ES1299668U - Anti-leak system for ducts, bottles, carboys and hydrogen storage tanks. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Anti-leak system for ducts, bottles, cylinders and hydrogen storage tanks, which consists of applying a resistant or main external cover or casing to the ducts, bottles, cylinders or tanks and inside of this another which carries the hydrogen inside. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Anti-leak system for hydrogen storage ducts, bottles and tanks Technical sector

In ducts, bottles, cylinders and tanks of hydrogen facilities for storage, transfer and use.

Background of the invention

In hydrogen storage and handling systems, both in liquefied and high-pressure forms, leaks occur, which are sometimes dangerous and in other cases are losses that increase the cost of the same. With the present invention such problems can be solved in a simple and economical way.

Explanation of the invention

The present invention prevents leaks and recovers them in hydrogen ducts, bottles and tanks, both during storage and during transfer and handling. It uses very high pressures. It's very tough. He is underweight. It is very simple, economical and benefits the environment.

The conduit, bottle or tank can be of three types: a) One-piece with three concentric layers of material, b) One-piece with two layers of material and c) Two-piece with two casings and an intermediate chamber between them.

The innermost cover or casing, or conduit that carries the hydrogen, can be a plastic polymer, high-density polyethylene, nylon, etc., all with low hydrogen permeability, polypropylene (PF), etc.

The outer cover or casing can be an epoxy resin with fiberglass, carbon, kevlar, etc. and aramids in general. The fibers are applied by means of intertwined threads or layers of intertwined threads. A plastic polymer and a small or thin galvanized stainless steel cover can also be used.

Optionally, the H2 that leaks can be collected in the intermediate chamber and fed back into the installation, duct, bottle, etc.

The insulation is achieved by applying a pressure greater than that of hydrogen to the intermediate chamber, or by using the pressure of hydrogen to compress a liquid, semi-liquid, soft element. pasty or the like against the internal wall of the external casing of the conduit, bottle, etc. So that said pressure is transferred to the liquid, semi-liquid element, etc. and therefore said pressure prevents the first casing from being traversed by hydrogen.

Biodegradable materials are used, which can be internally reinforced with a mesh or stainless steel wire cloth, galvanized stainless steel to cover the external cover and resistant and flexible plastic polymers for the internal one.

Problem to solve. Hydrogen gas is very difficult to store. Leaks occur due to the small size of its molecule and the great differential pressure that exists across of the container cover. There is no impermeable material that prevents the leakage of hydrogen between its molecules. This problem increases its cost. it increases its weight and makes it difficult to use.

The anti-leak system for ducts, bottles, cylinders and hydrogen storage tanks, consists of applying to the ducts, bottles, cylinders or tanks a resistant or main external cover or casing and an internal one which carries the hydrogen, and between the two a) a fluid is applied at a higher pressure than that of the hydrogen in the internal conduit or chamber or a liquid, semi-liquid element, etc., or b) the internal casing is flexible and allows its expansion or dilation with the pressure of the hydrogen, producing the compression of a liquid or semi-liquid element against the external casing, acquiring as a consequence the same pressure as that of the hydrogen in the internal chamber, and since there is no differential pressure across the internal casing, hydrogen leakage is avoided.

The pipes, bottles, cylinders or tanks can be:

a) One-piece with single casing. (Figs. 1a, 2a, 3a and 4a)

b) One-piece with two conduits or casings joined together (Figs: 1b. 2b, 3b and 3b).

c) Two-piece, double conduit or casing (1c, 2c, 3c and 4c) separated from each other, creating an intermediate chamber with a liquid, semi-liquid element, etc. at high pressure. The intermediate chamber element can be compressed using the pressure of hydrogen and the expansion of its shell.

d) Two-piece, double conduit or chambers (1d, 2d, 3d and 4d) separated from each other with an intermediate chamber that collects hydrogen leaks. From where they are forwarded to the conduit, chamber or to the installation for their use.

In the intermediate chamber, a noble gas or nitrogen can be used, but in this case the pressure must be constantly monitored or restored, since if there are leaks and the amount of gas is reduced, compression is not carried out properly.

The materials used in the casings will be insulating or resistant plastic polymers: nylon, polyethylene, or epoxy resins mixed with aramid fibers, Kevlar, etc. reinforcement. And stainless steel, galvanized or with a zinc coating to cover the external casing. Metals and especially steels must not be used in contact with hydrogen.

