Key information

Title: Safety hose for hazardous fluids, connector, assembly and method of use
Application number: 20230184
Case type: National
Status: 15.07.2024 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 24.02.2023
Effective date: 24.02.2023
Publicly available: 15.07.2024
Next annual fee due: 28.02.2027
Applicant: AMMONIA AS (NO)
Owner: AMMONIA AS (NO)
Inventor: Ottar Lykkedrang (NO)
Agent: HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted: 15.07.2024
Patent number: 348068
Expiry date: 24.02.2043

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

A safety hose (300) for delivery of a hazardous fluid from a proximal end (301) to a distal end (302) of the hose (300), the hose (300) comprising: an outer fluid communication conduit (310); a first inner fluid communication conduit (320) disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit (310) and configured to transfer the hazardous fluid from the proximal end (301) to the distal end (302); such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit (310).

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
02.01.2025	09-01	Saksbehandling	20230184(348068)	UT	PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20230184)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
18.07.2024	08-01	Saksbehandling	20230184(348068)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20230184)
06.05.2024	07-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	UT	Intention to grant	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
01.02.2024	06-05	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_response_010224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
01.02.2024	06-04	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_norwegianclaims_010224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
01.02.2024	06-03	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_amendedspecmarkedup_010224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
01.02.2024	06-02	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_amendedspecclean_010224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
01.02.2024	06-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
29.01.2024	05-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	UT	Substantive examination	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
27.11.2023	04-04	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_response_271123	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
27.11.2023	04-03	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_amendedspecmarkedup_271123	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
27.11.2023	04-02	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_amendedspecclean_271123	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
27.11.2023	04-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
08.06.2023	03-02	Saksbehandling	20230184	UT	PT report 12:56:39
08.06.2023	03-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	UT	20230184_1719960_PT 08 Eng	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
28.02.2023	02-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	UT	Infobrev til oppfinner	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
24.02.2023	01-04	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_spec_240223	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
24.02.2023	01-03	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00_drawings_240223	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
24.02.2023	01-02	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	P30690NO00 Signed general power of attorney	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
24.02.2023	01-01	Saksbehandling	20230184	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

SAFETY HOSE FOR HAZARDOUS FLUIDS, CONNECTOR, ASSEMBLY AND

METHOD OF USE

FIELD

The present invention relates to the delivery of hazardous fluids. More

particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid delivery apparatus to reduce

the risk of a dangerous leak of hazardous fluid or gas from a delivery system.

BACKGROUND

Hazardous fluids are widely used in industry for myriad purposes. Some

hazardous fluids should not be leaked, but if a leak does occur, they can be

relatively easily contained without immediate or severe impact. On the other

hand, some hazardous fluids can cause immediate and/or severe impact to

people and/or the environment if they are leaked.

Ammonia is a widely used chemical with many applications. Examples of

applications are as reductant for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of ΝΟx in

exhaust gas from combustion processes, as fertilizer in agriculture, as energy

carrier for storage of excess energy from energy plants, and as fuel in the

shipping industry.

For the latter two examples, there is typically a need for storing large

amounts of ammonia. When used to fuel ships, the storage tanks should

preferably be close to harbours where bunkering operations take place.

However, ammonia is toxic, and safety measures must be taken to avoid the risk

of exposure to people. It is critically important that ammonia does not leak, in gas

or liquid form, during delivery of ammonia from one location to another. Leaked

ammonia liquid may reach the sea water surface and boil uncontrollably. It is therefore critically important that ammonia does not leak when delivering ammonia from a storage tank in a harbour to a vessel during a bunkering operation.

During such operations there is typically a safety distance put in place of several hundred meters. A safety distance means that people are not allowed to be present within the safety distance of the bunkering operation.

It can be problematic if bunkering operations with hazardous fluids, such as ammonia, are to take place in busy ports. Furthermore, there is a need to provide bunkering of hazardous fluids at potentially very suitable bunkering locations in ports, save for the fact that the potential locations are already located within several hundred meters of a residential or commercial properties which are populated with people.

There is therefore a need to minimise or eliminate the safety distance required during bunkering of hazardous fluids. Furthermore, there is a need to improve safety when bunkering hazardous liquids.

Patent document WO2018/101841A1 discloses a hose arrangement for transferring a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit. The hose arrangement comprises a hose unit comprising a first conduit adapted to transfer the medium, a second conduit arranged around the first conduit so that a closed space is formed between the first conduit and the second conduit. The hose arrangement comprises a loop arrangement comprising an inlet for injecting a gas into the space and an outlet for removing the gas from the space, and a control unit adapted to control the flow of the medium through the first conduit and the flow of the gas through the loop arrangement in a shut down phase so that the flow of the medium through the first conduit is terminated before terminating the flow of the gas through the loop arrangement.

