Double-Wall Hydrogen Pipe Connection With Buffer-Space Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen pipelines in aircraft, which transport hydrogen in liquid form at -270°C, face challenges in maintaining a perfect seal and detecting leaks effectively, especially at connection areas between sections, due to insufficient pressure retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The pipeline design includes a connection system with annular seals and a buffer space, utilizing a stop mechanism and spacers to maintain seal integrity and a leak detection system that measures pressure and gas characteristics in the buffer space to detect potential leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If grooves are used to immobilize annular seals in the connection system, then seal positioning is simplified, but the seals cannot maintain their position against pressure differences between the buffer space and the ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a composite structure combining grooves for initial seal positioning with additional retention mechanisms (such as retention rings or clamps) that provide mechanical constraint against pressure differential forces. This multi-mechanism approach ensures both ease of installation and reliable seal retention under operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates pre-compression of the annular seals through the connection system's mechanical structure, creating a cushioning effect that counteracts pressure differential forces before they can cause seal displacement. This pre-applied mechanical constraint ensures seals remain positioned despite pressure variations between the buffer space and connected ducts.
2Device complexity
If the connection system uses simple grooves for seal retention, then the structure remains simple, but it fails to prevent seal displacement under pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: grooves for seal positioning, retention mechanisms for seal constraint, and pressure equalization pathways. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention rings or clamps act as intermediary elements between the grooves and the pressure differential forces. These intermediaries transfer and distribute the mechanical constraint forces evenly across the seal structure, preventing displacement while adding minimal complexity to the overall connection system.
3Length of moving object
If multiple sections are connected end to end to achieve the required hydrogen transport distance, then the pipeline can reach distant turbojets or fuel cells, but leak detection and seal integrity become more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates pressure sensors and leak detection mechanisms that continuously monitor the buffer space pressure and provide feedback on seal integrity. This real-time monitoring allows for immediate detection of pressure changes that may indicate seal failure or hydrogen leakage, enabling proactive maintenance across the extended pipeline network.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes preliminary leak detection capabilities built into each connection point before the pipeline is fully operational. Pressure sensors and detection systems are pre-installed and calibrated to detect potential seal issues at connection points, allowing for preventive maintenance before actual leaks occur in the extended pipeline system.
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 enhances the safety and reliability of hydrogen pipelines by effectively preventing hydrogen leaks and maintaining seal integrity across the entire length, including connection areas, through precise pressure management and leak detection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the intervening space
Implementation Method 2
at least one leak detection system configured to determine a characteristic of the first atmosphere
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipeline comprising: - at least first and second sections (16.1, 16.2), each having external and internal conduits (26, 28), - at least one connection system (22) linking the first and second sections (16.1, 16.2) and comprising: ∘ at least one downstream ring (42) connected to at least one of the external and internal conduits (26, 28) of the first section (16.1), ∘ at least one upstream ring (40) connected to at least one of the external and internal conduits (26, 28) of the second section (16.2), ∘ connecting elements linking the upstream and downstream rings (40, 42), ∘ first and second annular joints, interposed between the upstream and downstream rings (40, 42), configured to delimit, with the upstream and downstream rings (40, 42), a buffer space containing a atmosphere, the pipeline including at least one leak detection system configured to determine at least one characteristic of the atmosphere of the buffer space.