EP4281696A1

EP4281696A1 - Emergency release and coupling device

Info

Publication number: EP4281696A1
Application number: EP22700654.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gaetan Coleiro; Yann PENNEC
Original assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Current assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2021-01-19
Filing date: 2022-01-17
Publication date: 2023-11-29
Also published as: US20240117911A1; CA3205306A1; JP2024503590A; FR3119007B1; KR20230130095A; FR3119007A1; CN116601417A; WO2022157091A1

Abstract

Self-closing emergency release and coupling device for the transport of cryogenic fluid comprising two pipes (2, 3) extending in a longitudinal direction and each comprising, at a connection end, a valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to open the pipe when the connection ends are coupled, the device (1) further comprising a tube (10, 11) arranged around each pipe (2, 3) and defining a vacuum space for thermally insulating the pipeline (2, 3), the device (1) is characterized in that it further comprises a chamber (18, 19) disposed around the valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) and delimited by a wall assembly (s) (12, 13) located (s) between the outer tube (10, 11) and the transport pipe (2, 3), the volume of the insulation chamber (18 19) being independent of the vacuum space between the outer tube (10, 11) and the transport pipe (2, 3).

Description

Emergency coupling and detachment device

The invention relates to an emergency coupling and detachment device.
The invention relates more particularly to a self-closing emergency coupling and detachment device for the transport of cryogenic fluid comprising two fluid transport pipes extending in a longitudinal direction and each comprising, at one end of connection , a valve mechanism configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to open the pipe when the connection ends are mated, the device further comprising an outer tube disposed around each transport pipe and defining a space vacuum for thermal insulation of the transmission line.
The invention relates to a system of pipe(s) for transporting cryogenic fluid (for example liquefied hydrogen) insulated so as to limit the thermal entries and allowing the disconnection of the pipes during an emergency event without fluid loss or spillage.
These devices are generally designated by the term "Breakaway" in English (cf. for example EP3581839 A1). Known devices have unsatisfactory thermal performance and/or a complex structure and/or disadvantageous ergonomics of use.
An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.
To this end, the coupling device according to the invention, moreover conforming to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it further comprises a thermal insulation chamber arranged around of the valve mechanism and delimited by a set of wall(s) located between the outer tube and the transport pipe, the volume of the isolation chamber being independent of the vacuum space located between the outer tube and transportation driving.
Further, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

