Emergency disconnection device for fluid cargo handling device

Abstract

Proposed is an emergency disconnection device for a fluid cargo handling device, the emergency disconnection device enabling emergency disconnection in a short time. In the emergency disconnection device for a fluid cargo handling device, a first coupler 1a is provided with a purge gas introduction pipe 6 for introducing a purge gas into an inter-valve body space part 5. The purge gas introduction pipe 6 is continuous with a first communication hole 8 communicating with the upper part of the inter-valve body space part 5, and is configured to jet the purge gas from the upper part of the inter-valve space part 5 toward a center axis A of the inter-valve body space part 5 horizontally via the first communication hole 8. A second coupler 1b is provided with a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for discharging a liquid L remaining in the inter-valve body space part 5. The residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is continuous with a second communication hole 9 aligned with the first communication hole 8 along the same vertical line and communicating with the lower part of the inter-valve body space part 5.

Description

Emergency release device for fluid cargo handling equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid cargo handling system, which is equipped with a purge mechanism for preventing liquid remaining between the valve bodies of each coupler from being discharged to the outside during an emergency release.

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

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

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

[0005] This purge mechanism is configured to introduce a purge gas such as an inert gas or air into the sealed space (between the valve bodies) formed when the valve bodies of each coupler are closed during an emergency disconnection operation, thereby discharging any liquid remaining in the sealed space from the sealed space and introducing (returning) it into the designated piping.

[0006] Special Publication No. 2-10039 Publication No. 4-59240

[0007] The purge mechanism provided in this emergency release device was previously designed to have a purge time of around 10 to 20 seconds, as cargo handling operations were typically carried out in bays with calm waves. However, ship-to-ship cargo handling operations between large tankers are now often carried out outside bays with higher waves, and as a result, the amount of drift of the tanker is greater than in bays. If the purge time is longer, the amount of drift also increases accordingly, and the arm must be made longer to accommodate this, resulting in the problem of the fluid cargo handling device becoming larger and more expensive.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to propose an emergency detachment device for a fluid loading and unloading device that can speed up the purging of residual liquid during emergency detachment and enable emergency detachment in a short time.

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

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is an emergency release device for a fluid cargo handling system, comprising: a first coupler 1a having a first valve body 2a; a second coupler 1b having a second valve body 2b and separably connected to the first coupler 1a; a holding means 3 for holding the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b; and a valve body operating mechanism 4 for simultaneously opening and closing the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, wherein after the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are closed by operation of the valve body operating mechanism 4, the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b by the holding means 3 is released, and the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b become separable. a second coupler 1b provided with a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring liquid L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location outside the inter-valve space 5, and one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 being connected to a second through hole 9 which is in communication with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5 and is aligned vertically with the first through hole 8.

[0011] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device, characterized in that, in the first aspect, one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to the second through hole 9 and the other end is connected to a third through hole 10 provided at a position below the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b in a closed state.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid cargo handling device, characterized in that, in either the first or second aspect, it is provided with a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas, the purge gas supply system having a high-pressure tank 11 for storing high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas stored in the high-pressure tank 11 and supply it as the purge gas.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12a for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b for controlling the flow of the liquid L transferred from the inter-valve space 5 to the predetermined location, and the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are configured so that, in a valve closing operation, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid cargo handling system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the purge gas is nitrogen gas.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid cargo handling device, characterized in that in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the fluid cargo handling device is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device, characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the fluid loading and unloading piping 13 has a pipe diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that the loading and unloading piping 13 has a pipe diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that the loading and unloading piping 13 has a pipe diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0019] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to speed up the purging of residual liquid during emergency detachment, and it is possible to provide an emergency detachment device for a fluid cargo handling system that can be detached in a short time.

[0020] Fig. 1 is an explanatory perspective view showing the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is an explanatory front sectional view showing the present embodiment; Fig. 3 is an explanatory view showing the purge gas ejection direction of the purge gas introduction pipe of the present embodiment; Fig. 4 is an explanatory side sectional view showing the present embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the purge gas supply system of the present embodiment; Fig. 6 is an explanatory view showing the detachment operation of the present embodiment.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, illustrating the operation of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In the present invention, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 that introduces purge gas into the inter-valve space 5 is connected to a first through hole 8 that communicates with the upper part of the inter-valve space 5, and the purge gas is sprayed horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8. In addition, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 that transfers the liquid L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location is connected to a second through hole 9 that is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 and communicates with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5. Therefore, a smooth discharge flow of the liquid L occurs within the inter-valve space 5, and it is difficult for liquid L to remain (residual liquid) near the center of the inter-valve space 5 or near the second through hole 9, and the liquid L within the inter-valve space 5 can be efficiently discharged.

