Pipe-break leakage limiter valve, associated pipes network, nuclear installation and use in hydrogen applications

Abstract

The invention concerns a pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) comprising: - a body (28), defining an inlet (34) and an outlet (36) of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18), - a poppet (30), moveable within the body (28) between a closed position, in which the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) are fluidically isolated, and an open position, in which the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) are fluidically connected, and - an opening element (32) configured to generate a repulsive force (I) keeping the poppet (30) in its open position, as long as a fluid flowing inside the body (28) generates a flowing force (II) on the poppet (30) smaller than a predetermined closing force (FC).

Description

[0001] Pipe-break leakage limiter valve, associated pipes network, nuclear installation and use in hydrogen applications

[0002] The present invention relates to a pipe-break leakage limiter valve, in particular to prevent leakages in the event of pipe break or any undesired excessive flow. Due to the nature of the invention in first place, this valve is adapted for example for controlling excess flow of dihydrogen in nuclear power plants or hydrogen gas stations respective storages for gaseous hydrogen.

[0003] On the market available valves are not entirely satisfactory in terms of safety, since they are generally not adapted for closing for low values of excess flow and / or low pressure differential, which can be the case for leakages of dihydrogen. This presents a safety risk to the operation of a corresponding installation

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a passive safety flow valve that is configured for preventing leakage, for example of dihydrogen, even for low values of excess flow and / or low pressure differential, in order to provide an increased safety of operation. At the same time, the invention aims for a low probability per demand (or high-risk reduction factor) in order to provide an alternative to commonly used active solutions.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a pipe-break leakage limiter valve comprising: - a body, defining an inlet and an outlet of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve, - a poppet, moveable within the body between a closed position, in which the inlet and the outlet are fluidically isolated, and an open position, in which the inlet and the outlet are fluidically connected, and

[0006] - an opening element configured to generate a repulsive force keeping the poppet in its open position, as long as a fluid flowing inside the body generates a flowing force on the poppet smaller than a predetermined closing force.

[0007] In other embodiments, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve comprises one or several of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0008] - The opening element is able to generate said repulsive force on the poppet according to a main axis, said repulsive force being oriented towards the inlet.

[0009] - The opening element comprises a magnet attached to the poppet and a countermagnet fixed to the body.

[0010] - The counter-magnet is held by a sleeve secured by a ring on the body.

[0011] - The magnet and / or the counter-magnet are protected against hydrogen brittle fracture.

[0012] - The opening element comprises a spring.- The poppet comprises a head and a guide sleeve, the head defining a sealing surface cooperating with a counter sealing surface of the body when the poppet is in its closed position.

[0013] - The guide sleeve comprises a cutout wall.

[0014] - The body comprises two parts and a gasket arranged between the two parts. The invention also relates to a pipes network comprising:

[0015] - a first pipe and a second pipe, each configured to conduct the flow of a fluid and - a pipe-break leakage limiter valve as defined above and being connected between the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0016] In other embodiments, the pipes network comprises one or several of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0017] - Each of the first pipe and of the second pipe has a nominal diameter greater than DN 8.

[0018] - The fluid conducted is a gas.

[0019] - The fluid conducted comprises dihydrogen in gaseous form.

[0020] - The pipes network comprises at least one reset mechanism being configured to move the poppet from its closed position to its open position.

[0021] The invention also relates to a nuclear installation comprising a pipes network as described above.

[0022] The invention also relates to the use of a pipe-break leakage limiter valve as described above in hydrogen applications, such as a hydrogen fuel station or a hydrogen supply system.

[0023] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description given solely byway of non-limiting examples and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0024] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an installation comprising a pipes network according to the invention,

[0025] - Figure 2 is an exploded view of a pipe-break leakage limiter valve according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0026] - Figures 3 is a section view of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve of Figure 2 in the open position,

[0027] - Figures 4 is a section view of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve of Figure 2 in the closed position, and

[0028] - Figure 5 is a section view of a pipe-break leakage limiter valve according to a second embodiment of the invention in the closed position.Figure 1 shows an installation 10 comprising a pipes network 12 according to the invention.

[0029] The installation 10 is for example a nuclear installation, in particular installed inside a nuclear power plant.

[0030] The installation 10 is for example part of or connected to a nuclear reactor, such as a boiling and pressurized water reactor for example.

[0031] Alternatively, the installation 10 is a fuel station, and more precisely a hydrogen fuel station.

