Cryogenic Fueling Nozzle Cleaning Receptacle for Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning nozzles and receptacles for cryogenic fluid transfer are inadequate in thoroughly cleaning fueling receptacles and nozzles, leading to issues such as frozen valves and poor seal formation due to water and dirt accumulation, which is exacerbated by cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The development of specialized cleaning nozzles and receptacles with aligned spray holes and alignment mechanisms to ensure thorough cleaning of fueling receptacles and nozzles, using pressurized air to remove dirt and moisture, and venting moisture to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf spray nozzles are used to clean fueling receptacles, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and cannot thoroughly clean specialized cryogenic fueling receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is designed with spray holes positioned at specific locations and angles to target different surfaces of the fueling receptacle. The nozzle includes a body portion with spray holes arranged to clean the outer surface, and a cap portion with additional spray holes to clean internal surfaces, providing localized cleaning quality for each area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning nozzle is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with spray holes for external cleaning, a cap portion with spray holes for internal cleaning, and alignment features. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific cleaning function effectively.
2Device complexity
If off-the-shelf holsters are used to clean fueling nozzles, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it cannot thoroughly clean specialized cryogenic fueling nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning receptacle is designed with spray holes positioned to target specific areas of the fueling nozzle. The inner surface includes spray holes angled to clean the outer surface of the nozzle, while the inner chamber provides localized cleaning for internal nozzle surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If water accumulates on valve surfaces during cryogenic fluid transfer, then the receptacle can be cleaned, but the water freezes due to cryogenic temperatures and causes valves to freeze in open position
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning nozzle and receptacle are designed to remove water and moisture from valve surfaces before cryogenic fluid transfer begins. By preliminarily cleaning and drying the surfaces, the system prevents water accumulation that would otherwise freeze and cause valve malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses pressurized air or gas flow to not only clean surfaces but also to rapidly evaporate and remove moisture. The same pressurized flow that cleans also prevents freezing by eliminating the water that would cause the harmful freezing effect.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If dirt and material accumulate on fueling receptacle over time, then the receptacle continues to function, but a tight seal cannot form between receptacle and nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning nozzle and receptacle enable continuous cleaning operation throughout the service life of the fueling system. Regular cleaning cycles remove accumulating dirt and material, ensuring that seal surfaces remain clean and capable of forming tight seals throughout the receptacle's operational lifespan.
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
Facilitates effective cleaning of fueling receptacles and nozzles, preventing valve freezing and ensuring a tight seal, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of cryogenic fluid transfer.
Implementation Method 1
spray holes configured to spray pressurized air onto a fueling receptacle
Implementation Method 2
venting moisture from the fueling nozzle to prevent freezing
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning receptacle for cleaning a fueling nozzle used to transfer cryogenic fluid is disclosed. An example cleaning receptacle includes an outer body. The outer body includes an outer wall that extends circumferentially around a center axis of the cleaning receptacle. The outer wall has a first inner surface. The outer body includes a plurality of locating members extending inwardly from the first inner surface toward the center axis. The example cleaning receptacle includes a flow body. The flow body includes a second inner surface that defines a cavity and a lip at an outer end of the flow body. The example cleaning receptacle includes a spray body disposed at an inner end of the flow body. The spray body includes a spray head that defines a plurality of spray holes configured to spray air through the cavity of the flow body and onto surfaces of the fueling nozzle.