Breakaway valve for a cryogenic fluid tank

Abstract

A breakaway valve for a cryogenic fluid tank is disclosed. A breakaway valve includes a first valve, a second valve, and a breakaway assembly. The first valve defines a through-hole. The second valve defines a counterbore having a primary hole and a major hole. The breakaway assembly is configured to fasten the first valve to the second valve. The breakaway assembly comprises a bushing, a pin, and one or more nuts. The bushing extends through the through- hole, is fixedly coupled to the first valve, and is received by the major hole of the counterbore. The pin extends through the bushing and the through-hole and is fixedly received by the primary hole of the counterbore. The one or more nuts retain the pin in place. The pin breaks apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied.

Description

BREAKAWAY VALVE FOR A CRYOGENIC FLUID TANKCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 605,922, filed on December 4, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 514,254, filed on July 18, 2023, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to cryogenic fluid tanks and, more particularly, to breakaway valves for cryogenic fluid tanks.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, has been used as fuel for machines, such as vehicles. Oftentimes, the cryogenic fluid is initially stored in a storage tank. The cryogenic fluid is then transferred from the storage tank to another storage tank of a machine, via specialized nozzle, receptacle, and / or hose(s), where it is subsequently used as fuel for a machine.

[0004] In some instances, a nozzle is connected to a hose that extends from and is fluidly connected to a storage tank of a filling station for cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen. A corresponding receptacle is connected to a fill tank of a vehicle that will subsequently transport the liquid hydrogen to another location. To complete a filling sequence, an operator connects the nozzle to the receptacle to enable the liquid hydrogen to flow from the storage tank of the filling station and into the fill tank of the vehicle. After the filling sequence is complete, the operator is to disconnect the nozzle from the receptacle. Occasionally, an operator may forget to disconnect the nozzle from the receptacle after filling the fill tank and drive the vehicle away from the filling station while the nozzle remains secured to the receptacle. In such instances, the hosemay be pulled off of the storage tank as the vehicle pulls away from the filling station, thereby resulting potentially resulting in spillage of cryogenic fluid from the storage tank and / or damage to the filling station.SUMMARY

[0005] An example breakaway valve is for use between a cryogenic tank and a nozzle for dispensing cryogenic fluid. The breakaway valve comprises a first valve. The first valve comprises a first valve body. The first valve body includes a first flange that defines a first face surface and a through-hole extending to the first face surface. The breakaway valve comprises a second valve. The second valve comprises a second valve body. The second valve body includes a second flange that defines a second face surface and a counterbore having a primary hole and a major hole along the second face surface. The breakaway valve comprises a breakaway assembly. The breakaway assembly is configured to fasten the first face surface of the first valve to the second face surface of the second valve. The breakaway assembly comprises a bushing extending through the through-hole, fixedly coupled to the first flange, and received by the major hole of the counterbore. The breakaway assembly comprises a pin extending through the bushing and the through-hole and fixedly received by the primary hole of the counterbore. The breakaway assembly comprises one or more nuts retaining the pin in place. The pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.

[0006] An example breakaway assembly is for a breakaway valve between a cryogenic tank and a nozzle for dispensing cryogenic fluid. The breakaway assembly comprises a bushing configured to extend through a through-hole of a first valve of the breakaway valve, be fixedly coupled to the first valve, and be received by a major hole of a counterbore of a second valve ofthe breakaway valve. The breakaway assembly comprises a pin configured to extend through the bushing and the through-hole of the first valve and be fixedly received by a primary hole of the counterbore of the second valve. The breakaway assembly comprises one or more nuts configured to retain the pin in place to fasten the first valve to the second valve. The pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for filling a fill tank with cryogenic fluid in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example breakaway valve of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional of a nozzle-side valve of the breakaway valve ofFIG. 2

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional of a tank-side valve of the breakaway valve ofFIG. 2

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional of a sleeve assembly of the breakaway valve ofFIG. 2

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of the breakaway valve of FIG. 2 when the nozzle-side valve of FIG. 3 and the tank-side valve of FIG. 4 are coupled together.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 6 that further depicts flow control components of the breakaway valve of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 6 that further depicts a breakaway assembly of the breakaway valve of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of a pin of the breakaway assembly of FIG.8.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of a bushing of the breakaway assembly ofFIG. 8

[0017] FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of a cap of the breakaway assembly of FIG. 8

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of the breakaway valve of FIG. 2 after the nozzle-side valve of FIG. 3 and the tank-side valve of FIG. 4 have decoupled from each other.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The present specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the present invention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0020] The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. The specification describes exemplary embodiments which are not intended to limit the claims or the claimed inventions. Features described in the specification, but not recited in the claims, are not intended to limit the claims.

[0021] It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers, such as, for example, in cases where such labeling facilitates a clearer description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and, in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do not necessarily implicate an underlying substantive purpose.

[0022] Some features may be described using relative terms such as top, bottom, vertical, rightward, leftward, etc. It should be appreciated that such relative terms are only for reference with respect to the appended drawings. These relative terms are not meant to limit the disclosed embodiments.

[0023] Breakaway valves disclosed herein are configured to be coupled to and positioned between a storage tank and a hose of a filling station for cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen. The breakaway valve is configured to quickly seal the storage tank and a nozzle of the hose if the hose is pulled off of the storage tank, for example, due to an operator forgetting to disconnect the nozzle from a receptacle of a fill tank after a filling event and subsequently driving a vehicle with the fill tank away from the filling station while the nozzle remains secured to the receptacle. In turn, the breakaway valve limits the amount of cryogenic fluid that is discharged from the filling station and / or limits damage to the filling station during such a breakaway event.

[0024] A breakaway valve disclosed herein is configured to securely control the flow of liquid hydrogen or other cryogenic fluid from a fill tank and through a hose. The breakaway valve includes a tank-side valve connected to a tank and a nozzle-side valve connected to a hose.When the tank-side valve and the nozzle-side valve are securely coupled together, the tank-side valve and the nozzle-side valve are open to fluidly connect the hose to the tank and, thus, permit cryogenic fluid to flow from the storage tank and to the fill tank a filling event. Further, when the tank-side valve and the nozzle-side valve are decoupled from each other (e.g., due to a breakaway event), the tank-side valve and the nozzle-side valve are closed to prevent the cryogenic fluid from escaping from the tank side and to limit, in a controlled manner, the escape of the cryogenic fluid from the nozzle side. To enable the hose to disconnect from the tank in a manner that limits the amount of discharged cryogenic fluid, the breakaway valve includes one or more breakaway assemblies that are configured to break apart when at least a threshold force associated with the breakaway event is applied.

[0025] A breakaway assembly disclosed herein includes a bushing, a pin, and one or more nuts. The bushing extends through a through-hole of a first valve (e.g., the nozzle-side valve or the tank-side valve) of the breakaway valve and is received by a major hole of a counterbore of a second valve (e.g., the other of the nozzle-side valve or the tank-side valve) of the breakaway valve. For example, a body of the first valve includes a flange that defines a face surface and the through-hole that extend to the face surface. A body of the second valve includes a flange that defines a face surface and a counterbore, which has a primary hole and the major hole that is positioned along the face surface. The pin of the breakaway assembly extends through the bushing and the through-hole and is fixedly received by the primary hole of the counterbore. The one or more nuts are configured to retain the pin and the bushing in place and are configured to fasten the face surface of the first valve to the face surface of the second valve. The pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.

