and closes the opening 9B of the flow path 9A, and a clamp 13 that connects the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 so that they can be separated when the open end faces 7C and 9C are abutted together and the flow path 7A and flow path 9A are connected. The first valve body 8 has a protruding portion 8B that protrudes from the open end face 7C of the first housing 7 when it is in contact with the valve seat 7D of the first housing 7, and when the flow path 7A and flow path 9A are connected, the protruding portion 8B can protrude from the open end face 7C of the first housing 7 and abut against the valve seat 7D.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification discloses an emergency release structure for a fluid loading / unloading device. [Background Art]

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-5594 discloses an emergency release structure for a fluid loading / unloading device. A fluid loading / unloading device is a device that transports a fluid such as liquefied gas from an onshore facility to a tank of a ship. This emergency release structure for a fluid loading / unloading device includes a pair of pipe sections, a valve body that seats on a valve seat formed in a flow path of the pipe section to close the flow path, and a linear drive device that moves the valve body to seat it on the valve seat. In this emergency release structure, the linear drive device closes the flow path with the valve body in a state where the open ends of the pair of pipe sections are butted against each other. This emergency release structure can separate the pair of pipe sections from each other in a state where the flow path is closed. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-5594 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the emergency release structure disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-5594, the flow path is closed in a state where the open ends of the pair of pipe sections are butted against each other. In the state where the open ends are butted against each other, the valve bodies that seat on the respective valve seats are configured so as not to interfere with each other. For this reason, in the state where the open ends are butted against each other, a space is formed between the valve bodies that have closed the flow path. Fluid accumulation may occur in this space. There is a risk that accumulated fluid will remain in this space after the pair of pipe sections are separated.

[0005] The object of the present application is to provide an emergency release structure that suppresses the occurrence of accumulated fluid after separation. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The emergency release structure disclosed herein is an emergency release structure for a fluid handling device that transports fluids, A first housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening of the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A first valve body located within the flow path of the first housing and in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, closing the opening of the flow path of the first housing, A second housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening for the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A second valve body located within the flow path of the second housing and in contact with the valve seat of the second housing, closing the opening of the flow path of the second housing, And, A clamp that connects the first housing and the second housing so that they can be separated, with the open end face of the first housing and the open end face of the second housing abutting together and the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing connected. Equipped with, The first valve body has a projection that protrudes from the open end face of the first housing when it is in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, and the projection can protrude from the open end face of the first housing and come into contact with the valve seat of the first housing when the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This emergency release structure can prevent liquid from accumulating. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluid handling device equipped with an emergency release structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the emergency release structure of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the valve body of the emergency release structure in Figure 2 in its operating state, with the flow path closed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a magnified view of the section indicated by the label IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the emergency release structure in Figure 2 in a detached state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a fluid handling device 1. The fluid handling device 1 is a device for transporting fluids, for example, between a tanker and a land-based facility. The fluid to be transported is, for example, liquefied hydrogen. The fluid to be transported is not particularly limited and may be LNG, liquefied ethylene, etc., or a gas such as hydrogen gas.

[0011] The fluid handling device 1 comprises an emergency release structure 2, a joint 3 connected to one side of the emergency release structure 2, a movable pipe 4 connected to the other side of the emergency release structure 2, an arm 5 supporting the movable pipe 4, and a support column 6 supporting the arm 5. The joint 3 is connected to a ship such as a tanker. The movable pipe 4 extends along the arm 5 and the support column 6 and is connected to a land-based facility. The arm 5 is rotatable horizontally around the support column 6 and tiltable vertically relative to the support column 6. The emergency release structure 2 is attached to the arm 5, is rotatable relative to the arm 5, and can be moved to various positions by the arm 5.

