Cryogenic Fluid Loading Joint With Fixed-Side Leak Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid loading joints for low-temperature fluids, such as liquefied hydrogen, have complex structures due to the incorporation of bearings in the movable side, which complicates the discharge route of leaked fluid.
Innovation Solution
The fluid loading joint design relocates the discharge route of the leaked fluid to the fixed-side second half, simplifying the structure of the movable-side first half by using a leakage pipe that connects inner and outer passages, and incorporates bend portions to absorb thermal contraction of the pipes, while also providing electrical insulation between flanges using annular spacers and insulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge route of leaked fluid is formed in the movable-side first half incorporating bearings, then the leaked fluid can be discharged, but the structure of the first half becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the discharge route formation in the fixed-side second half instead of the movable-side first half. The inner passage is provided in the second flange (fixed side) rather than the first flange (movable side), and the leakage pipe connects to the outer passage in the outer flange, thereby simplifying the movable-side structure while maintaining reliable leaked fluid discharge.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the leakage pipe is made rigid to ensure structural stability, then the joint maintains structural integrity, but it cannot accommodate thermal contraction of low-temperature pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The leakage pipe is designed with flexible portions that can bend and deform to accommodate thermal contraction of the pipes at low temperatures. The flexible portion acts as a flexible shell that maintains connection between the inner and outer passages while adapting to dimensional changes, thereby preserving both structural integrity and thermal adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the first half structure is simplified by removing the discharge route, then the bearing structure becomes simpler, but the leaked fluid cannot be properly discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the discharge route formation from the movable-side first half and relocates it to the fixed-side second half. By providing the inner passage in the second flange and connecting it to the outer passage through the leakage pipe in the gas space, the discharge function is preserved while the movable-side structure is simplified.
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 configuration simplifies the structure of the movable-side first half and accommodates thermal contraction of low-temperature fluids, ensuring reliable fluid handling and electrical insulation.
Implementation Method 1
In a case where the fluid flowing through the inside of the first inner pipe and the second inner pipe is a fluid having an extremely low temperature, such as liquefied hydrogen, the first inner pipe and the second inner pipe thermally contract to a great degree.
Implementation Method 2
since the leakage pipe includes bend portions, the thermal contraction of the second inner pipe can be absorbed by bending deformation occurring at the bend portions
Implementation Method 3
An inner sealing member 141 and an outer sealing member 142 for preventing the liquefied hydrogen from leaking through a gap between the first flange 115 and the second flange 125 are disposed between the first flange 115 and the second flange 125
Implementation Method 4
provides electrical insulation between flanges using annular spacers and insulators
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid loading joint for rotatably connecting double pipes to each other includes: a first half including a first inner pipe, a first outer pipe, and a holder, the first inner pipe being provided with a first flange, the first outer pipe accommodating the first inner pipe therein, the holder holding the first outer pipe such that the first outer pipe is rotatable; a second half including a sliding surface facing the first flange, the second half including a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe, the second inner pipe being provided with a second flange, the second outer pipe accommodating the second inner pipe therein and being provided with an outer flange that is fastened to the holder; an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member that are disposed between the first flange and the sliding surface; an inner passage provided in the second flange, the inner passage leading a leaked fluid from between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member to an outer circumferential surface of the second flange; an outer passage provided in the outer flange, the outer passage leading the leaked fluid from an inner side to an outer side of the second outer pipe; and a leakage pipe that connects the inner passage and the outer passage between the second flange and the outer flange.