CN116464840A - Coupling for insulated pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling for insulating pipelines is provided. The coupling includes: a first part and a second part for forming the coupling; each of the first part and the second part includes an inner part for fluid communication with an inner part of the vacuum insulated pipeline and an outer part for fluid communication with an outer low pressure part of the vacuum insulated pipeline; the inner part of the first part and the inner part of the second part form an inner region for passage of fluid; each of the first part and the second part includes a joint part for forming a joint with a joint part of the other of the first part and the second part, the joint part including a flange for connecting the first part and the second part each of the first component and the second component 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

Couplings for insulating lines

technical field

The present disclosure relates to couplings for insulating pipelines.

The invention relates to a coupling for connecting insulated pipelines, optionally vacuum insulated pipelines. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to couplings for insulated pipelines, such as vacuum insulated pipelines. The invention also relates to a kit for forming a coupling, a first part and a second part for forming such a coupling, an insulating plumbing arrangement, a fuel delivery arrangement, a vehicle comprising the insulating plumbing arrangement and/or the fuel delivery arrangement and a method of supplying cold liquid fuel.

Background technique

Rigid couplings in insulated piping such as vacuum insulated piping (also known as "vacuum jacketed piping" or "super insulated piping") are usually based on plain bolted flanges with compressible seals, pinched V-flanges with compressible seals or vacuum insulated "bayonet" style couplings.

Insulated pipes are double-walled pipes typically used to carry cold fluids, usually liquids. A cold fluid is carried in the central duct. The outer annular region surrounds the central conduit and provides thermal insulation for the central conduit. Solid insulating material may be provided in the outer annular region. In vacuum insulated pipes, the outer annular area is under low pressure. In some cases, air is removed from the pipe to provide a low pressure area during pipe manufacture. In other cases, a vacuum pump may be used to continuously remove air from the pipe to provide a low pressure area. Sections of pipe are typically joined together using two-piece pipe couplings, which may include plain bolted flanges with compressible seals, pinched V-flanges with compressible seals, or vacuum-insulated "bayon" style couplings.

Such couplings typically comprise metal and thus provide a potential thermal entry point for cold fluid carried in the central conduit. Heating of cold fluids is undesirable. Furthermore, such a coupling connects two sections of piping, and it is therefore desirable that the coupling be strong and resist unwanted deformation of the piping.

Bayonet couplings are less prone to heat ingress problems than flanged couplings, but bayonet couplings are heavy and expensive. Furthermore, such bayonet couplings require careful handling and installation. Bayonet couplings are also generally relatively long and therefore may not be suitable for providing joints in pipes with bends or joints such as T-joints.

The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the above problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved coupling for insulating pipelines.

Contents of the invention

A first aspect of the present invention provides a coupling for insulating pipelines, the coupling comprising:

a first part and a second part for forming a coupling;

Each of the first component and the second component includes an inner portion for fluid communication with an inner component of the insulating conduit and an outer portion for communication with an outer insulating component of the insulating conduit;

the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for the passage of fluid;

Each of the first component and the second component includes a joint portion for forming a joint with a joint portion of the other of the first component and the second component, the joint portion comprising a flange for connecting the first component and the second component and a second joint portion, the second joint portion being located inside the flange;

At least one of the first component and the second component includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the joint portion and providing a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second joint portion.

The applicant has found that it is beneficial to provide a coupling with a long thermal conduction path between the flange which is subject to ambient conditions and the second joint part.

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 part and the second part comprises a thermally insulating portion located between the flange and the second joint portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second joint portion.

Optionally, both the first part and the second part comprise a heat conducting portion extending away from the respective joint part and providing a heat conduction path between the respective flange and the respective second joint part.

The coupling is optionally a coupling for vacuum insulated lines. Each of the first component and the second component 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 located outside of the inner portion for fluid communication with the inner component of the insulating conduit. The second engaging portion may include a portion having a reduced conductive cross-section. The portion with reduced conduction cross-section reduces heat transfer between the flange and fluid carried by the coupling. The second engaging portion may comprise a wall, optionally an annular wall. The portion of reduced conductive cross-section may include 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 thermal insulating material. This thermally insulating material can provide strength and/or rigidity to the coupling.

The heat conduction part may include a first heat conduction part and a second heat conduction part, the first heat conduction part being located inside the second heat conduction part. The first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion may form a sleeve.

The heat conduction 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 engaging portion. This arrangement can provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint portion.

The length of the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the 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 portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may not exceed 300mm, optionally not exceed 250mm, optionally not exceed 200mm, optionally not exceed 180mm, optionally not exceed 160mm, optionally not exceed 140mm and optionally not exceed 120mm. The length of the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may be 60mm to 300mm, optionally 80mm to 250mm and optionally 100mm to 200mm. Such lengths have been shown to be effective in conducting heat away from the junction of either the first or second component when the outer diameter of the vacuum conduit is 3.5" (-89mm).

