LNG Connection Device Segmentation and Flushing Gas Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) poses a risk of creating an explosive atmosphere during connection and disconnection due to vaporization, necessitating a high-security connection device that prevents the formation of explosive atmospheres during leakage or procedural stages.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with dual valves and actuators, along with a flushing gas system, ensures sealed passages and automatic mechanical control to maintain safety by isolating the LNG within defined buffer spaces, preventing LNG flow and methane-air interaction during connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for LNG transfer, then connection and disconnection operations can be performed, but the risk of creating explosive atmospheres during leakage or procedural stages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple sealed compartments including a buffer space, inter-connector space, and flushing spaces. This segmentation isolates LNG to specific zones and prevents uncontrolled mixing with atmospheric air, thereby eliminating explosive atmosphere formation during connection and disconnection operations
Solution Approach 2:
A flushing gas (inert gas) is introduced as an intermediary substance to replace atmospheric air in the buffer space and inter-connector space before LNG contact. This intermediary gas acts as a protective barrier that prevents the formation of explosive mixtures while allowing connection and disconnection to proceed safely
2Reliability
If dual valves and actuators are added to ensure sealed passages and automatic control, then safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second actuators are mechanically coupled through a common shaft, allowing both valves to be actuated simultaneously by a single control input. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining the reliability of sealed passage control during connection and disconnection sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer space is pre-filled with inert flushing gas before connection operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that when connectors come into contact, the hazardous inter-connector space already contains non-explosive gas, eliminating the need for complex real-time monitoring and control systems
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 effectively prevents the creation of explosive atmospheres during LNG transfer operations by ensuring sealed and controlled environments, enhancing safety and operational efficiency through automatic mechanical controls and flushing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve located in the fluid conduit and capable of selectively sealing or opening an internal space of the fluid conduit, a second valve located in the fluid conduit between the first valve and the first end of the connector and capable of selectively sealing or opening the internal space of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a coupling element capable of sealingly coupling the two connectors in a coupled position, such that the internal spaces of the fluid conduits of the two connectors are sealingly connected in the region of the second ends of the pipes
Implementation Method 3
one of the connectors comprises a flushing gas inlet discharging into the buffer space and designed to be connected to a source for supplying flushing gas and capable of injecting flushing gas into the buffer space of the connector
Implementation Method 4
one of the connectors comprises a gas and/or liquid outlet discharging into the buffer space and capable of evacuating the gas and/or the liquid contained in the buffer space of said connector
Data Source
AI summary
Connection device for connecting two fluid circuits having two connectors, each designed to be mounted on one of the circuits, wherein each connector has a fluid conduit designed to cooperate with the conduit of the other connector to form a fluid passage between the connectors, a first valve and a second valve located in the conduit and capable of selectively sealing or opening the conduit, wherein the conduit has a buffer space defined by an inner wall of the fluid conduit, the first valve and the second valve, a first actuator of the first valve and a second actuator of the second valve the connection device further having a coupling element capable of sealingly coupling the conduits of the connectors.