[0026] In an embodiment, the bushing does not contact the pin so that the pin is isolated from a rotational force applied to at least one of the first valve or the second valve. In turn, the pin is configured to break apart, not when a rotational force is applied but only when a tensile force is applied, to prevent an operator from unintentionally rotating the first valve and the second valve apart from each other.

[0027] In an embodiment, the bushing is threadably coupled to the flange of the first valve to further retain the bushing in place.

[0028] In an embodiment, the bushing includes a flange that engages the face surface of the flange of the first valve and is arranged to further retain the bushing in place.

[0029] In an embodiment, the pin includes a first end and a second end. The first end may be threadably received by the primary hole of the counterbore of the second valve. The one or more nuts may be threadably coupled to a second end of the pin.

[0030] In an embodiment, the breakaway valve include the breakaway valve includes a plurality of breakaway assemblies. The breakaway assemblies may be spaced apart from each other equidistantly along circumferences of the first valve and the second valve.

[0031] In an embodiment, the threshold force at which the first valve and the second valve of the breakaway valve break apart is based on a composition, a positioning, a quantity, a size, and / or a shape of the pin(s). For example, each pin may have an hourglass shape and a notch at a center point along its length. The hourglass shape and the notch at least partially define the predefined tensile force at which the pin(s) break apart.

[0032] In an embodiment, the one or more nuts includes a preload nut and a locking nut. The preload nut is configured to engage the bushing to secure the pin in place relative to thebushing and couple the first valve and the second valve together. The locking nut is configured to engage the preload nut to lock the preload nut in place.

[0033] In an embodiment, the breakaway assembly further includes a cap and a gasket. The cap is configured to form a sealed connection with a flange of the first valve via the gasket to enclose and fluidly isolate the pin in the through-hole of the first valve and the counterbore of the second valve.

[0034] Other embodiments of the breakaway assembly include a combination of the above-identified features. For example, a breakaway assembly disclosed herein includes a combination of features of the pin, the bushing, the preload nut, the locking nut, the cap, and / or other components.

[0035] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 10 for transferring liquid hydrogen and / or other cryogenic fluids in accordance with the teachings herein. System 10 includes filling station 20 and vehicle 30 for transporting the cryogenic fluid. Filling station 20 of the illustrated example includes storage tank 22 (also referred to as “cryogenic tank” and “liquid hydrogen tank”), jacketed hose 24 extending from storage tank 22, and nozzle 26 at a distal end of jacketed hose 24 for dispensing the cryogenic fluid. Vehicle 30 includes fill tank 32, hose 34 connected to and extending from fill tank 32, and receptacle 36. In other examples, receptacle 36 is mounted directly to fill tank 32 without an external intermediate hose.

[0036] Storage tank 22 of filling station 20 is configured to store the cryogenic fluid, and fill tank 32 of vehicle 30 is configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from storage tank 22 via jacketed hose 24, hose 34, nozzle 26, and receptacle 36. In order to transfer cryogenic fluid from storage tank 22 to fill tank 32, operator 40 is to couple nozzle 26 to receptacle 36 to fluidly connect fill tank 32 to storage tank 22. Once operator 40 securely couples nozzle 26 toreceptacle 36, operator 40 initiates the transfer of cryogenic fluid. For example, operator 40 may initiate the fluid transfer from a remote location by pressing a button at filling station 20 that subsequently initiates the fill sequence.

[0037] In the illustrated example, filling station 20 also includes breakaway valve 100 coupled to another jacketed hose 23. Jacketed hose 23 extends between and is coupled to breakaway valve 100 and storage tank 22. Breakaway valve 100 is configured to quickly seal ends of jacketed hose 23 and jacketed hose 24 if nozzle 26 is pulled away from storage tank 22, for example, due to operator 40 (i) forgetting to disconnect nozzle 26 from receptacle 36 after completing a filling event and (ii) subsequently driving vehicle 30 away from filling station 20 while nozzle 26 remains secured to receptacle 36. In turn, breakaway valve 100 is configured to limit the amount of cryogenic fluid that may otherwise be discharged from filling station 20 and / or limit damage to filling station 20 during such a breakaway event.

[0038] As disclosed below in greater detail, breakaway valve 100 of the illustrated example includes nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300. When installed within system 10 of FIG. 1, breakaway valve 100 is coupled between and fluidly connected to jacketed hose 24 and storage tank 22. Nozzle-side valve 200 is connected to jacketed hose 24, and tank-side valve 300 is coupled to storage tank 22. Additionally, nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled and fluidly connected to each other. When nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together between jacketed hose 24 and storage tank 22, both nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are in respective open configurations to enable cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, to flow from storage tank 22 and to jacketed hose 24 during a fill sequence. If vehicle 30 pulls away from filling station 20 during a fill sequence, nozzle-side valve 200 is configured to decouple from tank-side valve 300 with nozzle-side valve 200remaining coupled to jacketed hose 24 and tank-side valve 300 remaining coupled to storage tank 22. When disconnecting from each other, both nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are configured to transition to respective closed configurations to (1) prevent cryogenic fluid from escaping from jacketed hose 24 and (2) limit, as a controlled release, an amount of cryogenic fluid that escaped from storage tank 22 as a result of vehicle 30 pulling away from filling station 20 during the fill sequence.

[0039] FIGS. 2-12 depict the example breakaway valve 100 in accordance with the teachings herein. Breakaway valve 100 is configured to be used between storage tank 22 and nozzle 26 for dispensing cryogenic fluid during a filling event. As illustrated in FIG. 2, breakaway valve 100 includes nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 coupled together. Nozzle-side valve 200 includes outer jacket 290, and tank-side valve 300 includes outer jacket 390. Breakaway valve 100 also includes sleeve assembly 400 that is configured to engage and form a seal between outer jacket 290 and outer jacket 390.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of nozzle-side valve 200 in a closed configuration. Nozzle-side valve 200 includes valve body 210 (also referred to as “nozzle-side body”) that defines chamber 220. Chamber 220 (also referred to as “nozzle-side chamber,” and “fluid chamber”) extends between and fluidly connects inlet 222 (also referred to as “nozzle-side inlet”) and outlet 224 (also referred to as “nozzle-side outlet”) of nozzle-side valve 200. Valve body 210 includes flange 212 (also referred to as “nozzle-side flange”) that is located adjacent to inlet 222.

[0041] Flange 212 extends radially outward from valve body 210. Flange 212 of valve body 210 defines face surface 214 (also referred to as “nozzle-side face surface”). Face surface 214 may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of chamber 220. As disclosed below ingreater detail with respect to FIG. 6, face surface 214 of nozzle-side valve 200 is configured to engage face surface 314 of tank-side valve 300 (FIG. 4) when breakaway valve 100 is assembled together.

