Storage Of Solidified Or Liquified Gas (e.g., Cryogen) Patents (Class 62/45.1)
  • Patent number: 8424317
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to provide an ultra low temperature (ULT) cryogenic processor apparatus. The apparatus includes an external housing with flat sides; an inner housing coupled to the external housing to define a vacuum region there between; material disposed in the vacuum region to provide redundant insulation and structural support; and a cryogenic heat exchanger contained in the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Reflect Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: John Dain, Boyd Bowdish, Nick Henneman
  • Patent number: 8418480
    Abstract: A cooling system employs a single-acting positive displacement bellows pump to transfer a cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen from a storage dewar to a heat exchanger coupled to a measurement chamber of an instrument, wherein cooling takes place by vaporizing the liquid. Preferably, the capacity of the pump is greater than the maximum cooling requirement of the instrument, wherein both vapor resulting from vaporizing of the cryogenic liquid circulated through the heat exchanger and liquid that does not vaporize when circulated through the heat exchanger are returned to the storage dewar, wherein the vapor is subsequently vented from the dewar. Preferably, with the aid of a weir in a return line, the level of liquid in the heat exchanger is maintained full and constant, and the cooling demands are automatically met without the need for other control of the flow rate or level of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Danley, Patrick Traini
  • Publication number: 20130061608
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply station jointly storing a low-temperature-liquefied combustible gas, in particular natural gas, and liquid nitrogen and designed for supplying each component separately or jointly as needed to a vehicle, the supply station being present on the vehicle, the station comprising at least a first storage tank for storing said liquefied combustible gas; and at least a second storage tank for storing said liquid nitrogen and at least one heat-transmitting connection element between the at least one first storage tank and the at least one second storage tank, which connection element is designed so that the combustible gas can be cooled, or can be maintained at a temperature below its boiling point, directly or indirectly by the liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Franz Lurken, Helmut Henrich
  • Publication number: 20130061607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system for cooling a refrigeration consumer (K) that has a single-stage or multi-stage compressor to compress refrigerant circulating in the cooling system, at least one heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant, and at least one expansion turbine to expand the refrigerant in a way that gives off cold. A storage device that serves to store liquid refrigerant is assigned to the cooling system, or a storage device is integrated into the cooling system, in such a way that at least temporarily, liquid refrigerant can be fed into the cooling circuit from the storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Andres KUNDIG
  • Patent number: 8387334
    Abstract: An LNG system generally comprises a primary container, and a secondary container positioned around the primary container. The secondary container generally comprises a first end wall, a second end wall, and at least two side walls. At least one of the walls is fabricated from a plurality of prefabricated wall panels. Each of the wall panels is fabricated from a combination of concrete and steel. The wall panels are preferably prefabricated offsite, and then transported to the construction site where they are adjoined together in end-to-end fashion to form walls. A method for constructing a full containment LNG system is also provided. In one embodiment, walls and a roof for a secondary container are assembled, but leaving an end open. At least one primary tank is brought into the secondary container. A second end wall is then erected to form the enclosure for the secondary container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Kailash C. Gulati, Thomas A. Ballard, Alexander V. Krimotat
  • Publication number: 20130047633
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method comprising, an airlock chamber; a cryogenic chamber; an equilibrator positioned between the airlock chamber and the cryogenic chamber that is configured to allow for the passage of a sample along to the cryogenic chamber; and a cooling unit that is thermally coupled to the equilibrator. Collectively, the airlock chamber, equilibrator, and the cryogenic chamber define a travel path. A machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which when executed by a controller causes a sample to be cooled, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8373066