the device comprises a thermal insulation chamber at each connection end, the volume of each thermal insulation chamber being delimited by tubular walls extending longitudinally and spaced transversely, a first end of the volume of each chamber of thermal insulation located at the connection end being open, the second opposite longitudinal end being closed, the first open ends of the two thermal insulation chambers being configured to connect in a sealed manner and form a single closed insulation volume sealed when the connection ends are mated,
the device comprises a system for evacuating the insulation volume formed by the two thermal insulation chambers when the connecting ends are coupled, the evacuating system comprising a fluid transfer channel comprising one end opening into said volume,
the mechanical connection between the outer tube and the transport pipe comprises the set of wall(s) delimiting the insulation chamber and forms a thermal path performing at least one round trip in the longitudinal direction, for example a thermal path in "S" shape along a longitudinal section,
at least a part of the set of wall(s) delimiting the insulation chamber and/or the interior of the insulation chamber comprises a thermal insulation of the multilayer type (“MLI”),
the set of wall(s) delimiting the insulation chamber maintains the transport pipe in the outer tube via mechanical connections between, on the one hand, the set of walls and, on the other hand, the transport and the outer tube, said mechanical connections being located essentially or solely at the level of the connection end,
the ends of the outer tubes and of the transport pipes intended to be coupled comprise respective mounting flange(s),
the assembly of mounting flange(s) comprises an inner ring-shaped flange which is fixed to the end of the inner tube via a set of mounting member(s) such as screws allowing, during the disassembly of the flange , access to the valve mechanism and seals of the device,
the set of wall(s) delimiting the insulation chamber is mechanically connected to the transport pipe and to the outer tube by welding,
when the connection ends are coupled, the ends of the two outer tubes are connected in a sealed manner and the ends of the two transport pipes are connected in a sealed manner,
the valve mechanism comprises a valve biased towards a closed position against a seat by a return member,
the terminal ends of the valves of the two transport pipes are configured to come into contact and push each other mechanically out of the respective seats against the return members when the connection ends are coupled,
the vacuum space between the outer tube and the transport pipe includes a multi-layer thermal insulation "MLI",
the thermal insulation chamber includes a safety valve configured to evacuate any overpressure beyond a determined threshold.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the characteristics above or below within the scope of the claims.
Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which:
represents a longitudinal sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating an embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in a separate configuration,
represents a longitudinal sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating another embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in a coupled configuration,
represents a longitudinal sectional view, schematic and partial, of a detail of the device illustrating an example of a possible embodiment of the structure of the isolation chamber.
represents a longitudinal sectional view, schematic and partial, illustrating another embodiment of a coupling device according to the invention in a coupled configuration,
The illustrated self-closing emergency coupling and detachment device 1 for transporting cryogenic fluid comprises two fluid transport pipes 2, 3 extending in a longitudinal direction A. Each transport pipe 2, 3 can be made of stainless steel or any other material compatible with cryogenic temperatures (below -100°C for example).
Each transport pipe 2, 3 comprises at one connection end, a valve mechanism 4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9 configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated (cf. ) and to open when the connecting ends are mated (cf. ).
The valve mechanism may comprise a valve 4, 5 urged towards a closed position against a seat 6, 7 by a return member 8, 9 such as a spring, in particular a compression spring.
The terminal ends of the valves 4, 5 of the two transport pipes 2, 3 are configured to come into contact and push each other mechanically out of the respective seats against the return members 5, 9 when the connection ends are coupled.
For example, the terminal ends of the valves 4, 5 of the two pipes 2, 3 protrude longitudinally beyond the ends of the transport pipes 2, 3 (and may comprise complementary shapes if necessary).
The device 1 further comprises an outer tube 10, 11 (stainless steel, metal or other) arranged around each transport pipe 2, 3 (for example concentrically) and defining a vacuum space between around the pipe 2, 3 of transport for the thermal insulation of the latter.
This vacuum space can contain a thermal insulator 22, for example of the multilayer type (MLI).
The device 1 further comprises a thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 arranged around each valve mechanism and delimited by a set of wall(s) 12, 13 located between the outer tube 10, 11 and the pipe 2, 3 of transportation. This volume in the insulation chamber 18, 19 is preferably independent of the vacuum space located between the outer tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3.
As illustrated, the volume of each chamber 18, 19 of thermal insulation can be delimited by tubular walls extending longitudinally and spaced transversely (the volume of the chamber 18, 19 can thus be delimited between two portions of spaced cylinders.
For example, a first end of the volume of each thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 located at the connection end is open (cf. ). The second opposite longitudinal end can itself be sealed.
The first open ends of the two thermal insulation chambers 18, 19 can be configured to connect in a sealed manner and form a single sealed closed insulation volume when the connection ends are coupled (cf. ).
Preferably, the device 1 comprises a system for emptying this insulation volume formed by the two thermal insulation chambers 18, 19 when the connection ends are coupled; This vacuum system comprises for example a fluid transfer channel 26 comprising one end opening into said volume and another end which can be connected to a pumping device for example. This makes it possible to produce a closed vacuum volume which is independent of the vacuum situated between the outer tube 10, 11 and the pipe 2, 3 for transport. A safety non-return valve system can be provided for this vacuum volume.
