Fluid Loading Joint Leakage Routing for Cryogenic Pipe Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid loading joints for low-temperature fluids, such as liquefied hydrogen, have complex structures due to the discharge route of leaked fluid being formed in the movable-side first half, which incorporates bearings, making the design cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The fluid loading joint design relocates the discharge route of the leaked fluid to the fixed-side second half, simplifying the structure of the movable-side first half by using a leakage pipe that connects inner and outer passages, and incorporates bend portions to absorb thermal contraction of the pipes, while also providing electrical insulation between flanges using annular spacers and insulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the discharge route of leaked fluid is formed in the movable-side first half, then the leaked fluid can be discharged, but the structure of the first half becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the discharge route formation from the movable-side first half and relocates it to the fixed-side second half. Specifically, the inner passage and outer passage are formed in the second flange and outer flange of the second half, respectively, and connected by a leakage pipe. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining the leaked fluid discharge function while eliminating the structural complexity that would arise from forming these passages in the bearing-incorporated first half.
2Temperature
If the pipes are subjected to thermal contraction at low temperatures, then the pipes can accommodate temperature changes, but the structure requires additional flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the leakage pipe flexible rather than rigid. The leakage pipe connecting the inner passage and outer passage is designed to be flexible, enabling it to accommodate thermal contraction of the pipes at low temperatures through elastic deformation. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing temperature adaptation without requiring complex rigid structural adjustments.
3Reliability
If electrical insulation is provided between flanges, then electrical conductivity is prevented, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an annular insulator as an intermediary component between the first flange and second flange. This insulator, made of electrically insulating material, is disposed between the flanges to prevent electrical conductivity between them. The intermediary insulator resolves the contradiction by providing reliable electrical insulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single dedicated insulating component.
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 simplifies the structure of the movable-side first half, accommodates thermal contraction through bend deformation, and ensures electrical insulation, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the fluid loading joint.
Implementation Method 1
In a case where the fluid flowing through the inside of the first inner pipe and the second inner pipe is a fluid having an extremely low temperature, such as liquefied hydrogen, the first inner pipe and the second inner pipe thermally contract to a great degree. According to the above configuration, since the leakage pipe includes bend portions, the thermal contraction of the second inner pipe can be absorbed by bending deformation occurring at the bend portions.
Implementation Method 2
electrical insulation between flanges using annular spacers and insulators
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid loading joint for rotatably connecting double pipes to each other includes: a first half including a first inner pipe, a first outer pipe, and a holder, the first inner pipe being provided with a first flange, the first outer pipe accommodating the first inner pipe therein, the holder holding the first outer pipe such that the first outer pipe is rotatable; a second half including a sliding surface facing the first flange, the second half including a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe, the second inner pipe being provided with a second flange, the second outer pipe accommodating the second inner pipe therein and being provided with an outer flange that is fastened to the holder; an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member that are disposed between the first flange and the sliding surface; an inner passage provided in the second flange, the inner passage leading a leaked fluid from between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member to an outer circumferential surface of the second flange; an outer passage provided in the outer flange, the outer passage leading the leaked fluid from an inner side to an outer side of the second outer pipe; and a leakage pipe that connects the inner passage and the outer passage between the second flange and the outer flange.