[0012] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the emergency release structure 2. The emergency release structure 2 comprises a first housing 7 connected to the joint 3 and a first valve body 8 located inside the first housing 7. The emergency release structure 2 also comprises a second housing 9 connected to the movable piping 4 and a second valve body 10 located inside the second housing 9. Furthermore, the emergency release structure 2 comprises a first drive unit 11 for moving the first valve body 8 and a second drive unit 12 for moving the second valve body 10. In addition, the emergency release structure 2 comprises a clamp 13 connecting the first housing 7 and the second housing 9. In this emergency release structure 2, the first housing 7 is located below the second housing 9 in the vertical direction.

[0013] The first housing 7 has a flow path 7A through which liquid hydrogen flows, an opening 7B of the flow path 7A, an open end face 7C where the opening 7B is formed, and a valve seat 7D located within the flow path 7A. The flow path 7A is bent. The valve seat 7D is formed within the flow path 7A from the opening 7B. Alternatively, the valve seat 7D may be formed within the flow path 7A away from the opening 7B. The valve seat 7D has a tapered inner surface that narrows from within the flow path 7A towards the opening 7B.

[0014] The first valve body 8 is located within the flow path 7A of the first housing 7. The first valve body 8 has a seat surface 8A. The seat surface 8A is a tapered outer surface that narrows towards the tip. The first valve body 8 has a projection 8B located further forward than the seat surface 8A. The projection 8B protrudes from the seat surface 8A.

[0015] The second housing 9 has a liquid hydrogen flow path 9A, an opening 9B of the flow path 9A, an open end face 9C where the opening 9B is formed, and a valve seat 9D located within the flow path 9A. The flow path 9A is bent. The valve seat 9D is formed within the flow path 9A from the opening 9B. Alternatively, the valve seat 9D may be formed within the flow path 9A away from the opening 9B. The valve seat 9D has a tapered inner surface that narrows from within the flow path 9A towards the opening 9B.

[0016] The second valve body 10 is located inside the flow path 9A of the second housing 9. The second valve body 10 has a seat surface 10A. The seat surface 10A is a tapered outer peripheral surface that tapers toward the distal end.

[0017] The first driver 11 is attached to the first housing 7. The first driver 11 is coupled to the first valve body 8. The first driver 11 is a driver that moves the first valve body 8 along the flow path 7A. In FIG. 2, the first driver 11 positions the first valve body 8 at an open position away from the valve seat 7D. Further, the second driver 12 is attached to the second housing 9. The second driver 12 is coupled to the second valve body 10. The second driver 12 is a driver that moves the second valve body 10 along the flow path 9A. In FIG. 2, the second driver 12 positions the second valve body 10 at an open position away from the valve seat 9D. In the use state shown in FIG. 2, liquid hydrogen can flow through the flow path 7A and the flow path 9A.

[0018] The first driver 11 and the second driver 12 are, for example, hydraulic drivers. The emergency separation structure 2 includes a hydraulic circuit including hydraulic equipment that operates the first driver 11 and the second driver 12, and a controller that controls the hydraulic equipment of the hydraulic circuit. The controller causes the hydraulic equipment in the hydraulic circuit to supply and discharge hydraulic oil to and from the first driver 11 and the second driver 12. The first driver 11 and the second driver 12 described herein are illustrative and not particularly limited. The first driver 11 only needs to be a driver that moves the first valve body 8, and may be formed of an electric motor and a linear motion structure. Similarly, the second driver 12 may be formed of an electric motor and a linear motion structure.