Similarly, the thermal insulation chamber 18, 19 may include a safety valve system configured to evacuate any overpressure beyond a determined threshold (using a separate or identical channel 27).
This closed insulation volume forms an additional insulation heat shield around the valve mechanism as well as a thermal insulation path between the hot (external) and cold (internal) parts of the device as will be described in more detail. below.
At least part of the set of wall(s) 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 and/or the interior of the insulation chamber 18, 19 may comprise thermal insulation 21 of the multilayer type ( “MLI”) for example.
Indeed, advantageously, the mechanical connection between the outer tube 10, 11 and the transport pipe 2, 3 may comprise or be constituted by the set of wall(s) 12, 13 delimiting the chamber 18, 19 of insulation. This set of walls can thus form a thermal path carrying out at least one return trip along the longitudinal direction, for example an “S”-shaped thermal path along a longitudinal section.
Preferably, the walls are made of metal, stainless steel or any other appropriate material and can have a thickness of between 0.3mm and 0.5mm and a length of between 10mm and 500mm. This configuration constitutes an insulating thermal path between its two ends.
Thus, considering for example the pipe illustrated on the left, a first longitudinal wall 121 can be connected (welded for example) at the level of a right end to the terminal end of the outer tube 10 (or a flange 14 fixed to this extremity) cf. also . The second end of this first wall (on the left) can be connected at an angle 122 towards the inside of the pipe 10 (second transverse wall). Then, a third longitudinal wall 123 can be connected (welded for example) at this level. second wall. The second end (on the right) of this third wall 123 can be connected (welded for example) at the level of the terminal end of the outer tube 10 of the transport pipe 2, 3 (on the right or a flange 16 fixed to this end ). Thus, this set of wall(s) 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 can be mechanically connected only at the level of the terminal end of the pipe (same for the other right-hand pipe).
Thus, the set of wall(s) 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 can ensure at least a part of the maintenance of the transport pipe 2, 3 in the outer tube 10, 11 via mechanical connections ( welding or other) between on the one hand the set of walls 12, 13 and, on the other hand, the conduit 2, 3 for transport and the tube 10, 11 external (and / or flanges). The mechanical connections can be located mainly or only at the connection end.
Thus, the set of wall(s) 12, 13 delimiting the insulation chamber 18, 19 can be mechanically connected to the transport pipe 2, 3 and to the outer tube 10, 11 by welding.
As illustrated and mentioned above, the ends of the outer tubes 10, 11 and of the transport pipes 2, 3 intended to be coupled may comprise respective mounting flange(s) 14, 15, 16, 17.
For example, an internal flange 16, 17 of annular shape is fixed to the end of the internal tube 2, 3 via a set of mounting member(s) 20 such as screws preferably allowing, when dismantling the flange 16 , 17, access to the valve mechanism 4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9 and possible joints of the device 1. This facilitates maintenance. In particular, the screws 20 in their threads can be oriented longitudinally towards the inside of the pipe.
When the connection ends are coupled, the ends of the two outer tubes 10, 11 are connected in a sealed manner and the ends of the two transport pipes 2, 3 are connected in a sealed manner. This can be achieved by a set of suitable gaskets.
For example, the seal between the outer tubes 10, 11 can be ensured at least in part by one or more seal(s) 28 at ambient temperature, interposed between the outer flanges 14, 15 (seal(s) of the polymer type Or other). This location at the level of the largest diameter of the device 1 allows improved management of thermal expansions. In particular, the leak rate is reduced because the seal contracts inwards and increases the forces in the sealing direction.
The seal between the two transport pipes 2, 3 can itself be ensured at least in part by one or more seal(s) 29 interposed between the internal flanges 16, 17, for example a metal cryogenic seal, including type "C" er radial.
The seal between the valve 4, 5 and its seat (formed for example by the internal flange) may comprise a lip seal 25 (for example made of PTFE or energized polymer). Said gasket 25 can form the seat and is advantageously located on the internal flange 16, 17, on one side of said internal flange 16, 17 and oriented towards the inside of the transport pipe 2, 3. This protects these sensitive sealing elements from knocks, scratches and dirt. The force of the spring 8, 9 allows sealing between the flange 16 and the valve 4, 5, via the seal 25, without risk of leakage.
This ensures high reliability after multiple open/close cycles and sealing at any temperature level. The positioning of the valve is facilitated which can withstand large pressure differentials.
Device 1 has good quality insulation compatible with cryogenic temperatures, automatic opening or closing of the valves and high reliability.
In particular, in the event of loss of vacuum due to a liquid leak, the volume of the chamber 18, 19 of independent insulation cannot rise in pressure. This prevents accidents.
As shown schematically in , the device preferably comprises a purge system for the sealed insulation volume. This purge system may comprise a fluid circuit connected to the isolation volume (for example opening into the isolation volume).
This purge makes it possible to control the gaseous atmosphere in the insulation volume (nature of the gas and/or pressure within it). For example, the gaseous insulation volume can be evacuated (at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, or pressurized with a purge gas (at a pressure above atmospheric pressure) and the purge gas can be a gas having a boiling temperature equal to or lower than that of the transported gas.In this example, this gas can be hydrogen, helium or a mixture of the two.
As illustrated, the purge system may comprise a transfer pipe 30 opening into the insulation volume and a reservoir 31 of pressurized purge gas (hydrogen or helium for example) connected to this transfer pipe 30, for example via at least a valve 34. In this way, the tank 31 can deliver a flow of purge gas to the isolation volume.
The purge gas can be recovered to an outlet, for example another end 32 of the transfer line 30 . This discharge end 32 may be provided with a valve 34 and/or non-return valve 35 controlling the flow towards a vent 33 (atmosphere or recovery system) and/or a pumping device 33, for example a gas pump. empty.
This makes it possible to evacuate the purge gas having purged the insulation volume and/or to pump it.
This allows you to configure the insulation volume for perfect and safe insulation.