As mentioned above, the heat conducting portion may extend away from the flange to an area remote from the flange, and may extend from an area remote from the flange to the second engagement portion. 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 area remote from the flange 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 from the flange. The area remote from the flange may be 60mm to 300mm, optionally 80mm to 250mm and optionally 100mm to 200mm from the flange.

The heat transfer portions (and optional sleeves, if present) protrude from the respective flanges. The length of the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) may be determined as the distance that the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) protrudes from the respective flange.

The length of the thermally conductive portion (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 portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may be no more than 400%, optionally no more than 350%, optionally no more than 300%, optionally no more than 250%, optionally no more than 200%, optionally no more than 150%, and optionally no more than 1 of the outer dimension of the sleeve (if present) 00%. The length of the thermally conductive portion (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 been shown to be effective in conducting heat away from the junction of the first part or the second part. The outer dimension of the sleeve is optionally the outer diameter of the sleeve, since the sleeve may be right cylindrical.

The inner portion may be used to engage with inner components of an insulated pipeline, such as a vacuum insulated pipeline. The outer portion may be used to engage with an outer part of the insulating pipe. At least one, and optionally each, of the first component and the second component may include an inner conduit portion for engaging the inner tube of the insulating conduit. The inner conduit portion may be configured to receive or be received by the inner tube of the insulating 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 region of lower thermal expansion having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The protrusion receiving portion may have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The phrase "region of lower thermal expansion" is used to facilitate identification of the region and to indicate that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the region is less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the protrusion receiving portion.

Applicants have found that when a cold liquid, such as liquid hydrogen, is passed through the inner conduit portion, a coupling with enhanced joints can be formed.

The protrusion and the protrusion receiving portion are configured such that the protrusion receiving portion and the protrusion engage when cooled to a temperature associated with passage of cold liquid through the inner conduit portion. Such temperature will optionally not exceed 0°C, optionally not exceed -50°C, optionally not exceed -100°C, optionally not exceed -150°C, optionally not exceed -200°C, optionally not exceed -250°C and optionally not exceed -260°C, and optionally, and optionally not below -100°C, optionally not below -150°C, optionally not below -200°C and optionally not below -260°C. For example, the protrusion and protrusion-receiving portion are configured such that the protrusion-receiving portion engages the protrusion when cooled to a temperature associated with passage of liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen through the inner conduit portion.

The protrusion receiving portion may comprise steel. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the protrusion receiving portion may be at least 5×10 ⁻⁶ K ⁻¹ , optionally at least 8×10 ⁻⁶ K ⁻¹ and optionally at least 1×10 ⁻⁵ K ⁻¹ .

The lower thermal expansion region of the protrusion may be formed from a low thermal expansion material such as Invar or a suitable polymer. The region of lower thermal expansion may have a coefficient of thermal expansion of no more than 2×10 ⁻⁶ K ⁻¹ , alternatively no more than 1.5×10 ⁻⁶ K ⁻¹ , and optionally no more than 1.0×10 ⁻⁶ K ⁻¹ .

The protrusion may optionally be adjacent to the flange of the first part. The protrusion may be proximate to the engagement area of the first component. The protrusion may protrude from the engagement area of the first component.

The protrusion receiving portion may be proximate to the flange of the second component. The tab receiving portion optionally extends from the engagement area of the second component, optionally rearwardly, if the direction in which the engagement area faces defines a forward direction.

The inner conduit portion of the second component may include a protrusion receiving portion. The inner conduit portion of the second component may include a non-receiving portion that does not receive the protrusion. The protrusion receiving portion may be cylindrical. The cross-sectional area, diameter and/or shape of the projection receiving portion may be the same or different from the cross-sectional area, diameter and/or shape of the non-receiving portion. For example, the diameter of the protrusion receiving portion may be larger than the diameter of the non-tab receiving portion. This may be the case, for example, if the diameter of the projection is the same as the diameter of the non-receiving portion, and/or if the diameter of the projection is the same as the diameter of the non-projecting 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 includes a protrusion comprising a region of lower thermal expansion having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The region of lower thermal expansion may provide the 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 region of lower thermal expansion may include 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 20mm. The tip portion may have a length of not more than 100 mm, optionally not more than 80 mm, optionally not more than 60 mm, optionally not more than 50 mm, optionally not more than 40 mm, optionally not more than 30 mm, optionally not more than 20 mm and optionally not more than 10 mm.

