CN116464840A - Coupling for insulated pipe - Google Patents

Coupling for insulated pipe Download PDF

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Publication number
CN116464840A
CN116464840A CN202310049248.6A CN202310049248A CN116464840A CN 116464840 A CN116464840 A CN 116464840A CN 202310049248 A CN202310049248 A CN 202310049248A CN 116464840 A CN116464840 A CN 116464840A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
conduit
coupling
optionally
component
insulated
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN202310049248.6A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
塞缪尔·菲利普斯
安东尼·布赖恩特
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Airbus Operations GmbH
Original Assignee
Airbus Operations GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Airbus Operations GmbH filed Critical Airbus Operations GmbH
Publication of CN116464840A publication Critical patent/CN116464840A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
    • F16L9/18—Double-walled pipes; Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L23/00—Flanged joints
    • F16L23/02—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L23/00—Flanged joints
    • F16L23/02—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially
    • F16L23/032—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially characterised by the shape or composition of the flanges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L43/00—Bends; Siphons
    • F16L43/001—Bends; Siphons made of metal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L43/00—Bends; Siphons
    • F16L43/02—Bends; Siphons adapted to make use of special securing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/06—Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum
    • F16L59/065—Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum using vacuum

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Insulation (AREA)

Abstract

A coupling for insulated piping is provided. The coupling includes: a first part and a second part for forming a coupling; each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the vacuum insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of the vacuum insulated conduit; the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component form an inner region for passage of fluid; each of the first and second members includes an engagement portion for forming an engagement with an engagement portion of the other of the first and second members, the engagement portion including a flange for connecting the first and second members; each of the first and second components includes a sleeve surrounding the outer portion, the sleeve including a thermally conductive portion in thermal communication with the joint portion for conducting heat away from the joint portion.

Description

Coupling for insulated pipe
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to couplings for insulated pipelines.
The present invention relates to a coupling for coupling insulated pipes, optionally vacuum insulated pipes. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to couplings for insulated piping such as vacuum insulated piping. The invention also relates to a kit for forming a coupling, a first and a second part for forming such a coupling, an insulated pipe unit, a fuel delivery unit, a vehicle comprising an insulated pipe unit and/or a fuel delivery unit, and a method of supplying a cold liquid fuel.
Background
Rigid couplings in insulated piping such as vacuum insulated piping (also referred to as "vacuum jacketed piping" or "super insulated piping") are typically based on conventional bolted flanges with compressible seals, clamped V-flanges with compressible seals, or vacuum insulated "bayonet" couplings.
Insulated pipes are double walled pipes typically used to carry a cold fluid (typically a liquid). A cold fluid is carried in the central conduit. The outer annular region surrounds the central conduit and provides thermal insulation for the central conduit. A solid insulating material may be provided in the outer annular region. In a vacuum insulated pipe, the outer annular region is at a low pressure. In some cases, air is removed from the duct to provide a low pressure region during duct manufacture. In other cases, a vacuum pump may be used to continuously remove air from the conduit to provide a low pressure region. The sections of pipe are typically joined together using a two-piece pipe coupling, which may include a conventional bolted flange with a compressible seal, a clamped V-flange with a compressible seal, or a vacuum insulated "bayonet" coupling.
Such couplings typically comprise metal and thus provide a potential hot entry point for cold fluid carried in the central conduit. Heating of the cold fluid is undesirable. Furthermore, such couplings connect two sections of a pipe, and it is therefore desirable that the couplings be strong and resistant to unwanted deformation of the pipe.
Bayonet couplings are less prone to thermal ingress problems than flanged couplings, but are heavy and expensive. Furthermore, such bayonet couplings require careful handling and installation. Bayonet couplings are also typically relatively long and thus may not be suitable for providing engagement in pipes having bends or joints, such as T-joints.
The present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved coupling for insulated pipes.
Disclosure of Invention
A first aspect of the present invention provides a coupling for insulated piping, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming a coupling;
each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the insulated conduit and an outer portion for communication with an outer insulated component of the insulated conduit;
The inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for passage of fluid;
each of the first and second members includes a joint portion for forming a joint with the joint portion of the other of the first and second members, the joint portion including a flange for connecting the first and second members and a second joint portion located inside the flange;
at least one of the first and second components includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the joining portion and providing a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second joining portion.
The applicant has found that it is advantageous to provide a coupling having a long heat conduction path between the flange and the second joint part, which is affected by ambient conditions.
Optionally, the engagement portion extends radially outwardly from the second engagement portion to the flange.
Optionally, at least one (and preferably each) of the first and second components includes a thermally insulating portion located between the flange and the second engagement portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second engagement portion.
Optionally, both the first and second components include thermally conductive portions extending away from the respective joining portions and providing a thermally conductive path between the respective flange and the respective second joining portion.
The coupling is optionally a coupling for a vacuum insulated pipeline. Each of the first and second components optionally includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the vacuum insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of the vacuum insulated conduit.
The second engagement portion may be proximate to the inner portion and optionally outboard of the inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the insulated conduit. The second engagement portion may comprise a portion having a reduced conductive cross section. The portion with the reduced conduction cross section reduces heat conduction between the flange and the fluid carried by the coupling. The second engagement portion may comprise a wall, optionally an annular wall. The portion with the reduced conductive cross-section may comprise one or more recesses or apertures in the second engagement portion. One or more of the recesses or apertures may be provided with a solid thermally insulating material. Such thermally insulating materials may provide strength and/or rigidity to the coupling.
The heat conductive portion may include a first heat conductive portion and a second heat conductive portion, the first heat conductive portion being located inside the second heat conductive portion. The first and second heat conducting portions may form a sleeve.
The heat conducting portion may extend away from the flange to a region away from the flange, and may extend from the region away from the flange to the second joining portion. This arrangement may provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint part.
The length of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be at least 60mm, optionally at least 80mm, optionally at least 100mm and optionally at least 120mm. The length of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be no more than 300mm, optionally no more than 250mm, optionally no more than 200mm, optionally no more than 180mm, optionally no more than 160mm, optionally no more than 140mm and optionally no more than 120mm. The length of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be 60mm to 300mm, optionally 80mm to 250mm and optionally 100mm to 200mm. Such a length has been shown to be effective in conducting heat away from the joined portion of the first or second component at an outer diameter of the vacuum tube of 3.5 "(-89 mm).
