Cryogenic Coupler Valve Structure for Static and Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency release mechanisms for fluid loading equipment, such as those handling low-temperature fluids like liquefied hydrogen, face issues with static electricity charging on exposed resin parts and thermal transfer, which can lead to liquefaction of oxygen.
Innovation Solution
The mechanism incorporates a pair of couplers with a vacuum double-pipe structure, a spring-urged valve body that closes to prevent static charging, and a metal operating member with a resin block to suppress thermal transfer, using a metal operating member and a resin block to prevent static electricity and thermal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the distal end portion of the valve body is made of resin to suppress oxygen liquefaction, then thermal transfer is reduced, but static electricity charging occurs on the exposed surface
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body combines resin and metal materials in a composite structure. The distal end portion is made of resin to suppress thermal transfer and oxygen liquefaction, while a metal operating member protrudes from the resin surface to prevent static electricity charging. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by leveraging the thermal insulation properties of resin and the electrostatic dissipation properties of metal simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve body is made of metal to prevent static electricity charging, then static electricity is prevented, but thermal transfer increases causing oxygen liquefaction
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body uses a composite structure where the distal end portion is made of resin material to provide thermal insulation and prevent oxygen liquefaction, while a metal operating member protrudes from the resin surface to dissipate static electricity. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of thermal insulation and electrostatic prevention.
3Quantity of substance
If the opening is kept open for fluid flow, then cargo fluid can flow through, but static electricity charges on the exposed valve body surface
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body employs a composite structure with resin at the distal end for thermal insulation and a protruding metal operating member for static electricity dissipation. This allows the opening to remain open for cargo fluid flow while the metal surface prevents static electricity charging on the exposed portion.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening is closed to prevent static electricity charging, then static electricity is prevented, but cargo fluid flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body uses a composite structure where the distal end portion is made of resin to suppress thermal transfer and oxygen liquefaction, while a metal operating member protrudes from the resin surface. This configuration prevents static electricity charging on the exposed metal surface while maintaining the opening in the open position for cargo fluid flow, resolving the contradiction between preventing static electricity and allowing fluid flow.
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
Prevents static electricity charging on exposed parts and suppresses thermal transfer, effectively managing low-temperature fluid handling by preventing oxygen liquefaction around the valve body.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that urges the valve body toward the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a coupler main part with a vacuum double-pipe structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Each of a pair of couplers includes: a coupler main part with a vacuum double-pipe structure; a valve seat provided inside a distal end of the coupler main part, the valve seat forming an opening through which a cargo fluid flows; and a valve body disposed in the coupler main part. The valve body is configured such that, at a time of separating the couplers from each other, in each coupler, the valve body is brought into contact with the valve seat by urging force of a spring so as to close the opening, and at a time of coupling the couplers to each other, the valve body of each coupler is pressed by the valve body of the other coupler so as to move away from the valve seat and open the opening. The valve body includes: a holding member that holds a sealing material that seals between the valve body and the valve seat when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat; a block made of a resin, the block covering a distal end surface of the holding member; and an operating member made of a metal, the operating member accommodating the block and protruding from the holding member in a manner to pass through the opening.