Apparatus and method for filling liquefied gas

Abstract

To provide a device and method for filling with liquefied gas.SOLUTION: A fluid circuit includes: a first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer having a first end part (13) intended to be connected to a liquefied gas supply source (4) and a second end part (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled; and a second transfer pipe (6) for gas transfer having a first end part (16) intended to be connected to the liquefied gas supply source (4) and a second end part (26) intended to be connected to the tank (5) to be filled. The circuit includes: at least one third transfer pipe (7) connecting the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6); and a vent device (8) connected to the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via one set or a plurality of sets of safety valves. The circuit further includes one set or a plurality of sets of valves (29) for controlling a flow of fluid in the pipes of the circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for filling with liquefied gas, in particular liquid hydrogen.

[0002] The invention more particularly relates to an apparatus for filling with liquefied gas, comprising a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe for liquid transfer having a first end intended to be connected to a source of liquefied gas and a second end intended to be connected to the tank to be filled, and a second transfer pipe for gas transfer having a first end intended to be connected to a source of liquefied gas and a second end intended to be connected to the tank to be filled, the circuit comprising at least one third transfer pipe connecting the first and second transfer pipes, and a vent device connected to the first and second transfer pipes via a set of one or more safety valves, the circuit comprising one or more sets of valves for controlling the flow of fluid in the pipes of the circuit, the apparatus comprising a system for gas flushing of the circuit. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, filling with cryogenic fluids is generally performed by transfer between two tanks with the aid of a transfer pump or a pressure difference (positive between downstream and upstream). For example, a liquefied natural gas station can be filled from a tank truck equipped with a transfer pump. The same applies to fluids such as liquid nitrogen or liquid oxygen. For very low-concentration cryogenic liquids such as hydrogen or helium, a simple pressure difference can achieve sufficient flow rates. In most cases, excessive pressure is created in the downstream tank by vaporizing part of the fluid. The installation of a downstream (or "customer") tank provides multiple functions: storage of the molecules, pressurization with the aid of a vaporizer to provide the molecules for the customer's application at the appropriate pressure and flow rate, heating of the molecules at the tank outlet, and inerting of the transfer line (between the truck and the stationary tank) before and after transfer. It is therefore necessary to have on-site (at the "customer" location) gaseous hydrogen and nitrogen and associated control equipment (valves, safety elements, piping, etc.), a system for venting residual gases through a vent whose outlet is generally located above the tank, a connection to earth, an instrument gas supply for safety, etc. Most cryogenic installations are fixed systems of considerable size (e.g., a few m3 to tens of m3).

[0004] Current architectures and methods are mostly industrial and not suitable for on-board use in vehicles, as transferring all the aforementioned functions of a fixed installation to a vehicle would result in too strict constraints in terms of additional on-board mass and volume.

[0005] Inerting the lines between the truck and the tank requires too long a time (more than 30 minutes) for high-speed filling. One of the obstacles to the development of liquid hydrogen onboard technology is, in part, the lack of a filling solution that is easy to adopt and meets the following requirements: inerting and purging all of the system's (flexible or fixed) lines and components, evacuating air with a dry inert gas (nitrogen, argon, helium, etc.), and filling these lines with gaseous helium or hydrogen to avoid freezing other molecules. Another requirement is controlling the cold spot of the circuit to prevent the formation of liquid air (especially oxygen) and its contact with flammable materials. Another requirement is precise control of the liquefied gas injection temperature. Another requirement is a dedicated vent system. Another requirement is the feasibility of flexibility in the filling method, using either a single fill line (called a "two-way" fill) or two fill lines, one for the incoming liquid and one for the outgoing gas (called a "one-way" fill). Another requirement is the centralized control in a single location, safety (isolation of the main tanks), especially via a centralized stop button, simple operation of the valves (non-manual operation if possible, since manual cryogenic valves are generally difficult to actuate).An additional requirement is the ability to decouple (separate) the functions of the device (storage and transport on the one hand) from the auxiliary functions (such as inerting or draining residual fluids on the other hand).

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome all or some of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To this end, the device according to the invention or otherwise according to its generic definition given in the preamble is essentially characterized in that the flushing system comprises a first source of pressurized gas and a first set of one or more flushing pipes connecting the first source of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe via one or more sets of valves.