As mentioned above, the thermally conductive section may extend away from the flange to a region away from the flange, and may extend from the region away from the flange to the second joining section. The region remote from the flange may be at least 60mm, optionally at least 80mm, optionally at least 100mm and optionally at least 120mm from the flange. The region remote from the flange may be no more than 300mm, alternatively no more than 250mm, alternatively no more than 200mm, alternatively no more than 180mm, alternatively no more than 160mm, alternatively no more than 140mm and alternatively no more than 120mm from the flange. The region remote from the flange may be 60mm to 300mm, alternatively 80mm to 250mm and alternatively 100mm to 200mm from the flange.
The thermally conductive portions (and optional sleeves, if present) protrude from the respective flanges. The length of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be determined as the distance that the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) protrudes from the corresponding flange.
The length of the thermally conductive section (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may be at least 60% of the outer dimension of the sleeve (if present), optionally at least 80% of the outer dimension of the sleeve, optionally at least 100% of the outer dimension of the sleeve and optionally at least 120% of the outer dimension of the sleeve.
The length of the thermally conductive section (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may not exceed 400% of the outer dimension of the sleeve (if present), optionally not exceed 350% of the outer dimension of the sleeve, optionally not exceed 300% of the outer dimension of the sleeve, optionally not exceed 250% of the outer dimension of the sleeve, optionally not exceed 200% of the outer dimension of the sleeve, optionally not exceed 150% of the outer dimension of the sleeve and optionally not exceed 100% of the outer dimension of the sleeve. The length of the thermally conductive section (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may be 60% to 300% of the outer dimension of the sleeve (if present), optionally 80% to 300% of the outer dimension of the sleeve and optionally 100% to 150% of the outer dimension of the sleeve. Such a length has proven to be effective in conducting heat away from the joint of the first or second component. The outer dimension of the sleeve is optionally the outer diameter of the sleeve, as the sleeve may be a right cylinder.
The inner portion may be used to engage with an inner component of an insulated conduit, such as a vacuum insulated conduit. The outer portion may be adapted to engage with an outer component of the insulated pipe. At least one of the first and second components and optionally each may include an inner conduit portion for engagement with an inner tube of an insulated pipe. The inner conduit portion may be configured to receive or be received by an inner tube of an insulated conduit.
The inner conduit portion of the first component optionally includes a protrusion and the second component optionally includes a protrusion receiving portion for receiving the protrusion of the first component. The protrusion may include a lower thermal expansion region having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The tab receiving portion may have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The phrase "lower thermal expansion region" is used to facilitate identification of the region and is used to indicate that the region has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tab receiving portion.
Applicants have found that a coupling with enhanced engagement can be formed when a cold liquid, such as liquid hydrogen, is passed through the inner conduit portion.
The protrusion and the protrusion-receiving portion are configured such that the protrusion-receiving portion engages with the protrusion upon cooling to a temperature associated with the passage of cold liquid through the inner conduit portion. Such a temperature will optionally not exceed 0 ℃, optionally not exceed-50 ℃, optionally not exceed-100 ℃, optionally not exceed-150 ℃, optionally not exceed-200 ℃, optionally not exceed-250 ℃ and optionally not exceed-260 ℃, and optionally not below-100 ℃, optionally not below-150 ℃, optionally not below-200 ℃ and optionally not below-260 ℃. For example, the protrusion and protrusion-receiving portion are configured such that the protrusion-receiving portion engages with the protrusion upon cooling to a temperature associated with liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen passing through the inner conduit portion.
The tab receiving portion may comprise steel. The protrusion-receiving portion may have a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least 5 x 10 -6 K -1 Optionally at least 8 x 10 -6 K -1 And optionally at least 1 x 10 -5 K -1 。
The lower thermal expansion regions of the protrusions may be formed of a low thermal expansion material such as invar or a suitable polymer. The lower thermal expansion region may have a thermal expansion of not more than 2×10 -6 K -1 Optionally not more than 1.5X10 -6 K -1 And optionally not more than 1.0X10 -6 K -1 Is a thermal expansion coefficient of (c).
The protrusion may optionally be proximate to the flange of the first component. The protrusion may be proximate to the engagement region of the first component. The protrusion may protrude from the engagement region of the first member.
The tab receiving portion may be proximate to the flange of the second component. The tab receiving portion optionally extends from the engagement region of the second component, optionally rearward, if the direction in which the engagement region faces defines a forward direction.
The inner conduit portion of the second component may include a tab receiving portion. The inner conduit portion of the second component may include a non-receiving portion that does not receive the protrusion. The projection receiving portion may be cylindrical. The cross-sectional area, diameter, and/or shape of the projection-receiving portion may be the same or different than the cross-sectional area, diameter, and/or shape of the non-receiving portion. For example, the diameter of the tab receiving portion may be greater than the diameter of the non-tab receiving portion. This may be the case, for example, if the diameter of the protrusion is the same as the diameter of the non-receiving portion and/or if the diameter of the protrusion is the same as the diameter of the non-protruding portion of the inner conduit portion of the first component.
The cross-sectional area, diameter and/or shape of the protrusion may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional area, diameter and/or shape of the non-protruding portion of the inner conduit portion of the first component. For example, the diameter of the protrusion may be the same as the diameter of the non-protruding portion of the inner conduit portion of the first component. For example, the diameter of the protrusion may be different from the diameter of the non-protruding portion of the inner conduit portion of the first component.
As mentioned above, the inner conduit portion of the first component optionally comprises a protrusion comprising a lower thermal expansion region having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The lower thermal expansion region may provide an end or tip portion of the protrusion. In this case, the protrusion may comprise a base portion, in which case the base portion may comprise a different material than the end or tip portion, the material having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the region of lower thermal expansion. The lower thermal expansion region may comprise substantially the entire protrusion. The tip portion may optionally have a length of at least 2mm, optionally at least 5mm, optionally at least 10mm, and optionally at least 20 mm. The tip portion may have a length of no more than 100mm, alternatively no more than 80mm, alternatively no more than 60mm, alternatively no more than 50mm, alternatively no more than 40mm, alternatively no more than 30mm, alternatively no more than 20mm, and alternatively no more than 10 mm.
Optionally, the protrusion optionally has a length of at least 2mm, optionally at least 5mm, optionally at least 10mm, and optionally at least 20 mm. The protrusion may optionally have a length of no more than 100mm, optionally no more than 80mm, optionally no more than 60mm, optionally no more than 50mm, optionally no more than 40mm, optionally no more than 30mm, optionally no more than 20mm, and optionally no more than 10 mm.
The length of the tab receiving portion is correspondingly sized to receive the tab.