Optionally, hydrogen tanks can be coded with a band or strip of color around them that determines the type of gas and then or below another that provides the type of danger. (Other data or characteristics may also apply):

Pure gases: Acetylene - Reddish brown, Oxygen - White, Argon - Dark green, Nitrogen -Black. Carbon Dioxide - Grey, Helium - Brown, Hydrogen - Red, Nitrous Oxide - Blue.

Toxic and/or corrosive gases - Yellow, Flammable gases - Red, Oxidising gases - Light blue, Inert gases - Intense green.

Hydrogen, from bottles or storage tanks, is used to power fuel cells, combustion engines or gas turbines that drive an electrical generator that can distribute power to towns or industrial areas. Optionally it can be used for housing.

This system does not allow leaks, making the ducts simpler, lighter, safer and cheaper materials can be used. They should always be consistent, resistant and not affected by corrosion.

The inner casing or covering with corrugations or rough surface may be used to allow some separation from the outer covering.

Pipes, bottles and tanks can be lined with impermeable, insulating layers, resistant to corrosion and to external atmospheric elements.

Polyester or polyethylene are resistant to atmospheric agents. Polymers can be spray applied in thin coats.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 a shows a schematic and sectional view of a pipe, bottle, carboy or one-piece tank of medium or high pressure hydrogen gas with the system of the invention. It uses a fiberglass outer shell. Which provides the main resistance.

Figure lb shows a schematic and sectional view of a pipe, bottle, carboy or one-piece tank for medium or high pressure hydrogen gas with an internal casing.

Figure 1c shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two shells with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 1d shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 2a shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, cylinder or tank with the system of the invention. Uses a carbon fiber outer shell

Figure 2b shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with an internal casing.

Figure 2c shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 2d shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two shells, with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 3a shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, cylinder or tank with the system of the invention. Use an outer casing made of a plastic polymer.

Figure 3b shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with an internal casing.

Figure 3c shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 3d shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle. carboy or tank of two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them.

Figure 4a shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high-pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, cylinder or tank with the system of the invention. Use a plastic polymer outer shell covered with a stainless steel sheet or plate.

Figure 4b shows a schematic and sectional view of a one-piece medium or high pressure hydrogen gas conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with an internal casing.

Figure 4c shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them. Where a fluid is applied.

Figure 4d shows a schematic and sectional view of a conduit, bottle, carboy or tank with two casings, with an intermediate chamber between them. Where hydrogen leaks are collected.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a fiberglass bottle.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a hydrogen cylinder.

Figure 7 shows a side view of a carbon fiber bottle.

Reference numbers used in the drawings:

1v.- Outer fiberglass shell that mainly provides resistance. (Also the external protection of scratches, wear and blows).

1c.- Outer carbon fiber shell that mainly provides resistance. Also the external protection of scratches, wear and blows).

1p.- High resistance and pressure polymer outer casing: Polypropylene or high density polymer. It mainly provides resistance. It is covered with a layer of fiberglass or carbon.

1p.- High resistance and pressure polymer outer casing: Polypropylene or high density polymer. It mainly provides resistance. It is covered with a thin plate or sheet of galvanized stainless steel.

2. - Innermost casing of the conduit or chamber, made of high-density plastic polymer. It provides the first isolation of hydrogen. It can be rigid or semi-rigid or flexible.

3. - Fiberglass or carbon coating of the outermost casings or ducts. (It can also be stainless steel).

4a.- Intermediate chamber between both casings, filled with a fluid, preferably high-pressure liquid or semi-liquid, a lubricant, water with dissolved copper sulfate or chlorinated with sodium hypochlorite.

4.- Intermediate chamber between both casings that serves to collect hydrogen leaks. Which are fed back to the bottles.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

The figure shows the outer fiberglass casing (1v) of the conduit, bottle, etc. mainly provides resistance

Figure 1b shows the outer fiberglass casing (1v) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer, which provides the first hydrogen insulation. It can be rigid or semi-rigid, elastic or an elastomer.

Figure 1c shows the fiberglass outer casing (1v) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4a) that carries the liquid or semi-liquid element.