Optionally, the protrusion optionally has a length of at least 2 mm, optionally at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10 mm and optionally at least 20 mm. The protrusion may optionally have a length of not more than 100 mm, optionally not more than 80 mm, optionally not more than 60 mm, optionally not more than 50 mm, optionally not more than 40 mm, optionally not more than 30 mm, optionally not more than 20 mm and optionally not more than 10 mm.

The length of the protrusion receiving portion is correspondingly dimensioned to accommodate the protrusion.

Alternatively, the inner conduit portion may be configured to abut the inner tube of the insulating conduit. The inner conduit portion may extend from the junction portion of the respective first or second component. In use, fluid flows through the inner conduit portion. The inner conduit portion optionally extends normal to the flange. The inner conduit portion optionally extends parallel to the sleeve. Optionally, an inner conduit portion extends through the heat transfer portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present). This arrangement may facilitate attachment of the inner conduit portion to the inner tube of the insulating conduit. The inner conduit portion and thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) optionally define a space for engagement with an insulated region of the insulated pipe. The space may be annular in cross-section. The thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may be configured to receive the outer tube of the insulating conduit. The thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) may be configured to abut the outer tube of the insulating conduit.

As mentioned above, the first part and/or the second part (and optionally the sleeve, if present) may comprise a thermally insulating portion. The thermally insulating portion may be located on the outside of the outer portion. The applicant has found that it is beneficial to provide thermal insulation to prevent undesired transfer of heat from the surrounding environment to liquid carried in the internal components of the insulating pipe.

The thermal insulation 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 engaging portion. In this regard, the heat conduction portion may include a first heat conduction portion located inside the second heat conduction portion and a second heat conduction portion in thermal communication with the second heat conduction portion. Thus, a heat conduction path is provided between the flange and the second joint portion through the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion. The heat insulation part may be located between the first heat conduction part and the second heat conduction part. One or both of the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion may have a substantially cylindrical shape. One or both of the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion may be in contact with the heat insulation portion.

The heat conduction 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 engaging portion. This arrangement can provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint portion.

One or both of the first thermally conductive portion and the second thermally conductive portion may have an average thickness of at least 0.5 mm, optionally at least 1.0 mm, optionally at least 1.5 mm and optionally at least 2.0 mm.

One or both of the first thermally conductive portion and the second thermally conductive portion may have an average thickness of no greater than 5.0 mm, optionally no greater than 4.0 mm, optionally no greater than 3.0 mm, optionally no greater than 2.5 mm, optionally no greater than 2.0 mm, and optionally no greater than 1.5 mm.

The thermally conductive portion may include a thermally conductive end portion. 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 1 mm, alternatively at least 2 mm, alternatively at least 3 mm, alternatively at least 4 mm, alternatively at least 5 mm and optionally at least 8 mm.

The thermally insulating portion may optionally have an average thickness of at least 1 mm, optionally at least 2 mm, optionally at least 3 mm, optionally at least 4 mm and optionally at least 5 mm.

The thermal insulation portion may optionally have an average thickness of not more than 30 mm, optionally not more than 25 mm, optionally not more than 20 mm, optionally not more than 15 mm and optionally not more than 10 mm.

The thermally insulating portion may optionally have an average thickness of 1 mm to 30 mm, optionally 2 mm to 25 mm, optionally 5 mm to 20 mm and optionally 8 mm to 20 mm.

The thermally conductive portion optionally has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W/m.K, optionally at least 12 W/m.K, optionally at least 14 W/m.K and optionally at least 16 W/m.K. For the avoidance of doubt, thermal conductivity can be measured at 20°C.

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 thermal insulation part optionally comprises plastic material. The thermally insulating portion optionally comprises an amorphous material, such as an amorphous plastic material. For example, the thermal insulating material may optionally include a polymer such as polyetherimide (such as ). The applicant has found that an amorphous plastic material can provide a sufficiently low thermal conductivity and a sufficiently high Young's modulus.

The thermally insulating portion optionally has a thermal conductivity not exceeding 1 W/m.K, optionally not exceeding 0.8 W/m.K, optionally not exceeding 0.6 W/m.K, optionally not exceeding 0.4 W/m.K and optionally not exceeding 0.3 W/m.K.

The thermally insulating portion optionally has a Young's modulus of at least 0.5 GPa, alternatively at least 1.0 GPa, alternatively at least 1.5 GPa, alternatively at least 2.0 GPa and optionally at least 2.5 GPa. For the avoidance of doubt, Young's modulus can be determined at ambient temperature (typically 15°C to 25°C).

The thermal insulation may be incorporated into the coupling in any suitable manner. For example, a pre-formed solid thermal insulation portion may be adhered or otherwise attached to the first or second part of the coupling. Alternatively, a solid thermally insulating material may be heated into a flowable form, introduced into the first or second part of the coupling and cooled, thereby forming the thermally insulating portion.

