Fatigue Testing System for Liquid Hydrogen Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current material fatigue performance test systems in hydrogen environments are complex, costly, and prone to hydrogen leakage due to thermal expansion issues with metal pipes and flanges, posing safety hazards and restricting the application of hydrogen energy.
Innovation Solution
A system for testing material fatigue in low-temperature liquid hydrogen environments, featuring a jacket cover with a hydrogen sensor, a rack with liquid hydrogen and nitrogen tanks, and a loading mechanism with a dynamic sealing structure and cooling channels to maintain sealing gasket temperature and prevent hydrogen leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid helium is used as refrigerant in material fatigue test systems, then low-temperature testing capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive liquid helium with liquid nitrogen as the refrigerant. Liquid nitrogen is cheaper, more readily available, and easier to handle, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the low-temperature testing capability needed for hydrogen embrittlement research
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refrigerant parameter from liquid helium to liquid nitrogen. This parameter change reduces the system's operational complexity and cost while achieving the same low-temperature environment required for testing material fatigue in hydrogen conditions
2Strength
If metal pipes and flanges are used in low-temperature hydrogen environment, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal expansion causes hydrogen leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation layers to metal pipes and flanges, changing their thermal parameters to reduce thermal expansion and contraction. This insulation modifies the temperature distribution across the metal components, preventing the thermal stresses that cause hydrogen leakage while maintaining structural integrity in the low-temperature hydrogen environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal insulation materials as intermediary layers between the metal pipes/flanges and the low-temperature hydrogen environment. These insulation layers act as a mediator that protects the metal components from direct thermal exposure, reducing thermal expansion effects and preventing hydrogen leakage without compromising the structural strength
3Reliability
If sealing gaskets are used in low-temperature environment, then sealing function is provided, but temperature causes sealing failure and hydrogen leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation to sealing gaskets, changing their temperature parameter to prevent excessive cooling. This insulation maintains the sealing gasket's temperature within its operational range, preventing thermal shock and sealing failure while ensuring reliable sealing in the low-temperature hydrogen environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides thermal insulation to sealing gaskets before they are exposed to the low-temperature hydrogen environment. This pre-protection cushions the sealing gasket against thermal shock and temperature-induced failure, ensuring reliable sealing operation by preparing the component in advance for the harsh thermal conditions
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
Ensures safe and reliable testing by preventing hydrogen leakage through temperature-controlled sealing gaskets and monitoring with hydrogen sensors, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the safety of hydrogen energy applications.
Implementation Method 1
the joint of a metal pipe and a flange is easy to expand with heat and contract with cold to result in hydrogen leakage
Implementation Method 2
a hydrogen sensor is provided at a top of and within the jacket cover
Implementation Method 3
a liquid nitrogen tank and a liquid hydrogen tank are provided in the jacket cover
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing fatigue performance of material in low-temperature liquid hydrogen environment, which relates to the technical field of mechanical property test platforms, includes a jacket cover. A hydrogen sensor is provided at the top of and within the jacket cover; a rack, a liquid hydrogen tank and a liquid nitrogen tank are provided in the jacket cover; a loading mechanism and a liquid hydrogen containing mechanism are provided on the rack, the loading mechanism is connected to the rack, and the bottom of the loading mechanism extends into the liquid hydrogen containing mechanism; the liquid hydrogen tank and the liquid nitrogen tank both communicate with the liquid hydrogen containing mechanism; and the loading mechanism is configured for providing tension or pressure to a sample. The liquid hydrogen containing mechanism is provided with a cooling channel located around a sealing gasket, the cooling channel communicates with a thermostat.