[0042] Flange 212 of valve body 210 defines one or more through-holes 216 that extend to face surface 214 and through which one or more respective breakaway assemblies 500 of breakaway valve 100 extend. In the illustrated example, flange 212 defines a plurality of through-holes 216 that are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other along flange 212. For example, flange 212 defines three through-holes 216 that are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other by about 120 degrees. In other examples, flange 212 defines more or fewer through-holes 216. Additionally, breakaway valve 100 of the illustrated example includes a respective breakaway assembly 500 for each through- hole 216 of nozzle-side valve 200. That is, breakaway valve 100 includes breakaway assemblies 500 for respective through-holes 216 with each breakaway assembly 500 extending through a respective through-hole 216. In turn, breakaway assemblies 500 are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other along flange 212. For example, breakaway valve 100 of FIG. 3 includes three breakaway assemblies 500 that are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other by about 120 degrees. Further, as disclosed below in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 8, each through-hole 216 of the illustrated example includes interior threads that are configured to receive bushing 520 of the respective breakaway assembly.

[0043] Nozzle-side valve 200 also includes flow control assembly 225 (also referred to as “nozzle-side flow control assembly”) that is at least partially housed in chamber 220. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, flow control assembly 225 includes poppet 230 and shaft 240. Poppet 230 and shaft 240 are coupled together and configured to slidably extend along thelongitudinal axis of chamber 220. For example, shaft 240 is threadably coupled to poppet body 231 of poppet 230. Poppet 230 is positioned toward inlet 222 of chamber 220, and shaft 240 is positioned toward outlet 224 of chamber 220.

[0044] Poppet 230 is configured to sealingly engage valve seat 218 when nozzle-side valve 200 is in the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, to prevent cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, from flowing through chamber 220 of nozzle-side valve 200. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, poppet 230 is configured to be disengaged from valve seat 218 when nozzle-side valve 200 is in an open configuration to enable the cryogenic fluid to flow through chamber 220 of nozzle-side valve 200.

[0045] In the illustrated example, poppet 230 includes poppet body 231 and poppet disc 232. Poppet disc 232 is secured in place between shaft 240 and poppet body 231 when poppet 230 is coupled to the shaft 240. Poppet disc 232 is configured to sealingly engage valve seat 218. In the illustrated example, valve seat 218 is defined by valve body 210. Poppet disc 232 is composed of polychlorotrifluoroethylene and / or any other material that is configured to form a tight seal with valve seat 218 in extremely cold temperatures of the cryogenic fluid.

[0046] Poppet 230 also includes stem 234 that is configured to engage stem 334 of tankside valve 300 (FIG. 4) when breakaway valve 100 is assembled together. In the illustrated example, stem 234 includes protrusion 236 that extends from its distal end. The distal end of stem 234 may extend out of chamber 220 when nozzle-side valve 200 is in the closed configuration. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, protrusion 236 facilitates alignment between stem 234 of nozzle-side valve 200 and stem 334 of tank-side valve 300 to assemble breakaway valve 100 together.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3, flow control assembly 225 includes poppet support 250 and spring 260. Poppet support 250 defines hole 252 through which shaft 240 slidably extends as flow control assembly 225 transitions between the closed configuration and the open configuration. Poppet support 250 is fixed to valve body 210 via one or more fasteners 254 (e.g., threaded fasteners) adjacent to outlet 224 of nozzle-side valve 200. Spring 260 extends between and engages poppet support 250 and shaft 240 to bias poppet 230 toward valve seat 218 in the closed configuration.

[0048] Flow control assembly 225 of the illustrated example also includes pressure relief valve 270. Pressure relief valve 270 is configured to release pressure built up from cryogenic fluid that would otherwise be trapped within jacketed hose 24 between uses, thereby deterring jacketed hose 24 from breaking due to elevated pressure levels.

[0049] In the illustrated example, poppet 230 and shaft 240 define conduit 280 (also referred to as “pressure relief conduit”). Shaft 240 defines inlet 281 of conduit 280, and poppet 230 defines outlet 282 of conduit 280. Poppet 230 and shaft 240 also define internal chamber 285 located along conduit 280 between inlet 281 and outlet 282.

[0050] Pressure relief valve 270 is housed in internal chamber 285. In the illustrated example, pressure relief valve 270 includes plug 271 (also referred to as “pressure relief plug”), seat 272 (also referred to as “pressure relief seat”), and spring 273 (also referred to as “pressure relief spring”). Seat 272 is defined by shaft 240. Plug 2 1 includes plug body 274, plug disc 275, and retainer 276. Plug disc 275 is composed of polychlorotrifluoroethylene and / or any other material that is configured to form a tight seal with seat 272 in extremely cold temperatures of the cryogenic fluid. Plug disc 275 is securely coupled to plug body 274 via retainer 276. Spring 273 extends between and engages poppet body 231 of poppet 230 and plug body 274 ofplug 271 . Spring 273 is configured to apply a biasing force to plug 271 to bias plug 271 toward seat 272.

[0051] When a pressure of the cryogenic fluid within jacketed hose 24 is less than the biasing force, spring 273 pushes plug 271 to cause plug disc 275 to sealingly engage seat 272, thereby preventing fluid from being released from jacketed hose 24 and through conduit 280. When a pressure of the cryogenic fluid within jacketed hose 24 is greater than the biasing force, the pressure within jacketed hose 24 pushes plug 271 to cause plug disc 275 to disengage from seat 272, thereby opening pressure relief valve 270 and enabling fluid trapped within jacketed hose 24 to be safely released through conduit 280.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, nozzle-side valve 200 of the illustrated example also includes outer jacket 290 that encloses insulation layer 292 circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of valve body 210. In the illustrated example, insulation layer 292 is a vacuuminsulation layer that extends over at least a portion of nozzle-side valve 200 and jacketed hose 24. Insulation layer 292 (also referred to as “jacket-insulated layer,” “sealed insulation layer,” “vacuum -insulation layer,” “sealed vacuum-insulation layer,” and “vacuum-insulation sealed layer”) provides a layer of insulation around jacketed hose 24 and valve body 210 of the nozzleside valve 200, for example, to facilitate operator 40 in safely grasping jacketed hose 24 and / or nozzle-side valve 200. The vacuum of insulation layer 292 may formed by a vacuum valve or evacuation port that is positioned along outer jacket 290 and / or jacketed hose 24. Insulation layer 292 is formed by valve body 210, outer jacket 290, vacuum seal 294, and / or jacketed hose 24.

[0053] Nozzle-side valve 200 includes vacuum seal 294 (also referred to as “bellows seal”) and one or more jacket standoffs 296. Each vacuum seal 294 and jacket standoff 296extends radially between and engages valve body 210 and outer jacket 290. Vacuum seal 294 and jacket standoff(s) 296 are securely coupled to valve body 210 and outer jacket 290, for example, via welding in a manner that maintains the vacuum of insulation layer 292 after nozzleside valve 200 has decoupled from tank-side valve 300 due to a breakaway event.