As previously mentioned, the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present) optionally has a length. The length is optionally measured along the longitudinal axis of the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present). Optionally, the thermally insulating portion is 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 the thermally conductive portion (and optional sleeve, if present) at least 90% of the length of and optionally along at least 95% of the length of the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the 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 part and the second part is optionally provided with a first seal-forming member. The first seal forming member may have a ring shape. The first seal-forming member may be located on the outside of the inner portion. If the respective first part or second part comprises an inner conduit part, the first seal-forming member may be located outside the inner conduit part. The first seal-forming member may be located inside the outer portion. The first seal-forming member may be located inside the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present). In use, the first seal-forming member is located outside the inner portion of the insulating conduit, thereby preventing escape of liquid carried in the inner portion of the insulating conduit.

The coupling optionally includes a second seal-forming member. One of the first part and the second part is provided with a second seal-forming member. Optionally, one of the first part and the second part is provided with both the first and second seal-forming means. The second seal forming member may optionally be located on the outside of the thermally conductive portion (and optionally the sleeve, if present).

One or more 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 part or second part. The flange may extend substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the respective first or second part.

The coupling may be provided with thermal insulation around at least part of the first and second parts of the coupling. Thermal insulation may be provided substantially around both of the first and second components of the coupling.

The first part and the second part may be provided with apertures or passages which together provide one or more flow paths between the outer region of the first part and the outer region of the second part. This facilitates 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 where the coupling is intended for use with vacuum insulated lines.

The engaging portion of the first component and the engaging portion of the second component may include substantially planar face portions. The substantially planar face portions may be pushed together in the coupling.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling for insulating pipelines, 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 portion of the insulating conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer insulating portion of the insulating conduit,

the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for the passage of fluid,

At least one of the first component and the second component includes a sleeve surrounding the outer portion, the sleeve including a thermal insulation portion surrounding the outer portion.

The applicant has found that it is beneficial to provide a sleeve comprising a thermally insulating portion to prevent undesired transfer of heat from the surrounding environment to liquid carried in the internal components of the insulating pipe.

The coupling may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. For example, the thermal insulation portion may comprise one or more of the features described above in relation to the coupling of the first aspect of the invention.

The sleeve may include a thermally conductive portion extending away from the engagement portion in thermal communication with the engagement portion to conduct heat away from the engagement portion. The heat conducting portion 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 part and the second part may include a flange and a second engagement portion located inside the flange. The flange may have the features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. At least one or both of the first component and the second component may include a thermally conductive portion that provides a thermally conductive path between the second engaging portion and the flange. The thermally conductive portion may extend away from the joint portion. In this regard, the thermally conductive portion may include a first thermally conductive portion and a second thermally conductive portion, the first thermally conductive portion being located inside the second thermally conductive portion, wherein the first thermally conductive portion is in thermal communication with the second thermally conductive portion. The thermally insulating portion may be located between the flange and the second joining portion, thereby providing a thermally insulating path in a radial direction between the flange and the second joining portion. The heat insulation part may be located between the first heat conduction part and the second heat conduction part.

The coupling is optionally a coupling for vacuum insulated lines. Each of the first component and the second component 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 insulating pipelines, 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 portion of the insulating conduit and an outer portion for fluid communication with an outer insulating portion of the insulating conduit;

the inner portion of the first component and the inner portion of the second component are adapted to form an inner region for the passage of fluid;

Each of the first part and the second part includes a joint portion for forming a joint with a joint part of the other of the first part and the second part, the joint part including a flange for connecting the first part and the second part,

At least one of the first component and the second component includes a thermally conductive portion extending away from the joint portion.

The applicants have 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 portion may form part of the sleeve. The sleeve may include thermal insulation. At least a part of the thermal insulation portion may be located outside the thermal insulation portion. For example, the thermally conductive portion may include an outer wall on the outer side of the thermally insulating portion. In addition, the heat conduction part may include an inner wall located inside the heat insulation part. The sleeve may comprise those features described above in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention. The first part and/or the second part of the coupling may comprise a second engaging portion on the inner side of the flange. The thermally conductive portion may provide a thermally conductive path between the flange and the second engaging portion.

The engagement portion may extend radially outward 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 positioned between the flange and the second joint portion, thereby providing a thermally insulated path in a radial direction between the flange and the second joint portion.

The heat conduction 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 engaging portion. This arrangement can provide a long thermal path from the flange to the second joint portion.