[0019] The clamp 13 is attached to the first housing 7 and the second housing 9, and connects the first housing 7 and the second housing 9. The clamp 13 clamps the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 in a state where the opening end surface 7C and the opening end surface 9C are butted against each other. The clamp 13 is detachable from the first housing 7 and the second housing 9. By detaching the clamp 13, the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 can be separated from each other. The clamp 13 is not limited to the clamp 13 shown in FIG. 2, as long as it detachably connects the first housing 7 and the second housing 9.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the emergency disconnect structure 2 in another use state. In FIG. 3, the first driver 11 positions the first valve body 8 at a closed position where the first valve body 8 is brought into contact with the valve seat 7D. The first valve body 8 blocks the opening 7B of the flow path 7A. The second driver 12 positions the second valve body 10 at a closed position where the second valve body 10 is brought into contact with the valve seat 9D. The second valve body 10 blocks the opening 9B of the flow path 9A. In FIG. 3, the flow path 7A and the flow path 9A are each blocked. Other use states are the same as the use state in FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a portion indicated by reference numeral IV in FIG. 3. Although omitted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first housing 7 has an inner tube 7G and an outer tube 7F, and has a double tube structure in which a space between the inner tube 7G and the outer tube 7F is evacuated. This first housing 7 has a heat insulating structure. The second housing 9 also has an inner tube 9G and an outer tube 9F, and has a double tube structure in which a space between the inner tube 9G and the outer tube 9F is evacuated. This second housing 9 also has a heat insulating structure.

[0022] The seat surface 8A of the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D of the first housing 7. In the first housing 7, the seat surface 8A of the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D and is in contact with the opening 7B.

[0023] The first valve body 8 has a projection 8B protruding from the opening 7B. The projection 8B extends from the opening end face 7C to the entire area of ​​the opening 7B. The projection 8B is located at the tip of the first valve body 8 and has an end face 8C facing the second valve body 10, and a tapered surface 8D that narrows from the tip of the seat surface 8A towards the end face 8C. The height of this tapered surface 8D increases from the opening end face 7C as it extends from the opening 7B to the end face 8C.

[0024] The seat surface 10A of the second valve body 10 is in contact with the valve seat 9D of the second housing 9. The second valve body 10 is recessed inward from the open end face 9C of the second housing 9. The second valve body 10 has an end face 10B that faces the first valve body 8. The end face 10B is located inward from the open end face 9C of the second housing 9.

[0025] With the open end face 7C of the first housing 7 and the open end face 9C of the second housing 9 abutting together, the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D and the second valve body 10 is in contact with the valve seat 9D. Because the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D and the second valve body 10 is in contact with the valve seat 9D, a space is created between the first valve body 8 and the second valve body 10. This space only needs to be small, as long as the first valve body 8 and the second valve body 10 do not interfere with each other.

[0026] In Figure 5, the clamp 13 has been removed. The first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are separated. The first housing 7 is positioned below the second housing 9, and the second housing 9 is positioned above the first housing 7. The emergency release structure 2 is otherwise in the same condition as in Figure 3. In the condition of Figure 5, the seat surface 8A of the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D of the first housing 7. The projection 8B protrudes from the open end face 7C. The seat surface 10A of the second valve body 10 is in contact with the valve seat 9D of the second housing 9. The second valve body 10 is positioned inside the second housing 9 beyond the open end face 9C.

[0027] In the use of the fluid handling device 1 in Figure 1, for example, the movable piping 4 is connected to the land facility. The fluid handling device 1 moves the joint 3 to a position where it is connected to the joint connection of the tanker. The joint 3 is connected to the joint connection of the tanker. The emergency release structure 2 is put into the use state shown in Figure 2. Under normal circumstances, liquefied hydrogen is transported between the land facility and the tanker. In this emergency release structure 2, with the flow path 7A of the first housing 7 and the flow path 9A of the second housing 9 connected, the first valve body 8 is movable between a position away from the valve seat 7D and a position in contact with the valve seat 7D. Similarly, the second valve body 10 is movable between a position away from the valve seat 9D and a position in contact with the valve seat 9D.