[0032] According to another variant, the installation 10 is for example a hydrogen supply system.

[0033] As shown on Figure 1, the pipes network 12 comprises a first pipe 14, a second pipe 16 and a pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18.

[0034] In some variations, the pipes network 12 also comprises a first reset mechanism 20a or a second reset mechanism 20b.

[0035] The pipes network 12 is preferably configured to transport a fluid from an inlet 22 to an outlet 24.

[0036] Each of the inlet 22 and the outlet 24 of the pipes network 12 are for example connected to another element of the installation 10 or to another installation.

[0037] The fluid transported inside the pipes network 12 is for example a gas, in particular with low volumetric density, and more precisely with a volumetric density equals or higher than 0.0900 kg / m3at normal temperature and pressure, i.e. at 20°C and 0 bar g.

[0038] In some examples, the fluid comprises dihydrogen, in particular in gaseous form. In some other examples, the fluid comprises another gas, such as for example Bromine in gaseous form or Ammonia in gaseous form.

[0039] The fluid transported inside the pipes network 12 is for example at high pressure, and in particular with a pressure up to 1000 bar g.

[0040] The fluid transported inside the pipes network 12 is for example at a temperature comprised between 15°C and 80°C.

[0041] Each one of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16 is configured to conduct the flow of said fluid.More precisely, the first pipe 14 is for example configured to conduct the flow from the inlet 22 to the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18.

[0042] Likewise, the second pipe 16 is for example configured to conduct the flow from the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 to the outlet 24.

[0043] In particular, each one of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16 is configured to conduct the flow with a minimum flow rate equals or higher to 10 Nm3 / h of dihydrogen.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, each one of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16 has a nominal diameter greater than DN 8, DN standing for “Diameter Nominal”.

[0045] In other words, each one of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16 has an annular cross-section with a nominal diameter greater than DN 8.

[0046] Preferably, each one of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16 is made of material adapted to be used in nuclear power plant and / or adapted to be used to transport dihydrogen, such as a specific stainless steel alloy for example.

[0047] The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is connected between the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16.

[0048] The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 according to a first embodiment will now be described in details with reference to the Figures 2 to 4.

[0049] The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 comprises a body 28, a poppet 30 and an opening element 32.

[0050] The body 28 defines an inlet 34 and an outlet 36 of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18.

[0051] The inlet 34 and the outlet 36 are advantageously configured to be connected with pipes of DN 8 or greater, and in particular with each of the first pipe 14 and the second pipe 16.

[0052] In particular, in the pipe network 12 shown on Figure 1, the inlet 34 of the valve 18 is for example connected to the first pipe 14 and the outlet 36 to the second pipe 16.

[0053] More precisely, each of the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 is for example welded or screwed to the corresponding pipe 14, 16.

[0054] Preferably, the body 28 defines a channel 38 extending between the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 according to a main axis X and in which the fluid is able to flow from the inlet 34 to the outlet 36, as visible notably in Figure 3.

[0055] Advantageously, the body 28 comprises a sealing surface 39, in particular defined radially in the channel 38.

[0056] The sealing surface 39 has for example an annular shaped.

[0057] The sealing surface 39 is advantageously inclined.In a preferred embodiment, the body 28 comprises two parts 40, 42 fixed to each other and a gasket 45 (see figure 4) arranged between the two parts 40, 42.

[0058] In particular, the body 28 comprises a first part 40 defining the inlet 34 and a second part 42 defining the outlet 36.

[0059] More particularly, when fixed to each other, the two parts 40, 42 define an inner volume corresponding to the channel 38.

[0060] The channel 38 comprises for example a first portion 38A defined inside the first part 40 and second portion 38B defined inside the second part 42.

[0061] More precisely, the two parts 40, 42 are fixed to each other by complementary of form. For example, as visible on Figure 2, the first part 40 defines a circular housing 44 adapted to receive partly the second part 42.

[0062] Preferably, the two parts 40, 42 comprise complementary fastening means, such as complementary threads.

[0063] In the particular embodiment shown on the Figures, the end of the second part 42 received in the housing 44 defines the sealing surface 39.

[0064] The two parts 40, 42 are preferably made of a metallic material, and in particular adapted to be used in nuclear power plant and / or adapted to be used to transport dihydrogen.

[0065] The gasket 45 is preferably arranged between the two parts 40, 42, in order to seal the channel 38.

[0066] For example, as visible on the Figures 3 and 4, the gasket 45 is a ring arranged between the inner face of the first part 40 and the outer face of the second part 42.

