Double-Wall Hydrogen Pipeline Coupling With Buffer-Space Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogen pipelines in aircraft face challenges in maintaining reliability, particularly at coupling systems where leaks can occur, compromising the integrity of the pipeline and the safety of hydrogen transport.
Innovation Solution
The pipeline system incorporates a double-wall design with an intermediary space evacuated to isolate hydrogen from air, and a coupling system featuring annular seals and a buffer space to detect leaks, ensuring the pipeline's reliability across its length, including at coupling points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the pipeline comprises multiple portions butted together to cover the distance between tank and engines, then the pipeline can reach the required length, but the reliability at coupling points deteriorates due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer space is introduced as an intermediary zone between pipeline portions at coupling points. This buffer space is surrounded by a detection system that can identify leaks before they compromise the main hydrogen-carrying pipeline, thus maintaining reliability while allowing multiple portions to be connected
Solution Approach 2:
A detection system with pressure sensors is implemented to continuously monitor the intermediary space and buffer zones. When a leak is detected through pressure changes, the system provides feedback that triggers an alarm or shutdown, enabling timely response to maintain pipeline safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the intermediary space is evacuated to isolate hydrogen from air, then safety is improved by preventing hydrogen-oxygen contact, but the complexity of the pipeline structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is segmented into distinct zones: the inner pipe carrying hydrogen, the evacuated intermediary space for isolation, and outer protective structures. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function while maintaining overall safety without requiring complete redesign of the entire pipeline system
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline employs a composite structure with multiple functional layers and materials - the inner pipe material selected for hydrogen compatibility, the evacuated space providing thermal and chemical isolation, and outer protective layers. This composite approach achieves superior safety performance while managing structural complexity through integrated design
3Reliability
If annular seals are added at coupling points to create buffer zones, then leak detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular seals serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical sealing between pipeline portions, creating the buffer space geometry, and acting as structural support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated leak detection structures, thereby managing complexity while improving detection capability
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 solution effectively detects leaks at coupling systems, enhancing the overall reliability of the hydrogen pipeline and ensuring safe transport of hydrogen in aircraft by preventing contact between hydrogen and oxygen.
Implementation Method 1
the pipeline comprising at least one leak detection system configured to determine a characteristic of the first atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline including at least first and second portions, each comprising outer and inner pipes, at least one coupling system connecting the first and second portions and including at least a downstream flange ring connected to at least one of the outer and inner pipes of the first portion, at least an upstream flange ring connected to at least one of the outer and inner pipes of the second portion, connecting elements connecting the upstream and downstream flange rings, first and second annular seals interposed between the upstream and downstream flange rings and configured to delimit, with the upstream and downstream flange rings, a buffer space containing an atmosphere, the pipeline comprising at least one leak detection system configured to determine at least one characteristic of the atmosphere of the buffer space.