The coupling of the third aspect of the invention may comprise any of the features of the coupling of the first and second aspects of the invention. Likewise, the couplings 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 pipeline, the coupling comprising:

a first part and a second part for forming a coupling;

Each of the first part and the second part includes:

a joint portion, the joint portion includes a substantially flat face and a flange for connecting the first part and the second part, the flat face of the first part and the flat face of the second part face each other;

a first inner conduit extending away from the generally planar face and the flange, the first inner conduit configured to engage the inner tube of the 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 the outer tube of the vacuum insulated conduit, wherein the second outer conduit includes ( _a ) a cylindrical heat conducting portion in thermal communication with the engaging portion to conduct heat away from the engaging portion, and (b) a cylindrical thermally insulating portion for preventing heat transfer to the first inner conduit.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the coupling of the fourth aspect of the invention may include those features described above in relation to the couplings of the first and second aspects of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the 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 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 aspect of the invention, the kit comprising a first part and a second part of a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspect of the invention.

The first part and the second part of the coupling may comprise those features described above in relation to the couplings 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 insulating pipeline comprising the first part and/or the second part of the coupling piece according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

The insulated pipe may be a vacuum insulated pipe. The insulated conduit optionally includes an inner conduit for carrying a fluid, optionally a cold fluid, and an outer conduit where a reduced pressure exists. Optionally, either the first part or the second part of the coupling is attached or otherwise connected to the insulating conduit. Alternatively, the first part or the second part of the coupling may be integral with the insulating pipe. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the area of reduced pressure in the insulating conduit is not under a true vacuum. The pressure is reduced sufficiently so as to prevent heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the fluid carried in the inner tubing. The inner conduit may be joined to (or integral with) the inner portion of the first part and/or the second part of the coupling. The inner conduit can be in fluid communication with the inner portion of the coupling. If the first component and/or the second component comprises an inner conduit portion, the inner conduit of the insulating 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 insulating conduit and the inner conduit portion. There may be an overlap between the inner conduit portion and the inner pipe. This overlap may allow the coupling to be attached to the insulated pipe. The outer conduit of the insulating conduit may be engaged (or integral) with the sleeve. There may be an overlap between the sleeve and the outer pipe. This overlap may allow the coupling to be attached to the insulated pipe.

The inner and outer ducts of the insulated ducts may define areas subject to low pressure in use. The low pressure region is optionally in fluid communication with an outer region of the coupling.

The insulating pipe 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 area of the insulating pipe may comprise the first part or the second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention, and the second connection area of the insulating pipe may comprise the first part or the second part of the coupling according to the fifth aspect of the invention. For example, if the insulating pipe is in the form of a T, the third connection area of the insulating pipe may comprise the first part or the 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 insulating piping device, which includes a first insulating pipe and a second insulating pipe connected by a coupling according to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspect of the present invention. The piping set may be a vacuum insulated piping set comprising a first vacuum insulated conduit and a second vacuum insulated conduit.

The insulated plumbing arrangement of the eighth aspect of the present invention may include any of the features described above in relation to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for forming an insulating pipe according to the seventh aspect of the present invention or an insulating plumbing arrangement according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the kit comprising one or more lengths of insulating pipe and at least one first and/or second part 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 pipe, and may include one or more lengths of vacuum insulated pipe.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fuel delivery arrangement comprising one or more fuel tanks configured to deliver fuel to an engine or motor via an insulated piping arrangement (optionally a vacuum insulated piping arrangement) 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 piping arrangement (optionally a vacuum insulated piping arrangement) according to the eighth aspect of the present invention and/or a fuel delivery device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention. The vehicle may be a land based vehicle such as a car, van, convertible, truck, bus, motorcycle, tram or train. The vehicle may be an aircraft, such as a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotary-wing aircraft.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of supplying cold liquid fuel, the method comprising passing said cold liquid fuel through a coupling according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention, an insulated pipeline (optionally a vacuum insulated pipeline) according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an insulated piping arrangement (optionally a vacuum insulated piping arrangement) according to the eighth aspect of the present invention or a fuel delivery device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention. Cold liquid fuels may include liquid hydrogen.