[0008] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: the flushing system comprises a second source of pressurized gas and a second set of one or more flushing pipes connecting the second source of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe via one or more sets of valves; the flushing system comprises a third source of pressurized gas, in particular hydrogen, and a third set of one or more flushing pipes connecting the third source of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe via one or more sets of valves, the flushing system comprises a suction member, in particular a vacuum pump, and a fourth set of one or more flushing pipes connecting the suction member to both the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe via one or more sets of valves, the flushing system comprises at least one pipe that is common to all or some of the set(s) of flushing pipes, the first transfer line for transferring the liquid is equipped with a shut-off and / or flow control valve, one or more sets of one or more flushing pipes are connected to the first transfer pipe on one or both sides of a shut-off and / or flow control valve of the first transfer pipe for liquid transfer; the first transfer pipe for transferring the liquid comprises a liquid-gas mixer, the device comprising a gas source and a gas injection pipe connecting the gas source to the mixer and provided with one or more sets of valves, the filling device is arranged in a casing or housing, and an end of a first transfer pipe for transferring a liquid and an end of a second transfer pipe for transferring a gas are connected to the housing by removable connectors; the filling device comprises a source of liquefied gas connected to a first end of a first transfer pipe for transferring a liquid and to a first end of a second transfer pipe, the second transfer pipe is equipped with a pressure regulating valve; the pressure regulating valve of the second transfer line is configured to control the pressure in the tank to be filled during its filling by controlling the pressure of the gas flow leaving the tank through this second transfer line; The pressure regulating valve of the second transfer line can be closed so that the transfer line (6) is isolated, in particular for the purposes of inerting and / or leaktightness tests.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for filling a cryogenic fluid tank with liquefied gas using an apparatus according to any one of the above or below characteristics, the method comprising the steps of connecting the tank to the second ends of the first transfer pipe and the second transfer pipe, and transferring liquid to the liquid tank via the first transfer pipe for liquid transfer.

[0010] According to other possible particular features, the method comprises at least one of the following: - adjusting the flow rate of the liquid transferred to the tank; - discharging the gas flow from the tank via a second transfer line towards the source; - heating the liquid stream transferred to the tank during the transferring step by injecting a determined amount of gas into the liquid stream; - Venting excess pressurized gas in the circuit via a vent device.

[0011] The invention also relates to any alternative apparatus or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0012] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is provided with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A-1D present schematic partial views illustrating an exemplary construction and use of a filling device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A-1D present schematic partial views illustrating an exemplary internal structure and use of a filling device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 shows a schematic partial view illustrating details of a mixer of the filling device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1 and 2, a filling device 1 for filling with liquefied gas comprises, for example, circuits and elements or functions housed in a (fixed or mobile) housing or casing 2. This assembly 2 may in particular constitute a filling station to which a tank 4 (for example a supply truck) that is a source of liquid and a tank 5 (for example a truck in which the tank is to be filled) are connected.

[0015] The couplers are preferably of the quick coupler type, and the cryogenic couplers may be of the "Johnson" type or of any other suitable technology. In particular, at or near these couplers may be provided safety systems with one or more self-closing (isolating) valves in case of accidental pulling.

[0016] This means that this assembly 2 forms the interface between a tank 4, which is preferably mobile (for example a transport tanker), and the application (for example a vehicle 5 to be filled).

[0017] As can be seen from Figure 2, the filling device comprises a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe 3 for transferring liquid, having a first end 13 intended to be connected to a source 4 of liquefied gas (in particular to the liquid phase of the supply tank) and a second end 23 intended to be connected to a tank 5 to be filled (in particular to its liquid phase).

[0018] The source 4 typically comprises a reservoir of liquefied gas overlaid with a vapor phase. The source is or can be depressurized, and this pressure can be the force that drives the fluid transfer. A transfer pump may also be envisioned.

[0019] The fluid circuit comprises a second transfer pipe 6 for gas transfer, having a first end 16 intended to be connected to a source 4 of liquefied gas (e.g., to its gas phase) and a second end 26 intended to be connected to the tank 5 to be filled (e.g., to its gas phase).

[0020] The fluid circuit comprises at least one third transfer line 7 connected to the first transfer line 3 and the second transfer line 6 and equipped with a valve 14. This third transfer line 7 is provided in particular to collect vent gases towards an exhaust means (vent device 8, described below).

[0021] The filling device also includes a vent device 8 connected to the first transfer pipe 3 and the second transfer pipe 6 via a set of one or more safety valves (not shown) that are pressure-sensitive and configured to vent abnormally high pressure in the circuit to the vent 8. The vent vent 8 is preferably located on top of the device, but can be offset if necessary. It can be used to depressurize the tanks 4 and 5.