[0023] This makes it possible to significantly reduce the purging time compared to conventional methods. For example, in an emergency release device installed in a large-diameter fluid loading device with a piping diameter of φ12 inches or more, even if the volume of the inter-valve space 5 is large and a large amount of liquid L remains in the inter-valve space 5, it is possible to complete purging in a short time of 10 seconds or less (for example, about 2 to 7 seconds).

[0024] Therefore, the present invention shortens the time required for emergency release compared to conventional methods (enabling emergency release in a short time) and reduces the amount of drift of the tanker, eliminating the need to extend the arm and making it possible to reduce the size and cost of fluid loading equipment such as bunkering booms and loading arms.

[0025] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] This embodiment relates to an emergency release device for a fluid loading device that is provided on a fluid loading device (bunkering boom) provided on an ammonia fuel supply ship that supplies ammonia fuel to a tanker, and is configured to quickly suspend fluid loading between ships in an emergency such as when the tanker moves (drifts) unexpectedly due to strong winds, high tides, tsunamis, etc., to prevent ammonia from leaking outside, and then separate the loading piping 13 (transport line) between the tanker side and the supply ship, thereby reducing the load on the loading piping 13. Note that, as described above, this embodiment is provided on a bunkering boom provided on an ammonia fuel supply ship, but the fluid to be loaded is not limited to ammonia, and the fluid loading device on which this embodiment is provided is not limited to a bunkering boom (for example, a loading arm installed on land may be used).

[0027] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment includes a first coupler 1a having a first valve body 2a, a second coupler 1b having a second valve body 2b and separably connected to the first coupler 1a, a holding means 3 for holding the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b in a connected state, a valve body operating mechanism 4 for simultaneously opening and closing the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, and a purge mechanism for preventing ammonia L remaining between the valve bodies 2a and 2b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b from being released to the outside in the event of an emergency disconnection. In an emergency, the valve body operating mechanism 4 is operated to simultaneously close the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, blocking the flow of ammonia L in the loading pipe 13, and after purging (replacing) the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 between the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b in the closed state, the holding means 3 is released to release the connection between the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b, making the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b in an emergency detachable (separable) state.

[0028] In detail, the first coupler 1a is provided on the supply ship side, and the second coupler 1b is provided on the tanker side, and as shown in the figure, they are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are connected by a holding means 3 so that they can be freely separated (disconnected in an emergency).

[0029] The holding means 3 connecting the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is composed of a pair of clamp halves 3a, a clamp lever 3b provided on one of the pair of clamp halves 3a, and a clamp lever receiving portion 3c provided on the other. Each clamp half 3a holds the connecting flanges 14a, 14b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b that are in an abutting state, and the clamp lever 3b engages and locks with the clamp lever receiving portion 3c (in this embodiment, a pressure lock using a spring is used, but this is not limited to this, and a coupler, for example, may be used). This maintains the connected state of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b. In an emergency, the clamp lever 3b is released from the clamp lever receiving portion 3c, and the holding state of the connecting flanges 14a, 14b of each clamp half 3a is released, thereby releasing the connection between the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b, and the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b can be separated ( It is configured to be in a state where it can be easily released in an emergency.

[0030] The first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are provided with butterfly valves, specifically eccentric butterfly valves, as the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, respectively.

[0031] In this embodiment, the provision of this eccentric butterfly valve reduces the weight, reduces the load on the loading pipe 13 (arm), and is configured to provide high sealing performance.

[0032] The first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are not limited to butterfly valves, and may be ball valves, for example.

[0033] The valve body operating mechanism 4, which simultaneously closes the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b, is composed of a cylinder device 4a, an operating rod that moves back and forth by the operation of the cylinder device 4a, and a cam mechanism (not shown) that engages with the operating rod and converts the forward and backward movement of the operating rod into a rotational action that closes the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b.