It will of course 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 invention may combine any of the features described with reference to the device of the invention, and vice versa.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the coupling of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4a shows an end view of a coupling according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4b shows an end view of a coupling according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5a shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated conduit according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5b shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated conduit according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5c shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated conduit according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5d shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated conduit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5e shows a schematic side view of a vacuum insulated conduit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a vacuum insulated pipeline arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows an aircraft according to aspects of the invention comprising a fuel delivery arrangement and an aircraft according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method of supplying cold liquid fuel according to aspects of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coupling according to another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a coupling according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of 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 FIGS. 1 and 2 . The coupling is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 and is suitable for coupling insulating lines, in this case vacuum-insulated lines. The coupling 100 comprises a first part 1 and a second part 51 for forming the coupling. Each of the first part 1 and the second part 51 comprises an inner part 2, 52 for engaging with an inner part of the vacuum insulated conduit and an outer part 3, 53 for engaging with an outer low voltage part of the vacuum insulated conduit. The inner parts 2, 52 of the first and second parts form an inner region 14 for the passage of fluid. In this regard, a vacuum insulated pipeline generally comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe, the inner pipe carrying a fluid, usually a liquid, which should be kept at a low temperature. The space between the inner and outer pipes of vacuum insulated piping is typically at reduced pressure to inhibit heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the fluid in the inner pipe. The inner tubing of the vacuum insulated line engages the inner part 2, 52 of the coupling such that a fluid (eg a cold liquid such as hydrogen) can be transferred through the coupling. The outer low-voltage part of the vacuum-insulated line engages with the outer part of the coupling such that the space in the outer part of the coupling can withstand the same low pressure generated in the low-voltage part of the vacuum-insulated line. For the avoidance of doubt, "outer part" refers to the position of the part relative to the "inner part". The term "outer" does not refer to the location of the "outer part" relative to a feature of the coupling other than the "inner part".

Each of the first part 1 and the second part 51 comprises a joint part 4, 54 for forming a joint with a joint part of the other of the first part and the second part. In the present case, each engagement portion 4 , 54 generally has a substantially planar face which contacts the substantially planar face of the engagement portion 4 , 54 of the other of the first part 1 and the second part 51 . Each joint part 4 , 54 comprises a flange 5 , 55 for connecting the first part 1 and the second part 51 . The flange 5 , 55 is generally annular in shape, as can be best 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 designated with the reference numeral 20 . Nuts and bolts 20 are used to secure the flanges 5, 55 together, and thus the first part 1 and the second part 51 together. The flange 5, 55 is 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 portion extends radially from the second engagement portion 21 , 71 to the respective flange. The second engaging portions have a substantially annular shape and abut each other. The second engaging portion 21 , 71 is close to the inner portion 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 the 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 heat conducting portion 7, 57 extending away from the engagement portion 4, 54. Each heat conducting part 7, 57 comprises an outer wall 7a, 57a and an inner wall 9, 59 which together with the respective end wall 10, 60 provide a long heat conducting path between the flange 5, 55 and the inner joint part 21, 71. In this regard, the heat conducting portion extends away from the flange to a region remote from the flange (exemplified by the end wall 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 usually 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 joint 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 joint portion, whereby a thermally insulating path in radial direction is provided between the flange and the respective second joint portion. The long conductive path provided by the thermally conductive portion 7, 57 combined with the radially thermally insulated path reduces conductive heat transfer between the surrounding environment and the cold liquid normally carried by the coupling.

The outer walls 7a, 57a are made of 2 mm thick stainless steel and extend approximately 115 mm to 120 mm from the respective joint portion 4, 54.

Each sleeve 6, 56 comprises a cylindrical member of thermal insulation 8, 58, which in this case is 1000. The wall of the barrel is about 15mm thick. The thermal insulation 8, 58 inhibits heating of the fluid carried in the inner part 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 surrounding environment and the cold liquid typically carried in the coupling. In addition, thermal insulation 8, 58 provides structural rigidity to the coupling. The thermal insulation 8, 58 is bounded and held in place by a thermally conductive stainless steel outer wall 7a, 57a, a 4 mm thick end wall 10, 60 and a 2 mm thick sleeve inner wall 9, 59. The applicant has found that it is beneficial for the sleeve to include thermally insulating material to inhibit heating of the contents of the inner part 2, 52 of the coupling. The applicant has found that it is particularly beneficial to provide a thermally insulating material in combination with a thermally conductive material which provides a long thermally conductive path between the flange 5 , 55 and the second joint portion 21 , 71 .

Each of the first part 1 and the second part 51 of the coupling 100 comprises an inner conduit part 11 , 61 in the form of a cylindrical conduit. The inner conduit part 11, 61 engages with the inner tube of the vacuum insulated conduit. Each inner conduit portion joins the other inner conduit portion at junction portions 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 the inner conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit.

The outer part 3 , 53 of the respective first part 1 and second part 51 is defined by the respective inner conduit part 11 , 61 and the respective sleeve inner wall 9 , 59 . The low pressure portion of the vacuum insulated line engages the outer surface of the inner conduit portion 11 , 61 and the sleeve inner wall 9 , 59 .

The flat face of the joint portion 4 of the first part 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 faces of the joint portion 4 . Both the inner sealing member 12 and the outer sealing member 13 form a 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 part 2 and inside the sleeve 6 and prevents leakage of fluid from the inner part 14 . The second sealing member is located on the outside of the sleeve 6 and prevents the entry of air.