[0028] On the other hand, strong winds or high waves may cause the land-based facility and the tanker to move beyond a predetermined distance. In such an emergency, the first drive unit 11 causes the first valve body 8 to contact the valve seat 7D of the first housing 7. The second drive unit 12 causes the second valve body 10 to contact the valve seat 9D of the second housing 9. The emergency release structure 2 is then put into the operational state shown in Figure 3. The clamp 13 is then removed. The first housing 7 is detached from the second housing 9. The emergency release structure 2 is then put into the operational state shown in Figure 5.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, in the emergency release structure 2, the first valve body 8 has a projection 8B that protrudes from the open end face 7C of the first housing 7 when it is in contact with the valve seat 7D. In the emergency release structure 2, when the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are separated, the open end face 7C of the first housing 7, which is located below the second housing 9, is facing upward. The projection 8B protrudes from the opening 7B formed in this open end face 7C, which prevents liquid from accumulating around the opening 7B.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the emergency release structure 2 comprises a double-tube structure consisting of a first housing 7 and a second housing 9. The first housing 7 and the second housing 9 have an insulating structure. The first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are suitable for transporting liquefied hydrogen at low temperatures.

[0031] In this emergency release structure 2, the first valve body 8 is located within the flow path 7A through which cryogenic liquid hydrogen flows. The liquid hydrogen cools the first valve body 8 to a cryogenic temperature. As shown in Figure 5, when the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are separated, the first valve body 8 is exposed to the outside air. The open end face 7C of the first housing 7, which is located below the second housing 9, faces upward, making it easy for liquid to accumulate on the open end face 7C. In addition, liquid hydrogen that evaporates at room temperature tends to remain around the cooled first valve body 8. This emergency release structure 2 suppresses the accumulation of liquid around the first valve body 8 exposed from the opening 7B. This emergency release structure 2 is suitable for transporting liquid hydrogen. This emergency release structure 2 is suitable not only for liquid hydrogen but also for transporting other low-temperature fluids.

[0032] In Figure 4, the first valve body 8 has a projection 8B protruding from the opening 7B. The projection 8B extends from the opening end face 7C to the entire area of ​​the opening 7B. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, when the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are separated, the formation of liquid accumulation around the first valve body 8 is suppressed. Therefore, it is preferable that the projection 8B protrudes to the entire area of ​​the opening 7B.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the protrusion 8B is located at the tip of the first valve body 8 and has an end face 8C facing the second valve body 10, and a tapered surface 8D that narrows from the end of the seat surface 8A toward the end face 8C. Liquid accumulation on the surface of this protrusion 8B is suppressed. Therefore, it is preferable that the protrusion height on the central side of the protrusion 8B is greater than or equal to the protrusion height on the outer side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the protrusion height on the central side is higher than the protrusion height on the outer side.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, with the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 connected, the first valve body 8 is in contact with the valve seat 7D with a projection 8B protruding from the open end face 7C. This emergency detachment structure 2 can close the flow path 7A before separating the first housing 7 and the second housing 9. Therefore, it is preferable that the first valve body 8 can contact the valve seat 7D with a projection 8B protruding from the open end face 7C with the open end face 9C abutting together and the flow path 7A and the flow path 9A connected.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the first housing 7 and the second housing 9 are connected, and with the first valve body 8 in contact with the valve seat 7D, the second valve body 10 is in contact with the valve seat 9D. This emergency release structure 2 can close the flow path 9A before separating the first housing 7 and the second housing 9. Therefore, it is preferable that the opening end faces 7C and 9C are abutted together to connect the flow path 7A and the flow path 9A, and that with the first valve body 8 in contact with the valve seat 7D, the second valve body 10 can contact the valve seat 9D.

[0036] In this emergency release structure 2, the first valve body 8 and the first housing 7 seal the flow path 7A by bringing the seat surface 8A on the tapered outer surface into contact with the valve seat 7D on the tapered inner surface. The first valve body 8 and the first housing 7 are illustrative examples, and the shape of the seat surface 8A and the shape of the valve seat 7D are not particularly limited, as long as they can seal the flow path 7A. For example, the seat surface 8A may be an outer surface or end surface, and the valve seat 7D may be an inner surface or end surface, and the seat surface 8A and the valve seat 7D may be in contact with a sealing material in between to seal the flow path 7A. Similarly, the shape of the seat surface 10A of the second valve body 10 and the shape of the valve seat 9D of the second housing 9 are not particularly limited, as long as they can seal the flow path 9A.

