Cryogenic Transfer Line Coupling With Nested Sleeve Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated transfer lines for cryogenic fluids require significant space for effective thermal insulation at coupling points, making them unsuitable for dynamic applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated transfer line design featuring a process line with an insulation sleeve and a vacuum space, where the coupling element includes a connecting sleeve that is concentrically arranged outside an end piece, allowing for compact coupling while maintaining thermal resistance through a bellows and welding point connection, and a sliding sleeve for secure attachment to a cryogenic tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling element is designed with sufficient thermal insulation for the process line, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is integrated into the end piece structure, with the connecting sleeve nested concentrically outside the end piece. This nested arrangement allows multiple insulation layers to be combined within a compact radial space, achieving sufficient thermal insulation without increasing the overall coupling element footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows component introduces axial dimensionality to the insulation design. By extending the thermal insulation path in the axial direction through the bellows' corrugated structure, the coupling element achieves enhanced thermal performance without requiring additional radial space, thus reducing the overall area requirement.
2Area of stationary object
If the coupling element is compacted to reduce space usage, then area requirement is reduced, but thermal insulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows component extends the thermal insulation path in the axial direction through its corrugated structure. This multiplies the effective insulation length without increasing radial dimensions, maintaining thermal performance while achieving a compact coupling element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is divided into distinct functional segments: the end piece for process line connection, the insulating sleeve for thermal insulation, and the connecting sleeve for tank connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the insulating sleeve providing sufficient thermal protection within the compact overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling element uses conventional insulation design, then manufacturing is simpler, but the thermal insulation requires excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is integrated into the end piece structure through welding, creating a nested configuration where the sleeve is positioned concentrically within the coupling element assembly. This integrated nesting approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving compact thermal insulation, as the sleeve can be welded directly to the end piece without requiring separate mounting operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling element is designed for dynamic applications with compact dimensions, then adaptability to mobile applications is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows component provides axial extension of the insulation path through its corrugated structure, enabling compact radial dimensions suitable for mobile applications while maintaining adequate thermal insulation performance through the extended axial insulation length.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows component introduces flexibility and dynamic capability to the coupling element, allowing it to accommodate movements and vibrations in mobile applications. The corrugated structure of the bellows provides mechanical flexibility while simultaneously extending the thermal insulation path in the axial direction.
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
This design achieves effective thermal insulation with minimal space usage, compensates for component tolerances, and ensures reliable fluid connection and sealing, enhancing the transfer line's durability and efficiency in dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating space, for example a vacuum space, is provided between the process line and the insulating sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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AI summary
A thermally insulated transfer line for a cryogenic fluid, comprising a process line (1) for guiding the fluid, an insulating shell (2) located radially outside the process line (1) and extending along the longitudinal direction of the process line (1), wherein an insulating space (3), for example a vacuum space, is provided between the process line (1) and the insulating shell (2), wherein a coupling element (6) for connecting the transfer line to a cryogenic tank is formed at at least one end of the transfer line, preferably at both ends, wherein the coupling element (6) is configured so that the process line (1) of the transfer line is attached to a tank process line (8) of the cryogenic tank, thus establishing a fluid-conducting connection between the process line (1) and the tank process line (8), wherein the coupling element (6) comprises an end piece (9) wherein the insulating shell (2) of the transfer line transitions into the end piece (9).wherein the dome element (6) comprises a connecting sleeve (10), wherein the connecting sleeve (10) is arranged concentrically radially outside the end piece (9) and is attached to the end piece (9), preferably welded, wherein a sliding sleeve (11) is provided to connect the connecting sleeve (10) to the cryogenic tank.