In the above embodiment, the coupling 100 is designed to engage a vacuum insulated pipe with a diameter of 3.5" (88.9mm). Applicants have found that the length of the sleeve including the thermally conductive portion can be varied and still provide good thermal performance. For example, a sleeve length of 110mm to 120mm provides good thermal performance when used with 15mm thick thermal insulation. A sleeve length of 195mm to 200mm also provides good thermal performance, but in this case However, thinner thermal insulation, in this case 10mm thick thermal insulation, can be used. This means that the length of the sleeve can optionally be about the same as the diameter of the vacuum insulated pipe.

The engagement portions 4 , 54 each comprise a second engagement portion 21 , 71 in the form of an annular wall, which abut each other in the coupling. In the coupling 100 , the second joining portion 21 , 71 is not provided with any fluid flow path allowing fluid communication between the outer portion 3 , 53 . Fluid communication may be provided between the outer parts 3,53. In this case, for example a pressure drop in the outer part 3 will result in a pressure drop in the outer part 53 . This allows a single vacuum pump to depressurize the entire coupling.

In the coupling of Figures 3, 4a and 4b there is no fluid communication between the outer parts 3, 53, but the thickness of the second joint part 21, 71 is reduced such that the thermal conductivity between the fluid in the coupling and the surrounding atmosphere is reduced. Referring to Figure 3, the coupling 300 comprises an inner engagement portion 21, 71 in the form of an annular wall 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 therefore there is no fluid communication between the outer part 3 of the first part 1 and the outer part 53 of the second part 2 . The recess may be filled with a non-thermally conductive material. Figure 4b shows an end view of the coupling 300 and shows the general shape of the recesses 40a, 40b. For the avoidance of doubt, features depicted by reference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 4b are related to features in FIGS. 1 and 2 having the same reference numerals.

Alternative arrangements of recesses are possible. In this regard, FIG. 4 a shows a different arrangement of the 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 Figures 5a to 5e. The vacuum-insulated line 1000 comprises a vacuum-insulated pipe 1001 in the form of a right-angle bend. The pipe 1001 comprises a first part 1 of a coupling attached to a first connection area 1002 and a further first part 1' of a coupling attached to a second connection area 1003. As shown in Figure 5a, sleeve 6 and sleeve 6' meet.

Referring to Fig. 5b, the vacuum insulated conduit 2000 comprises a vacuum insulated conduit 2001 in the form of a right angle bend. The pipe 2001 comprises a first part 1 of a coupling attached to a first connection area 2002 and a further first part 1' of a coupling attached to a second connection area 2003. In contrast to the arrangement of Fig. 5a, the sleeve 6 and the sleeve 6' are curved but do not meet, as shown in Fig. 5b.

Referring to Fig. 5c, the vacuum insulated pipeline 3000 comprises a vacuum insulated pipeline 3001 in the form of a right angle bend. The pipe 3001 comprises a first part 1 of a coupling attached to a first connection area 3002 and a further first part 1' of a coupling attached to a second connection area 3003. In contrast to the arrangement of Figure 5a, the sleeve 6 and sleeve 6' are straight but do not meet, as shown in Figure 5c.

The embodiment of Figures 5d and 5e shows a T-shaped vacuum insulated pipeline. Referring to FIG. 5d, the vacuum insulated pipeline 4000 includes a vacuum insulated pipeline 4001 in a T-shape. The pipe 4001 comprises a first part 1 of the coupling attached to the first connection area 4002, a further first part 1' of the coupling attached to the second connection area 4003 and a further first part 1" of the coupling attached to the third connection area 4004. As shown in Figure 5d, the sleeves 6, 6' and 6" do not meet.

Referring to FIG. 5e, a vacuum insulated pipeline 5000 includes a vacuum insulated pipeline 5001 in a T-shape. The pipe 5001 comprises a first part 1 of a coupling attached to a first connection area 5002, a further first part 1' of a coupling attached to a second connection area 5003 and a further first part 1" of a coupling attached to a third connection area 5004. As shown in Figure 5e, the sleeves 6, 6', 6" meet.

An embodiment of an insulated plumbing arrangement (in this case a vacuum insulated plumbing arrangement) according to the eighth aspect of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to FIG. 6 . The piping set is indicated generally by the reference numeral 250 and comprises a first section A of the vacuum-insulated piping to which the first part 1 of the coupling 100 is attached. The second section B of the vacuum-insulated pipe is attached to the second part 51 of the coupling 100 .

An embodiment of a fuel delivery device 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 arrangement is indicated generally by reference numeral 6000 and includes a fuel tank 601 configured to deliver fuel to the two jet engines 6001, 6002 through vacuum insulated plumbing 250, 250'. In the current case, the fuel is hydrogen. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the engines 6001, 6002 are not part of the fuel delivery arrangement. Figure 7 also shows an embodiment of a vehicle according to the eleventh aspect of the invention. The vehicle, in this case a narrow body jet 7000 , includes a fuel delivery arrangement 6000 .

