Cryogenic Coupling Nozzle Venting for Easy Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the transfer of cryogenic fluids, vaporization occurs, leading to gas accumulation in the nozzle and receptacle, which causes difficulty in reconnection due to pressure buildup and venting of gas into the atmosphere, making the coupling process challenging.
Innovation Solution
A coupling nozzle with a low-force locking mechanism, automated filling process, thermal isolation, and venting system to safely and securely fill tanks with cryogenic fluids, minimizing operator training and ensuring easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional nozzle coupling system is used for cryogenic fluid transfer, then the filling process can be completed, but vaporized gas accumulates in the nozzle and receptacle causing pressure buildup that makes reconnection difficult and requires venting into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication passage as an intermediary channel that connects the nozzle interior to the receptacle interior. This mediator allows vaporized gas to flow directly from the nozzle into the receptacle during the filling process, eliminating the need for atmospheric venting and preventing pressure buildup that would hinder reconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful vaporized gas from the nozzle interior through the communication passage and redirects it into the receptacle. By removing the gas accumulation problem from the nozzle side and relocating it to the receptacle side, the system eliminates pressure buildup and facilitates easier reconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is disconnected after filling to vent remaining gas, then gas can be released, but new gas flows from the storage tank into the receptacle pressurizing it and making the next coupling physically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The communication passage is established before the filling operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that as vaporized gas is generated during filling, it can immediately flow through the pre-established passage into the receptacle, preventing pressure buildup that would otherwise require disconnection and venting, and avoiding the pressurization issue on subsequent couplings.
3Productivity
If cryogenic fluid is transferred through the nozzle and receptacle, then the tank can be filled efficiently, but thermal energy transfer causes vaporization and gas expansion occupying all accessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of vaporized gas expansion into a beneficial outcome by providing a communication passage that directs the vaporized gas into the receptacle. Instead of allowing gas to accumulate in the nozzle and cause pressure buildup or require atmospheric venting, the system utilizes the gas flow to pressurize the receptacle, which can be advantageous for certain filling operations while eliminating the reconnection difficulty.
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
Enables quick, secure, and automated filling of cryogenic fluids with minimal operator effort, maintaining safety and ease of use by venting trapped gas into the tank rather than the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 1
a seal configured to prevent the cryogenic fluid from leaking between the nozzle and the receptacle when the nozzle and the receptacle are in the open position
Implementation Method 2
a communication passage configured to direct the vaporized gas from the nozzle into the receptacle
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a coupling nozzle for cryogenic fluid. An example nozzle comprises a flow body defining a conduit, an inlet, and an outlet. A pneumatic cylinder is configured to slide between an extended position and a contracted position. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to and configured to actuate the flow body. A locking mechanism is configured to secure the coupling nozzle to a receptacle. A flow control assembly comprises a valve seat fixed to the flow body adjacent the inlet and a plug configured to slide. When the locking mechanism is locked and the pneumatic cylinder actuates to the extended position, the valve seat is to disengage from the plug to open the flow control assembly. When the locking mechanism is locked and the pneumatic cylinder actuates to the contracted position, the valve seat is to engage the plug to close the flow control assembly.