[0067] The gasket 45 is preferably made of Polyetheretherketon (PEEK) or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).

[0068] The poppet 30 is moveable within the body 28 between an open position shown on Figure 3 and a closed position shown on Figure 4.

[0069] For example, the poppet 30 is moveable in translation according to the main axis X inside the channel 38.

[0070] In an advantageous manner, the poppet 30 comprises a holder (not visible) for the opening element 32, preferably lightweight, to center if according to the main axis X.

[0071] Preferably, the poppet 30 comprises a sealing surface 43 able to cooperate with the body 28, in particular with the second part 42, and more precisely with the sealing surface 39, to close the channel 38 in a sealing manner.

[0072] In an advantageous manner, the sealing surface 43 is inclined in a corresponding manner to the sealing surface 39, in order to strengthen the tightness of the closing.In the closed position (Figure 4), the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 of the valve 18 are fluidically isolated.

[0073] More particularly, as shown on Figure 4 with arrows, in the closed position, the fluid cannot flow from the inlet 34 to the outlet 36, more precisely inside the channel 38.

[0074] For example, in the closed position (Figure 4), the sealing surface 43 of the poppet 30 cooperates with the sealing surface 39 of the body 28, and in particular lies against second part 42, in particular defined by the said sealing surface 39.

[0075] More particularly, as visible on Figure 4, in the closed position, the poppet 30 with the sealing surface 43 cooperating with the sealing surface 39 closes the channel 38, and more precisely defines a sealed barrier between the two portions 38A, 38B of the channel 38.

[0076] In the open position (Figure 3), the inlet 34 and the outlet 36 of the valve 18 are fluidically connected.

[0077] More particularly, as shown on Figure 3 with arrows, in the open position, the fluid can flow from the inlet 34 to the outlet 36, more precisely inside the channel 38.

[0078] For example, in the open position (Figure 3), the sealing surface 43 of the poppet 30 does not cooperate with the sealing surface 39 of the body 28, and in particular is far from second part 42, in particular defined by the said sealing surface 39.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the poppet 30 comprises a head 46 and a guide sleeve 48 extending according to the main axis X.

[0080] The head 46 comprises for example a first face 50 and a second face 52 opposed to each other according to the main axis X, the first face 50 being oriented towards the inlet 34.

[0081] More precisely, the head 46 is always inside the first portion 38A of the channel 38, i.e. in the open and in the closed position.

[0082] Preferably, the sealing surface 43 of the poppet 30 is located on the head 46, which is adapted to be connected to the opposite sealing surface 39, more precisely on the second part 42.

[0083] The head 46 has advantageously a diameter greater than the one of the second portion 38B of the channel 38, so as to define the barrier between the two portions 38A, 38B in the closed position.

[0084] The guide sleeve 48 comprises for example a wall 54 with cutouts 56, in order to allow fluid to flow through them in the open position.

[0085] The wall 54 has for example a cylindrical shape extending around the main axis X from the second face 52 of the head 46.

[0086] In the particular embodiment illustrated on Figure 4, the cutout wall 54 is inside the second portion 38B in the closed position.The diameter of the cutout wall 54 is advantageously slightly smaller than the one of the second portion 38B, in order to be able to move inside it.

[0087] The opening element 32 is configured to generate a repulsive force F^ keeping the poppet 30 in its open position (Figure 3), as long as the fluid flowing inside the body 28 generates a flowing force

[0088]

[0089] on the poppet 30 smaller than a predetermined closing force Fc.

[0090] More precisely, as visible on Figure 3, the fluid flowing from inlet 34 inside the channel 38 generates the force

[0091]

[0092] on the poppet 30 according to the main axis X, and in particular on the first face 50 of the head 46. The force F^ is for example oriented towards the outlet 36.

[0093] For example, the predetermined closing force Fc is inferior to 1.5 N, and preferably comprised between 0.1 N and 0.6 N.

[0094] In the preferred embodiments, the repulsive force F^ is able to counter-act the force F^ generated by the flow of fluid.

[0095] More particularly, the opening element 32 is able to generate said repulsive force F^ on the poppet 30 according to the main axis X, and in particular on the second face 52 of the head 46.

[0096] The force F^ is for example oriented in the inverse direction of the force

[0097]

[0098] and more particularly towards the inlet 34.