Alternatively, the inner conduit portion may be configured to abut an inner tube of the insulated pipe. The inner conduit portion may extend from the engagement portion of the respective first or second component. In use, fluid flows through the inner conduit portion. The inner conduit portion optionally extends orthogonally to the flange. The inner conduit portion optionally extends parallel to the sleeve. Optionally, the inner conduit portion extends through the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present). Such an arrangement may facilitate attaching the inner conduit portion to the inner tube of the insulated conduit. The inner conduit portion and the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) optionally define a space for engagement with an insulating region of an insulated conduit. The space may be annular in cross-section. The thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be configured to receive an outer tube of the insulated conduit. The thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) may be configured to abut the outer tube of the insulated conduit.
As described above, the first component and/or the second component (and optional sleeve, if present) may include a thermally insulating portion. The thermally insulating portion may be located outside the outer portion. The applicant has found that it is beneficial to provide a thermally insulating portion to prevent unwanted transfer of heat from the surrounding environment to the liquid carried in the inner components of the insulated pipe.
The heat insulating portion may have a cylindrical shape.
As mentioned above, the thermally conductive portion may provide a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second joining portion. In this regard, the thermally conductive section may include a first thermally conductive section and a second thermally conductive section, the first thermally conductive section being located inboard of the second thermally conductive section, the first thermally conductive section being in thermal communication with the second thermally conductive section. Thus, a heat conduction path is provided between the flange and the second joining portion by the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion. The heat insulating portion may be located between the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion. One or both of the first and second thermally conductive portions may be generally cylindrical in shape. One or both of the first and second heat conducting portions may be in contact with the heat insulating portion.
The heat conducting portion may extend away from the flange to a region away from the flange, and may extend from the region away from the flange to the second joining portion. This arrangement may provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint part.
One or both of the first and second thermally conductive portions may have an average thickness of at least 0.5mm, optionally at least 1.0mm, optionally at least 1.5mm and optionally at least 2.0 mm.
One or both of the first and second heat conducting portions may have an average thickness of no more than 5.0mm, optionally no more than 4.0mm, optionally no more than 3.0mm, optionally no more than 2.5mm, optionally no more than 2.0mm, and optionally no more than 1.5 mm.
The thermally conductive section may comprise a thermally conductive end section. The thermally conductive end portion may be located in a thermal path between the first thermally conductive portion and the second thermally conductive portion. The thermally conductive end portion may optionally have an average thickness of at least 1mm, optionally at least 2mm, optionally at least 3mm, optionally at least 4mm, optionally at least 5mm and optionally at least 8 mm.
The thermally insulating portion may optionally have an average thickness of at least 1mm, optionally at least 2mm, optionally at least 3mm, optionally at least 4mm, and optionally at least 5 mm.
The thermally insulating portion may optionally have an average thickness of no more than 30mm, optionally no more than 25mm, optionally no more than 20mm, optionally no more than 15mm, and optionally no more than 10 mm.
The thermally insulating portion may optionally have an average thickness of 1mm to 30mm, optionally 2mm to 25mm, optionally 5mm to 20mm, and optionally 8mm to 20 mm.
The thermally conductive section optionally has a thermal conductivity of at least 10W/m.k, optionally at least 12W/m.k, optionally at least 14W/m.k, and optionally at least 16W/m.k. For the avoidance of doubt, the thermal conductivity may be measured at 20 ℃.
The thermally insulating portion is optionally solid. The thermally insulating portion is optionally rigid. Preferably, the thermally insulating portion provides some structural support for the coupling.
The thermally insulating portion optionally comprises a plastic material. The thermally insulating portion optionally comprises an amorphous material, such as an amorphous plastic material. For example, the thermally insulating material may optionally include a polymer, such as a polyetherimide (e.g.). Applicants have found that amorphous plastic materials can provide a sufficiently low thermal conductivity and a sufficiently high young's modulus.
The thermally insulating portion optionally has a thermal conductivity of no more than 1W/m.k, optionally no more than 0.8W/m.k, optionally no more than 0.6W/m.k, optionally no more than 0.4W/m.k, and optionally no more than 0.3W/m.k.
The thermally insulating portion optionally has a Young's modulus of at least 0.5GPa, optionally at least 1.0GPa, optionally at least 1.5GPa, optionally at least 2.0GPa and optionally at least 2.5 GPa. For the avoidance of doubt, the young's modulus may be measured at ambient temperature (typically 15 ℃ to 25 ℃).
The thermally insulating portion may be incorporated into the coupling in any suitable manner. For example, the preformed solid thermally insulating portion may be adhered or otherwise attached to the first or second component of the coupling. Alternatively, the solid thermally insulating material may be heated to a flowable form, introduced into the first or second component of the coupling, and cooled, thereby forming the thermally insulating portion.
As previously mentioned, the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present) optionally has a length. The length is optionally measured along the longitudinal axis of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present). Optionally, the thermally insulating portion extends along at least 50% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present), optionally along at least 60% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present), optionally along at least 70% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present), optionally along at least 80% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present), optionally along at least 90% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present), and optionally along at least 95% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present).
The coupling optionally includes a first seal forming member. The first seal forming member may be provided with an engaging portion. One of the first and second parts is optionally provided with a first seal forming member. The first seal forming member may have an annular shape. The first seal forming member may be located outside the inner portion. If the respective first or second component comprises an inner conduit portion, the first seal forming member may be located outside the inner conduit portion. The first seal forming member may be located inside the outer portion. The first seal forming member may be located inboard of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve if present). In use, the first seal forming member is located outside the inner portion of the insulated conduit, thereby preventing liquid carried in the inner portion of the insulated conduit from escaping.
The coupling optionally includes a second seal forming member. One of the first and second parts is provided with a second seal forming member. Optionally, one of the first and second parts is provided with both the first and second seal forming members. The second seal forming member may optionally be located outside of the thermally conductive section (and optional sleeve, if present).
One or more of the flanges may be provided with a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners such as bolts. A plurality of apertures may be spaced around the flange, optionally substantially evenly spaced around the flange. The flange may extend laterally from the respective first or second component. The flange may extend substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the respective first or second component.
The coupling may be provided with thermal insulation around at least a portion of the first and second parts of the coupling. Thermal insulation may be provided substantially around both the first and second components of the coupling.
The first and second components may be provided with apertures or passages that together provide one or more flow paths between the outer region of the first component and the outer region of the second component. This facilitates the removal of gas from the outer region of the first component and the outer region of the second component using a single vacuum pump or other means for reducing pressure in the case where the coupling is for use with a vacuum insulated conduit.
The engagement portion of the first component and the engagement portion of the second component may comprise a substantially planar face portion. The substantially planar face portions may be urged together in the coupling.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling for insulated pipes, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming a coupling,
each of the first and second members includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner member of the insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer insulated member of the insulated conduit,
the inner portion of the first member and the inner portion of the second member are adapted to form an inner region for passage of a fluid,
at least one of the first and second components includes a sleeve surrounding the outer portion, the sleeve including a thermally insulating portion surrounding the outer portion.
