Liquefied Hydrogen Loading Arm With Curved Vacuum-Insulated Tube Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LNG loading arms are not suitable for liquefied hydrogen due to the need for swivel joints, which are not applicable for vacuum insulation double tubes, leading to instability, increased costs, and potential damage from weight and wind-induced shaking.
Innovation Solution
A liquefied hydrogen loading arm with a support frame structure including an inboard and outboard boom, using a flexible vacuum insulation double tube with a midway portion support mechanism and a vacuum insulation double connecting tube to minimize length and prevent bending, eliminating the need for swivel joints and stabilizing the tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a flexible vacuum insulation double tube is adopted for liquefied hydrogen transport, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the tube becomes heavier and more prone to bending and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by disposing the vacuum insulation double tube in an upward curved shape below the support frame structure rather than in a straight horizontal line. This dimensional change allows the tube to clear obstacles and reduces the required length, thereby reducing weight while maintaining insulation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the tube support into multiple sections: the support frame structure with inboard and outboard booms provides structural support, while the tube itself is segmented into portions above and below the booms. This segmentation allows optimized positioning and reduces the unsupported span, preventing bending damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible pipe is disposed in a space on the upper side of the loading arm, then flexibility is improved, but the pipe length increases and facility cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the flexible pipe from the upper space to the lower space beneath the support frame structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and curving the tube upward, the pipe achieves the necessary flexibility for loading/unloading operations while minimizing its horizontal length and reducing facility costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the flexible pipe in the conventional upper position, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning it in the lower space. This inversion allows the pipe to be supported by the boom structure from above, providing both flexibility and length reduction
3Temperature
If a vacuum insulation double tube is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but the tube is larger in weight per unit length and requires additional support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame structure with inboard and outboard booms serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vacuum insulation double tube, enables the tube to be disposed in an optimized curved configuration, and reduces the need for additional specialized support mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining thermal insulation
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 solution reduces facility costs, ensures stability, and prevents damage to the vacuum insulation double tube by minimizing its length and using a support frame structure to maintain its shape, while allowing for efficient transportation of liquefied hydrogen.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum layer between the inner tube and the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum insulation double tube with high thermal insulation performance needs to be used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A liquefied hydrogen loading arm configured to transport liquefied hydrogen includes: a support frame structure including a base riser erected on a ground, an inboard boom, an outboard boom, and a counterweight; a flexible vacuum insulation double tube including a flexible metal inner tube, a flexible metal outer tube fitted on the inner tube, and a vacuum layer, the vacuum insulation double tube being disposed in an upward curved shape in a space below the support frame structure; a vacuum insulation double connecting tube connected to a distal end portion of the vacuum insulation double tube and connected to a distal end portion of the outboard boom; and a midway portion support mechanism configured to support a lengthwise midway portion of the vacuum insulation double tube on the support frame structure through a hard curved member curved upward in a convex shape.