[0034] Specifically, the operating rod is composed of a first operating rod 4b connected to the cylinder device 4a and a second operating rod 4c that is connected to the first operating rod 4b via a rod connecting means in a manner that allows it to be freely engaged and disengaged.

[0035] The rod connecting means is composed of a locking portion 15a provided on one of the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c, a locking receiving portion 15b provided on the other, and a locking state maintaining portion 15c that maintains the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b. When the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are in the valve open state or during the valve closing operation, the locking portion 15a is in the locking state to the locking receiving portion 15b, and the locking state maintaining portion 15c maintains the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b, thereby connecting the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c. When the connection with the operating rod 4c is maintained and the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are in a closed valve state, the locking state of the locking portion 15a to the locking receiving portion 15b by the locking state maintaining portion 15c is released, and after this release, the rod connection releasing means 15d releases the locking of the locking portion 15a from the locking receiving portion 15b, causing the locking portion 15a to detach from the locking receiving portion 15b and releasing the connection between the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c, making the first operating rod 4b and the second operating rod 4c separable.

[0036] Next, the purge mechanism of this embodiment will be described.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the purge mechanism of this embodiment is composed of a purge gas inlet pipe 6 for introducing a purge gas into an inter-valve space 5 formed when a first valve body 2a provided in the first coupler 1a and a second valve body 2b provided in the second coupler 1b are both in a closed state, a residual liquid transfer pipe 7 for transferring ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location, and a purge gas supply system for supplying the purge gas.

[0038] The purge gas introduction pipe 6 is connected to an upper part of the inter-valve space 5, specifically, a first through hole 8 that communicates with the uppermost part, and is configured to eject purge gas horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8 (see Figure 3).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 is provided with a first ball valve 12 a, which serves as an on-off valve for controlling whether or not the purge gas is introduced into the inter-valve space 5, just before the first through hole 8.

[0040] The first through-hole 8 has the same diameter as the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6, and is provided on the side surface of the first coupler 1a at a position near the valve body seal portion 16a provided in the first coupler 1a, closer to the opening than the valve body seal portion 16a.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, one end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a second through hole 9 that is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 and that is connected to the lower part of the inter-valve space 5, specifically, the lowest part, and the other end is connected to a third through hole 10 that is connected to a position below the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b in the closed state (downstream of the second valve body 2b, outside the inter-valve space 5 of the second valve body 2b).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is provided with a second ball valve 12b between the second through-hole 9 and the third through-hole 10, which is linked to the first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the second ball valve 12b provided in the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are configured so that, in the valve closing operation after completion of purging, the first ball valve 12a closes after the second ball valve 12b closes, thereby preventing backflow of ammonia L into the inter-valve space 5.

[0044] In addition, the second through hole 9 is set to the same diameter as the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 (directly below the first through hole 8), and is provided on the side of the second coupler 1b at a position near the valve body seal portion 16b provided on the second coupler 1b, closer to the opening than the valve body seal portion 16b.

[0045] In this embodiment, as described above, ball valves are used in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, but check valves may be used instead of ball valves. When check valves are used, the start of purging can be controlled and backflow can be prevented simply by controlling the supply of purge gas.

[0046] Furthermore, there is no particular position designated for the third through hole 10, as long as it is located below the second valve body 2b when the second coupler 1b is in the closed state, but it is preferable that it be located on the same vertical line as the second through hole 9 (directly below the second through hole 9) and as close to the second through hole 9 as possible (because locating it on the same vertical line as the second through hole 9 makes the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 straight, allowing ammonia L to flow smoothly).

[0047] In this embodiment, the other end of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 is connected to a third through hole 10 provided below the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b, and is configured to return the ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 to the loading piping 13 on the tanker side. However, for example, a recovery tank may be provided separately from the loading piping 13, and the ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 may be discharged to this recovery tank.

[0048] Furthermore, the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to different diameters depending on the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device (bunkering boom) on which this embodiment is installed.

[0049] Specifically, when the diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ16 inches, the inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

[0050] In this embodiment, from the standpoint of ease of acquisition and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are JIS standard pipes with an inner diameter of φ52.7 mm (nominal diameter B: 2) or φ54.5 mm.