[0054] In the illustrated example, vacuum seal 294 is configured to reduce heat transfer with insulation layer 292. In the illustrated example, vacuum seal 294 includes bellows that are formed of a relatively thin sheet of material (e.g., about 0.2 mm of stainless steel). Vacuum seal 294 may also include one or more bellow supports that provide structural support to the bellows. For example, the bellow supports may be formed of a plastic material, such as ultra-high- molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE), and includes teeth that are inserted between and engage the bellows to provide structural support to the bellows. In other examples, vacuum seal 294 may be composed of a thicker sheet of material (e.g., about 1.5 mm of stainless steel) shaped to form a circumferential groove.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of tank-side valve 300 in a closed configuration. Tank-side valve 300 includes valve body 310 (also referred to as “tank-side body”) that defines chamber 320. Chamber 320 (also referred to as “tank-side chamber,” and “fluid chamber”) extends between and fluidly connects inlet 322 (also referred to as “tank-side inlet”) and outlet 324 (also referred to as “tank-side outlet”) of tank-side valve 300. Valve body 310 includes flange 312 (also referred to as “tank-side flange”) that is located adjacent to outlet 324.

[0056] Flange 312 extends radially outward from valve body 310. Flange 312 of valve body 310 defines face surface 314 (also referred to as “tank-side face surface”). Face surface 314 may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of chamber 320. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, face surface 314 of tank-side valve 300 is configured toengage face surface 214 of nozzle-side valve 200 (FIG. 3) when breakaway valve 100 is assembled together.

[0057] Flange 312 of valve body 310 defines one or more counterbores 315 that are configured to receive one or more respective breakaway assemblies 500. Each counterbore 315 includes primary hole 316 and major hole 317 along face surface 314. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 8, primary hole 316 is configured to receive pin 510 of respective breakaway assembly 500 and major hole 317 is configured to receive bushing 520 of respective breakaway assembly 500.

[0058] In the illustrated example, flange 312 defines a plurality of counterbores 315 that are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other along flange 312. For example, flange 312 defines three counterbores 315 that are circumferentially and equidistantly spaced apart from each other by about 120 degrees. In other examples, flange 312 defines more or fewer counterbores 315. Breakaway valve 100 includes a respective breakaway assembly 500 for each counterbore 315 of tank-side valve 300. That is, breakaway valve 100 includes breakaway assemblies 500 for respective counterbores 315 with each breakaway assembly 500 extending into and being received by a respective counterbore 315.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, tank-side valve 300 also includes face seal 370 and spring- loaded seal 375. Face seal 370 is positioned along flange 312 adjacent to counterbores 315 and is configured to form a sealed connection between flange 212 of valve body 210 and flange 312 of valve body 310 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together. Spring-loaded seal 375 is positioned along valve body 310 adjacent to outlet 324 and is configured to form a sealed connection between valve body 210 and valve body 310 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together. Spring-loaded seal 375 isconfigured to facilitate formation of a sealed connection between valve body 210 and valve body 310.

[0060] Tank-side valve 300 also includes flow control assembly 325 (also referred to as “tank-side flow control assembly”) that is at least partially housed in chamber 320. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, flow control assembly 325 includes poppet 330 and shaft 340. Poppet 330 is positioned toward outlet 324 of chamber 320, and shaft 340 is positioned toward inlet 322 of chamber 320. Poppet 330 and shaft 340 are coupled together and configured to slidably extend along the longitudinal axis of chamber 320. For example, shaft 340 is threadably coupled to poppet body 331 of poppet 330. In the illustrated example, shaft 340 defines cavity 380 (also referred to as “shaft cavity”) and conduit 382 (also referred to as “shaft conduit”). Cavity 380 is configured to receive poppet body 331 to couple shaft 340 and poppet 330 together. Conduit 382 prevents pressure from being formed within cavity 380 that would otherwise impede cavity 380 in securely receiving poppet body 331.

[0061] Poppet 330 is configured to sealingly engage valve seat 318 when tank-side valve 300 is in the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, to prevent cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, from flowing through chamber 320 of tank-side valve 300. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, poppet 330 is configured to be disengaged from valve seat 318 when tank-side valve 300 is in an open configuration to enable the cryogenic fluid to flow through chamber 320 of tank-side valve 300.

[0062] In the illustrated example, poppet 330 includes poppet body 331 and poppet disc 332. Poppet disc 332 is secured in place between shaft 340 and poppet body 331 when poppet 330 is coupled to the shaft 340. Poppet disc 332 is configured to sealingly engage valve seat 318. In the illustrated example, valve seat 318 is defined by valve body 310. Poppet disc 332 iscomposed of polychlorotrifluoroethylene and / or any other material that is configured to form a tight seal with valve seat 318 in extremely cold temperatures of the cryogenic fluid.

[0063] Poppet 330 also includes stem 334 that is configured to engage stem 234 of nozzle-side valve 200 (FIG. 3) when breakaway valve 100 is assembled together. In the illustrated example, a distal end of stem 334 defines cavity 336 (also referred to as “stem cavity”). Further, stem 334 defines conduit 338 (also referred to as “stem conduit”) that extends between cavity 336 and an outer circumferential surface of stem 334. As disclosed below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6, cavity 336 of stem 334 is configured to align with and receive protrusion 236 of stem 234 to facilitate alignment between stem 234 of nozzle-side valve 200 and stem 334 of tank-side valve 300 when assembling breakaway valve 100 together. Additionally or alternatively, cavity 336 is configured to receive protrusion 236 to stabilize poppet 230 and poppet 330 when cryogenic fluid is flowing turbulently through tank-side valve 300 and nozzle-side valve 200. Further, conduit 338 prevents pressure from being formed within cavity 336 that would otherwise impede cavity 336 in securely receiving protrusion 236 of stem 234.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 4, flow control assembly 325 further includes poppet support 350 and spring 360. Poppet support 350 defines hole 352 through which shaft 340 slidably extends as flow control assembly 325 transitions between the closed configuration and the open configuration. Poppet support 350 is fixed to valve body 310 via one or more fasteners 354 (e g., threaded fasteners) adjacent to inlet 322 of tank-side valve 300. Spring 360 extends between and engages poppet support 350 and shaft 340 to bias poppet 330 toward valve seat 318 in the closed configuration.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, tank-side valve 300 of the illustrated example also includes outer jacket 390 that encloses insulation layer 392 circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of valve body 310. In the illustrated example, insulation layer 392 is a vacuuminsulation layer that extends over at least a portion of tank-side valve 300 and jacketed hose 23. Insulation layer 392 (also referred to as “jacket-insulated layer,” “sealed insulation layer,” “vacuum -insulation layer,” “sealed vacuum-insulation layer,” and “vacuum-insulation sealed layer”) provides a layer of insulation around jacketed hose 23 and valve body 310 of the tankside valve 300, for example, to facilitate operator 40 in safely grasping jacketed hose 23 and / or tank-side valve 300. The vacuum of insulation layer 392 may formed by a vacuum valve or evacuation port that is positioned along outer jacket 390 and / or jacketed hose 23. Insulation layer 392 is formed by valve body 310, outer jacket 390, vacuum seal 394, and / or jacketed hose 23.

