Cryogenic Emergency Coupling With Vacuum Insulation and Auto Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency coupling and release devices for cryogenic fluid transport suffer from unsatisfactory thermal performance and complex structures, leading to potential fluid loss and spillage during emergency disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing emergency coupling device featuring a frustoconical connection tube with annular flanges and a low-friction guide part, a vacuum-insulated outer tube, and a spring-actuated valve mechanism for automatic closure and sealing, ensuring reliable thermal insulation and ergonomic disconnection without fluid spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional emergency coupling and release devices are used for cryogenic fluid transport, then the structure can be simple, but the thermal performance is unsatisfactory leading to potential fluid loss and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inner tube containing the transport duct is placed inside the outer tube, creating a vacuum insulation layer between them. This nested arrangement provides effective thermal insulation for cryogenic fluid transport while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment between the inner and outer tubes to eliminate heat transfer through conduction and convection. This inert thermal environment provides excellent thermal insulation performance for the cryogenic fluid transport duct, addressing the thermal performance issue without requiring complex active insulation systems.
2Strength
If the connection tube has sufficient thickness for structural strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to increased thermal conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vacuum space as an intermediary between the inner and outer tubes. This vacuum layer acts as a thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer, allowing the connection tube walls to be thin while maintaining both structural strength and thermal insulation performance, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and energy loss.
3Reliability
If the valve mechanism is designed for automatic closure, then the safety is improved during emergency disconnection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-actuating valve mechanism that automatically closes when the connection between inner and outer tubes is broken during emergency disconnection. The valve uses the pressure differential and mechanical movement of the tube separation to trigger closure without requiring external control systems, thereby improving safety while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to ensure rapid automatic closure upon detection of tube separation. This preliminary preparation allows the valve to respond instantly to emergency conditions, enhancing safety without requiring complex real-time control systems.
4Ease of operation
If the guide part has low friction for easy coupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different regions of the guide part. The coupling surface has a low friction coefficient (e.g., PTFE coating) to facilitate easy coupling, while the sealing surface maintains high friction and conformability to ensure reliable sealing. This local differentiation of surface quality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and sealing capability.
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 provides enhanced thermal insulation, reliable sealing, and simplified emergency disconnection of cryogenic fluid transport pipes, preventing fluid loss and ensuring safety during emergency events.
Implementation Method 1
an outer tube which is placed around each transport duct, and defines a space under vacuum for thermal insulation of the transport duct
Implementation Method 2
the valve mechanism comprises a valve which is thrust towards a position of closure against a seat by a return unit
Implementation Method 3
the at least one guide part is composed of a material with a low coefficient of friction, for example lower than 0.3, relative to the tube or to the flange, coming into contact during the coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-closing emergency coupling and release device for the transport of cryogenic fluid, comprising two fluid transport pipes extending in a longitudinal direction and each comprising, at a connection end, a valve mechanism configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to open the pipe when the connection ends are coupled, the device further comprising an outer tube arranged around each transport pipe and delimiting a vacuum space for thermally insulating the transport pipe, the device further comprising a mechanism for holding the transport pipe in the outer tube, characterized in that the holding mechanism comprises a frustoconical connection tube having a first end connected to the outer tube and a second end connected to the transport pipe.