[0099] In an advantageous manner, the repulsive force F^ has a norm sensibly equal to the predetermined closing force Fc, in order to prevent the poppet 30 from moving to the closed position only when the flowing force

[0100]

[0101] has a norm inferior to the predetermined closing force Fc.

[0102] In the first embodiment shown on Figures 2 to 4, the opening element 32 comprises a magnet 58 attached to the poppet 30, and a counter-magnet 60 fixed to the body 28.

[0103] In particular, the magnet 58 and the counter-magnet 60 are configured to generate between them a repulsive magnetic force, corresponding to the repulsive force F^ .

[0104] The magnet 58 and the counter-magnet 60 are for example two magnets with the same magnetic polarity, such as two south-pole magnets for instance.

[0105] The magnet 58 is for instance fixed to the head 46 of the poppet 30, and in particular on its second face 52, for example by a screw.

[0106] The counter-magnet 60 is preferably fixed to the second part 42 of the body 28.For example, as visible on the Figures 2 to 4, the counter-magnet 60 is held by a sleeve 62 secured by a ring 64 on the body 28, and in particular on the second part 42 of the body 28.

[0107] In an advantageous manner, as visible on Figure 2, the counter-magnet 60 has a cylindrical shape with an annular cross-section defining a channel inside which the fluid can flow.

[0108] Moreover, in a preferred manner, the magnet 58 and / or the counter-magnet 60 is / are protected against hydrogen brittle fracture, especially during high-pressure application.

[0109] For example, the magnet 58 and / or the counter-magnet 60 are coated with a protective layer.

[0110] In an optional manner, the first reset mechanism 20a or the second reset mechanism 20b is configured to move the poppet 30 from its closed position to its open position.

[0111] For example, the first reset mechanism 20a comprises a switch 66 or by hand, the reset mechanism 20a being configured to move the poppet 30 from its closed position to its open position upon actuation of the switch 66 or by hand.

[0112] In a particular embodiment, the first reset mechanism 20a is a bypass branch of the pipes network 12, in particular bypassing the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 as visible on Figure 1.

[0113] Said first reset mechanism 20a comprises for example a bypass valve 68, in particular opening upon actuation of the switch 66 or by hand, in order to open the first reset mechanism 20a and thus to reset the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18, i.e. to move the poppet 30 from its closed position to its open position by balancing the upstream and downstream pressures.

[0114] Preferably, said bypass branch 20a further comprises an upstream pressure sensor 69 in front of the bypass valve 68, i.e. to measure the upstream pressure, and / or a downstream pressure sensor 70, i.e. to measure the downstream pressure.

[0115] By upstream pressure, it is meant here the pressure upstream at the inlet 34. Likewise, by downstream pressure, it is meant here the pressure upstream at the outlet 36.

[0116] For example, the second reset mechanism 20b comprises a release valve 71, in particular connected to the first pipe 14, i.e. upstream of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18.

[0117] A use of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 in the pipes network 12 as described above will now be described.During normal operation, i.e. by normal flow rate and / or when there is no pipe rupture, a fluid, for example comprising dihydrogen in gaseous form, flows from the inlet 22 of the pipes network 12 to the outlet 24 through the first pipe 14, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 and the second pipe 16.

[0118] In particular, during normal operation, the poppet 30 is in its open position, as shown on Figure 3.

[0119] The flowing force F^ depends more particularly on the flow rate of the fluid.

[0120] During normal operation, the flowing force F^ is smaller than the repulsive force F^ generated by the opening element 32.

[0121] In particular, the repulsive force ^generated by the opening element 32 maintains the poppet 30 in its open position, by pushing it towards the inlet 34 so that the sealing surface 43 of the poppet 30 remains at a distance from the sealing surface 39 of the body 28.

[0122] More precisely, the countermagnet 60 exerts the repulsive magnetic force on the magnet 58 thus counteracting the smaller flowing force

[0123]

[0124] The poppet 30 is therefore pushed towards the inlet 34 and remains in its open position.

[0125] Since the poppet 30 is in its open position, the fluid can flow inside the channel 38 from the inlet 34 to the outlet 36.

[0126] More precisely, as illustrated by arrows in Figure 3, during normal use, the fluid flows from the inlet 34 to the first portion 38A of the channel 38, then flows through the cutouts 56 of the wall 54 of the poppet 30, then inside the second portion 38B of the channel 38 and finally to the outlet 36.

[0127] In case of an augmentation of the flowing force

[0128]

[0129] and in particular in the case that the flowing force F^ becomes greater than the predetermined closing force Fc, the poppet 30 moves from its open position to its closed position.

