Patent ID: 6533334
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A cryogenic fluid piping system which comprises a plurality of two or more coupled first and second pipe spools:a) The first pipe spool having an outer pipe and a concentric inner pipe to carry cryogenic fluid, the outer pipe and inner pipe forming a vacuum-insulated connection, and a male bayonet at the one end of the first pipe spool having an external male sealing surface, and having a first open end and other end, and an expansion contraction peripheral bellows longitudinally about the external surface of the male bayonet adjacent the first open end, wherein the external male sealing surface of the male bayonet is a concentric pipe with an inner flange located upstream of the expansion-contraction peripheral bellows; and means to secure the one end of the bellows about the external surface to the first open end of the male bayonet; b) the second pipe spool having an outer pipe and concentric inner pipe to couple with the first pipe spool to carry cryogenic fluid in the coupled inner pipe and to form a coupled, vacuum-insulated connection, a female bayonet having an internal, female sealing surface and a first open end and other end arranged and constructed to form a telescoped, zero tolerance, cryogenic vapor seal between the external surface of the male bayonet and the internal surface of the female bayonet for the stress movement of the bellows in the coupled use position; and c) a means to connect the opposing ends of the outer pipe of the first pipe spool and the second pipe spool.