Cryogenic Coupling Nozzle Venting for Low-Force Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in cryogenic fluid handling is the difficulty in coupling nozzles to receptacles due to residual gas pressure, which opposes nozzle insertion and complicates the filling process, especially with cryogenic fluids like LNG and LPG that vaporize during transfer, leading to gas accumulation in the nozzle and receptacle.
Innovation Solution
A coupling nozzle system with a low-force locking mechanism, thermally isolated components, and a venting system that vents trapped gas into the storage tank instead of the atmosphere, facilitating easy nozzle disconnection and reducing the need for manual force during coupling.
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 residual gas pressure opposes nozzle insertion and makes coupling physically difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful residual gas from the receptacle before nozzle insertion by providing a venting path that allows gas to escape to the storage tank. This removal of the opposing gas pressure eliminates the main resistance to nozzle coupling, making the operation easy without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary venting action before the nozzle coupling operation. The venting mechanism is activated first to remove residual gas, creating favorable conditions for subsequent nozzle insertion. This preliminary removal of gas pressure prevents the coupling difficulty from occurring in the first place.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional nozzle coupling system is used, then fluid transfer can occur, but the remaining gas is vented into ambient atmosphere causing safety and environmental concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of residual gas venting into a beneficial outcome by redirecting the venting path. Instead of venting gas harmfully into the ambient atmosphere, the system vents it usefully into the storage tank where it can be contained and potentially reused. This transforms an environmental hazard into a controlled process outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the storage tank as an intermediary between the receptacle and the ambient atmosphere. The storage tank serves as a mediator that receives and contains the vented gas, preventing direct release into the environment. This intermediary structure enables controlled gas management rather than uncontrolled atmospheric venting.
3Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to overcome gas pressure during coupling, then nozzle insertion can be achieved, but the process becomes physically difficult and potentially unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful residual gas from the receptacle before nozzle insertion by providing a venting path that allows gas to escape to the storage tank. This removal of the opposing gas pressure eliminates the main resistance to nozzle coupling, making the operation easy without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary venting action before the nozzle coupling operation. The venting mechanism is activated first to remove residual gas, creating favorable conditions for subsequent nozzle insertion. This preliminary removal of gas pressure prevents the coupling difficulty from occurring in the first place.
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 system enables a secure, automated, and efficient filling process for cryogenic fluids by minimizing the physical effort required for nozzle coupling and disconnection, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of gas venting into the atmosphere.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of LNG and/or LNG may heat up and vaporize into gas
Implementation Method 2
thermally isolated components
Data Source
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.