| 摘要 |
A system for transporting low temperature fluids comprises a carrier pipe 2 and at least one inner product flow pipe 1 located within and thermally isolated from the carrier pipe 2, wherein the product pipe 1 has a greater length than the carrier pipe 2 and is incorporated into the entire length of the carrier pipe 2 by following a non-linear path, such that thermal contraction of the product pipe 1 due to a change in temperature of the product pipe 1 is accommodated by elastic geometric distortion. Preferably, the annular space between the carrier pipe 2 and the product pipe 1 is insulated by a vacuum. Preferably, the system includes spacers 11 which allow the product pipe 1 to straighten towards a more linear shape as it contracts. The product pipe 1 may be sinusoidal in its non-contracted state. Alternatively, the product pipe 1 may be helical in its non-contracted state (figures 2 and 3). The system is particularly suitable for conveying cryogenic fluids such as liquid natural gas (LNG). |