The applicant has found that it is beneficial to provide a sleeve comprising a thermally insulating portion to prevent unwanted transfer of heat from the surrounding environment to the liquid carried in the inner part of the insulated pipe.
The coupling may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. For example, the thermally insulating portion may include one or more of the features described above with respect to the coupling of the first aspect of the invention.
The sleeve may include a thermally conductive portion extending away from the engagement portion, the thermally conductive portion being in thermal communication with the engagement portion for conducting heat away from the engagement portion. The thermally conductive section may comprise one or more of the features described above in relation to the coupling of the first aspect of the invention.
At least one or both of the first and second components may include a flange and a second engagement portion located inboard of the flange. The flange may have those features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. At least one or both of the first and second components may include a thermally conductive portion that provides a thermally conductive path between the second joining portion and the flange. The thermally conductive section may extend away from the joining section. In this regard, the thermally conductive section may include a first thermally conductive section and a second thermally conductive section, the first thermally conductive section being located inboard of the second thermally conductive section, wherein the first thermally conductive section is in thermal communication with the second thermally conductive section. The thermally insulating portion may be located between the flange and the second engagement portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second engagement portion. The heat insulating portion may be located between the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion.
The coupling is optionally a coupling for a vacuum insulated pipeline. Each of the first and second components optionally includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the vacuum insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of the vacuum insulated conduit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling for insulated pipes, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming a coupling;
each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer insulated component of the insulated conduit;
the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for passage of fluid;
each of the first and second members includes an engagement portion for forming an engagement with an engagement portion of the other of the first and second members, the engagement portion including a flange for connecting the first and second members,
at least one of the first member and the second member includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the engagement portion.
The applicant has found that the thermal performance of the coupling can be enhanced by providing a thermally conductive portion extending from the joint portion. For example, the thermally conductive portion may extend from the flange. The thermally conductive section may form part of the sleeve. The sleeve may include a thermally insulating portion. At least a portion of the thermally insulating portion may be located outside of the thermally insulating portion. For example, the thermally conductive section may include an outer wall located outside of the thermally insulating section. In addition, the heat conducting portion may include an inner wall located inside the heat insulating portion. The sleeve may include those features described above in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention. The first and/or second parts of the coupling may comprise a second engagement portion located on the inner side of the flange. The thermally conductive portion may provide a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second engagement portion.
The engagement portion may extend radially outwardly from the second engagement portion to the flange. At least one (and optionally each) of the first and second components includes a thermally insulating portion located between the flange and the second engagement portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second engagement portion.
The heat conducting portion may extend away from the flange to a region away from the flange, and may extend from the region away from the flange to the second joining portion. This arrangement may provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint part.
The coupling of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise any of the features of the coupling of the first and second aspects of the present invention. Also, the coupling of the first and second aspects of the invention may comprise any of the features of the third aspect of the invention.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling for a vacuum insulated pipe, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming a coupling;
each of the first and second components includes:
a joining portion including a substantially flat face and a flange for connecting the first member and the second member, the flat face of the first member and the flat face of the second member facing each other;
A first inner conduit extending away from the generally planar face and flange, the first inner conduit configured to engage an inner tube of a vacuum insulated conduit;
a second outer conduit substantially concentric with the first inner conduit, the second outer conduit extending away from the substantially planar face and flange, the second outer conduit configured to engage an outer tube of the vacuum insulated conduit, wherein the second outer conduit comprises a ) A cylindrical heat conducting portion in thermal communication with the junction portion for conducting heat away from the junction portion, and (b) a cylindrical heat insulating portion for preventing heat transfer to the first internal conduit.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include those features described above in relation to the coupling of the first and second aspects of the present invention.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a first part and/or a second part of a coupling for use in the coupling of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention, the kit comprising first and second parts of a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention.
The first and second parts of the coupling may comprise those features described above in relation to the coupling of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the invention.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulated conduit comprising the first and/or second parts of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.
The insulated conduit may be a vacuum insulated conduit. The insulated conduit optionally comprises an inner conduit for carrying a fluid, optionally a cold fluid, and an outer conduit where there is a reduced pressure. Optionally, the first or second part of the coupling is attached or otherwise connected to the insulated conduit. Alternatively, the first or second part of the coupling may be integral with the insulated conduit. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the area of reduced pressure in the insulated conduit is not under a true vacuum. The pressure is sufficiently reduced to prevent heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the fluid carried in the inner conduit. The inner conduit may be engaged (or integral) with the inner portion of the first and/or second parts of the coupling. The inner conduit may be in fluid communication with the inner portion of the coupling. If the first and/or second component comprises an inner conduit portion, the inner conduit of the insulated conduit may be joined (or integral) with the inner conduit portion, optionally the inner portion of the coupling is in fluid communication with the inner conduit, optionally such that a fluid flow path exists between the inner conduit of the insulated conduit and the inner conduit portion. There may be an overlap between the inner conduit portion and the inner conduit. Such overlapping may allow the coupling to be attached to the insulated conduit. The outer tube of the insulated tube may be joined (or integral) with the sleeve. There may be an overlap between the sleeve and the outer conduit. Such overlapping may allow the coupling to be attached to the insulated conduit.
The inner and outer conduits of the insulated conduit may define an area that is subject to low pressure in use. The low pressure region is optionally in fluid communication with an outer region of the coupling.
The insulated conduit of the seventh aspect of the invention may comprise more than one first and/or second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention. For example, the first connection region of the insulated pipe may comprise the first or second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention, and the second connection region of the insulated pipe may comprise the first or second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention. For example, if the insulated conduit is in the form of a T, the third connection region of the insulated conduit may comprise the first or second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided an insulated conduit assembly comprising a first insulated conduit and a second insulated conduit connected by a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention. The line set may be a vacuum insulated line set comprising a first vacuum insulated conduit and a second vacuum insulated conduit.
The insulated switchgear of the eighth aspect of the invention may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the first to seventh aspects of the invention.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming an insulated conduit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention or an insulated switchgear according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the kit comprising one or more lengths of insulated conduit and at least one first and/or second component of a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects of the present invention. The kit may be used to form a vacuum insulated conduit and may include one or more lengths of vacuum insulated conduit.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fuel delivery apparatus comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to an engine or motor through an insulated conduit means (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit means) according to the eighth aspect of the present invention. The fuel may be a liquefied gas such as hydrogen.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising an insulated pipe unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention (optionally a vacuum insulated pipe unit) and/or a fuel delivery apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention. The vehicle may be a land-based vehicle such as an automobile, vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles, electric vehicles, or trains. The vehicle may be an aircraft, such as a fixed wing aircraft or a rotorcraft.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of supplying a cold liquid fuel comprising passing the cold liquid fuel through a coupling according to the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention, an insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an insulated conduit means (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit means) according to the eighth aspect of the present invention or a fuel delivery apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention. The cold liquid fuel may include liquid hydrogen.