[0066] Tank-side valve 300 includes vacuum seal 394 (also referred to as “bellows seal”) and one or more jacket standoffs 396. Each vacuum seal 394 and jacket standoff 396 extends radially between and engages valve body 310 and outer jacket 390. Vacuum seal 394 and jacket standoff(s) 396 are securely coupled to valve body 310 and outer jacket 390, for example, via welding in a manner that maintains the vacuum of insulation layer 392 after tank-side valve 300 has decoupled from nozzle-side valve 200 due to a breakaway event.

[0067] In the illustrated example, vacuum seal 394 is configured to reduce heat transfer with insulation layer 392. In the illustrated example, vacuum seal 394 includes bellows that are formed of a relatively thin sheet of material (e.g., about 0.2 mm of stainless steel). Vacuum seal 394 may also include one or more bellow supports that provide structural support to the bellows. For example, the bellow supports may be formed of a plastic material, such as ultra-high-molecular- weight-poly ethylene (UHMWPE), and includes teeth that are inserted between and engage the bellows to provide structural support to the bellows. In other examples, vacuum seal 394 may be composed of a thicker sheet of material (e.g., about 1.5 mm of stainless steel) shaped to form a circumferential groove.

[0068] In the illustrated example, nozzle-side valve 200 of FIG. 3 is a first valve with valve body 210 having flange 212 that defines through-holes 216 for breakaway assemblies 500, and tank-side valve 300 of FIG. 4 is a second valve with valve body 310 having flange 312 that defines counterbores 315 for breakaway assemblies 500. In other examples, tank-side valve 300 is a first valve with valve body 310 having flange 312 that defines through-holes for breakaway assemblies 500, and nozzle-side valve 200 is a second valve with valve body 210 having flange 212 that defines counterbores for breakaway assemblies 500.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of sleeve assembly 400. In the illustrated example, sleeve assembly 400 includes sleeve 410, which has a hollow cylinder shape and is configured to extend circumferentially around portions of outer jacket 290 and outer jacket 390. Sleeve 410 is configured to engage both the outer surface of outer jacket 290 and the outer surface of outer jacket 390 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together. In some examples, sleeve 410 is configured to slide in place. Further, in some examples, sleeve 410 is composed of a plastic material, for example, to facilitate a sealing engagement with outer jacket 290 and outer jacket 390, which may be composed of a metallic material.

[0070] Sleeve assembly 400 also includes seals 420, 425, which are positioned along an inner surface of sleeve 410. Seal 420 (e.g., an O-ring) is positioned adjacent to a first end of sleeve 410 and is configured to sealingly engage outer jacket 290. Seal 425 (e.g., an O-ring) ispositioned adjacent to an opposing second end of sleeve 410 and is configured to sealingly engage outer jacket 390. As illustrated in FIG. 6, seal 420 is configured to form a sealed engagement between sleeve 410 and outer jacket 290 to maintain a vacuum in insulation layer 292, and seal 425 is configured to form a sealed engagement between sleeve 410 and outer jacket 390 to maintain a vacuum in insulation layer 392. In the illustrated example, sleeve assembly 400 includes two seals 420, 425. In other examples, sleeve assembly 400 may include more, less, and / or a different type of seals.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 5, sleeve assembly 400 also includes valve housing 430, evacuation valve 450, and relief valve 460. Valve housing 430 is securely coupled to sleeve 410, for example, via welding. Valve housing 430 defines chamber 440 (also referred to as “valve chamber”). Valve housing 430 and sleeve 410 also define conduit 445 (also referred to as “valve conduit”). As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, conduit 445 may be fluidly connected to air pocket 575 of breakaway assembly 500 via an interior of sleeve 410. The sealed (e.g., welded) connection of vacuum seal 294 fluidly isolates insulation layer 292 from conduit 445, and the sealed (e.g., welded) connection of vacuum seal 394 fluidly isolates insulation layer 392 from conduit 445.

[0072] Relief valve 460 (also referred to as “pressure relief valve”) is configured to evacuate liquid hydrogen from insulation layer 292 and / or insulation layer 392 to maintain respective vacuums in insulation layer 292 and insulation layer 392. For example, the evacuated liquid hydrogen may have entered insulation layer 292 from chamber 440 via air pocket 575 (FIG. 8), which is located between chambers 220, 320 and insulation layers 292, 392. Relief valve 460 is set at a low pressure setting (e.g., 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA)) to maintain the vacuums in insulation layer 292 and insulation layer 392. That is, if the pressurewithin chamber 440 and / or air pocket 575, which may be fluidly connected to chamber 440, exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1.6 PSIA), relief valve 460 opens to lower the pressure within chamber 440 and / or air pocket 575.

[0073] Evacuation valve 450 is configured to prevent gas from liquifying and / or minimizing fluctuations in pressure. Without evacuation valve 450, liquid hydrogen flowing through chambers 220, 320 may be so cold that ice may form and / or surrounding nitrogen and / or oxygen may liquify. Such liquification of gases may result in air flowing into air pocket 575, which may cause a pressure to fluctuate and, in turn, cause a force holding breakaway valve 500 together to fluctuate. Evacuation valve 450 prevents gas from liquifying and minimizes fluctuations in pressure by creating a vacuum in air pocket 575 and / or purge helium from air pocket 575.

[0074] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate breakaway valve 100 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tankside valve 300 are coupled together and in respective open configurations to permit cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, to flow from storage tank 22 and to nozzle 26 during a filling event. For example, when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together and in respective open configurations, cryogenic fluid is configured to flow from storage tank 22 and through jacketed hose 23 (FIG. 1), into chamber 320 of tank-side valve 300 via inlet 322, through chamber 320 of tank-side valve 300 and chamber 220 of nozzle-side valve 200 (FIG. 6), out of chamber 220 via outlet 224 (FIG. 6), and to nozzle 26 via jacketed hose 24 (FIG. 1).

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together, flange 212 of nozzle-side valve 200 engages flange 312 of tank-side valve 300. In particular, face surface 214 of flange 212 engages face surface 314 of flange 312.Additionally, spring-loaded seal 375 is configured to form a sealed connection between flange 212 and flange 312 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together.

