Fluid Connector Load Diverter for LNG Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer connectors face challenges in safely and reliably connecting and disconnecting fluid transfer lines, particularly in dynamic conditions, where structural loads can unlock the fluid connector while it remains locked, leading to potential damage and loss of hazardous fluids like liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Innovation Solution
A connector design that integrates a structural load diverter with a synchronized locking mechanism, combining a quick coupling decoupling system for normal operations and an emergency release system, which diverts structural loads away from the fluid connector, ensuring safe connection and disconnection, and allows for rearming without external action. The connector features a conical shape for easy orientation and includes a containment draining system for cryogenic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid connector is locked during normal operation, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the structural loads can accidentally unlock the fluid connector leading to potential damage and fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent but synchronized subsystems: a structural connector for load bearing and a fluid connector for fluid transfer. Each has its own locking mechanism, allowing the fluid connector to remain locked securely while the structural connector handles load variations independently, preventing accidental unlocking
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization mechanism acts as an intermediary between the structural and fluid connectors. This intermediary ensures that the fluid connector's locking state is maintained independently while being coordinated with the structural connector, preventing load-induced accidental unlocking
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector integrates both normal and emergency disconnection systems at the same interface, then the system is compact and versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The normal quick coupling decoupling system and the emergency release system are merged into a single integrated connector interface. Both systems share the same physical interface and synchronization mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility for both normal and emergency operations
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface is designed to perform multiple functions: normal connection, normal disconnection, emergency disconnection, and synchronization of both systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate interfaces, achieving versatility without proportional increase in complexity
3Reliability
If the connector uses a synchronized locking mechanism between structural and fluid connectors, then the connection is secure and loads are properly diverted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism is designed to automatically coordinate the locking and unlocking of both structural and fluid connectors without requiring external control systems. The mechanism self-regulates based on the state of the structural connector, reducing complexity while maintaining secure synchronized connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Connector for releasably attaching two fluid transfer lines, includes a flow connector with a first and second connector assemblies (3, 6) each having a fluid passage, a valve rotatably seated in the passage for opening or closing off the fluid passage. The flow connector also including a normal connection/disconnection system and an emergency disconnection system both located at the same interface and each one having its own dedicated actuating system characterized in that the flow connector is combined with a structural disconnectable load diverter (11, 4, 59) diverting the loads and moments created by the transfer line (2) away from the valves and the flow connector.