Patent document WO2004/094296A1 discloses an assembly for loading and unloading products, comprising a balanced loading and unloading arm installed at a first location and having a compass-style duct system mounted by one of its ends on a base and provided at the other of its ends with a connection system suitable for connecting the compass-style duct system to a coupling means installed at the second location, this assembly comprising, in addition, a cable joined on the one hand to means integral with the base and suitable for subjecting this cable to a constant tension and suitable for being joined, on the other hand, to the second location, the assembly also comprising guiding means capable of co-operating with the cable so as to guide the connection system along a trajectory materialized by the said cable until the connection system is brought into a position of connection to the coupling means.

Patent document CN113968313A discloses a system and method for heating a storage tank of liquefied gas. A step is provided for heating at least one ballast tank and/or heating the inter-deck space above the tank when the ballast tank is at least substantially emptied of seawater.

Patent document WO2010/041955A discloses an arrangement for a hose system comprising an inner main hose and an outer cover hose delimiting a ring shaped air filled volume designed to make the hose bouyant in water. At least at one end there is a connector attached to the main hose as well as the cover hose, and which at its free end is attached to, or integrated with, connector part for connection of the hose system to an external system.

Patent document WO2015/038001A discloses a device for a double hose structure with an inner main hose and an outer cover hose defining an annular space intended to give the hose buoyancy in water, and where at least one end is provided with a coupling member forming a mount for the main hose and the cover hose and which at a free end merges into a threaded portion for connecting the hose assembly to an auxiliary connection. The coupling member comprises an inner coupling sleeve which is tightly connected to one end of the main hose and an outer coupling sleeve which is tightly connected to the cover hose, the inner and outer coupling sleeves being mutually connected to form a liquid tight termination of the annulus by means of an ring-shaped plate.

Patent document US3530680A discloses a conduit for refrigerated fluid comprising an inner conduit covered with insulation and having longitudinally overlapping antifriction slats and rollers, and slid into an outer conduit with connectors interposed between corresponding ends of the conduits, and the inner conduit longitudinally compressed by jacking with respect to the outer conduit, with the connectors welded to the prestressed conduits by longitudinal lines of welding.

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a safety hose for delivery of a hazardous fluid from a proximal end to a distal end of the hose, the hose comprising: an outer fluid communication conduit; a first inner fluid communication conduit disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit and configured to transfer the hazardous fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit characterised in that the safety hose further comprises a second inner fluid communication conduit disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit and configured to transfer gas from the distal end to the proximal end; such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end to the proximal end in the second inner fluid communication conduit whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end to the distal end in the first inner fluid communication conduit; and gas leakage from the second inner fluid communication conduit will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit and can be transported to the proximal end).

The outer fluid communication conduit may be a flexible tube.

The first inner fluid communication conduit may be a flexible tube.

The first inner fluid communication conduit may be configured to transfer liquid ammonia.

The outer fluid communication conduit may be configured to transfer liquid ammonia and/or gas. The gas may be ammonia in gas state. The gas may be a mixture of gases including ammonia in gas state.

The outer fluid communication conduit may be configured to transfer liquid to the proximal end in use; such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit and can be transported to the proximal end.

The outer fluid communication conduit may be configured to transfer gas from the distal end to the proximal end, such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end to the proximal end whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end to the distal end in the first inner fluid communication conduit.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a safety connector for connecting a safety hose, comprising an outer fluid communication conduit and an inner fluid communication conduit disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit, to a delivery port for the safe transfer for a hazardous fluid from the inner fluid communication conduit to the delivery port, the connector comprising: a connector body comprising a hose connecting end and a port connecting end; an outer conduit connecting means configured to provide a fluid tight connection between the hose connecting end of the connector body and the outer fluid communication conduit of the safety hose in use; a first inner conduit securing means disposed within the connector body and configured to secure the first inner conduit to the connector body in use such that the first inner conduit can be connected, inside the connector body, to a fluid receiving conduit of the port in use; a port connecting means configured to provide a fluid tight connection between the port connecting end of the connector body and the delivery port in use; such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner conduit within the connector body will be received in the connector body characterised in that the safety connector further comprises a second inner conduit securing means disposed within the connector body and configured to secure a second inner conduit of the safety hose to the connector body in use such that the second inner conduit can be connected, inside the connector body, to a gas providing conduit of the port in use..

The connector body may be frustoconical.

The connector body may be configured to transfer liquid ammonia.

The connector body may be configured to transfer liquid to the hose connecting end in use; such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit within the connector body will be received in the connector body and can be transported to the hose connecting end.