[0076] Turning to FIG. 7, stem 234 of poppet 230 of nozzle-side valve 200 is configured to engage stem 334 of poppet 330 of tank-side valve 300. For example, cavity 336 of stem 334 is configured to securely receive protrusion 236 of stem 234 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together. When stem 234 and stem 334 are securely engaged to each other, poppet 230 of the nozzle-side valve 200 applies a force to poppet 330 that overcomes the biasing force of spring 360 and pushes poppet 330, which causes shaft 340 to slide through hole 352 of poppet support 350. In turn, poppet disc 332 disengages from valve seat 318 such that outlet 324 is fluidly connected to inlet 322 to enable cryogenic fluid to flow through chamber 320 of tank-side valve 300. Likewise, when stem 234 and stem 334 are securely engaged to each other, poppet 330 of the tank-side valve 300 applies a force to poppet 230 that overcomes the biasing force of spring 260 and pushes poppet 230, which causes shaft 240 to slide through hole 252 of poppet support 250. In turn, poppet disc 232 disengages from valve seat 218 such that outlet 224 is fluidly connected to inlet 222 to enable cryogenic fluid to flow through chamber 220 of nozzle-side valve 200.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 6, through-holes 216 of valve body 210 align with counterbores 315 of valve body 210 when nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are coupled together. For example, each through-hole 216 is configured to align with a respective counterbore 315. In the illustrated example, nozzle-side valve 200 and / or tank-side valve 300 include a feature, such as a keyed feature, to facilitate alignment between through-holes 216 and counterbores 315 as nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are being coupled together.For example, protrusion 236 of stem 234 and cavity 336 of stem 234 are keyed to align through- holes 216 and counterbores 315.

[0078] Through-holes 216 and counterbores 315 align to receive breakaway assemblies 500. For example, each breakaway assembly 500 is configured to extend through and be received by a respective through-hole 216 and a respective counterbore 315. Each breakaway assembly 500 is positioned radially between face seal 370 and vacuum seals 294, 394. Vacuum seals 294, 394 are positioned to fluidly isolate breakaway assemblies 500 from insulation layers 292, 392. Face seal 370 is positioned radially between breakaway assemblies 500 and chambers 220, 320 to fluidly isolate breakaway assemblies 500 and air pockets 575 in which they are positioned from chambers 220, 320. In some examples, face seal 370 is composed of low hydrogen-permeating material, for example, to prolong a vacuum in function. In other examples, face seal 370 is composed of metal, such as indium, to form a hermetic seal via cold welding.

[0079] Breakaway assemblies 500 are configured to remain together in place when less than a predefined tensile force is applied to keep nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 securely coupled to each other. The predefined tensile force corresponds with a breakaway event. Breakaway assemblies 500 are configured to break apart when nozzle-side valve 200 is pulled away from tank-side valve 300 with at least the predefined tensile force, for example, due to a breakaway event. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each breakaway assembly 500 includes pin 510 (also referred to as “breakaway pin”), bushing 520, and one or more nuts 530, 540.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, pin 510 includes first end 511 and second end 513 that are opposite of each other. First end 511 includes exterior threads 512 (also referred to as “first exterior threads”). Second end 513 includes exterior threads 514 (also referred to as “second exterior threads”). Pin 510 also includes middle portion 515 that extends between and isintegrally formed with first end 51 1 and second end 513. In the illustrated example, pin 510 has an hourglass shape with middle portion 515 having a smaller diameter than that of first end 511 and second end 513. Additionally or alternatively, middle portion 515 defines notch 516 that is located at a center along a length of pin 510. Notch 516 extends circumferentially around middle portion 515 of pin 510. In the illustrated example, notch 516 is V-shaped with an angle of about 60 degrees.

[0081] Pin 510 is configured to remain intact when less than the predefined tensile force is applied and is configured to break apart when at least the predefined tensile force is applied. The predefined tensile force is based on a composition, a quantity, an arrangement, a shape, a size, and / or a shape of pins 510. For example, notch 516 and / or the hourglass shape at least partially predefines the predefined tensile force at which pin 510 is configured to break apart. Pin 510 may be composed of plastic, a ceramic, a metal, and / or any other material that enables the pin 510 to consistently break apart when a desired tensile force is applied.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, bushing 520 includes first end 521 and second end 522. First end 521 is opposite second end 522. Bushing 520 defines hole 523 that extends between first end 521 and second end 522 along a longitudinal axis of bushing 520. Bushing 520 includes flange 524 (also referred to as “bushing flange”) that extends radially outward at first end 521. Flange 524 includes inner surface 525 that extends radially outward and faces toward second end 522. Additionally, second end 522 is threaded with exterior threads 526. In the illustrated example, exterior threads 526 extend from second end 522 toward flange 524.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 8, bushing 520 is configured to extend through through-hole 216 and be securely coupled to flange 212. For example, bushing 520 is fixedly coupled to flange 212 when positioned to extend through through-hole 216 to retain bushing 520 in place.In the illustrated example, an inner portion of exterior threads 526 are threadably received by interior threads of through-hole 216. In other examples, bushing 520 is secured in place through through-hole 216 via press fit and / or other fastening means. Additionally, bushing 520 is received in major hole 317 of counterbore 315. In particular, flange 524 of bushing 520 is received in major hole 317 of counterbore 315 such that inner surface 525 of flange 524 is flush with face surface 314 of flange 312 of tank-side valve 300. Face surface 214 of flange 212 is configured to engage inner surface 525 of flange 524 of bushing 520 to further retain bushing 520 in place between nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300.

[0084] When breakaway assembly 500 is fully assembled with nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300, pin 510 is extended through hole 523 of bushing 520 that is extended through through-hole 216. Additionally, pin 510 is fixedly received in primary hole 316 of counterbore 315. For example, first end 511 of pin 510 extends beyond first end 521 of bushing 520 and is threadably received by primary hole 316 of counterbore 315. Second end 513 of pin 510 extends beyond second end 522 of bushing 520 such that exterior threads 514 extend beyond bushing 520.

[0085] One or more of nut(s) 530, 540 are configured to retain pin 510 in place. In turn, when pin 510 and bushing 520 are secured in place, breakaway assembly 500 fastens face surface 214 of nozzle-side valve 200 to face surface 314 of tank-side valve 300. In the illustrated example, nut 530 is a preload nut and nut 540 is a locking nut. Nuts 530, 540 are configured to threadably couple to second end 513 of pin via exterior threads 514. For example, nut 530 is configured to thread onto a first intermediate portion of exterior threads 514 and engage second end 522 of bushing 520 to secure pin 510 in place relative to bushing 520 and, in turn, securely couple nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 together. Further, face seal 370, which ispositioned radially adjacent to breakaway assembly 500, is energized by the tightening of nut 530. Nut 540 is configured to thread onto a second intermediate portion of exterior threads 514 and engage nut 530, which engages bushing 520, to lock nut 530 in place to further secure nozzle-side valve 200 to tank-side valve 300. In turn, nuts 530, 540 are configured to fasten face surface 214 of nozzle-side valve 200 to face surface 314 of tank-side valve 300.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 8, bushing 520 does not contact pin 510. For example, pin 510 has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of hole 523 of bushing 520 such that pin 510 does not contact bushing 520 when pin 510 is extended through hole 523 of bushing 520. In turn, bushing 520 and pin 510 are arranged with respect to flange 212 of nozzle-side valve 200 and flange 312 of tank-side valve 300 such that pin 510 is isolated from rotational forces applied to at least one of nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300. That is, bushing 520 is configured to prevent rotational forces from acting on and twisting pin 510 apart. Pin 510 and bushing 520 of breakaway assembly 500 are arranged in such a manner to prevent operator 40 twisting nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 apart during operation. Instead, breakaway assembly 500 is configured to break apart when at least a predefined tensile force associated with a breakaway event is applied to nozzle-side valve 200 and / or tank-side valve 300.