An embodiment of a method of supplying cold liquid fuel according to an embodiment of the twelfth aspect of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 . The method is indicated generally by reference numeral 7000 and includes moving 7001 said cold liquid fuel, in this case liquid hydrogen, from a fuel tank 601, passing 7002 the cold liquid fuel through coupling 1, and passing 7003 the cold liquid fuel to the engine 6001 for use of the fuel.

An embodiment of another 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. 9 . The coupling 100 is substantially as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the reference numerals used in FIG. 9 are used for features having the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The coupling 100 of FIG. 9 differs from the couplings of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the coupling of FIG. 9 includes features that provide thermally actuated engagement between the first component and the second component. In this regard, the inner duct part 11 of the first part 1 comprises a protrusion 42 formed from an Invar cylinder welded to the inner surface of the remainder of the inner duct part 11 . The inner conduit portion 61 provides a nose receiving portion 92 having the same cross-sectional area as the remainder of the inner conduit portion 61 . The protrusion 42 is received by the protrusion receiving portion 92 of the inner conduit portion 61 . When the cold liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen, passes through the inner part 14, the inner conduit part 11, 61 cools and contracts. The protrusion receiving portion 92 has a much larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the protrusion 42 and therefore contracts much more than the protrusion 42 . This causes the protrusion receiving portion 92 to engage the protrusion 42 . This may increase the sealing effect between the first part and the second part, thereby preventing fluid from escaping from the inner region 14 . This engagement also reduces the risk of undesired decoupling 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 with respect 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 details of the sleeve arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 have been omitted from Figure 10 for the sake of clarity. The coupling 100 of FIG. 10 differs from the couplings of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the coupling of FIG. 10 includes features that provide thermally actuated engagement between the first component and the second component. The inner conduit part 11 of the first part 1 comprises a protrusion 42 extending from the engagement part 4 . The protrusion 42 is cylindrical and includes a tip portion 43 and a base portion 44 . The tip portion 43 has a generally cylindrical shape and is about 30 mm long, and is made of Invar, which is a material with 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 area 4 . The base part 44 as well as the parts of the inner conduit part 11 which do not protrude from the junction area 4 are formed from steel. In use, the protrusion 42 is received within a protrusion receiving portion 92 provided in the second part 51 . The protrusion receiving portion 92 has a generally cylindrical shape and is large enough to receive the protrusion 42 . The protrusion receiving portion 92 is formed from steel which has a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the Invar forming the tip portion 43 of the protrusion 42 . The protrusion 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 .

Clamps are used to secure the flanges 5, 55 together prior to use. This compresses the inner and outer sealing members, preventing fluid from exiting the inner portion 14 and ambient air from entering.

When the cold liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen, passes through the inner part 14, the inner conduit part 11, 61 cools and contracts. The protrusion 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 part and the second part, thereby preventing fluid from escaping from the inner region 14 . This engagement also reduces the risk of undesired decoupling of the coupling.

For the avoidance of doubt, those skilled in the art will recognize that vacuum insulated tubing is not part of the coupling of the present invention.

While the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention lends itself to many different modifications not specifically described herein. Some possible variations will now be described, by way of example only.

The above example describes how the first part and the second part of the coupling are each provided with an inner conduit welded to the inner pipe of the vacuum insulated pipe. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second parts of the coupling need not be provided with internal conduits. Furthermore, the inner conduit, where present, may engage the inner conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit in a manner other 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 example above describes how to weld a sleeve to the outer pipe of a vacuum insulated pipe. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible. For example, substantially the entire length of the sleeve may receive the outer conduit of the vacuum insulated conduit.

The examples above describe how to attach the flanges of the first and second parts to each other using nuts and bolts. 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 examples above 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 appreciate that for a coupling according to the first aspect of the invention no thermally insulating portion is required. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that for a coupling according to the second aspect of the invention, no heat conducting portion is required.

The above example describes the thermal insulation material usage of. 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 examples above describe the use of couplings for hydrogen fuel delivery systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling can be used with other vacuum insulated conduits.

The examples above describe couplings for vacuum insulated lines. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the coupling can be used with other insulated lines. For example, the coupling may be used in conjunction with tubing insulated with a thermally insulating, optionally solid material such as foam (eg polyurethane foam or glass foam), aerogel or microspheres such as glass microspheres.

Where in the foregoing description there are integers or elements which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed to encompass any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that integers or features of the invention described as preferred, advantageous, convenient etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that such optional integers or features, while 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.