Of course, it will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the present invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the present invention, and vice versa.
Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which:
fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention;
fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the coupling of fig. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4a shows an end view of a coupling according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4b shows an end view of a coupling according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
fig. 5a shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated pipe according to an embodiment of the invention;
fig. 5b shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated pipe according to another embodiment of the invention;
fig. 5c shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated pipe according to another embodiment of the invention;
fig. 5d shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated pipe according to a further embodiment of the invention;
fig. 5e shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated pipe according to a further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a vacuum insulated switchgear according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates an aircraft according to an aspect of the invention, the aircraft including a fuel delivery device and an aircraft according to an aspect of the invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method of supplying cold liquid fuel in accordance with aspects of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coupling according to another embodiment of the present invention; and is also provided with
Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coupling according to a further embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the coupling according to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The coupling is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 and is adapted to couple an insulated conduit, in this case a vacuum insulated conduit. The coupling 100 comprises a first part 1 and a second part 51 for forming the coupling. Each of the first and second parts 1, 51 comprises an inner part 2, 52 for engagement with an inner part of a vacuum insulated pipe and an outer part 3, 53 for engagement with an outer low voltage part of the vacuum insulated pipe. The inner portions 2, 52 of the first and second components form an interior region 14 for the passage of fluid. In this regard, vacuum insulated piping generally comprises an inner pipe carrying a fluid, typically a liquid, that should be kept at a low temperature, and an outer pipe. The space between the inner and outer conduits of the vacuum insulated piping is typically at a reduced pressure to inhibit heat transfer from the ambient environment to the fluid in the inner conduit. The inner conduit of the vacuum insulated piping engages the inner portion 2, 52 of the coupling so that a fluid (e.g., a cold liquid such as hydrogen) may be transferred through the coupling. The outer low-pressure part of the vacuum insulated piping is engaged with the outer portion of the coupling so that the space in the outer portion of the coupling can withstand the same low pressure generated in the low-pressure part of the vacuum insulated piping. For the avoidance of doubt, "outer portion" refers to the position of the portion relative to "inner portion". The term "outer" does not refer to the position of the "outer portion" relative to features of the coupling other than the "inner portion".
Each of the first and second members 1, 51 includes an engagement portion 4, 54, the engagement portion 4, 54 being for forming an engagement with the engagement portion of the other of the first and second members. In the present case, each engagement portion 4, 54 generally has a substantially planar face that contacts a substantially planar face of the engagement portion 4, 54 of the other of the first and second members 1, 51. Each engagement portion 4, 54 comprises a flange 5, 55 for connecting the first part 1 and the second part 51. The flanges 5, 55 are generally annular in shape, as can best be seen in fig. 2. The flanges 5, 55 abut each other and each flange 5, 55 is provided with a plurality of apertures for receiving bolts, one of which is denoted by reference numeral 20. The nuts and bolts 20 are used to secure the flanges 5, 55 together and thus the first and second parts 1, 51 together. The flanges 5, 55 are about 5mm thick.
Each engagement portion 4, 54 comprises a second engagement portion 21, 71 located on the inner side of the flange. The engagement portions extend radially from the second engagement portions 21, 71 to the respective flanges. The second engagement portions are substantially annular in shape and abut each other. The second engagement portion 21, 71 is proximate the inner portions 2, 52 of the first and second parts of the coupling.
The use of flanges to help connect two parts of a coupling is known and is a convenient way of attaching two parts of a coupling. However, the thermal performance of such flanged couplings is generally not as good as other couplings, such as bayonet couplings. However, the applicant has found that the thermal performance of such flanged couplings can be improved by providing a sleeve 6, 56 surrounding the respective outer portion 3, 53, the sleeve 6, 56 comprising a thermally conductive portion 7, 57 extending away from the joining portion 4, 54. Each thermally conductive section 7, 57 comprises an outer wall 7a, 57a and an inner wall 9, 59, the outer wall 7a, 57a and inner wall 9, 59 together with the respective end wall 10, 60 providing a long thermally conductive path between the flange 5, 55 and the inner joint section 21, 71. In this regard, the thermally conductive portion extends away from the flange to a region remote from the flange (exemplified by the end walls 10, 60) and from the region remote from the flange to the respective second engagement portion 21, 71. Furthermore, in conventional known couplings, there will typically be a direct radial heat conduction path between the flange and the inner joint part. In the present case, and as explained in further detail below, there is no direct radial heat conduction path between the flange and the respective second joining portion. In this regard, there is a thermally insulating portion in the form of a thermal insulator 8, 58 between the flange and the second engagement portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in the radial direction between the flange and the respective second engagement portion. The long conductive path provided by the thermally conductive portions 7, 57 in combination with the radial thermally insulating path reduces conductive heat transfer between the surrounding environment and the cold liquid typically carried by the coupling.
The outer walls 7a, 57a are made of stainless steel of 2mm thickness and extend from the respective joint portions 4, 54 by about 115mm to 120mm.
Each sleeve 6, 56 comprises a cylindrical part of a thermal insulation 8, 58, the thermal insulation 8, 58 in this case being1000. The walls of the cartridge are about 15mm thick. The thermal insulation 8, 58 inhibits heating of the fluid carried in the inner portion 2, 52 of the coupling. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is expected that the thermal insulation reduces convective and radiative heat transfer between the ambient environment and the cold liquid typically carried in the coupling. Furthermore, the thermal insulation 8, 58 provides structural rigidity to the coupling. The thermal insulation 8, 58 is delimited and held in place by a thermally conductive stainless steel outer wall 7a, 57a, a 4mm thick end wall 10, 60 and a 2mm thick sleeve inner wall 9, 59. The applicant has found that it is beneficial for the sleeve to comprise a thermally insulating material to inhibit heating of the contents of the inner portion 2, 52 of the coupling. The applicant has found that it is particularly advantageous to provide a thermally insulating material in combination with a thermally conductive material, wherein the thermally conductive material provides a long thermally conductive path between the flange 5, 55 and the second joint part 21, 71.