[0087] Breakaway assembly 500 of the illustrated example also includes cap 550 and gasket 560. As shown in FIG. 11, cap 550 includes cavity 552 and opening 554 to cavity 552. Cap 550 also includes interior threads 556 adjacent to opening 554. Returning to FIG. 8, cap 550 is threadably received by second end 522 of bushing 520. In particular, interior threads 556 of cap 550 are configured to thread onto an outer portion of exterior threads 526 of bushing 520. Cap 550 is configured to thread onto bushing 520 to tighten the sealed connection betweennozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300. When bushing 520 is fully threaded onto bushing 520, an end of cap 550 adjacent its opening 554 engages gasket 560 (e.g., formed of indium alloy) to form a hermetically sealed connection between cap 550 and flange 212 of nozzle-side valve 200. In turn, cap 550 and gasket 560 encloses breakaway assembly 500 in through-hole 216 and counterbore 315 to hermetically seal and fluidly isolate air pocket 575 in which the pin 510 is positioned from the vacuum of insulation layer 292 of nozzle-side valve 200.

[0088] To assemble nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 together with one or more breakaway assemblies 500, bushing 520 is extended through through-hole 216. Bushing 520 is securely coupled to flange 212 within through-hole 216, for example, via exterior threads 526 of bushing 520 and interior threads of through-hole 216. First end 511 of pin 510 is securely inserted into primary hole 316 of counterbore 315, for example, via exterior threads 512 of pin 510 and interior threads of primary hole 316. Pin 510 and bushing 520 of each breakaway assembly 500 are then aligned axially with each other. Nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are pressed together with a clamping force such that (1) each 510 extends through respective bushing 520, (2) flange 524 of each bushing 520 is received within major hole 317 of respective counterbore 315, and (3) face surface 214 of nozzle-side valve 200 engages face surface 314 of tank-side valve 300.

[0089] Subsequently, for each breakaway assembly 500, nut 530 is threaded onto exterior threads 514 of pin 510 and engages second end 522 of bushing 520 until a predefined torque is reached. Nut 540 is then threaded onto exterior threads 514 to engage nut 530 to lock the position of pin 510 in place. Gasket 560 is extended over bushing 520 and positioned in place such that gasket 560 engages bushing 520 and flange 212 of nozzle-side valve 200. Cap 550 isthen threaded onto bushing 520 until an end of cap 550 sealingly engages gasket 560 to form a sealed connection between cap 550 and flange 212 of nozzle-side valve 200.

[0090] FIG. 12 illustrates breakaway valve 100 after nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 have decoupled from each other due to a breakaway event. When nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 are decoupled from each other, each of nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 is in a respective closed configuration. For example, poppet disc 232 of poppet 230 sealingly engages valve seat 218 to close the fluid connection between inlet 222 and outlet 224 of nozzle-side valve 200, and poppet disc 332 of poppet 330 sealingly engages valve seat 318 to close the fluid connection between inlet 322 and outlet 324 of tank-side valve 300. In turn, nozzle-side valve 200 and tank-side valve 300 limit the emission of cryogenic fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, during a breakaway event.

[0091] In operation, pins 510 of breakaway assemblies 500 break when at least the predefined tensile force is applied by pulling nozzle 26 in a direction away from storage tank 22. When pins 510 have broken apart, nozzle-side valve 200, which remains connected to jacketed hose 24, is no longer securely coupled to tank-side valve 300, which remains connected to jacketed hose 23. In turn, nozzle-side valve 200 decouples from tank-side valve 300, and jacketed hose 24 is pulled apart from jacketed hose 23. When nozzle-side valve 200 decouples from tank-side valve 300, poppet 230 sealingly engages valve seat 218 to close nozzle-side valve 200 and poppet 330 sealingly engages valve seat 318 to close tank-side valve 300. In the closed configurations, nozzle-side valve 200 limits the amount of cryogenic fluid that can be discharged from jacketed hose 24 and tank-side valve 300 prevents cryogenic fluid from being discharged from storage tank 22.

[0092] Exemplary embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein are disclosed below.

[0093] Embodiment L A breakaway valve for use between a cryogenic tank and a nozzle for dispensing cryogenic fluid comprises a first valve. The first valve comprises a first valve body. The first valve body includes a first flange that defines a first face surface and a through-hole extending to the first face surface. The breakaway valve comprises a second valve. The second valve comprises a second valve body. The second valve body includes a second flange that defines a second face surface and a counterbore having a primary hole and a major hole along the second face surface. The breakaway valve comprises a breakaway assembly. The breakaway assembly is configured to configured to fasten the first face surface of the first valve to the second face surface of the second valve. The breakaway assembly comprises a bushing extending through the through-hole, fixedly coupled to the first flange, and received by the major hole of the counterbore. The breakaway assembly comprises a pin extending through the bushing and the through-hole and fixedly received by the primary hole of the counterbore, and one or more nuts retaining the pin in place. The pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.

[0094] Embodiment 2. The breakaway valve of embodiment 1, wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are securely coupled together, the first valve and the second valve are in respective open configurations to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow from the cryogenic tank and to the nozzle during a filling event.

[0095] Embodiment 3. The breakaway valve of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are decoupled from each other in a breakaway event, the firstvalve and the second valve are in respective closed configurations to limit emission of the cryogenic fluid.

[0096] Embodiment 4. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-3, further comprising a plurality of breakaway assemblies. The plurality of breakaway assemblies include the breakaway assembly. The plurality of breakaway assemblies are spaced apart circumferentially and equidistantly from each other.

[0097] Embodiment 5. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the first valve is a nozzle-side valve and the second valve is a tank-side valve.

[0098] Embodiment 6. The breakaway valve of embodiment 5, wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are decoupled from each other in a breakaway event, the second valve is configured to limit an escape of the cryogenic fluid in a controlled manner.

[0099] Embodiment 7. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the bushing does not contact the pin to isolate the pin from a rotational force applied to at least one of the first valve or the second valve and prevent the rotational force from acting on and twisting the pin apart.

[0100] Embodiment 8. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the bushing includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

[0101] Embodiment 9. The breakaway valve of embodiment 8, wherein the second end includes exterior threads that are configured to be received by interior threads of the through-hole to fixedly couple the bushing to the first flange.

[0102] Embodiment 10. The breakaway valve of embodiment 8, wherein the bushing includes a bushing flange at the first end. The first face surface of the first flange of the first valve engages the bushing flange to further retain the bushing in place.

[0103] Embodiment 11. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the pin has an hourglass shape and includes a notch at a center point along a length of the pin. The hourglass shape and the notch at least partially define the predefined tensile force at which the pin is configured to break apart.

[0104] Embodiment 12. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the pin includes a first end that is threadably received by the primary hole of the counterbore.

[0105] Embodiment 13. The breakaway valve of embodiment 12, wherein the one or more nuts are threadably coupled to a second end of the pin.