[0130] This augmentation of the flowing force

[0131]

[0132] is in particular due to an augmentation of the flow rate, for example because of a diminution of the pressure at the outlet 36, notably due to a break of the second pipe 16, as illustrated by the dotted arrow in Figure 1.

[0133] For example, the poppet 30 is configured to move from its open position to its closed position even when the pressure difference is low, for example when the pressure at the inlet 34 is 4 bars higher that the pressure at the outlet 36, for a nominal flowrate inferior to 10 Nm3 / h dihydrogen.In particular, in the case that the flowing force FFbecomes greater than the predetermined closing force Fc, the repulsive force F^ generated by the opening element 32 is not sufficient to maintain the poppet 30 in its open position.

[0134] More precisely, the poppet 30 is pushed towards the outlet 36 by the flowing force F^, so that the sealing surface 43 of the poppet 30 comes against the sealing surface 39 of the body 28, thus closing the channel 38 as visible on Figure 4.

[0135] Therefore, in case of pipe break, the fluid is blocked in the first portion 38A of the channel 38 and cannot flow to the outlet 36 and towards the second pipe 16, thus preventing the leakage of said fluid through the break.

[0136] Optionally, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is then reopened, i.e. the poppet 30 is moved from its closed position to its open position.

[0137] For example, this reopening is realized by the first reset mechanism 20a or by the second reset mechanism 20b.

[0138] More precisely, the bypassing valve 68 is opened thus opening the bypass branch of the first reset mechanism 20a resulting to a balancing of the upstream and downstream pressures and thus moving the poppet 30 from its closed position to its open position.

[0139] In an alternative manner, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is reopened by opening the release valve 71 of the second reset mechanism 20b to release pressure.

[0140] The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 offers an easy and cheap solution for a fully passive isolation in case of pipe break.

[0141] Furthermore, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is particularly advantageous, more precisely due to its high adaptability.

[0142] In particular, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is adapted to be used in various conditions, and also in a nuclear environment.

[0143] More particularly, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is adapted to be used with various gas application by choosing specifically the predetermined closing force Fc.

[0144] Indeed, for example by choosing a small predetermined closing force Fc, notably comprised between 0.1 N and 0.6 N, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is adapted to be used for gas with low volumetric density, such as dihydrogen.

[0145] Moreover, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is adapted to passively close even in case of a small pressure difference, in particular by choosing the predetermined closing force Fcclosed to the excepted flowing force FF in normal use.The predetermined closing force Fcis easily chosen by adaption the opening element 32, for example by choosing the mounting location of magnets 58, 60 and / or by modifying the length of the guide sleeve 48.

[0146] Furthermore, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is also adapted to be used in high-pressure application, in particular up to 1000 bar.

[0147] Moreover, the design of the poppet 30, in particular with cutout-wall 54, allows minimizing pressure losses in the open position.

[0148] Moreover, thanks to the subdivided body 28, the maintenance of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is simplified.

[0149] Furthermore, the counter-magnet 60 is easy to replace due to the ring 64.

[0150] In addition, thanks to the arrangement of the poppet 30, the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 in closed position offers a very high level of leaktightness, even for low values of excess flow and / or low-pressure differential.

[0151] Furthermore, the greater the flowing force

[0152]

[0153] becomes, the greater is the leaktighness. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 is also very robust and can be reused many times, for example by using one of the reset mechanism 20a, 20b.

[0154] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve 18 of the second embodiment differs from the one of the first embodiment only by its opening element 32.

[0155] In particular, the opening element 32 of the second embodiment does not comprise a magnet 58 and a counter-magnet 60, but comprises a spring 80.

[0156] For example, the spring 80 is fixed on one end to the poppet 30 and on the other end to the body 28.

[0157] In a particular embodiment, the spring 80 is loosely embedded to the head 46 of the poppet 30, and in particular, on its second face 52 with contact to the second part 42 of the body 28.

[0158] The spring 80 is configured to generate the repulsive force

[0159]

[0160] on the poppet 30, and preferably on the second face 52 of its head 46.

[0161] In particular, the repulsive force F^ corresponds to the force of the spring 80. The spring 80 is thus preferably chosen to have the required stiffness.

[0162] In some examples, the spring 80 is a non-linear spring.

[0163] For example, the spring 80 comprises at least two portions with different spring constants, in particular to dampen the closing.