Each of the first part 1 and the second part 51 of the coupling 100 comprises an inner conduit portion 11, 61 in the form of a cylindrical conduit. The inner conduit portion 11, 61 engages with the inner tube of the vacuum insulated conduit. Each inner conduit portion meets the other inner conduit portion at a junction portion 4, 54. Each inner conduit portion 11, 61 extends beyond the end of the respective sleeve 6, 56, thereby providing an easily accessible portion of the conduit for attachment to an inner conduit of a vacuum insulated conduit.
The outer portions 3, 53 of the respective first and second parts 1, 51 are defined by the respective inner conduit portions 11, 61 and the respective sleeve inner walls 9, 59. The low pressure portion of the vacuum insulated piping engages the outer surface of the inner conduit portion 11, 61 and the sleeve inner wall 9, 59.
The flat face of the joining portion 4 of the first component 1 is provided with an inner sealing member 12 and an outer sealing member 13 each in the form of a low temperature compatible gasket. Both the inner sealing member 12 and the outer sealing member 13 are located in respective annular grooves (not shown) which have been formed in the planar face of the joint part 4. Both the inner sealing member 12 and the outer sealing member 13 seal against the flat face of the engagement portion 54 of the second component 2. The first sealing member 12 is located outside the inner portion 2 and inside the sleeve 6 and prevents fluid leakage from the inner portion 14. The second sealing member is located outside the sleeve 6 and prevents air from entering.
In the above embodiment, the coupling 100 is designed to engage with a vacuum insulated pipe having a diameter of 3.5 "(88.9 mm). The applicant has found that the length of the sleeve including the thermally conductive section can vary and still provide good thermal performance. For example, a sleeve having a length of 110mm to 120mm provides good thermal performance when used with a 15mm thick thermal insulator. Sleeves of length 195mm to 200mm also provide good thermal performance, but in this case thinner thermal insulation, in this case 10mm thick, may be used. This means that the length of the sleeve may optionally be about the same as the diameter of the vacuum insulated conduit.
The engagement portions 4, 54 each comprise a second engagement portion 21, 71 in the form of an annular wall, the second engagement portions 21, 71 abutting each other in the coupling. In the coupling 100, the second engagement portions 21, 71 are not provided with any fluid flow path allowing fluid communication between the outer portions 3, 53. Fluid communication may be provided between the outer portions 3, 53. In this case, for example, a pressure decrease in the outer part 3 will result in a pressure decrease in the outer part 53. This allows a single vacuum pump to reduce the pressure across the coupling.
In the coupling of fig. 3, 4a and 4b, there is no fluid communication between the outer portions 3, 53, but the thickness of the second engagement portions 21, 71 is reduced such that the thermal conductivity between the fluid in the coupling and the surrounding atmosphere is reduced. Referring to fig. 3, the coupling 300 comprises an inner engagement portion 21, 71 in the form of an annular wall, the inner engagement portion 21, 71 being provided with a deep recess 40a, 40b, 90a, 90b extending into the annular wall. The recess does not extend through the entire thickness of the respective wall and thus there is no fluid communication between the outer portion 3 of the first component 1 and the outer portion 53 of the second component 2. The recess may be filled with a non-thermally conductive material. Fig. 4b shows an end view of the coupling 300 and illustrates the general shape of the recesses 40a, 40 b. For the avoidance of doubt, features depicted by reference numerals in fig. 3 and 4b relate to features having the same reference numerals in fig. 1 and 2.
Alternative arrangements of the recesses are possible. In this regard, fig. 4a shows a different arrangement of recesses 30.
The above examples describe not only embodiments of the coupling according to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention, but also embodiments of the first and second parts of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention.
Various embodiments of an insulated pipe (in this case a vacuum insulated pipe) according to the seventh aspect of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to fig. 5a to 5 e. The vacuum insulated pipeline 1000 includes a vacuum insulated conduit 1001 in the form of a right angle bend. The conduit 1001 comprises a first part 1 of the coupling attached to the first connection region 1002 and another first part 1' of the coupling attached to the second connection region 1003. As shown in fig. 5a, the sleeve 6 and the sleeve 6' meet.
Referring to fig. 5b, vacuum insulated piping 2000 includes vacuum insulated piping 2001 in the form of a right angle bend. The conduit 2001 comprises a first part 1 of the coupling attached to the first connection area 2002 and another first part 1' of the coupling attached to the second connection area 2003. In contrast to the arrangement of fig. 5a, the sleeve 6 and sleeve 6' are curved but not contiguous, as shown in fig. 5 b.
Referring to fig. 5c, the vacuum insulation tube 3000 includes a vacuum insulation tube 3001 in the form of a right angle bend. The conduit 3001 comprises a first part 1 of a coupling attached to the first connection area 3002 and another first part 1' of a coupling attached to the second connection area 3003. In contrast to the arrangement of fig. 5a, the sleeve 6 and sleeve 6' are straight but not contiguous, as shown in fig. 5 c.
The embodiment of fig. 5d and 5e shows a T-shaped vacuum insulated conduit. Referring to fig. 5d, vacuum insulation line 4000 includes vacuum insulation pipe 4001 in the form of a T. The pipe 4001 comprises a first part 1 of the coupling attached to the first connection area 4002, another first part 1' of the coupling attached to the second connection area 4003 and yet another first part 1 "of the coupling attached to the third connection area 4004. As shown in fig. 5d, the sleeves 6, 6' and 6 "are not connected.
Referring to fig. 5e, vacuum insulated conduit 5000 includes vacuum insulated conduit 5001 in the form of a T. The conduit 5001 includes a first component 1 of a coupling attached to a first connection region 5002, another first component 1' of a coupling attached to a second connection region 5003, and yet another first component 1 "of a coupling attached to a third connection region 5004. As shown in fig. 5e, the sleeves 6, 6', 6 "meet.
An embodiment of an insulated switchgear according to the eighth aspect of the invention, in this case a vacuum insulated switchgear, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 6. The line set is generally indicated by reference numeral 250 and includes a first section a of vacuum insulated tubing attached to the first part 1 of the coupling 100. The second section B of the vacuum insulated conduit is attached to the second part 51 of the coupling 100.
An embodiment of the fuel delivery apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 7. The fuel delivery device is generally indicated by reference numeral 6000 and includes a fuel tank 601, the fuel tank 601 being configured to deliver fuel to two jet engines 6001, 6002 through vacuum insulated piping units 250, 250'. In the present case, the fuel is hydrogen. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the engines 6001, 6002 are not part of a fuel delivery device. Fig. 7 also shows an embodiment of a vehicle according to the eleventh aspect of the invention. The vehicle, in this case a narrow jet 7000, includes a fuel delivery device 6000.