    Abstract: An electrical bushing structure includes a central conductor (19) designed to have one (26) of its two ends connected to a superconductor element situated in an enclosure (11) at cryogenic temperature, and its other end (25) connected to an article at ambient temperature. An electrically insulating sheath (20) surrounds the conductor over substantially the entire length of the conductor. A metal tube (24) surrounds the conductor over substantially its entire length and is interposed between the insulating sheath (20) and the conductor (19), the tube being mechanically fastened to the conductor close to one of the ends (25, 26) of the conductor, referred to as its first end, and not being mechanically fastened to the conductor close to the other one of the ends of the conductor, referred to as its second end. A space between the conductor and the tube containing a gas. The tube is in electrical contact with said second end of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Nicolas Lallouet, Sébastien Delplace, Pierre Mirebeau
  • Publication number: 20130008188
    Abstract: A cryogen heat exchanger includes a container having a sidewall defining a chamber in the container for containing a cryogen, and at least one heat exchange assembly having a first portion disposed in the chamber and extending through the sidewall to a second portion disposed in an atmosphere of a space external to the chamber and at an opposite side of the sidewall for providing heat transfer to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen A. McCORMICK, Michael D. Newman
  • Publication number: 20130008186
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first housing disposed in a first atmosphere and having an upstream end, a downstream end and an internal space for a cryogenic substance; and a heat plate assembly mounted to the first housing and being exposed to the first atmosphere for providing heat transfer at an interface of the first atmosphere and the heat plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D. Newman
  • Publication number: 20130008185
    Abstract: A cryogen cylinder includes a tank having a side wall defining a chamber for containing a cryogenic substance in the tank; and a plate assembly mounted in the chamber, the plate assembly constructed and arranged to provide a passageway for vapor from the cryogenic substance to be introduced into the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Michael D. NEWMAN, Stephen A. McCORMICK
  • Publication number: 20120317995
    Abstract: A pump for conveying a cryogenic fluid from a tank into a container which is under a higher pressure. The pump includes a cylinder having a piston which defines a low-temperature chamber and a high-temperature chamber in the cylinder such that during a first stroke movement of the piston, the volume of the low-temperature chamber decreases and the volume of the high-temperature chamber increases correspondingly, and during a second stroke movement of the piston which runs in the opposite direction of the first stroke movement, the volume of the high-temperature chamber decreases and the volume of the low-temperature chamber increases correspondingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Klaus BRUNNHOFER, Walter PESCHKA
  • Patent number: 8299926
    Abstract: A system and a method for safeguarding wafers and photomasks. The system includes a container for storing an article, the article being a wafer or a photomask; a flashing unit for flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function, the anti-theft unit being attached to the container; and a trigger unit electrically connected to the anti-theft unit for triggering the anti-theft function of the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern of the flashing unit. The method includes providing a container having an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function; storing an article in the container, the article being a wafer or a photomask; providing a flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; detecting the pre-determined light pattern; and performing the anti-theft function by the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Hand, George M. Harmuth, Gary T. Leonardi, Glenn M. Stefanski, Andrew P. Wyskida
  • Publication number: 20120240599
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic tank is used as a cooling medium for an air-conditioning system of an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf-Henning Stolte
  • Publication number: 20120174624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating at least one air separation unit and an oxygen-rich gas consumer, comprising a carbon fuel combustion unit or a gasification unit, the oxygen-rich gas consumer being capable of generating electricity. The consumer is supplied with an oxygen-rich gas coming from the air separation unit or units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Alain Guillard, Nicolas Allard, Pierre-Etienne Franc, Hadi Moussavi
  • Publication number: 20120174600
    Abstract: A system provides the flow control of a cryogenic element to remove heat from an environment. The system includes a cryogenic storage to store a cryogen; a cryogenic delivery system coupled to the cryogenic storage to transport the cryogen; a distributor coupled to the cryogenic delivery system, the distributor having a plurality of distribution lead tubes to evenly distribute the enthalpic potential of the cryogenic element; and a heat exchanger coupled to the distribution lead tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, William Moon