The connector body may be configured in use to transfer gas from the delivery port to the hose connecting end, such that in use gas can be transported from the delivery port to the hose connecting end whilst hazardous fluid is delivered in the first inner fluid communication conduit through the safety connector.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a hazardous fluid delivery assembly for delivering hazardous fluid to a delivery port, comprising: a safety hose according to the first aspect of the invention; and a safety connector according to the second aspect of the invention; wherein the hose connecting end of the connector body is fluid tight connected to the outer fluid communication conduit of the safety hose by the outer conduit connecting means; the first inner conduit is secured to the connector body by the first inner conduit securing means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of safely transferring hazardous fluid through a safety hose comprising the steps of: providing a safety hose according to the first aspect of the invention; transferring a hazardous fluid through the first inner fluid communication conduit from the proximal end to the distal end of the hose; such that leakage of the hazardous fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a port area where transfer of hazardous fluid may take place;

Figure 2 shows an arrangement configured to provide hazardous fluid transfer between an underground storage container and a vessel;

Figure 3 shows a robot and a hose;

Figure 4 shows the robot of Figure 3 with the hose connected to an end effector of the robot;

Figure 5 shows a safety hose configured to transfer a hazardous fluid; Figure 6 shows a connector arranged on the end of the safety hose of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an alternative safety hose comprising a single inner fluid communication conduit and configured to allow gas to return within the outer fluid communication conduit;

Figure 8 shows a kit comprising a first and second safety hose; and Figure 9 shows a connector for connecting the first or second safety hose of Figure 8 to a delivery port.

It will be appreciated that many of the basic components of the bunkering system have not been shown in the drawings in the interest of brevity and clarity. Some of the basic components missing from the drawings or not explained in detail are major components of the bunkering system, such as a suitable storage tank. In this connection, although a storage tank is provided, exact details of the tank are omitted in the interest of brevity. It will be well within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art to select and arrange suitable equipment to be used with the components described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The term hazardous fluid is used throughout the present description and is intended to refer to any fluid that could be harmful or dangerous to humans, animals or the environment if leaked. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that in the present context the term fluid is intended to cover fluids carrying solids or powders. For example, a hazardous fluid carrying sand or solid particles may be pumped along a hose. In such case, the fluid as well as the sand or solid particles may be intended to be transferred using the hose. In such cases, the term fluid is to the interpreted as such fluids also carrying solids.

Ammonia is an inorganic compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. Ammonia is commonly stored in refrigerated ammonia tanks. In liquid form, ammonia is stored at around -33 degrees Celsius at atmospheric pressure. Ammonia can also be stored at ambient temperature under high pressures. Additionally, ammonia can be stored in a semi-refrigerated state, at an intermediate pressure and temperature. Throughout the present description, reference is made to ammonia, and is intended to mean ammonia in any state, at any pressure and at any temperature. The appropriate state, pressure and temperature for delivery of ammonia are well known to a person skilled in the art.

In this connection, the forthcoming description details an example primarily designed for use with refrigerated ammonia. It will be understood that utility can be found with ammonia in different states, pressure and temperature regimes.

Figure 1 shows a site 100 where a hazardous fluid is used. The site 100 comprises a harbour 101, a plurality of industrial buildings 102, agricultural land 103 and domestic dwellings 104. It is not uncommon to find harbours 101 located in close proximity to the mentioned industrial buildings 102, agricultural land 103 and domestic dwellings 104. In such sites 100, it is critical that hazardous fluids are properly handled to ensure there is no risk of leakage of hazardous fluids which may cause toxic water, explosion, pollution, burns, fire etc. During handling of some hazardous fluids in such sites 100, a safety distance may be implemented to restrict or eliminate people within a distance from the hazardous fluid during dangerous transfer of the fluid.

The requirement to implement a safety distance stops some ports and harbours from handling some hazardous fluids or performing some operations such as bunkering with said fluids, because it is not appropriate to implement such a safety distance, for example because it is impossible to implement at the site or it is expensive, disruptive or time consuming to do so. Therefore, some ports and harbours cannot handle hazardous fluids due to this requirement.

Although in the above-described examples the transfer of ammonia is in a marine environment, it will be understood that the invention may find utility in the transfer of any hazardous fluid in any environment. For example, a hazardous fluid may be transferred between first and second units in an entirely land-based environment, such as between a first storage container and a second storage container. Alternatively, hazardous fluid may be transferred between first and second units in an entirely air-based environment, such as between two aircraft during mid-air refuelling. Furthermore, hazardous fluid may be transferred between two units underwater, such as between subsea oil and gas infrastructure.

When transferring ammonia it is particularly important that a leak does not occur near water. The transfer of ammonia in marine environments, including land-to-vessel, vessel-to-vessel, subsea to vessel etc, is particularly hazardous and where the presently described invention may find most useful utility.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is provided a hazardous fluid storage and transfer system 200. The system 200 comprises major components of: a hazardous fluid storage tank 210; a piping system 211; a hazardous fluid delivery hose 220; a robot 230 and a delivery port 240. The delivery port 240 is located on the exterior wall of a vessel to be loaded with hazardous fluid. It can be seen in Figure 2 that the hazardous fluid storage tank 210 and piping system 211 are conveniently located underground, with only the hose 220, and robot 230 manipulating the hose 220, above ground 101A.

Figures 3 and 4 show further details of the robot 230 and hose 220.

Referring firstly to Figure 3, the robot 230 comprises an end effector 231 configured to engage and manipulate a connector 221 located at one end of the hose 220. As shown in Figure 3, when the hose 220 is not transferring hazardous fluid, the hose 220 may be stored underground. The robot 230 can retrieve the hose 220 by connecting to the connector 221 and bringing the hose 220 above ground such that the connector 221 can be brought into engagement with the delivery port 240, as is shown in Figure 4. The described robot 230 may be used with any of forthcoming examples described with reference to Figures 5 to 10.