Embodiments of a method of supplying a cold liquid fuel according to embodiments of the twelfth aspect of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 7 and 8. The method is generally indicated by reference numeral 7000 and includes moving 7001 the cold liquid fuel (in this case liquid hydrogen) from the fuel tank 601, passing 7002 the cold liquid fuel through the coupling 1, and passing 7003 the cold liquid fuel to the engine 6001 for use of the fuel.
Embodiments of further couplings according to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 9. The coupling 100 is substantially as described above with respect to figures 1 and 2 and the reference numerals used in figure 9 are used for features having the same reference numerals as in figures 1 and 2. The coupling 100 of fig. 9 differs from the coupling of fig. 1 and 2 in that the coupling of fig. 9 includes features that provide thermally driven engagement between the first and second components. In this regard, the inner conduit portion 11 of the first component 1 comprises a protrusion 42 formed by an invar cylinder, which protrusion 42 is welded to the inner surface of the rest of the inner conduit portion 11. The inner conduit portion 61 provides a tab receiving portion 92, the tab receiving portion 92 having the same cross-sectional area as the rest of the inner conduit portion 61. The tab 42 is received by the tab receiving portion 92 of the inner conduit portion 61. When cold liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen, passes through the inner part 14, the inner conduit part 11, 61 cools and contracts. The tab receiving portion 92 has a much greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the tab 42 and therefore contracts much more than the tab 42. This causes the tab receiving portion 92 to engage the tab 42. This may increase the sealing effect between the first and second components, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the interior region 14. This engagement also reduces the risk of undesired uncoupling of the coupling.
Another embodiment of the coupling according to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to fig. 10. The coupling 100 is substantially as described above in relation to figures 1 and 2 and the reference numerals used in figure 10 are used for features having the same reference numerals as in figures 1 and 2, except that for clarity the details of the sleeve arrangement of figures 1 and 2 are omitted from figure 10. The coupling 100 of fig. 10 differs from the coupling of fig. 1 and 2 in that the coupling of fig. 10 includes features that provide thermally driven engagement between the first and second components. The inner conduit portion 11 of the first component 1 comprises a protrusion 42 extending from the engagement portion 4. The projection 42 is cylindrical and includes a tip portion 43 and a base portion 44. The tip portion 43 is generally cylindrical in shape and about 30mm long, and is made of invar, which is a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The tip portion 42 has been welded to the base portion 44. The base portion 44 is continuous with the portion of the inner conduit portion 11 that does not protrude from the junction region 4. The base portion 44 and the portion of the inner conduit portion 11 that does not protrude from the joint region 4 are formed of steel. In use, the tab 42 is received within the tab receiving portion 92 provided in the second member 51. The tab receiving portion 92 is generally cylindrical in shape and is large enough to receive the tab 42. The tab receiving portion 92 is formed of steel having a much greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the invar steel forming the tip portion 43 of the tab 42. The tab receiving portion 92 is part of the inner conduit portion 61 but has a larger diameter than the rear part 63 of the inner conduit portion 61.
Prior to use, the flanges 5, 55 are secured together using clamps. This compresses the inner and outer sealing members, thereby preventing fluid from exiting the inner portion 14 and preventing ingress of ambient air.
When cold liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen, passes through the inner part 14, the inner conduit part 11, 61 cools and contracts. The tab receiving portion 92 has a much greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the tip portion 43 and therefore contracts much more than the tip portion 43. This causes the tab receiving portion 92 to engage the tip portion 43. This may increase the sealing effect between the first and second components, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the interior region 14. This engagement also reduces the risk of undesired uncoupling of the coupling.
For the avoidance of doubt, those skilled in the art will appreciate that vacuum insulated piping is not part of the coupling of the present invention.
While the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. Some possible variants will now be described, by way of example only.
The above examples describe how the first and second parts of the coupling are each provided with an inner conduit welded to the inner conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the first and second components of the coupling need not be provided with internal conduits. Furthermore, the inner conduit, if present, may engage the inner conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit in a different manner than that shown above. For example, substantially the entire length of the inner conduit may receive or be received by the inner conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit.
The above examples describe how the sleeve is welded to the outer tube of the vacuum insulated tube. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible. For example, substantially the entire length of the sleeve may receive an outer tube of the vacuum insulated tube.
The above examples describe how nuts and bolts are used to attach flanges of the first and second components to each other. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other attachment means may be used. For example, one or more clamps may be used to attach the flanges together.
The above examples describe the use of a sleeve having both a thermally conductive portion and a thermally insulating portion. While it is generally preferred that the sleeve comprises both a thermally conductive portion and a thermally insulating portion, those skilled in the art will recognize that no thermally insulating portion is required for the coupling according to the first aspect of the invention. Similarly, one skilled in the art will recognize that no thermally conductive portion is required for the coupling according to the second aspect of the present invention.
The above examples describe as thermally insulating materialsIs used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other thermally insulating materials may be used. For example, closed cell polyurethane foam, closed cell glass foam, and/or glass fiber reinforced polymers may be used.
The above examples describe the use of a coupling for a hydrogen fuel delivery system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling may be used with other vacuum insulated pipes.
The above examples describe couplings for vacuum insulated piping. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling may be used with other insulated pipes. For example, the coupling may be used in combination with piping insulated with a thermally insulating, optionally solid material such as foam (e.g., polyurethane foam or glass foam), aerogel, or microspheres such as glass microspheres.
Where in the foregoing description integers or elements having known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents are mentioned, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. The true scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims, which should be construed to include any such equivalents. The reader will also appreciate that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that such optional integers or features, while potentially beneficial in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable in other embodiments and thus may not be present.

Claims (31)

1. A coupling for insulated piping, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming the coupling;
each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of an insulated pipe and an outer portion for communication with an outer insulated component of an insulated pipe;
the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for passage of a fluid;
each of the first and second members includes an engagement portion for forming an engagement with an engagement portion of the other of the first and second members, the engagement portion including a flange for connecting the first and second members and a second engagement portion located inboard of the flange, the engagement portion extending radially outward from the second engagement portion to the flange;
wherein at least one of the first and second components includes a thermally insulating portion located between the flange and the second engagement portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second engagement portion; and is also provided with
Wherein at least one of the first and second components includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the joining portion and providing a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second joining portion.
2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein said thermally conductive portion extends away from said flange to a region remote from said flange and from said region remote from said flange to said second engagement portion.
3. A coupling according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second engagement portion is proximate to the inner portion and optionally located outside the inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of an insulated conduit.
4. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the second engagement portion comprises a portion of reduced conduction cross-section, optionally comprising one or more recesses or apertures in the second engagement portion, optionally provided with a solid thermally insulating material.
5. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second parts comprises an inner conduit portion for engagement with an inner conduit of a vacuum insulated conduit, wherein the inner conduit portions optionally extend past respective heat conducting portions.
6. The coupling according to claim 5, wherein said inner conduit portion and said thermally conductive portion define a space for engagement with an insulating region of an insulated conduit.
7. The coupling according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inner conduit portion of said first component comprises a protrusion and said second component comprises a protrusion receiving portion for receiving said protrusion of said first component, said protrusion comprising a lower thermal expansion region having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and said protrusion receiving portion having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, said second coefficient of thermal expansion being greater than said first coefficient of thermal expansion.
8. The coupling according to claim 7, wherein said projection and said projection-receiving portion are configured such that said projection-receiving portion engages with said projection upon cooling to a temperature associated with cold liquid passing through said inner conduit portion, said temperature not exceeding-200 ℃ and not less than-260 ℃.
9. The coupling according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the inner conduit portion of the second component comprises the tab receiving portion, the inner conduit portion of the second component comprises a non-receiving portion that does not receive the tab, the tab receiving portion having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the non-tab receiving portion.
10. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second component comprises a thermally insulating portion surrounding the outer portion.
11. The coupling according to claim 10, wherein said thermally insulating portion is cylindrical in shape, and optionally said thermally conductive portion comprises a first thermally conductive portion located inside said thermally insulating portion and a second thermally conductive portion located outside said thermally insulating portion.
12. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second parts is provided with first and second seal forming members, wherein the first seal forming member is optionally located outside the inner portion and inside the outer portion, and the second seal forming member is optionally located outside the thermally conductive portion.
13. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second parts are provided with apertures or passages which together provide one or more flow paths between an outer region of the first part and an outer region of the second part.
14. A coupling according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling is a coupling for a vacuum insulated conduit, each of the first and second components comprising an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of a vacuum insulated conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of a vacuum insulated conduit.
15. A coupling for an insulated pipe (optionally a vacuum insulated pipe), the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming the coupling,
each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of an insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) and an outer portion for communication with an outer insulated component of an insulated conduit (optionally for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of a vacuum insulated conduit),
the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for passage of a fluid,
at least one of the first and second components includes a sleeve surrounding the outer portion, the sleeve including a thermally insulating portion surrounding the outer portion.
16. The coupling according to claim 15, wherein said sleeve comprises a thermally conductive portion in thermal communication with said engagement portion for conducting heat away from said engagement portion.
17. The coupling according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least one of said first and second components comprises a flange and a second engagement portion located inboard of said flange, wherein said sleeve comprises a thermally conductive portion extending away from said engagement portion and providing a thermally conductive path between said flange and said second engagement portion.
18. A coupling for an insulated pipe (optionally a vacuum insulated pipe), the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming the coupling;
each of the first and second components includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of an insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) and an outer portion for communication with an outer insulated component of an insulated conduit (optionally for fluid communication with an outer low pressure component of a vacuum insulated conduit);
The inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for passage of a fluid;
each of the first and second members includes an engagement portion for forming an engagement with an engagement portion of the other of the first and second members, the engagement portion including a flange for connecting the first and second members,
at least one of the first component and the second component includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the joining portion.
19. The coupling according to claim 18, comprising a sleeve comprising said thermally conductive portion and a thermally insulating portion.
20. The coupling according to claim 19, wherein said thermally conductive section comprises an outer wall located outside of said thermally insulating section and an inner wall located inside of said thermally insulating section.
21. The coupling according to claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and/or second components comprises a second engagement portion located inboard of said flange, and said thermally conductive portion provides a thermally conductive path between said second engagement portion and said flange.
22. A coupling for a vacuum insulated pipeline, the coupling comprising:
a first part and a second part for forming the coupling;
each of the first and second components includes:
a joining portion comprising a substantially planar face and a flange for connecting the first and second members, the planar faces of the first and second members facing each other;
a first inner conduit extending away from the substantially planar face and the flange, the first inner conduit configured to engage an inner tube of a vacuum insulated conduit;
a second outer conduit generally concentric with the first inner conduit, the second outer conduit extending away from the generally planar face and the flange, the second outer conduit configured to engage with an outer tube of a vacuum insulated conduit, wherein the second outer conduit includes (a) a cylindrical thermally conductive portion in thermal communication with the engagement portion for conducting heat away from the engagement portion, and (b) a cylindrical thermally insulating portion for preventing heat transfer to the first inner conduit.
23. A first part and/or a second part of a coupling for use in a coupling according to any preceding claim.
24. A kit for forming a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 22, the kit comprising first and second parts of a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 22.
25. An insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) comprising the first and/or second part of the coupling according to claim 23.
26. An insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) according to claim 25, comprising an inner conduit for carrying a cold fluid and a region of reduced pressure located between the inner and outer conduits, the inner conduit being in fluid communication with an inner region of the coupling, the region of reduced pressure being in fluid communication with an outer region of the coupling.
27. An insulated pipe arrangement (optionally a vacuum insulated pipe arrangement) comprising a first vacuum insulated pipe and a second vacuum insulated pipe connected by a coupling according to any of claims 1 to 22.
28. A kit for forming an insulated conduit (optionally vacuum insulated conduit) according to claim 25 or 26 or an insulated conduit device (optionally vacuum insulated conduit device) according to claim 27, the kit comprising one or more lengths of insulated conduit (optionally vacuum insulated conduit) and at least one first and/or second component of a coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 22.
29. A fuel delivery apparatus comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to an engine or motor through an insulated conduit arrangement (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit arrangement) according to claim 27.
30. A vehicle comprising an insulated pipe unit (optionally a vacuum insulated pipe unit) according to claim 27 and/or a fuel delivery unit according to claim 29.
31. A method of supplying a cold liquid fuel, the method comprising passing the cold liquid fuel through: the coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 22; an insulated conduit (optionally a vacuum insulated conduit) according to claim 25 or 26; an insulated switchgear (optionally vacuum insulated switchgear) as claimed in claim 27; or a fuel delivery apparatus according to claim 29.
CN202310049248.6A 2022-01-19 2023-01-17 Coupling for insulated pipe Pending CN116464840A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2200666.2 2022-01-19
GBGB2214212.9A GB202214212D0 (en) 2022-09-28 2022-09-28 Coupling for insulated piping
GB2214212.9 2022-09-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN116464840A true CN116464840A (en) 2023-07-21

Family

ID=83978746

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN202310049248.6A Pending CN116464840A (en) 2022-01-19 2023-01-17 Coupling for insulated pipe

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CN (1) CN116464840A (en)
GB (1) GB202214212D0 (en)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202214212D0 (en) 2022-11-09

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