[0164] The spring 80 is advantageously in its extended state during normal use, thus maintaining the poppet 30 in its open position.In other words, during normal use, i.e. when the flowing force FFis smaller than the repulsive force F^, the stiffness of the spring 80 maintains the head 46 of the poppet 80 far from the sealing surface 39 of the body 28. Thus, the poppet 30 remains in its open position.

[0165] In the case that the flowing force F^ becomes greater than the predetermined closing force Fc, for example due to a pipe break, the spring 80 is compressed by the flowing force thus moving the poppet 30 to its closed position as visible on Figure 5.

[0166] Reference numbers:

[0167] 10 - Installation

[0168] 12 - Pipes network

[0169] 14 - First pipe

[0170] 16 - Second pipe

[0171] 18 - Pipe-break leakage limiter valve

[0172] 20a - First reset mechanism

[0173] 20b - Second reset mechanism

[0174] 22 - Inlet (pipes network)

[0175] 24 - Outlet (pipes network)

[0176] 28 - Body

[0177] 30 - Poppet

[0178] 32 - Opening element

[0179] 34 - Inlet (pipe-break leakage limiter valve)

[0180] 36 - Outlet (pipe-break leakage limiter valve)

[0181] 38 - Channel

[0182] 38A - First portion of the channel

[0183] 38B - Second portion of the channel

[0184] 39 - Sealing surface (body)

[0185] 40, 42 - First and second parts (body)

[0186] 43 - Sealing surface (poppet)

[0187] 44 - Housing

[0188] 45 - Gasket

[0189] 46 - Head (poppet)

[0190] 48 - Guide sleeve (poppet)

[0191] 50, 52- First and second faces (head of the poppet)

[0192] 54 - Wall (poppet)

[0193] 56 - Cutouts of the wall

[0194] 58 - Magnet60 - Counter- magnet

[0195] 62 - Sleeve

[0196] 64 - Ring

[0197] 66 - Switch

[0198] 68 - Bypass valve

[0199] 69 - Upstream pressure sensor 70 - Downstream pressure sensor 71 - Release valve

[0200] 80 - Spring

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) comprising:- a body (28), defining an inlet (34) and an outlet (36) of the pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18),- a poppet (30), moveable within the body (28) between a closed position, in which the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) are fluidically isolated, and an open position, in which the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) are fluidically connected, and- an opening element (32) configured to generate a repulsive force ( F^ ) keeping the poppet (30) in its open position, as long as a fluid flowing inside the body (28) generates a flowing force ( F^ ) on the poppet (30) smaller than a predetermined closing force (Fc).

2. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 1, wherein the opening element (32) is able to generate said repulsive force ( F^ ) on the poppet (30) according to a main axis (X), said repulsive force ( F^ ) being oriented towards the inlet (34)3. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening element (32) comprises a magnet (58) attached to the poppet (30) and a counter-magnet (60) fixed to the body (28).

4. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 3, wherein the countermagnet (60) is held by a sleeve (62) secured by a ring (64) on the body (28).

5. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the magnet (58) and / or the counter-magnet (60) are protected against hydrogen brittle fracture.

6. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening element (32) comprises a spring (80).

7. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the poppet (30) comprises a head (46) and a guide sleeve (48), the head (46) defining a sealing surface (43) cooperating with a counter sealing surface (39) of the body (28) when the poppet (30) is in its closed position.

8. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to claim 7, wherein the guide sleeve (48) comprises a cutout wall (54).

9. The pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body (28) comprises two parts (40, 42) and a gasket (45) arranged between the two parts (40, 42).

10. A pipes network (12) comprising:- a first pipe (14) and a second pipe (16), each configured to conduct the flow of a fluid and - a pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to any of the preceding claims and being connected between the first pipe (14) and the second pipe (16).

11. The pipes network (12) according to claim 10, wherein each of the first pipe (14) and of the second pipe (16) has a nominal diameter greater than DN 8.

12. The pipes network (12) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the fluid conducted is a gas.

13. The pipes network (12) according to claim 12, wherein the fluid conducted comprises dihydrogen in gaseous form.

14. The pipes network (12) according to any of claims 10 to 13, comprising at least one reset mechanism (20a, 20b) being configured to move the poppet (30) from its closed position to its open position.

15. A nuclear installation (10) comprising a pipes network (12) according to any of claims 10 to 14.

16. Use of a pipe-break leakage limiter valve (18) according to any of claims 1 to 9 in hydrogen applications, such as a hydrogen fuel station or a hydrogen supply system.

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