Firstly, referring to Figure 5, there is provided a hazardous fluid delivery assembly 1000 comprising a safety hose 300 and a connector 400. The safety hose 300 is arranged to deliver a hazardous fluid from a proximal end 301 to a distal end 302 of the hose 300. In the presently described example, the hose 300 is described with reference to a transfer of ammonia. It will be understood that in other examples the hose 300 may be used for the transfer of another hazardous fluid.

Still referring to Figure 5, the hose 300 is manipulated by an actuatable robotic arm 500. In this connection, the robotic arm 500 is connected to the hose 300 by first 501 and second 502 loops configured to ensure the hose 300 does not stray far from the robotic arm 500 in use. In some examples, the first 501 and second 502 loops may also be configured to at least partially support the weight of the hose 300 in use. The robotic arm 500 principally manipulates the hazardous fluid delivery assembly 1000 by connection of the robotic arm 500 to the connector 400. The connector 400 is connected to the distal end 302 of the hose 300, therefore manipulation of the connector 400 also moves the hose 300. It will be understood that the manipulation and/or movement of the hose 300 and connector 400 may be provided in myriad ways.

Still referring to Figure 5, the hose 300 comprises an outer fluid communication conduit 310; a first inner fluid communication conduit 320 and a second inner fluid communication conduit 330. The first 320 and second 330 inner fluid communication conduits are disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit 310.

The first inner fluid communication conduit 320 is configured to transfer the hazardous fluid (not shown) from the proximal end 301 to the distal end 302. That is to say, the hose 300 transfers the hazardous fluid from the proximal end 301 to the distal end 302 and specifically the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 is the component within the hose 300 providing said fluid transfer in normal use.

The described arrangement, whereby the outer fluid communication conduit 310, is provided around the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 carrying the hazardous fluid, provides an arrangement whereby any leakage of hazardous fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 will leak into the outer fluid communication conduit 310. In this connection, any leakage of hazardous fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 will not reach the environment external of the hose 300. Said another way, any leaked hazardous fluid from within the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 is caught within the outer fluid communication conduit 310.

Still referring to Figure 5, the hazardous fluid delivery assembly 1000 is shown beside a hull 600 of a vessel. The hull 600 comprises an integrated delivery port 700 which is registered in form with the connector 400 such that the connector 400 and delivery port 700 come into mating engagement to allow fluid to transfer from the hazardous fluid delivery system 1000 to the delivery port 700. Although not shown in the Figures, the vessel may comprise a fluid storage tank or other suitable receptacle configured to store or process delivered hazardous fluid. In this connection, as hazardous fluid is delivered from the hazardous fluid delivery system 1000, there may be a need to extract gas (for example fumes from the hazardous fluid) in a safe manner. The second inner fluid communication conduit 330 is configured to transfer gas from the distal end 302 to the proximal end 301 such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end 302 to the proximal end 301 in the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end 301 to the distal end 302 in the first inner fluid communication conduit 320. In this way, the gas can be extracted in a safe manner. Furthermore, gas leakage from the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit 310 and can be transported to the proximal end 301. There are myriad possible ways that leaked gas may be transported to the proximal end 301 in the outer fluid communication conduit 310. As a non-limiting example only, a suction device may be provided to suck leaked gas from the outer fluid communication conduit 310 to the proximal end 301.

In the presently described example, the outer fluid communication conduit 310 is a flexible tube. In some examples, the outer fluid communication conduit 310 may be provided as a rigid tube. Likewise, in the presently described example, the first 320 and second 330 inner fluid communication conduits are flexible tubes. In some alternative examples, the first 320 and second 330 inner fluid communication conduits may be provided as rigid tubes.

In the presently described example, the safety hose 300 is configured for use with ammonia. In this connection, the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 is configured to transfer liquid ammonia. Furthermore, the outer fluid communication conduit 310 is also configured to transfer ammonia and gas. It will be well within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art to provide suitable materials, manufacturing processes, thicknesses etc. for the transfer of ammonia in the inner fluid communication conduit 320 and ammonia and gas in the outer fluid communication conduit 310.

Further details of the safety connector 400 are now provided with reference to Figure 6. As previously explained, the safety connector 400 is configured to mate with a delivery port 700 for the transfer of hazardous fluid. The delivery port 700 is provided with first 701 and second 702 port conduits. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first port conduit 701 engages the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 of the hose 300 and the second port conduit 702 engages the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 of the hose 300, thereby allowing the transfer of fluid and gas as previously described. The connector 400 comprises a connector body 410 comprising a hose connecting end 411 and a port connecting end 412. The hose connecting end 411 comprises an outer conduit connecting means 411’ configured to provide a fluid tight connection in use between the hose connecting end 411 of the connector body 410 and the outer fluid communication conduit 310 of the safety hose 300.