  • Publication number: 20120159969
    Abstract: Within a method for loading evaporators (10) with cryogenically liquefied gases, a thermally insulated dosing container (10), to which gaseous pressure can be applied and a thermally insulated liquid dispenser (8) are connected upstream to the evaporator of which the connecting pipes can be blocked with the help of one valve each, while cryogenically liquefied gas is being charged into the dosing container (1). After opening the valve in the connecting pipe, cryogenically liquefied gas is brought from the dosing container (1) to the liquid dispenser (8). After introducing the cryogenically liquefied gas into the liquid dispenser (8) and subsequently closing the valve located in the connecting pipe, the cryogenically liquefied gas is transported from the liquid dispenser into a tubular evaporator (10), using the liquid's hydrostatic pressure, to which end, the valve between the liquid dispenser and the evaporator (10) is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: LO Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Hermeling
  • Publication number: 20120159970
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for filling a storage container, in particular a storage tank of a vehicle, having a compressed medium, in particular compressed hydrogen, wherein the medium is temporarily stored in at least one high pressure storage container and immediately before being delivered to the storage container to be filled has a temperature that is within a predetermined temperature interval. The high-pressure storage containers, in which the medium is temporarily stored, are cooled and/or heated. Thus, the medium temporarily stored in the high-pressure storage container is temporarily stored substantially at the temperature at which it is delivered to the storage container to be filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Wilfried-Henning Reese, Heinz Posselt, Harald Kraus, Tobias Kederer
  • Publication number: 20120117985
    Abstract: A fluid path system includes a vial containing a pharmaceutical product therein. A dissolution fluid path is also included in the fluid path system, the dissolution fluid path having an output end in fluid communication with the vial and an input end attached to a pressure vessel containing a dissolution medium. A delivery fluid path is also included in the system having a first end hermetically attached to the vial to transport therefrom a mixture of dissolved pharmaceutical product and dissolution medium and a second end connected to a receiving vessel to receive the mixture. A dissolution fluid path valve is positioned between the pressure vessel and the dissolution fluid path to control flow of the dissolution medium, and a delivery fluid path valve is also included in the fluid path system to control flow of the mixture from the delivery fluid path to the receiving vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Arthur Urbahn, Jan Henrik Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Andrew Michael Leach, Eric John Telfeyan, David Key Dietrich, David Brandon Whitt, Peter Miller, Ernst Wolfgang Stautner
  • Patent number: 8171741
    Abstract: A cryogenic magnet system, comprising a cryogenic vessel (1) housing a magnet winding, a vacuum jacket (3) enclosing the cryogenic vessel and a refrigerator (4) at least partially housed within the vacuum jacket and thermally linked (6) to the cryogenic vessel. In particular, the system further comprises an electromagnetic shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Plc
    Inventors: Timothy John Hughes, Keith White, Stephen Joseph Shelford Lister
  • Patent number: 8153075
    Abstract: The invention provides a gas hydrate production apparatus which can eliminate the need for an agitator in a generator, and at the same time, can make constant the percentage of gas hydration of the product. A shell-and-tube-type generator 2 is provided downstream of an ejector-type mixer 1 that stirs and mixes a raw-material gas g and a raw-material water w. In addition, partition walls 41 to 43 each causing a gas hydrate slurry to turn around are provided in each of end plates 37 and 38 placed respectively in the front and rear ends of the generator 2. Moreover, a dehydrator 3 including a cone-shaped filter 48 is provided downstream of the generator 2, and a drainage pipe 11 is provided to the dehydrator 3. Further, a flow regulating valve 12 is provided to the drainage pipe 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nagamori, Tetsuro Murayama, Hidenori Moriya, Takashi Arai, Nobutaka Oya
  • Patent number: 8146427
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detecting the build up of frozen deposits in a cryogen vessel housing a superconducting magnet, comprising a tensioned wire, a source of variable frequency alternating current and a voltage sensor. The tensioned wire is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the stray magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnet. By varying the frequency of the applied current, the resonant frequency of the tensioned wire may be detected as the frequency at which the voltage across the wire is a maximum. Any variation in the frequency or magnitude of the resonant peak may be interpreted as an indication of a frozen deposit hampering the free oscillation of the tensioned wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Pic
