Double-Walled Pipe Joint With Thermal Leak-Responsive Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bayonet connection devices for hydrogen pipelines face challenges in maintenance due to the required vacuum level of 10^-7 to 10^-11 bars, which complicates installation and increases the length and mass of the pipeline, making them suboptimal for aircraft applications.
Innovation Solution
A connection device for double-walled conduits featuring an exterior connection system that exerts a higher contact force on the conduits in the event of a hydrogen leak, using materials with a greater coefficient of expansion than the conduits, and incorporating a thermal insulating element with microbeads to maintain vacuum and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet connection device is used to maintain vacuum level of 10^-7 to 10^-11 bars, then sealing performance is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases and pipeline length and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate components: a first component with a first collar and a second component with a second collar, allowing independent assembly and maintenance of each side of the connection without requiring complete disassembly of the vacuum system
Solution Approach 2:
The collars are designed with self-aligning features and automatic sealing mechanisms that reduce the skill level and time required for maintenance operations, allowing routine maintenance to be performed more easily while maintaining the required vacuum integrity
2Reliability
If a bayonet connection device with extension and widened final section is used, then sealing is reinforced, but clearance requirements increase leading to greater pipeline length and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The collars are designed to nest within each other during the connection process, with the first collar partially receiving the second collar, which reduces the overall axial clearance required compared to traditional bayonet connections that require full extension insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism incorporates radial sealing elements that act in the radial dimension rather than relying solely on axial insertion depth, allowing effective sealing with reduced axial clearance requirements and thereby reducing pipeline length
3Reliability
If a bayonet connection device is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but device complexity and installation clearance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collars are designed with asymmetric profiles where the first collar has a different geometry than the second collar, creating a unique mating pattern that simplifies alignment and reduces installation complexity while maintaining vacuum sealing integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The collars incorporate pre-positioned sealing elements and alignment features that are already in place before connection, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation and reducing the overall complexity of the connection process
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 improves sealing performance and reduces the need for clearance, simplifying maintenance and reducing the overall length and mass of the hydrogen pipeline, making it more suitable for aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
the external connection system is configured so that at a first temperature, at least one of the first and second parts exerts a contact force on the end section of the corresponding first or second external conduit that is higher than at a second temperature higher than the first temperature
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a thermal insulating element with microbeads to maintain vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a double-walled conduit connection device (28, 30) comprising an internal connection system (40) linking first and second internal conduits (32, 36) and an external connection system having a first part which cooperates with an end section (T34) of the first external conduit (34) and a second part which cooperates with an end section (T38) of the second external conduit (38), the external connection system (42) being configured so that at a first temperature at least one of the first and second parts exerts a contact force on the corresponding end section (T34, T38) of the first or second external conduit (34, 38) greater than at a second temperature higher than the first temperature in order to strengthen the seal in particular in the event of hydrogen leakage.The invention also relates to a hydrogen pipeline comprising at least one such connection device.