Hydrocarbon Connector Automatic Valve Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hydrocarbon ducts require manual operation or external power to close valves during disconnection, making them hazardous, especially for liquefied natural gas transfer, and are difficult to reconnect.
Innovation Solution
A connector with drive members featuring movable displacement devices and force elements that automatically close valves upon disconnection, using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to open and then passively close them, allowing for safe and easy reconnection without external power, and integrating a quick connect/disconnect system with emergency release capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation or external power is used to close valves during disconnection, then the connector can be operated, but the operation becomes hazardous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member is designed to automatically close the valve using its own stored energy from compressed force elements (springs) when the displacement device retracts during disconnection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or manual intervention to close valves, making the system both reliable and simple to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The force elements (springs) are pre-compressed during the connection phase when the displacement device is in the forward position. This preliminary action stores energy that is automatically released to close the valve during disconnection, ensuring reliable valve closure without requiring external power or complex control systems at the moment of disconnection.
2Reliability
If rotating drive members are used to close valve disks, then the valve can be closed, but reconnection becomes relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional rotating drive member mechanism with a linearly moving displacement device that actuates the valve closure through axial movement. This substitution simplifies the reconnection process because the displacement device automatically returns to its forward position through the expansion of pre-compressed force elements, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms and making reconnection straightforward.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector integrates quick connect/disconnect and emergency release systems, then the system becomes more versatile, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member with displacement device and force elements serves multiple functions: it acts as both a quick connect/disconnect actuator and an emergency release mechanism. The same components that enable normal connection operations also provide automatic valve closure during emergency disconnection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emergency release systems and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the quick connect/disconnect functionality with the emergency release capability into a single integrated system. The displacement device and force elements work together to provide both normal operational control and emergency safety functions, consolidating what would traditionally require separate systems into one unified mechanism, thereby reducing weight and complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and safe closure of valves during emergency disconnections and easy reconnection of hydrocarbon ducts, minimizing the risk of fluid spillage and reducing system weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second force element coupled to a respective displacement device, wherein in the coupled state of the connector members, the displacement device of the second drive member engages with the displacement device of the first drive member to place the first and second drive members in an axial opening position in which the valves are opened and the force elements are in a compressed state
Implementation Method 2
Actuation for opening of the valves can occur after coupling of the duct sections and after mutually attaching the connector members, by exerting a hydraulic or pneumatic force on the drive members
Implementation Method 3
exerting a hydraulic or pneumatic force on the drive members, which force is directed perpendicular to an interconnecting interface of the connector members
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
Connector (12) for releasably attaching two hydrocarbon ducts, the connector comprising first and second connector members (7,8), each connector member (7,8) having a housing (18,19) with a fluid passage (40,41), a valve (42, 43) rotatably seated in the passage for closing off the fluid passage, drive members (21,22) attached to a respective valve (42,43) situated at an outer surface of the housing for rotation of the valves between an open state and a closed state, each drive member (21,22) comprising a displacement device (50,51) movable in an axial direction (A) of the housing (18,19) and a first and second force element (53,54, 55) coupled to a respective displacement device (50,51), wherein in the coupled state of the connector members (7,8), the displacement device (51) of the second drive member (22) engages with the displacement device (50) of the first drive member (21) to place the first and second drive members (21,22) in an axial opening position in which the valves (42,43) are opened and the force elements (53,54) are in a compressed state, and wherein upon axial retraction of the second displacement device (51) away from the first connector member (8), the first and second displacement devices (50,51) are movable by expansion of the force elements (53,54) to an axial closure position in which the valves are closed.