The connector 400 further comprises a first inner conduit securing means 420 disposed within the connector body 400 and configured to secure the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 to the connector body 410 in use such that the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 can be connected, inside the connector body 410, to the first port conduit 701. The connector 400 further comprises a second inner conduit securing means 421 disposed within the connector body 400 and configured to secure the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 to the connector body 410 in use such that the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 can be connected, inside the connector body 410, to the second port conduit 702.

In the presently described example, the first 420 and second 421 inner conduits securing means are provided as first 420’ and second 421’ brackets with first 420’’ and second 421’’ clamps configured to fixedly hold the first 320 and second 330 inner fluid communication conduits such that the first 320 and second 330 inner fluid communication conduits can be connected to the first 701 and second 702 port conduits.

Still referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that the connector 400 is provided with a port connecting means 412’ arranged at the port connecting end 412 of the connector 400. In the presently described example, the port connecting means 412’ is provided in the form of a self-closing double flap comprising seals configured to provide fluid tight connection between the delivery port 700 and the port connecting end 412 of the connector body 410. Such fluid tight connection ensures that any hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 within the connector body 410 will not leak through the connection between the connector body 410 and the delivery port 700.

It will be appreciated that a fluid tight seal between the connector body 410 and the delivery port 700 may be provided in alternative ways in other examples not described herein.

In the presently described example the connector body 410 is frustoconical. A frustoconical connector body 410 is preferred, but not essential. Where a frustoconical connector body 410 is provided, the delivery port 700 is preferably registered with the shape and form of the connector body 410, i.e. it is also provided with a frustoconical form, thereby allowing easy mating between the connector 400 and the delivery port 700 in use.

In the presently described example, the connector body 410 is configured to transfer liquid ammonia. In other examples, the connector body 410 may be configured to transfer other hazardous fluids. The connector body 410 is configured such that any leaked fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320 is received within the connector body 410 and can be transferred to the outer fluid communication conduit 310 of the hose 300.

Furthermore, the connector body 410 in the presently described example is configured to transfer gas, such that leaked gas from the second inner fluid communication conduit 330 will be received in the connector body 410 and can be transferred to the outer fluid communication conduit 310.

An alternative example is now described with reference to Figure 7. Many of the features of the previous example described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 are the same as in the example now described with reference to Figure 7, therefore like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts, with the addition of ‘A’ in the later described example.

In this connection, there is provided hazardous fluid delivery assembly 1000A comprising a safety hose 300A comprising a proximal end 301A, a distal end 302A and a connector 400A, and arranged such that the hose 300A can be manipulated by an actuatable robotic arm 500A. The connector 400A is connected to the distal end 302A of the hose 300A. The hose 300A comprises an outer fluid communication conduit 310A and a single inner fluid communication conduit 320A disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit 310A. The single inner fluid communication conduit 320A is configured to transfer the hazardous fluid (not shown) from the proximal end 301A to the distal end 302A. Any leakage of hazardous fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320A will not reach the environment external of the hose 300A.

The hull 600A comprises an integrated delivery port 700A which is registered in form with the connector 400A such that the connector 400A and delivery port 700A come into mating engagement, as previously described. The vessel may again comprise a fluid storage tank or other suitable receptacle configured to store or process delivered hazardous fluid. In this connection, as hazardous fluid is delivered from the hazardous fluid delivery system 1000A, there may be a need to extract gas (for example fumes from the hazardous fluid) in a safe manner. The outer fluid communication conduit 310A is configured to transfer gas from the distal end 302A to the proximal end 301A such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end 302A to the proximal end 301A in the outer fluid communication conduit 310A whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end 301A to the distal end 302A in the first inner fluid communication conduit 320A. In this way, the gas can be extracted in a safe manner. As in the previously described example, a suction device (not shown) may be provided to suck leaked gas within the outer fluid communication conduit 310A to the proximal end 301A.

As in the previously described examples, the outer fluid communication conduit 310A and inner fluid communication conduit 320A may be provided as flexible or rigid tubes.