[0022] The fluid circuit comprises a set of one or more valves for controlling the flow of fluid in the tubes of the fluid circuit, for example the first transfer tube 3 for liquid transfer comprises a shut-off and / or flow control valve 29.

[0023] This architecture allows filling the tank 5 with a single flow (only the first liquid line 3) or a dual flow (the first transfer line 3 transferring the liquid and the second transfer line 6 discharging the gas).

[0024] The fluid circuit may also comprise a line 39 having one end connected to the vent device 8 (or to the third transfer pipe 7) and one or more ends 44 provided with connecting members intended to be connected to receive the second ends 23 and 26 when they are not connected to the tank 5 to be filled, for example. In a configuration in which the second ends 23 and 26 are connected to end 44, it is also possible to pre-cool the line and / or de-ice the ends 23, 26 and 44 to avoid ice formation and / or to dry the connectors.

[0025] The shut-off and / or flow control valve 29 is used to control the main flow of fluid (especially liquid) from tank 4 to tank 5. The shut-off and / or flow control valve 29 may be used to control the gas return of the tank 5 to be filled (if only a single flow is used for filling) and / or to depressurize the tank 5 before filling. This shut-off and / or flow control valve 29 may also be used to deactivate and / or perform leaktight tests on all or part of the fluid circuit.

[0026] On the return line 6, a pressure regulator 42 (preferably a pressure control valve) may be provided in order to make it possible to control the pressure in the tank 5 during filling (return flow from the tank 5). This pressure regulator 42 may also function as a shut-off valve, just like the valve 43 which may be provided in series, if appropriate, for the purposes of inerting and / or leaktightness testing.

[0027] This return pressure control valve 42 can be used for inerting by dilution and for detecting leaks in the fluid circuit, one or more tanks, or one or more connectors of the filling nozzle.

[0028] The device comprises a system for gas flushing of the fluid circuit for the purposes of inerting, purging or leaktight pressure testing.

[0029] The flushing system comprises a first source 9 of pressurized gas, in particular hydrogen, and a first set of one or more flushing pipes 10, 22, 7, 41, 40, 28 connecting the first source 9 of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe 3 and the second transfer pipe 6 via a set of one or more valves 11, 12, 14, 15.

[0030] The flushing system preferably comprises a second source 17 of pressurized gas, in particular helium or hydrogen, and a second set of one or more flushing pipes 18, 7, 22, 40, 41, 28 connecting the second source 17 of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe 3 and the second transfer pipe 6 via a set of one or more valves 11, 12, 14, 15. This second source 17 can be used to inertize and / or heat all or part of the fluid circuit, in particular the pipe 3 for transferring the cryogenic liquid (typically at a temperature below 80 K).

[0031] The flushing system preferably comprises a third source 38 of pressurized gas, in particular hydrogen, and a third set of one or more flushing pipes 21, 7, 22, 40, 41, 28 connecting the third source 38 of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe 3 and the second transfer pipe 6 via a set of one or more valves 11, 12, 14, 15.

[0032] The flushing system comprises a suction member 24, in particular a vacuum pump, and a fourth set of one or more flushing pipes 7, 22, 40, 41, 28 connecting the suction member 24 to both the first transfer pipe 3 and the second transfer pipe 6 via a set of one or more valves 11, 15, 12, 14.

[0033] As illustrated, the flushing system may include at least one pipe that is common to all or some of one or more sets of flushing pipes.

[0034] This architecture allows for easy inactivation of all or part of the fluid circuit with one of the aforementioned gases by flushing and / or dilution, for example, for leaktightness testing or purging or evacuation operations. One or more of the flushing tubes may also be used to depressurize the tank 5 (e.g., before filling using only a single stream) and / or to cool all or some of the system's tubes.

[0035] As illustrated, one or more sets of one or more flushing pipes are preferably connected to the first transfer pipe 3 on both sides of a shut-off and / or flow control valve 29 for the first transfer pipe 3 for liquid transfer. This valve 29 may be configured in particular to control the flow rate of liquid entering the tank of the vehicle 5 to be filled. A flow meter 36 may be provided downstream on the pipe 3 in order to control the valve 29 (for example, an integrated mass flow controller). The valve 29 is preferably remotely controlled and may be, for example, of the needle valve type. The amount of return gas (returning from the tank 5 to be filled via the second transfer pipe 6) may, for example, be measured by a second flow rate estimation means 136 (for example, a mass flow meter) arranged on the second transfer pipe 6, if necessary. This flow rate estimation means 136 may have one or more flow meters in parallel to widen its flow rate measurement range and / or to optimize the fluid passage relative to the requirements of pre-cooling the tank 5 to be filled or to make it possible to accurately detect the end of filling.

