TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to fluid transfer systems and, more particularly, to fluid couplings.

BACKGROUND

Fluid transfer systems are used to transfer fluids between fluid reservoirs in various applications. A fluid reservoir or tank can be either stationary or mobile. For example, mobile fuel tanks include aircrafts and trucks. One component of such systems is a fluid coupling. Fluid couplings interconnect pipes, hoses, conduits, reservoirs, or a combination of some or all. The function of a fluid coupling is to provide a secure and safe connection to transfer fluids that can be hazardous or flammable. Such couplings can include shearing mechanisms and safety mechanisms to prevent the release of hazardous chemicals during a shearing event. For example, a truck driver driving away from a filling station without disconnecting the fluid transfer system from the truck.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes technologies relating to disconnectable fluid couplings.

An example implementation of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a fluid coupling with the following features. A first tubular defines at least a first part of a fluid passage. A second tubular is coupled to and aligned with the first tubular. The second tubular defines at least a second part of the fluid passage. A feather is positioned within the first tubular. The feather is configured to axially translate towards the second tubular and pivot towards a center of the first tubular. The feather includes a hinge on a pivoting end. The feather has a round shape on the pivoting end and a pointed shape on an opposite end. A spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the feather and the second end is coupled to the first tubular. The spring is loaded to actuate a movement of the feather between an open position and a closed position. A trigger abuts to the feather. The trigger is positioned between the first tubular and the second tubular to provide an interference with the feather. The interference retains the feather in the open position when the first tubular and second tubular are coupled.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The feather is one of multiple feathers, each of the feathers has a groove along an inner surface of the feather.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The trigger is shaped to receive a groove in the feather.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. A slider mechanically couples the feather with the spring. The slider is attached to a hinge of the feather on a pivoting end and to the spring on an opposite end. The slider is configured to slide against an inner surface of the first tubular.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The fluid coupling defines at least a portion of a fluid passage between a first reservoir and a second reservoir.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The spring is arranged radially around an inner surface of the first tubular. The first end abuts the feather and directs the feather towards the second tubular. The second end includes a shoulder and is nearer a first reservoir than the second reservoir. The spring is positioned to exert a force on the feather in a direction towards the second tubular.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The first tubular is coupled to the second tubular via shear bolts. The shear bolts have sufficient strength to hold the first tubular and the second tubular together under normal operating conditions. The bolts have a strength to shear under an applied tensile load exceeding a predetermined tensile load.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The first tubular is coupled to the second tubular via shear pins. The shear pins have sufficient strength to hold the first tubular and the second tubular together under normal operating conditions. The pins have a strength to shear under an applied tensile load exceeding a predetermined tensile load.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The first tubular is coupled to the second tubular via magnets. The magnets having sufficient strength to hold the first tubular and the second tubular together under normal operating conditions. The magnets have a strength to separate under a pre-determined tensile load.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. A guide is positioned in the fluid passage defined by the first tubular and second tubular. The guide has a thin profile attached to an inner surface of the first tubular. The guide is configured to guide the feather from an open position to a closed position. The thin profile of the guide is matched to a groove in the feather.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The open position is when the first tubular is joined with the second tubular. The feather is retained by the trigger to allow fluid flow within the fluid passage during operation.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The spring is loaded to keep the feather abut to the trigger in the open position during operation.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The spring unloads to actuate movement of the feather to a closed position.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The closed position includes the first tubular being released from the second tubular. The feather has translated to block the fluid passage by closing the first tubular.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The spring includes one spring connected to a common ring. The common ring is positioned to transfer a spring force to the feather.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The first tubular is substantially identical to the second tubular. The feather is a first feather. The fluid coupling further includes a second feather positioned within the second tubular. The second feather is configured to axially translate towards the first tubular and pivot towards a center of the second tubular. The second feather has a round shape on a second pivoting end and a pointed shape on a second opposite end. The second feather has a groove along an inner surface of the second feather.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The trigger includes a solid rod.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The feather is cladded by a sealing material.

An example implementation of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a method with the following features. A feather is retained by a trigger in an open position. The open position allows fluid to flow through a fluid passage defined by a first tubular and a second tubular. The first tubular is axially coupled to the second tubular. The first tubular is aligned with the second tubular. The feather is positioned within the first tubular. The first tubular and the second tubular are separable under a pre-determined tensile load. A fluid is flowed from a first reservoir to a second reservoir through the fluid passage. The first tubular is released from the second tubular in response to an applied tensile load exceeding the pre-determined tensile load. The trigger is activated in response to the release of the first tubular from the second tubular. The feather is translated by a loaded spring towards a closed position. The fluid passage is blocked by the feather translating to the closed position.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The feather is retained by the loaded spring in the open position during operation.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. In response to releasing the first tubular from the second tubular, the feather is actuated from the open position to the closed position by unloading the loaded spring.

Aspects of the example implementation, which can be combined with the example implementation alone or in combination, include the following. The feather is guided, by a guide, from the open position to the closed position. The guide has a thin profile attached to an inner surface of the first tubular. The thin profile of the guides is matched to a groove in an inner surface of the feather.

An example implementation of the subject matter described within this disclosure is a fluid transfer system with the following features. A first reservoir is configured to retain a fluid. A second reservoir is configured to receive the retained fluid. A fluid coupling defining at least a part of a fluid passage between the first reservoir and second reservoir. The fluid coupling includes a first tubular axially coupled to a second tubular. The first tubular is aligned with the second tubular to define the fluid passage. A feather is positioned within the first tubular. The feather is configured to axially translate towards the second tubular and pivot towards a center of the first tubular. A spring is attached to the feather. The spring is configured to actuate a movement of the feather between an open position and a closed position. A trigger is attached to the feather. The trigger is positioned between the first tubular and the second tubular. The trigger is configured to retain the feather in the open position when the first tubular and second tubular are coupled.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. The fluid transfer system of this disclosure prevents the uncontrolled release of fluids in the event of fluid coupling disconnection. This in turn reduces the risk of harming humans and the environment from exposure to fluids that can be dangerous or flammable. Because the fluid coupling is designed to disconnect under a pre-determined tensile load, assets, such as pumps, fittings, and other equipment, are protected from damage resulting from excessive pulling forces. The fluid coupling of this disclosure uses an isolation technique that is mechanically triggered once a pulling force is applied, which eliminates the need for a power source or cable connections. The compact size and design of internal components of the fluid coupling have little or no impact on the flow rate passing through the fluid coupling.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