Claims

Self-closing emergency coupling and detachment device for transporting cryogenic fluid comprising two fluid transport pipes (2, 3) extending in a longitudinal direction and each comprising, at one connection end, a valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) configured to automatically close the pipe when the connection ends are separated and to open the pipe when the connection ends are mated, the device (1) further comprising an outer tube (10, 11) disposed around each transport pipe (2, 3) and defining a vacuum space for thermal insulation of the transport pipe (2, 3), the device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a thermal insulation chamber (18, 19) arranged around the valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) and delimited by a set of wall(s) (12, 13) located between the outer tube (10, 11) and the pipe (2, 3) of trans port, the volume of the isolation chamber (18, 19) being independent of the vacuum space located between the outer tube (10, 11) and the transport pipe (2, 3) and, in that it comprises a thermal insulation chamber (18, 19) at each connection end, the volume of each thermal insulation chamber (18, 19) being delimited by longitudinally extending and transversely spaced tubular walls, a first end of the volume of each thermal insulation chamber (18, 19) located at the connection end being open, the opposite second longitudinal end being closed, the first open ends of the two insulation chambers (18, 19) being configured to connect in a leaktight manner and form a single leaktight closed insulation volume when the connection ends are mated, the device comprising a purge system of the insulation volume, the purge system comprising a fluidic circuit (30, 26) fluidically connected to said isolation volume.
Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the purge system comprises a transfer pipe (30) having one end opening into the isolation volume, a pressurized purge gas tank (31) connected to the pipe (30 ) transfer and configured to allow the delivery of purge gas in the isolation volume, the purge system comprising an evacuation (32, 33) of the purge gas.
Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the evacuation (32, 33) of purge gas comprises at least one of: a vent connected to a recovery zone, for example the atmosphere, a pumping device, for example a vacuum pump.
Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a system for emptying the volume of insulation formed by the two thermal insulation chambers (18, 19) when the connection ends are coupled, the system for vacuum comprising a fluid transfer channel (26) comprising one end opening into said volume.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fluidic circuit (30, 26) of the purge system comprises a set of valve(s) (34) and/or a set of valve(s) ( 35), in particular one or more non-return valves.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the mechanical connection between the outer tube (10, 11) and the transport pipe (2, 3) comprises the set of wall(s) (12, 13) delimiting the insulation chamber (18, 19) and forms a thermal path performing at least one return trip along the longitudinal direction, for example an "S"-shaped thermal path along a longitudinal section.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least part of the set of wall(s) (12, 13) delimiting the insulation chamber (18, 19) and/or the The interior of the insulation chamber (18, 19) comprises a thermal insulation (21) of the multilayer (“MLI”) type.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the set of wall(s) (12, 13) delimiting the insulation chamber (18, 19) maintains the pipe (2, 3 ) transport in the outer tube (10, 11) via mechanical connections between, on the one hand, the set of walls (12, 13) and, on the other hand, the pipe (2, 3) for transport and the tube (10, 11) external, said mechanical connections being located essentially or only at the connection end.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ends of the outer tubes (10, 11) and of the transport pipes (2, 3) intended to be coupled comprise flange(s) (14, 15 , 16, 17) respectively.
Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the assembly of mounting flange(s) (14, 15, 16, 17) comprises an internal ring-shaped flange (16, 17) which is fixed to the end of the tube (2, 3) internally via a set of mounting member(s) (20) such as screws allowing, when dismantling the flange (16, 17), access to the valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) and seals of the device.
Device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the set of wall(s) (12, 13) delimiting the insulation chamber (18, 19) is mechanically connected to the transport pipe (2, 3) and to the outer tube (10, 11) by welding.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that when the connecting ends are coupled, the ends of the two outer tubes (10, 11) are connected in a sealed manner and the ends of the two pipes (2, 3 ) for transport are tightly connected.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the valve mechanism (4, 6, 8; 5, 7, 9) comprises a valve (4, 5) urged towards a closed position against a seat (6, 7) by a member (8, 9) for return.
Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the terminal ends of the valves (4, 5) of the two transport pipes (2, 3) are configured to come into contact and push each other mechanically out of the respective seats against the organs (5, 9) reminder when the connecting ends are coupled.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the vacuum space between the outer tube (10, 11) and the transport pipe (2, 3) comprises a multi-layer thermal insulation (22) "MLI ".
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the thermal insulation chamber (18, 19) comprises a safety valve (27) configured to evacuate any overpressure beyond a determined threshold.