[0036] A check valve 33 may be provided on the first transfer line 3, for example, between the first end 13 and the shut-off and / or flow control valve 29.

[0037] Similarly, a check valve may be provided on the second transfer line 6 (not shown for simplicity).

[0038] This allows separate and independent flushing of the portions of the fluid circuit at the first ends 13,16 or at the second ends 23,26.

[0039] In particular, this fluid circuit and valve architecture makes it possible to inactivate, for example, the first transfer line 3 for the liquid transfer between the liquid source 4 and the shut-off / control valve 29. This architecture also makes it possible to flush (inactivate) the fluid circuit located in the casing or station 2 and the vent circuit up to the vent 8. This architecture also makes it possible to flush (inactivate) the downstream fluid circuit (the circuit in the tank 5 to be filled) and, if appropriate, to inactivate this tank 5.

[0040] This architecture also allows for flushing (deactivation) of the entire fluid circuit.

[0041] Likewise, this architecture also allows for pre-cooling all or part of the fluid circuit or of the tank 5 to be filled.

[0042] As illustrated, the first transfer pipe 3 for liquid transfer preferably includes a liquid-gas mixer 31, a gas source 32, and a gas injection pipe 30, which connects the gas source 32 to the mixer 31 and is equipped with a set of one or more valves 34. This allows the incoming liquid flow to be heated with the gas flow to provide a saturated state (minimum pressure in the downstream tank). An exemplary mixer is illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. Pressurized gas (e.g., hydrogen at 300 K and 5-10 bar) is injected via a lateral pipe into the first liquid pipe 3 (this pipe is preferably thermally insulated in vacuum), which carries a liquid (e.g., liquid hydrogen at 21 K and 5-10 bar pressure). The resulting downstream mixture may have a predetermined temperature, e.g., 28 K, and a similar pressure of 5-10 bar. If appropriate, vaporized gas from one of the tanks can be beneficially utilized and reused as the mixed gas.

[0043] The device may have a set of one or more pressure and / or temperature sensors 35, for example at the second ends 23, 26. These temperature and / or pressure data may be used to automate all or some of the functions, for example for automatic detection of possible overfilling of the tank 5 being filled.

[0044] This structure allows for a pooling of elements, in particular a limited number of valves and isolated cryogenic components, which can be localized and grouped together in a central part of the fluid circuit, with all or some of the valves and sensors preferably being remotely controlled or monitored by the unit.

[0045] This arrangement has many advantages, in particular it allows control and safety equipment (vents 8, sensors 35, valve(s), etc.) to be pooled.

[0046] The present invention allows the components on board a delivery vehicle to be strictly limited to those necessary, thereby maximizing the density of the system while providing all necessary primary and secondary functions. The equipment can also be easily moved.

[0047] The apparatus may also include a compressor for recovering vaporized (boil-off) gas from the tank 5 to be filled or from a tank at ambient temperature. This recovered compressed gas may be used, for example, to supply a heat exchanger / heater, such as heater 37 on the first transfer pipe 3.

[0048] The apparatus may be provided with an earth connection (not shown) between the tanks 4 and / or 5 and the housing 2 to ensure that the various items of equipment are at the same potential. The casing or housing 2 may itself be earthed.

[0049] The device may be provided with pneumatic control fluid (in particular nitrogen) connections, not shown, between the tanks 4 and / or 5 and the housing 2, for control from the housing 2 for safety purposes and / or for purposes of opening and closing control, for example, to control the valve(s) of the tanks 4 and / or 5. Likewise, signals (such as electrical signals) may be established for communication between the housing 2 and one or more of the tanks 4 and 5.

