Cryogenic Pipe Coupling With Vacuum Insulation and Auto Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling devices for cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen, face issues with air trapping in dead volumes, leading to the risk of transporting solid oxygen, and existing solutions lack effective thermal insulation and safety for hydrogen applications.
Innovation Solution
A detachable coupling device with automatic closure and thermal insulation, featuring a sealing ring that moves longitudinally to transition between closed and open configurations, utilizing a spring-urged sealing ring and valve mechanisms to ensure sealing and fluid communication, and incorporating a vacuum-insulated design to minimize heat transfer and dead volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling device for cryogenic fluids uses a traditional fitting design, then the connection can be established, but air is trapped in dead volumes creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates dead volumes from the coupling device design. The fitting is designed with swept-through passages that prevent air trapping, directly removing the harmful element (air pockets) that could solidify and cause safety issues during cryogenic fluid transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional coupling approach by using a design where the sealing and connection mechanisms are reversed to eliminate dead spaces. Instead of traditional sealing methods that create pockets, the invention uses a configuration where surfaces mate in a way that prevents air entrapment from the outset.
2Reliability
If existing connection types are used for liquefied natural gas, then connection is possible, but thermal insulation is insufficient for hydrogen applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing enhanced thermal insulation specifically at the coupling interface where heat transfer is most critical. The fitting includes insulated features localized to the connection region, maintaining cryogenic temperatures where needed while allowing the rest of the system to use standard materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining metallic components for structural strength with thermal insulation materials for heat protection. The fitting integrates materials with different thermal properties to achieve both mechanical reliability and thermal efficiency required for hydrogen cryogenic applications.
3Ease of operation
If a coupling device allows longitudinal displacement between connection ends, then sealing and opening functions can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by designing the sealing ring with automatic movement capability. The sealing ring is urged by a spring to engage or disengage automatically based on the relative position of connection ends, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies dynamics by making the sealing ring a movable component that automatically adjusts its position. The sealing ring can move longitudinally to engage or disengage based on the coupling state, providing dynamic sealing that adapts to the operational conditions without requiring complex control systems.
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 device provides a safe, efficient, and thermally insulated means for coupling and decoupling cryogenic fluid pipes, minimizing the risk of air transport and ensuring reliable fluid transfer while maintaining effective sealing and thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises a return member, for example a spring, which urges the sealing ring towards its first position
Implementation Method 2
an external tube disposed around each transport pipe and defining a space under vacuum for the thermal insulation of the transport pipe
Implementation Method 3
defining a space under vacuum for the thermal insulation of the transport pipe
Implementation Method 4
the at least one seal located on the internal face of the sealing ring ensures sealing by being compressed in a plane which is not parallel to the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 5
a valve mechanism configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to enable the pipe to be opened when the connection ends are coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable coupling device with automatic closure for the transport of fluid, including two fluid transport pipes extending in a longitudinal direction and each having, at one connection end, a valve mechanism, the device also including an external tube disposed around each transport pipe and, in the coupled position, the two connection ends are configured to be relatively longitudinally displaceable between a first configuration, in which the valve mechanisms are closed, and a second configuration, in which the valve mechanisms are open, the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration being realized by a relative longitudinal movement of the two valve mechanisms close to one another.