The first inner fluid communication conduit 320A is configured to transfer liquid ammonia. Furthermore, the outer fluid communication conduit 310A is also configured to transfer liquid ammonia and gas. It will be well within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art to provide suitable materials, manufacturing processes, thicknesses etc. for the transfer of liquid ammonia in the inner fluid communication conduit 320A and liquid ammonia and gas in the outer fluid communication conduit 310A.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is provided a kit 2000 of two safety hoses comprising a first safety hose 300B for delivery of a hazardous fluid from a proximal end 301B to a distal end 302B of the first safety hose 300B, and a second safety hose 300C for delivery of gas from a distal end 302C to a proximal end 301C of the second safety hose 300C. The first safety hose 300B comprises a first outer fluid communication conduit 310B and a first inner fluid communication conduit 320B disposed within the first outer fluid communication conduit 310B. The first inner fluid communication conduit 320B is configured to transfer the hazardous fluid from the proximal end 301B to the distal end 302B of the first safety hose 300B. The second safety hose 300C comprises a second outer fluid communication conduit 310C and a second inner fluid communication conduit 320C disposed within the second outer fluid communication conduit 310C and configured to transfer gas from the distal end 302C to the proximal end 301C of the second safety hose 300C. In use, hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit 320B will be received in the first outer fluid communication conduit 310B, and gas leakage from the second inner fluid communication conduit 320C will be received in the second outer fluid communication conduit 310C.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is provided a safety connector 400B for use with the first 300B or second 300C hose of the kit 2000 shown in Figure 8. The safety connector 400B is now explained in use with the first 300B hose of the kit 2000. Many of the features of the safety connector 400B are similar to the connector 400 previously described. In this connection, like reference numerals are used with the addition of ‘B’ to indicate like parts. The safety connector 400B is configured to mate with a delivery port 700B for the transfer of hazardous fluid. The delivery port 700B is provided with a single port conduit 701B. As can be seen in Figure 9, the single port conduit 701B engages the first inner fluid communication conduit 320B of the hose 300B thereby allowing the transfer of fluid. Although not described in detail, it will be understood that a similar connector 400B can be provided at the distal end 302C of the second safety hose 300C for the transfer of gas, as previously explained with reference to Figure 8.

Referring still to Figure 9, the connector 400B comprises a connector body 410B comprising a hose connecting end 411B and a port connecting end 412B. The hose connecting end 411B comprises an outer conduit connecting means 411’B configured to provide a fluid tight connection in use between the hose connecting end 411B of the connector body 410B and the outer fluid communication conduit 310B of the safety hose 300B.

The connector 400B further comprises a single inner conduit securing means 420B disposed within the connector body 400B and configured to secure the first inner fluid communication conduit 320B to the connector body 410B in use such that the first inner fluid communication conduit 320B can be connected, inside the connector body 410B, to the single port conduit 701B.

Still referring to Figure 9, it can be seen that the connector 400B is provided with a port connecting means 412’B arranged at the port connecting end 412B of the connector 400B. In the presently described example, the port connecting means 412’B is provided in the form of a self-closing double flap comprising seals configured to provide fluid tight connection between the delivery port 700B and the port connecting end 412B of the connector body 410B. Such fluid tight connection ensures that any hazardous fluid leakage from the single inner fluid communication conduit 320B within the connector body 410B will not leak through the connection between the connector body 410B and the delivery port 700B.

It will be appreciated that a fluid tight seal between the connector body and the delivery port may be provided in alternative ways in other examples not described herein.

In the presently described examples the connector body is frustoconical. A frustoconical connector body is preferred, but not essential. Where a frustoconical connector body is provided, the delivery port is preferably registered with the shape and form of the connector body, i.e. it is also provided with a frustoconical form, thereby allowing easy mating between the connector and the delivery port in use.

In the presently described examples, the connector body is configured to transfer liquid ammonia. In other examples, the connector body may be configured to transfer other hazardous fluids.

In all of the described examples it is preferred if the hose is connected in use at an angle such that leaked fluid runs down the hose towards the proximal end under gravity. Such an angle may be 5° to 70° relative to vertical (vertical being 0°). Alternatively, or additionally, there may be provided a pump or a suction device configured to transfer leaked fluid in liquid state or gas state towards the proximal end. Furthermore, the hose may be provided with one or more liquid and/gas sensors configured to detect the presence of liquid and/or gas within the outer fluid communication conduit. Such detection may trigger a warning to an operator and/or automatically stop the pumping of the hazardous fluid in the inner fluid communication conduit.

Furthermore, in some examples (not shown) a reliquification system may be provided at the proximal end of the hose, such that any hazardous vapour sucked back towards the proximal end can be reliquefied for safer handling, storage or transfer through the hose.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A safety hose (300) for delivery of a hazardous fluid from a proximal end (301) to a distal end (302) of the hose (300), the hose (300) comprising:

an outer fluid communication conduit (310);

a first inner fluid communication conduit (320) disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit (310) and configured to transfer the hazardous fluid from the proximal end (301) to the distal end (302); such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit (310)

characterised in that the safety hose (300) further comprises a second inner fluid communication conduit (330) disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit (310) and configured to transfer gas from the distal end (302) to the proximal end (301);

such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end (302) to the proximal end (301) in the second inner fluid communication conduit (330) whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end (301) to the distal end (302) in the first inner fluid communication conduit (320); and gas leakage from the second inner fluid communication conduit (330) will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit (310) and can be transported to the proximal end (301).

2. The safety hose (300) according to claim 1, wherein the outer fluid communication conduit (310) is a flexible tube.

3. The safety hose (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) is a flexible tube.

4. The safety hose (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) is configured to transfer liquid ammonia.

5. The safety hose (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer fluid communication conduit (310) is configured to transfer liquid ammonia and/or gas.

6. The safety hose (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer fluid communication conduit (310) is configured to transfer liquid to the proximal end (301) in use;

such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit (310) and can be transported to the proximal end (301).