    Inventor: Patrick William Retz
  • Patent number: 8138382
    Abstract: The composition of raw mixed gas and the gas composition of produced mixed gas hydrate are uniformed as rapidly as possible. The process for producing a mixed gas hydrate comprises the gas hydrate forming step of reacting a mixed gas (g) with water (w) to thereby obtain a gas hydrate in slurry form; the dewatering step of removing the water (w) from the gas hydrate slurry (s); the palletizing step of forming the gas hydrate after water removal into pellets; the freezing step of chilling the gas hydrate pellets (p) to the freezing point or below to thereby freeze the same; and the pressure reduction step of depressurizing the frozen gas hydrate to storage pressure, wherein the mixed gas (g) fed to the gas hydrate forming step is diluted by diluent gas (m) as a constituent of the principal components of the mixed gas (g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Kanda, Masahiro Takahashi, Toru Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20120060515
    Abstract: A double-walled liquefied gas tank characterized in that one or more insulation spaces about the vat containing the liquid are filled with a mixture, consisting mainly of argon trapped by gravity, between the outer walls of the vat and: a) for the insulating space (2) located below the bottom wall of the vat, the base plate (3) supporting the vat; b) for the insulating spaces (5) and (6), the circular chamber (16); c) for the insulation spaces (7) and (25), the circular chamber (16) and the roof (17); d) for the insulation space (14), the suspended and sealed ceiling (12), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NEW GENERATION NATURAL GAS
    Inventor: Damien Feger
  • Patent number: 8117852
    Abstract: LNG from a carrier is unloaded to an LNG storage tank in configurations and methods in which expansion of compressed and condensed boil-off vapors from the LNG storage tank provide refrigeration to subcool the LNG that is being unloaded. Most advantageously, such configuration and methods reduce the amount of boil-off vapors and eliminate the need for a vapor return line and associated compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Patent number: 8104296
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank comprises a partition that divides a cryogen space into a main storage space and an auxiliary space. A valve disposed inside the cryogen space is associated with a first fluid passage through the partition. The valve comprises a valve member that is actuatable by fluid forces within the cryogen space. A second fluid passage through the partition comprises a restricted flow area that is dimensioned to have a cross-sectional flow area that is smaller than that of a fill conduit such that there is a detectable increase in back-pressure when the main storage space is filled with liquefied gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Charles Harper, Adrian Post
  • Publication number: 20120007703
    Abstract: A current lead assembly includes a current lead having an end, at least one heat station thermally coupled to the end, a cryogen-flow path extending through the heat station and comprising at least one connection, and a cryogen generation source fluidly coupled to the cryogen-flow path through the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Yan Zhao, Xianrui Huang, Anbo Wu, Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Paul St. Mark Shadforth Thompson, Chao Yang, Jun Pan, Susumu Mine
  • Patent number: 8065883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled storage of liquefied gases such as liquefied natural gas in an enclosed insulated container, in which part of the liquid is withdrawn and fed to an external refrigeration unit for subcooling and the subcooled liquid is reintroduced into the container via one or more valve-controlled headers under the control of a control system operated in response to pressure and temperature signals from within the container, wherein the level of subcooling is matched to the heat inleak into the container and most or all of the subcooled liquid is reintroduced directly into the stored liquid so as to maintain stable conditions in the stored liquid and to minimise evaporation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Josef Pozivil
  • Publication number: 20110265494
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas production and storage scheme for offshore liquefaction of stranded gas reserves using a processing vessel and a liquefaction and storage shuttle vessel. The processing vessel includes the typical steps of condensate management, pre-treatment and compression. The processing vessel also recompresses a recycle gas from the LNG production and storage vessel. The high pressure, treated natural gas is fed to the LNG production and storage vessel that has minimal processing equipment consisting of at least a heat exchanger, an isentropic expander, a separator vessel, and a small LP compressor. The liquefier on the liquefaction and storage vessel are designed to generate a high liquid yield without the need for excessive operating pressures or multiple refrigerants circulating between vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: DPS Bristol (Holdings)Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Barclay