[0050] Thus, the apparatus may have all or some of the following features or functions, as appropriate: - Centralized control of the filling / inerting process, including safety controls, Use of a return pressure control valve 42 for inerting by dilution and leak detection; separate inerting volumes for the lines going to the main reservoir 4, for the transfer casing or module 2 and for the tanks to be filled, the tank 5 to be filled can be brought into operation (inerted and / or cooled, etc.); - the beneficial use of cooling or transport gas as mixing / heating gas; Measuring the flow rate of the gas, in particular at the outlet of the tank 5 to be filled. The following is a summary of the claims as originally filed: [1] A device for filling with liquefied gas, comprising a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid, having a first end (13) intended to be connected to a source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled, and a second transfer pipe (6) for transferring a gas, having a first end (16) intended to be connected to the source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (26) intended to be connected to the tank (5) to be filled, said fluid circuit comprising at least one third transfer pipe (7) connecting said first transfer pipe (3) and said second transfer pipe (6), and a set of one or more safety valves for controlling the pressure of said first transfer pipe (3) and said second transfer pipe (6). and a vent device (8) connected to the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), the fluid circuit comprising a set of one or more valves (29) for controlling fluid flow in the transfer pipes of the fluid circuit, the device comprising a flushing system for gas flushing of the fluid circuit, the flushing system comprising a first source of pressurized gas (9) and a first set of one or more flushing pipes (10, 22, 7, 40, 41, 28) connecting the first source of pressurized gas (9) in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15). [2] The apparatus according to [1], characterized in that the flushing system comprises a second source of pressurized gas (17) and a second set of one or more flushing pipes (18, 7, 40, 41, 22, 28) connecting the second source of pressurized gas (17) in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15). [3] The apparatus according to [2], characterized in that the flushing system comprises a third source (38) of pressurized gas, in particular hydrogen, and a third set of one or more flushing pipes (21, 7, 40) connecting the third source (38) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15). [4] The device according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the flushing system comprises a suction member (24), in particular a vacuum pump, and a fourth set of one or more flushing pipes (25, 7, 22, 40, 41, 28) connecting the suction member (24) to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15). [5] The device according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the flushing system comprises at least one pipe (22) that is common to all or some of the sets of one or more flushing pipes. [6] The device according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring liquid is provided with a shutoff and / or flow control valve (29). [7] The device according to [6], characterized in that the one or more sets of one or more flushing pipes are connected to the first transfer pipe (3) on one or both sides of the shut-off and / or flow control valve (29) of the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring liquid. [8] The device according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid comprises a liquid-gas mixer (31), and the device comprises a gas supply source (32) and a gas injection pipe (30) connecting the gas supply source (32) to the liquid-gas mixer (31) and provided with a set of one or more valves (34). [9] The device described in any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that the device is arranged in a casing or housing (2), and the first end (13), the second end (23) of the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid, and the first end (16), the second end (26) of the second transfer pipe (6) for transferring a gas, are connected to the housing by removable connectors.

[10] The device described in any one of [1] to [9], characterized in that it comprises a liquefied gas supply source (4) connected to the first end (13) of the first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer and the first end (16) of the second transfer pipe (6).

[11] The device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the second transfer pipe (6) is provided with a pressure regulating valve (42).

[12] The device according to

[11] , characterized in that the pressure regulating valve (42) of the second transfer pipe (6) is configured to control the pressure in the tank (5) to be filled during its filling by controlling the pressure of the gas flow leaving the tank (5) through the second transfer pipe (6).

[13] The device according to

[11] or

[12] , characterized in that the pressure regulating valve (42) of the second transfer line (6) can be closed so that the second transfer line (6) is blocked, in particular for the purpose of inerting and / or leaktightness testing.

[14] A method for filling a cryogenic fluid tank (5) with liquefied gas using the device described in any one of [1] to

[13] , comprising the steps of connecting the cryogenic fluid tank (5) to the second ends of the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), and transferring liquid to the cryogenic liquid tank (5) via the first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer.

[15] - adjusting the flow rate of the liquid transferred to the liquid tank (5); - discharging a flow of gas from said liquid tank (5) through said second transfer pipe (6) towards said source; - heating the liquid stream transferred to the liquid tank (5) during the transferring step by injecting a determined amount of gas into the liquid stream; - venting excess pressurized gas in said fluid circuit via a vent device; The method according to

[14] , characterized in that it includes at least one of the following:

Claims

1. A device for filling with liquefied gas, comprising a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe (3) for transferring liquid, having a first end (13) intended to be connected to a source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled, and a second transfer pipe (6) for transferring gas, having a first end (16) intended to be connected to the source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (26) intended to be connected to the tank (5) to be filled. , wherein the fluid circuit comprises at least one third transfer pipe (7) connecting the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), and a vent device (8) connected to the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more safety valves, the fluid circuit comprising a set of one or more valves (29) for controlling the flow of fluid in the transfer pipes of the fluid circuit, and the device comprising a flushing system for gas flushing of the fluid circuit, the flushing system comprises a first source (9) of pressurized gas and a first set of one or more flushing pipes (10, 22, 7, 40, 41, 28) connecting the first source (9) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15); the flushing system comprises an intake member (24) and a fourth set of one or more flushing pipes (25, 7, 22, 40, 41, 28) connecting the intake member (24) to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15).