7. The safety hose (300) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer fluid communication conduit (310) is configured to transfer gas from the distal end (302) to the proximal end (301), such that in use gas can be transported from the distal end (302) to the proximal end (301) whilst hazardous fluid is delivered from the proximal end (301) to the distal end (302) in the first inner fluid communication conduit (320).

8. A safety connector (400) for connecting a safety hose (300), comprising an outer fluid communication conduit (310) and an inner fluid communication conduit (320) disposed within the outer fluid communication conduit (310), to a delivery port (700) for the safe transfer for a hazardous fluid from the inner fluid communication conduit (320) to the delivery port (700), the connector (400) comprising:

a connector body (410) comprising a hose connecting end (411) and a port connecting end (412);

an outer conduit connecting means (411’) configured to provide a fluid tight connection between the hose connecting end (411) of the connector body (410) and the outer fluid communication conduit (310) of the safety hose (300) in use;

a first inner conduit securing means (420) disposed within the connector body (410) and configured to secure the first inner conduit (320) to the connector body (410) in use such that the first inner conduit (320) can be connected, inside the connector body (410), to a fluid receiving conduit (701) of the port (700) in use;

a port connecting means (412’) configured to provide a fluid tight connection between the port connecting end (412) of the connector body (410) and the delivery port (700) in use;

such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner conduit (320) within the connector body (410) will be received in the connector body (410) characterised in that the safety connector (400) further comprises a second inner conduit securing means (421) disposed within the connector body (410) and configured to secure a second inner conduit (330) of the safety hose (300) to the connector body (410) in use such that the second inner conduit (330) can be connected, inside the connector body (410), to a gas providing conduit (702) of the port in use.

9. The safety connector (400) according to claim 8, wherein the connector body (410) is frustoconical.

10. The safety connector (400) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the connector body (410) is configured to transfer liquid ammonia.

11. The safety connector (400) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the connector body (410) is configured to transfer liquid to the hose connecting end (411) in use;

such that in use hazardous fluid leakage from the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) within the connector body (410) will be received in the connector body (410) and can be transported to the hose connecting end (411).

12. The safety connector (400) according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the connector body (410) is configured in use to transfer gas from the delivery port (700) to the hose connecting end (411), such that in use gas can be transported from the delivery port (700) to the hose connecting end (411) whilst hazardous fluid is delivered in the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) through the safety connector (400).

13. A hazardous fluid delivery assembly (1000) for delivering hazardous fluid to a delivery port (700), characterised in that the assembly (1000) comprises:

a safety hose (300) according to any of claims 1 to 7; and a safety connector (400) according to any of claims 8 to 12; wherein the hose connecting end (411) of the connector body (410) is fluid tight connected to the outer fluid communication conduit (310) of the safety hose (300) by the outer conduit connecting means (411’);

the first inner conduit (320) is secured to the connector body (410) by the first inner conduit securing means (420).

14. A method of safely transferring hazardous fluid through a safety hose (300), characterised in that the method comprises the steps of:

providing a safety hose (300) according to any of claims 1 to 7; transferring a hazardous fluid through the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) from the proximal end (301) to the distal end (302) of the hose (300);

such that leakage of the hazardous fluid from the first inner fluid communication conduit (320) will be received in the outer fluid communication conduit (310).

Patentkrav

1. Sikkerhetsslange (300) for levering av et farlig fluid fra en proksimal ende (301) til en distal ende (302) av slangen (300), slangen (300) omfatter:

en ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledning (310);

en første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledning (320) anordnet inni den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) og konfigurert til å overføre det farlige fluidet fra den proksimale enden (301) til den distale enden (302);

slik at, i bruk, lekkasje av farlig fluid fra den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) vil bli mottatt i den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310)

k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at sikkerhetsslangen (300) videre omfatter en andre indre fluidkommunikasjonsledning (330) anordnet inni den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) og konfigurert til å overføre gass fra den distale enden (302) til den proksimale enden (301);

slik at, i bruk, gass kan transporteres fra den distale enden (302) til den proksimale enden (301) i den andre indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (330) mens farlig fluid blir levert fra den proksimale enden (301) til den distale enden (302) i den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320); og gasslekkasje fra den andre indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (330) vil bli mottatt i den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) og kan transporteres til den proksimale enden (301).

2. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge krav 1, hvori den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) er et fleksibelt rør.

3. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvori den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) er et fleksibelt rør.

4. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvori den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) er konfigurert til å overføre flytende ammoniakk.

5. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvori den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) er konfigurert til å overføre flytende ammoniakk og/eller gass.

6. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvori den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) er konfigurert til å overføre væske til den proksimale enden (301) i bruk;

slik at, i bruk, lekkasje av farlig fluid fra den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) vil bli mottatt i den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) og kan transporteres til den proksimale enden (301).

7. Sikkerhetsslangen (300) ifølge hvilket som helst foregående krav, hvori den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) er konfigurert til å overføre gass fra den distale enden (302) til den proksimale enden (301), slik at, i bruk, gass kan transporteres fra den distale enden (302) til den proksimale enden (301) mens farlig fluid leveres fra den proksimale enden (301) til den distale enden (302) i den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320).

