Cryogenic Pump Flange Thermal Insulation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic pump systems face challenges with condensation of humidity, frost, and ice accumulation around the flange due to the flow of cryogenic fluids, which can cause stress on weld joints and compromise the fluid seal, especially when the drive unit is mounted close to the flange in compact vehicle applications.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a flange with a passageway that includes a first portion of one diameter and a second portion of a greater diameter, creating a gap and an annular groove that forms a bellows, increasing thermal resistance and reducing heat transfer, thereby minimizing the freezing of hydraulic fluid and condensation issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the drive unit is mounted on or close to the flange in compact vehicle applications, then space constraints are satisfied and device compactness is improved, but the flange temperature decreases causing condensation of humidity, frost, and ice accumulation around the flange

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidcondensation and frost accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary thermal insulation barrier between the flange and the drive unit mounting surface. This intermediary structure prevents direct heat transfer from the drive unit to the flange, reducing condensation and frost accumulation while still allowing compact mounting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the thermal insulation function from the overall flange structure by providing separate insulation elements or barriers. This allows the flange to maintain its structural integrity while adding thermal protection specifically at critical areas where condensation occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If the flange temperature decreases due to cryogenic fluid flow, then cryogenic fluid delivery is achieved, but stress on weld joints increases and fluid seal is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange temperatureVSAvoidweld joint integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation specifically at critical areas of the flange where weld joints are located, rather than insulating the entire flange uniformly. This localized insulation protects vulnerable weld joints from thermal stress while maintaining cryogenic fluid flow through the flange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing thermal insulation barriers and flexible connection elements before cryogenic operation begins. These elements are designed to accommodate thermal contraction and protect weld joints from stress before the full cryogenic load is applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the drive unit is thermally insulated from the cold end and delivery pipe, then freezing of hydraulic fluid in the drive unit is prevented, but the number of heat transfer paths increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic fluid freezing preventionVSAvoidheat transfer path management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the thermal insulation function with the structural support and mounting functions into an integrated assembly. The insulation barriers are combined with mounting brackets and support structures, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining effective thermal isolation of the drive unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively reduces the likelihood of hydraulic fluid freezing and condensation around the warm end assembly, minimizing stress on weld joints and maintaining a reliable fluid seal even in compact cryogenic pump systems.

Implementation Method 1

creating a gap and an annular groove that forms a bellows, increasing thermal resistance and reducing heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

As the temperature of the flange decreases, due to cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), passing through one or more of these pipes, the flange contracts putting stress on these weld joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11655809B2Cryogenic pump flange

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CESPIRA CANADA LLP

AI summary

A flange for a pump comprises first and second faces and a passageway for cryogenic fluid flow extending from the first face to the second face and at least one of (1) the passageway is for a pipe and comprises a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter, wherein when the pipe has an outer diameter that is smaller than the second diameter a gap is formed between the pipe and the passageway where the pipe passes through the second portion; and (2) a first annular groove in one of the first face and the second face and extending around the passageway, wherein the first annular groove in cooperation with the passageway forms a bellows. The gap and bellows increase the thermal resistance between the passageway and the flange, and the bellows allows for flexure during thermal contractions of the flange reducing thermal stress on welded fluid seals.