[0051] Furthermore, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ10 to 12 inches, the pipe inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the pipe inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

[0052] In this embodiment, for reasons of availability and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are JIS standard pipes with an inner diameter of 27.2 mm (nominal diameter B: 1).

[0053] Furthermore, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ6 to 8 inches, the pipe inner diameter D1 of the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the pipe inner diameter D2 of the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

[0054] In this embodiment, for reasons of availability and cost, the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are JIS standard piping with an inner diameter of φ16.1 mm (nominal diameter B: 1 / 2).

[0055] The purge gas supply system is configured to supply nitrogen gas as the purge gas.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the system has a high-pressure tank 11 that stores high-pressure gas of 10 MPa or more, and is configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure nitrogen gas stored in this high-pressure tank 11 and supply it as purge gas.

[0057] That is, in this embodiment, by installing a high-pressure tank 11 in the purge gas supply system and combining this high-pressure tank with a regulator 17 as shown in the figure, the purge gas supply system can be installed in a space-saving manner and is configured to be able to supply large amounts of nitrogen gas (purge gas) at low cost.

[0058] More specifically, in this embodiment, high-pressure nitrogen gas with a primary pressure of 14.7 MPa is reduced to 2.3 MPa by the regulator 17, and the nitrogen gas is supplied as a purge gas into the inter-valve space 5. Furthermore, the pressure in the inter-valve space 5 is controlled by the safety valve V6 so as not to exceed 1.9 MPa.

[0059] The purge gas supply line 18 is also provided with a heater (not shown) for preventing freezing.

[0060] In Figure 5, which shows the purge gas supply system of this embodiment, V1 to V5 represent valves, and S1 and S2 represent compressors. Valves V1 and V2 are normally closed (closed valve state) and are opened (open valve state) during the purging operation during an emergency departure. V3 is set to a normally open state (open valve state). Compressor S1 operates during cargo handling operations, increasing the pressure upstream of valve V1 to 1.9 MPa (at this time, valve V4 is open). Compressor S2 is used to increase the pressure in the high-pressure tank 11.

[0061] In addition, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the flow rate of the purge gas introduced into the inter-valve space 5 is set to a different flow rate depending on the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device (bunkering boom) on which this embodiment is installed.

[0062] Specifically, when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ16 inches, the purge gas flow rate is set to 75 L / sec or more (pressure is 1.9 MPa), and when the pipe diameter of the loading pipe 13 of the fluid loading device is φ12 inches or less, the purge gas flow rate is set to 8 L / sec or more (pressure is 1.9 MPa).

[0063] In this embodiment, nitrogen gas (N2) is used as the purge gas, but the purge gas is not limited to nitrogen gas, and air, helium, other inert gases, or the like can be used as appropriate as long as they can exert the effects of this embodiment.

[0064] The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described below.

[0065] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an emergency detachment operation in this embodiment.

[0066] In the event of an emergency disconnection, first, from the normal state shown in Figure 6(a) (a state in which the first valve body 2a of the first coupler 1a and the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b are open and ammonia L is flowing), as shown in Figure 6(b), the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are simultaneously closed, blocking the flow of ammonia L.

[0067] Next, the first ball valve 12a provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the second ball valve 12b provided in the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 are opened simultaneously, and as shown in Figure 6(c), purge gas (nitrogen gas) is introduced from the purge gas introduction pipe 6 provided in the first coupler 1a through the first through hole 8 into the inter-valve space 5 formed when the first valve body 2a and the second valve body 2b are each in a closed state, for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 10 seconds or less, specifically, about 2 to 7 seconds), and ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 is discharged through the second through hole 9 provided in the second coupler 1b and introduced (transported) through the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 into the inside (rear side) of the second valve body 2b of the second coupler 1b.

[0068] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge gas (nitrogen gas) was introduced into the space between the valve bodies 5, the second ball valve 12b on the residual liquid transfer pipe 7 side closes first, and after this second ball valve 12b closes, the first ball valve 12a on the purge gas introduction pipe 6 side closes, the purge operation ends, and the residual ammonia L in the space between the valve bodies 5 is replaced with the purge gas.