8. Sikkerhetskopling (400) for å forbinde en sikkerhetsslange (300) som omfatter en ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledning (310) og en indre fluidkommunikasjonsledning (320) anordnet inni den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310), til en leveringsport (700) for sikker overføring av et farlig fluid fra den indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) til leveringsporten (700), koplingen (400) omfatter:

et koplingslegeme (410) omfattende en slangekoplingsende (411) og en portkoplingsende (412);

et ytre ledningskoplingsmiddel (411’) konfigurert til å tilveiebringe en fluidtett kopling mellom slangekoplingsenden (411) på koplingslegemet (410) og den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) til sikkerhetsslangen (300) i bruk;

et første indre ledningsfestemiddel (420) anordnet inni koplingslegemet (410) og konfigurert til å feste den første indre ledningen (320) til

koplingslegemet (410) i bruk, slik at den første indre ledningen (320) kan koples, innvendig i koplingslegemet (410), til en fluidmottaksledning (701) til porten (700) i bruk;

et portkoplingsmiddel (412’) konfigurert til å tilveiebringe en fluidtett kopling mellom portkoplingsenden (412) på koplingslegemet (410) og leveringsporten (700) i bruk;

slik at, i bruk, lekkasje av farlig fluid fra den første indre ledningen (320) inni koplingslegemet (410) vil bli mottatt i koplingslegemet (410)

k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at sikkerhetskoplingen (400) videre omfatter et andre indre ledningsfestemiddel (421) anordnet inni koplingslegemet (410) og konfigurert til å feste en andre indre ledning (330) til sikkerhetsslangen (300) til koplingslegemet (410) i bruk, slik at den andre indre ledningen (330) kan koples, innvendig i koplingslegemet (410), til en gasstilførselsledning (702) til porten i bruk.

9. Sikkerhetskoplingen (400) ifølge krav 8, hvori koplingslegemet (410) er frustokonisk.

10. Sikkerhetskoplingen (400) ifølge krav 8 eller 9, hvori koplingslegemet (410) er konfigurert til å overføre flytende ammoniakk.

11. Sikkerhetskoplingen (400) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 8 til 10, hvori koplingslegemet (410) er konfigurert til å overføre væske til slangekoplingsenden (411) i bruk;

slik at, i bruk, lekkasje av farlig fluid fra den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) inni koplingslegemet (410) vil bli mottatt i koplingslegemet (410) og kan transporteres til slangekoplingsenden (411).

12. Sikkerhetskoplingen (400) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 8 til 11, hvori koplingslegemet (410) er konfigurert til, i bruk, å overføre gass fra leveringsporten (700) til slangekoplingsenden (411), slik at, i bruk, gass kan transporteres fra leveringsporten (700) til slangekoplingsenden (411) mens farlig fluid leveres i den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) gjennom sikkerhetskoplingen (400).

13. Leveringssammenstilling (1000) for farlig fluid for å levere farlig fluid til en leveringsport (700), k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at sammenstillingen (1000) omfatter:

en sikkerhetsslange (300) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 7; og en sikkerhetskopling (400) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 8 til 12; hvori slangekoplingsenden (411) til koplingslegemet (410) er fluidtett koplet til den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310) til sikkerhetsslangen (300) med det ytre ledningskoplingsmiddelet (411’);

den første indre ledningen (320) er festet til koplingslegemet (410) med det første indre ledningsfestemiddelet (420).

14. Fremgangsmåte for sikker overføring av farlig fluid gjennom en sikkerhetsslange (300), k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at fremgangsmåten omfatter trinnene:

å tilveiebringe en sikkerhetsslange (300) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 7;

å overføre et farlig fluid gjennom den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) fra den proksimale enden (301) til den distale enden (302) av slangen (300);

slik at lekkasje av det farlige fluidet fra den første indre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (320) vil bli mottatt i den ytre fluidkommunikasjonsledningen (310).

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

F16L 11/20

F16L 11/22

B63B 27/24

F16L 39/00

F16L 39/02

F16L 9/18

CPC classes

F16L 11/20

F16L 11/22

B63B 27/24

F16L 39/00

F16L 39/005

F16L 39/02

F16L 9/18

Citations

WO 2018/101841 A1 (A1)

WO 2004/094296 A1 (A1)

CN 113968313 A (A)

WO 2010/041955 A1 (A1)

WO 2015/038001 A1 (A1)

US 3530680 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

AMMONIA AS

Lykkedrangveien 54

4639 KRISTIANSAND S

NO (KRISTIANSAND Municipality, Agder county)

Org. number: 922252890

Inventors

Ottar Lykkedrang

Lykkedrangveien 54

4639 KRISTIANSAND S

NO (KRISTIANSAND Municipality, Agder county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Postboks 9

4068 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 918752900

Reference: P30690NO00

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

No oppositions or appeals

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries found

Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

Safety hose for hazardous fluids, connector, assembly and method of use