Figure 1d shows the outer fiberglass casing (1v) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4) that collects the hydrogen leaks.

Figure 2a shows the outer carbon fiber casing (1c) of the conduit, bottle, etc. It mainly provides resistance.

Figure 2b shows the carbon fiber outer casing (1c) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer, which provides the first isolation of hydrogen. It can be rigid or semi-rigid, elastic or an elastomer.

Figure 2c shows the carbon fiber outer casing (1c) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4a) that carries the liquid or semi-liquid element.

Figure 2d shows the outer carbon fiber casing (1c) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4) that collects the hydrogen leaks.

Figure 3a shows the outer shell of a plastic polymer (1 p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. Which provides resistance and is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3). Figure 3b shows the outer casing of a plastic polymer (1 p) of the conduit, bottle, etc., and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer, which provides the first hydrogen insulation. It can be rigid or semi-rigid, elastic or an elastomer. It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3).

Figure 3c shows the outer casing of a plastic polymer (1 p) of the conduit, bottle, etc., and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4a) that carries the liquid or semi-liquid element. . It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3). Figure 3d shows the outer shell of a plastic polymer (1p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4) that collects the hydrogen leaks. It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3).

Figure 4a shows the outer shell of a plastic polymer (1p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. Which provides resistance and is covered by the protective layer of steel (3a).

Figure 4b shows the plastic polymer outer casing (1p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer. It provides the first isolation of hydrogen. It can be rigid or semi-rigid, elastic or an elastomer. It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3a).

Figure 4c shows the outer shell of a plastic polymer (1p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4a) that carries the liquid or semi-liquid element. It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3a). Figure 4d shows the outer shell of a plastic polymer (1p) of the conduit, bottle, etc. and the interior (2) of high-density plastic polymer and between the two the chamber (4) that collects the hydrogen leaks. It is covered by the protective layer of fiberglass (3a).

Figure 5 shows a fiberglass bottle.

Figure 6 shows a hydrogen cylinder, where the carbon fiber can be seen standing out from the resin.

Figure 7 shows a carbon fiber bottle and part of said fiber.

With the recovery and use of hydrogen leaks in vehicles, the existing space problem is eliminated, for example: in automobiles, when compressed hydrogen gas is used. Additionally, excessive thermal insulation is not needed.

Claims (11)

1. Anti-leak system for ducts, bottles, cylinders and hydrogen storage tanks, which consists of applying a resistant or main external cover or casing to the ducts, bottles, cylinders or tanks and inside this another which carries the hydrogen inside. 2. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal casing is flexible or pasty, carries hydrogen inside and is attached to the external casing, forming a single piece. 3. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipes, bottles, cylinders or tanks are two-piece, double pipe or casing separated from each other, creating an intermediate chamber (4a) with a liquid, semi-liquid element at high pressure as fluid. 4. Anti-leak system according to claim 3, characterized in that a fluid at a higher pressure than hydrogen is applied between both casings. 5. Anti-leak system according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal casing is flexible and allows its expansion or dilation with the pressure of hydrogen, producing the compression of a liquid or semi-liquid element of the intermediate chamber against the external casing, acquiring as a consequence the same pressure as that of the hydrogen in the internal chamber, which prevents the escape of hydrogen. 6. Anti-leak system according to claim 3, characterized in that the element used is a high-pressure liquid or semi-liquid, a lubricant, water with dissolved copper sulfate or gold with sodium hypochlorite. 7. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipes, bottles, carboys or tanks are two-piece, double pipe or chambers separated from each other with an intermediate chamber (4) that collects hydrogen leaks. 8. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that plastic polymers, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene, nylon, all with low hydrogen permeability, are used for the internal casings. 9. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that the materials used in the external casings (1v, 1c, 1p) are epoxy resins with fiberglass, carbon, kevlar and aramids in general. 10. Anti-leak system according to claim 9, characterized in that the glass, carbon, Kevlar and aramid fibers used are applied to the ducts, bottles or tanks by means of wrappings of intertwined threads or intertwined layers of threads, a plastic polymer and a small or thin galvanized stainless steel cover. 11. Anti-leak system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipes, bottles and tanks are covered with impermeable, insulating layers, resistant to corrosion and external atmospheric elements.