[0106] Embodiment 14. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the one or more nuts includes a preload nut and a locking nut. The preload nut is configured to engage the bushing to secure the pin in place relative to the bushing and couple the first valve and the second valve together. The locking nut is configured to engage the preload nut to lock the preload nut pin in place.

[0107] Embodiment 15. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the breakaway assembly further comprises a cap and a gasket, wherein the cap is configured to form a sealed connection with the first flange of the first valve to enclose and fluidly isolate the pin in the through-hole of the first valve and the counterbore of the second valve.

[0108] Embodiment 16. The breakaway valve of any of embodiments 1-13 and 15, further comprising a face seal and one or more vacuum seals. The breakaway assembly is positioned radially between the face seal and the one or more vacuum seals. The face seal is positioned to fluidly isolate the breakaway assembly from fluid chambers of the first valve andthe second valve. The one or more vacuum seals are positioned to fluidly isolate the breakaway assembly from insulation layers of the first valve and the second valve.

[0109] Embodiment 17. A breakaway assembly for a breakaway valve between a cryogenic tank and a nozzle for dispensing cryogenic fluid comprises a bushing configured to extend through a through-hole of a first valve of the breakaway valve, be fixedly coupled to the first valve, and be received by a major hole of a counterbore of a second valve of the breakaway valve. The breakaway assembly comprises a pin configured to extend through the bushing and the through-hole of the first valve and be fixedly received by a primary hole of the counterbore of the second valve. The breakaway assembly comprises one or more nuts configured to retain the pin in place to fasten the first valve to the second valve. The pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.

[0110] Embodiment 18. The breakaway assembly of embodiment 17, wherein the bushing is configured to not contact the pin to isolate the pin from a rotational force applied to at least one of the first valve or the second valve and prevent the rotational force from acting on and twisting the pin apart.

[0111] Embodiment 19. The breakaway assembly of embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the bushing includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

[0112] Embodiment 20. The breakaway assembly of embodiment 19, wherein the second end includes exterior threads that are configured to be threadably received by interior threads of the through-hole to fixedly couple the bushing to the first valve.

[0113] Embodiment 21. The breakaway assembly of embodiment 19, wherein the bushing includes a bushing flange at the first end. The bushing flange is configured to engage the first valve engages to further retain the bushing in place.

[0114] Embodiment 22. The breakaway assembly of any of embodiments 17-21, wherein the pin has an hourglass shape and includes a notch at a center point along a length of the pin.. The hourglass shape and the notch at least partially define the predefined tensile force at which the pin is configured to break apart.

[0115] Embodiment 23. The breakaway assembly of any of embodiments 17-22, wherein the pin includes a first end that is configured to be threadably received by the primary hole of the counterbore.

[0116] Embodiment 24. The breakaway assembly of embodiment 23, wherein the one or more nuts are configured to threadably couple to a second end of the pin.

[0117] Embodiment 25. The breakaway assembly of any of embodiments 17-24, wherein the one or more nuts includes a preload nut and a locking nut. The preload nut is configured to engage the bushing to secure the pin in place relative to the bushing and couple the first valve and the second valve together. The locking nut is configured to engage the preload nut to lock the preload nut in place.

[0118] Embodiment 26. The breakaway assembly of any of embodiments 17-25, wherein the breakaway assembly further comprises a cap and a gasket, wherein the cap is configured to form a sealed connection with the first valve via the gasket to enclose and fluidly isolate the pin in the through-hole of the first valve and the counterbore of the second valve.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A breakaway valve for use between a cryogenic tank and a nozzle for dispensing cryogenic fluid, the breakaway valve comprising: a first valve comprising a first valve body, wherein the first valve body includes a first flange that defines a first face surface and a through-hole extending to the first face surface; a second valve comprising a second valve body, wherein the second valve body includes a second flange that defines a second face surface and a counterbore having a primary hole and a major hole along the second face surface; and a breakaway assembly configured to fasten the first face surface of the first valve to the second face surface of the second valve, the breakaway assembly comprising: a bushing extending through the through-hole, fixedly coupled to the first flange, and received by the major hole of the counterbore; a pin extending through the bushing and the through-hole and fixedly received by the primary hole of the counterbore; and one or more nuts retaining the pin in place; wherein the pin is configured to break apart to decouple the first valve and the second valve when at least a predefined tensile force is applied to pull the first valve away from the second valve.

2. The breakaway valve of claim 1 , wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are securely coupled together, the first valve and the second valve are in respective open configurations to permit the cryogenic fluid to flow from the cryogenic tank and to the nozzle during a filling event.

3. The breakaway valve of claim 1 , wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are decoupled from each other in a breakaway event, the first valve and the second valve are in respective closed configurations to limit emission of the cryogenic fluid.

4. The breakaway valve of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of breakaway assemblies, wherein the plurality of breakaway assemblies include the breakaway assembly, and wherein the plurality of breakaway assemblies are spaced apart circumferentially and equidistantly from each other.

5. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the first valve is a nozzle-side valve and the second valve is a tank-side valve.

6. The breakaway valve of claim 5, wherein, when the first valve and the second valve are decoupled from each other in a breakaway event, the first valve is configured to limit an escape of the cryogenic fluid in a controlled manner.

7. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the bushing does not contact the pin to isolate the pin from a rotational force applied to at least one of the first valve or the second valve and prevent the rotational force from acting on and twisting the pin apart.

8. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the bushing includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

9. The breakaway valve of claim 8, wherein the second end includes exterior threads that are configured to be threadably received by interior threads of the through-hole to fixedly couple the bushing to the first flange.

10. The breakaway valve of claim 8, wherein the bushing includes a bushing flange at the first end, wherein the first face surface of the first flange of the first valve engages the bushing flange to further retain the bushing in place.

11. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the pin has an hourglass shape and includes a notch at a center point along a length of the pin, wherein the hourglass shape and the notch at least partially define the predefined tensile force at which the pin is configured to break apart.

12. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the pin includes a first end that is threadably received by the primary hole of the counterbore.

13. The breakaway valve of claim 12, wherein the one or more nuts are threadably coupled to a second end of the pin.

14. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the one or more nuts includes a preload nut and a locking nut, wherein the preload nut is configured to engage the bushing to secure the pin in place relative to the bushing and couple the first valve and the second valve together, and wherein the locking nut is configured to engage the preload nut to lock the preload nut in place.

15. The breakaway valve of claim 1, wherein the breakaway assembly further comprises a cap and a gasket, wherein the cap is configured to form a sealed connection with the first flange of the first valve via the gasket to enclose and fluidly isolate the pin in the through-hole of the first valve and the counterbore of the second valve.

16. The breakaway valve of claim 1, further comprising a face seal and one or more vacuum seals, wherein the breakaway assembly is positioned radially between the face seal and the one or more vacuum seals, wherein the face seal is positioned to fluidly isolate the breakaway assembly from fluid chambers of the first valve and the second valve, wherein the one or more vacuum seals are positioned to fluidly isolate the breakaway assembly from insulation layers of the first valve and the second valve.

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