[0037] In this emergency release structure 2, the first drive unit 11 ensures that the first valve body 8 reliably blocks the flow path 7A against the fluid pressure. The second drive unit 12 ensures that the second valve body 10 reliably blocks the flow path 9A against the fluid pressure. Therefore, it is preferable that this emergency release structure 2 includes a first drive unit 11 for moving the first valve body 8 and a second drive unit 12 for moving the second valve body 10.

[0038] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0039] [Item 1] An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device that transports fluids, A first housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening of the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A first valve body located within the flow path of the first housing and in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, closing the opening of the flow path of the first housing, A second housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening for the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A second valve body located within the flow path of the second housing and in contact with the valve seat of the second housing, closing the opening of the flow path of the second housing, And, A clamp that connects the first housing and the second housing so that they can be separated, with the open end face of the first housing and the open end face of the second housing abutting together and the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing connected. Equipped with, An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device, wherein the first valve body has a protruding portion that protrudes from the open end face of the first housing when in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, and the protruding portion can protrude from the open end face of the first housing and contact the valve seat of the first housing when the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing are connected.

[0040] According to the configuration of item 1, the flow path of the first housing can be closed by the first valve body before separating the first housing and the second housing, thereby preventing liquid from accumulating at the opening of the first housing.

[0041] [Item 2] The emergency release structure for a fluid handling device according to item 1, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the open end face of the first housing to the entire opening of the first housing.

[0042] According to the configuration of item 2, it is possible to suppress the formation of liquid accumulation across the entire opening of the first housing.

[0043] [Item 3] An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing are connected, and the second valve body is capable of contacting the valve seat of the second housing.

[0044] According to the configuration of item 3, the flow path of the second housing can be closed by the second valve body before separating the first housing from the second housing.

[0045] [Item 4] A first driver that moves the first valve body between a position in contact with the valve seat of the first housing and a position away from the valve seat of the first housing, and A second driver moves the second valve body between a position in contact with the valve seat of the second housing and a position away from the valve seat of the second housing. An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device as described in any of items 1 to 3, comprising:

[0046] According to the configuration of item 4, the flow path of the first housing can be closed with the first valve body and the flow path of the second housing can be closed with the second valve body before separating the first housing and the second housing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Fluid handling equipment 2. Emergency escape structure 7. Housing No. 1 7A, 9A...Flow path 7B, 9B...Aperture 7C, 9C...opening end surface 7D, 9D...valve seat 8. First valve body 8B...Protruding part 9. Second Housing 10. Second valve body 11. First drive unit 12. Second drive unit 13. Clamp

Claims

1. An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device that transports fluids, A first housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening of the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A first valve body located within the flow path of the first housing and in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, closing the opening of the flow path of the first housing, A second housing having a flow path, an open end face in which an opening for the flow path is formed, and a valve seat located within the flow path, A second valve body located within the flow path of the second housing and in contact with the valve seat of the second housing, thereby closing the opening of the flow path of the second housing, And, A clamp that connects the first housing and the second housing so that they can be separated, with the open end face of the first housing and the open end face of the second housing abutting together, thereby connecting the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing. Equipped with, An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device, wherein the first valve body has a protruding portion that protrudes from the open end face of the first housing when in contact with the valve seat of the first housing, and the protruding portion can protrude from the open end face of the first housing and contact the valve seat of the first housing when the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing are connected.

2. The emergency release structure for a fluid handling device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion protrudes from the open end face of the first housing to the entire opening of the first housing.

3. The emergency release structure for a fluid handling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second valve body can contact the valve seat of the second housing while the flow path of the first housing and the flow path of the second housing are connected.

4. A first driver that moves the first valve body between a position in contact with the valve seat of the first housing and a position away from the valve seat of the first housing. and A second driver that moves the second valve body between a position in contact with the valve seat of the second housing and a position away from the valve seat of the second housing. An emergency release structure for a fluid handling device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

Images