2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the flushing system comprises a second source (17) of pressurized gas and a second set of one or more flushing pipes (18, 7, 40, 41, 22, 28) connecting the second source (17) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15).

3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the flushing system comprises a third source (38) of pressurized gas and a third set of one or more flushing pipes (21, 7, 40) connecting the third source (38) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15).

4. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flushing system comprises at least one pipe (22) that is common to all or some of the sets of one or more flushing pipes.

5. 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first transfer line (3) for transferring liquid is provided with a shut-off and / or flow control valve (29).

6. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the one or more sets of one or more flushing pipes are connected to the first transfer pipe (3) on one or both sides of the shut-off and / or flow control valve (29) of the first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer.

7. An apparatus for filling with liquefied gas, comprising a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer, having a first end (13) intended to be connected to a source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled, and a second transfer pipe (6) for gas transfer, having a first end (16) intended to be connected to the source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (26) intended to be connected to the tank (5) to be filled. , wherein the fluid circuit comprises at least one third transfer pipe (7) connecting the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), and a vent device (8) connected to the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more safety valves, the fluid circuit comprising a set of one or more valves (29) for controlling the flow of fluid in the transfer pipes of the fluid circuit, and the device comprising a flushing system for gas flushing of the fluid circuit, the flushing system comprises a first source (9) of pressurized gas and a first set of one or more flushing pipes (10, 22, 7, 40, 41, 28) connecting the first source (9) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15); 1. An apparatus, characterized in that the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid comprises a liquid-gas mixer (31), the apparatus comprising a gas source (32) and a gas injection pipe (30) connecting the gas source (32) to the liquid-gas mixer (31) and provided with a set of one or more valves (34).

8. An apparatus for filling with liquefied gas, comprising a fluid circuit provided with a first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer, having a first end (13) intended to be connected to a source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (23) intended to be connected to a tank (5) to be filled, and a second transfer pipe (6) for gas transfer, having a first end (16) intended to be connected to the source (4) of liquefied gas and a second end (26) intended to be connected to the tank (5) to be filled. , wherein the fluid circuit comprises at least one third transfer pipe (7) connecting the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), and a vent device (8) connected to the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more safety valves, the fluid circuit comprising a set of one or more valves (29) for controlling the flow of fluid in the transfer pipes of the fluid circuit, and the device comprising a flushing system for gas flushing of the fluid circuit, the flushing system comprises a first source (9) of pressurized gas and a first set of one or more flushing pipes (10, 22, 7, 40, 41, 28) connecting the first source (9) of pressurized gas in parallel to both the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6) via a set of one or more valves (11, 12, 14, 15); 1. The device, characterized in that the device is arranged in a casing or housing (2), and the first end (13) and the second end (23) of the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid and the first end (16) and the second end (26) of the second transfer pipe (6) for transferring a gas are connected to the housing by removable couplers.

9. 9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a source (4) of liquefied gas connected to the first end (13) of the first transfer pipe (3) for transferring a liquid and to the first end (16) of the second transfer pipe (6).

10. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transfer line (6) is provided with a pressure regulating valve (42).

11. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the pressure regulating valve (42) of the second transfer line (6) is configured to control the pressure in the tank (5) to be filled during its filling by controlling the pressure of the gas flow leaving the tank (5) through this second transfer line (6).

12. An apparatus as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the pressure regulating valve (42) of the second transfer pipe (6) can be closed so that the second transfer pipe (6) is blocked.

13. 13. A method for filling a cryogenic fluid tank (5) with liquefied gas using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of connecting the cryogenic fluid tank (5) to the second ends of the first transfer pipe (3) and the second transfer pipe (6), and transferring liquid to the cryogenic fluid tank (5) via the first transfer pipe (3) for liquid transfer.

14. - adjusting the flow rate of the liquid transferred to said cryogenic fluid tank (5); - discharging a flow of gas from said cryogenic fluid tank (5) through said second transfer pipe (6) towards said source; - heating the liquid stream transferred to the cryogenic fluid tank (5) during the transferring step by injecting a determined amount of gas into the liquid stream; - venting excess pressurized gas in said fluid circuit via a vent device; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising at least one of:

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