[0069] After the replacement of the residual ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 with this purge gas is completed, the connection and holding by the holding means 3 is released, the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, and the emergency disconnection operation is completed, as shown in Figure 6 (d).

[0070] In this way, in this embodiment, before the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 between the valve bodies 2a, 2b of the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b is discharged from this inter-valve space 5 and returned to a specified piping (in this embodiment, the piping on the second coupler 1b side). As a result, no ammonia remains in the inter-valve space 5, and when the first coupler 1a and the second coupler 1b are separated, no ammonia is released to the outside, and a safe separation operation can be performed.

[0071] Furthermore, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the purge gas introduction pipe 6, which introduces purge gas into the inter-valve space 5, is connected to a first through hole 8 that communicates with the upper part of the inter-valve space 5, and the purge gas (nitrogen gas) is sprayed horizontally from the upper part of the inter-valve space 5 toward the central axis A of the inter-valve space 5 through this first through hole 8, and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, which transfers the ammonia L remaining in the inter-valve space 5 to a predetermined location, is connected to a second through hole 9 that is on the same vertical line as the first through hole 8 and communicates with the lower part of the inter-valve space 5. Therefore, a smooth discharge flow is generated within the inter-valve space 5, and it is difficult for ammonia L to remain (residual liquid) near the center of the inter-valve space 5 or near the second through hole 9, and the ammonia L in the inter-valve space 5 can be efficiently discharged.

[0072] Furthermore, in the purge mechanism of this embodiment, the first ball valve 12a and the second ball valve 12b are used as the on-off valves provided in the purge gas introduction pipe 6 and the residual liquid transfer pipe 7, so that the pressure loss of the purge gas is reduced and the purge gas can be smoothly introduced into the intervalve space 5, making it possible to achieve purging in a short time (high-speed purging).

[0073] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the volume of the inter-valve space 5 provided in a large-diameter fluid loading device, for example, with a piping diameter of φ12 inches or more, is large and a large amount of ammonia L remains in the inter-valve space 5, it is possible to complete purging in a short time of 10 seconds or less, specifically, approximately 2 to 7 seconds.

[0074] Therefore, with this embodiment, the time required for emergency release is shorter than before (emergency release can be achieved in a short time), and the amount of drift of the tanker is reduced, so there is no need to extend the arm, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost of fluid loading equipment such as bunkering booms and loading arms.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate.

[0076] 1a First coupler 1b Second coupler 2a First valve body 2b Second valve body 3 Holding means 4 Valve body operating mechanism 5 Space between valve bodies 6 Purge gas introduction pipe 7 Residual liquid transfer pipe 8 First through hole 9 Second through hole 10 Third through hole 11 High-pressure tank 12a First ball valve 12b Second ball valve 13 Loading piping A Central axis (of space between valve bodies) D1 Pipe inner diameter (of purge gas introduction pipe) D2 Pipe inner diameter (of residual liquid transfer pipe) L Liquid

Claims

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

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

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

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

5. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the space between the valve bodies to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured so that, during a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

6. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the space between the valve bodies to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured so that, during a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

7. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the space between the valve bodies to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured so that, during a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

8. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that the purge gas inlet pipe is provided with a first ball valve for controlling the flow of the purge gas, and the residual liquid transfer pipe is provided with a second ball valve for controlling the flow of liquid transferred from the space between the valve bodies to the specified location, and the first ball valve and the second ball valve are configured so that, during a valve closing operation, the first ball valve closes after the second ball valve closes.

9. An emergency release device for a fluid loading and unloading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the purge gas is nitrogen gas.

10. An emergency release device for a fluid loading device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fluid loading device is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

11. An emergency release device for a fluid loading device according to claim 9, characterized in that the fluid loading device is a bunkering boom provided on a fuel supply ship.

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

13. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

14. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a diameter of φ16 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ47 mm to φ59 mm.

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

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

17. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

18. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a diameter of φ10 inches to φ12 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ24 mm to φ31 mm.

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

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

21. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

22. An emergency release device for a fluid loading equipment as described in claim 10, characterized in that the fluid loading equipment is provided with a loading piping having a diameter of φ6 inches to φ8 inches, and the inner diameter of the purge gas introduction pipe and the inner diameter of the residual liquid transfer pipe are set to φ14 mm to φ18 mm.

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

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