Cryogenic Coupling Dead Volume Purge System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing emergency coupling and release devices for cryogenic fluid transport face issues such as the need for purging to prevent contamination and fluid loss, and the risk of ice deposits and blockages due to cold valve mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device equipped with a purge system that includes a fluidic circuit connected to the dead volume, allowing for the purging and inerting of the dead volume with pressurized gas, and featuring a safety valve and pressure sensor for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-closing valves are used to prevent fluid loss and contamination, then fluid tightness is improved, but the risk of ice deposits and blockages increases due to cold valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by purging the dead volume with inert gas before the valve mechanisms close and before fluid transfer begins. This pre-purging prevents ice deposits and contamination from forming during the critical period when valves are cold and vulnerable, while maintaining fluid tightness through the self-closing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere by filling the dead volume with inert gas (such as nitrogen or argon) before and during valve operation. This inert environment prevents ice formation and contamination, allowing the self-closing valves to maintain fluid tightness without suffering from ice deposits and blockages.
2Reliability
If purging is performed to prevent contamination and fluid loss, then fluid purity is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the purging function with the existing dead volume and valve mechanism structure. The purge system integrates with the coupling device's natural geometry, using the dead volume as the purge chamber and combining purge inlet/outlet pathways with the existing fluid transfer pathways, thereby achieving fluid purity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the fluidic circuit to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid transfer pathway and the purging pathway. The same dead volume that must be purged to prevent contamination also serves as the containment space, reducing the need for separate dedicated purge components and lowering overall system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the dead volume is purged with pressurized gas, then contamination risk is reduced, but the pressure control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through pressure sensors that monitor the dead volume pressure during purging and fluid transfer operations. This feedback enables automatic pressure control, adjusting gas flow to maintain safe pressure levels while effectively purging contaminants, thereby reducing contamination risk without requiring complex manual pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles to control the purging process, utilizing pressurized inert gas to flush the dead volume. The system leverages natural pressure differentials and gas flow dynamics to achieve effective purging, reducing the need for complex mechanical pressure control mechanisms while minimizing contamination risk.
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
The solution effectively purges and insulates the dead volume, reducing the risk of contamination, ice deposits, and leaks, while ensuring safe and reliable operation of the cryogenic fluid transfer system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reservoir of pressurized purging and/or inerting gas connected to the transfer pipe and configured to supply gas to the dead volume
Implementation Method 2
an outer tube that is disposed around each transport pipe and defines a space under vacuum for thermal insulation of the transport pipe
Implementation Method 3
defines a space under vacuum for thermal insulation of the transport pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-closing emergency coupling and detachment device for transporting cryogenic fluid, including two fluid transport pipes that extend in a longitudinal direction and each comprise, at a connection end, a valve mechanism configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and allow the pipe to be opened when the connection ends are coupled together, the device also including an outer tube that is arranged around each transport pipe and delimits a vacuum space for thermally insulating the transport pipe, the device being configured to delimit a defined sealed dead volume between the coupled connection ends, wherein the device comprises a system for draining the dead volume, the draining system being provided with a fluid circuit that is fluidically connected to the dead volume.