  • Patent number: 8020694
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T. K. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 7999141
    Abstract: A process for producing gas hydrate pellets includes generating a gas hydrate by reacting raw gas and raw water under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions, and then shaping the gas hydrate into pellets by means of a pelletizer. Newly-formed gas hydrate or still-moist gas hydrate that has been partially dehydrated is shaped into pellets by means of a pelletizer, the shaping being conducted under conditions of the gas hydrate formation temperature and formation pressure. Subsequently, the shaped pellets are cooled to a sub-zero temperature by means of a refrigerating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Katoh, Kiyoshi Horiguchi, Toru Iwasaki, Shigeru Nagamori
  • Patent number: 7976613
    Abstract: A process for removing water from a natural gas in an underwater environment is described. The process comprises dehydrating a natural gas feed stream in an apparatus arranged to exchange heat with the underwater environment, preferably including the step of forming hydrates in a hydrate forming zone of a hydrate vessel. The step of forming hydrates in the hydrate zone may comprise the step of introducing the natural gas feed stream into the hydrate vessel through an expansion device with the expansion device is located at and defines a gas inlet to the hydrate vessel. Heat exchange with the hydrate vessel itself need not occur as in one embodiment, heat exchange with the underwater environment takes place through an arrangement of pipes upstream of the hydrate vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Woodside Energy Limited
    Inventor: Robert Amin
  • Patent number: 7977411
    Abstract: The invention involves composite materials containing a polymer foam and an aerogel. The composite materials have improved thermal insulation ability, good acoustic insulation, and excellent physical mechanical properties. The composite materials can be used, for instance, for heat and acoustic insulation on aircraft, spacecraft, and maritime ships in place of currently used foam panels and other foam products. The materials of the invention can also be used in building construction with their combination of light weight, strength, elasticity, ability to be formed into desired shapes, and superior thermal and acoustic insulation power. The materials have also been found to have utility for storage of cryogens. A cryogenic liquid or gas, such as N2 or H2, adsorbs to the surfaces in aerogel particles. Thus, another embodiment of the invention provides a storage vessel for a cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Martha K. Williams, Trent M. Smith, James E. Fesmire, Erik S. Weiser, Jared P. Sass
  • Publication number: 20110162390
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: PETER J. LITTRUP, Alexei V. Babkin, Robert Duncan, Sergey Boldarev
  • Patent number: 7971744
    Abstract: Cryogenic storage and separator vessels made of polyolefin foams are disclosed, as are methods of storing and separating cryogenic fluids and fluid mixtures using these vessels. In one embodiment, the polyolefin foams may be cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene foams with a density of from about 2 pounds per cubic foot to a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan D Spear
  • Publication number: 20110132003
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for converting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a superheated fluid through vaporisation and superheating of the LNG employs a first main heat exchanger in series with a second main heat exchanger. The first main heat exchanger is heated by a condensing first heat exchange fluid flowing in a first heat exchange circuit including a first supplementary heat exchanger for revaporising the first heat exchange fluid and the second main heat exchanger by a condensing second heat exchange fluid flowing in a second heat exchange circuit including a second heat exchanger for vaporising the second heat exchange fluid. The circuits and may share a common vessel for collecting condensate. The condensing pressure of the heat exchange fluid in the first circuit is less than condensing pressure of the heat exchange fluid in the second circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Josef Pozivil, Mathias Ragot
  • Patent number: 7870746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing and replacing stored energy comprise capturing inlet air from the ambient environment so the inlet air flows in a first general direction. Released liquid air flows in a second general direction, the second general direction being substantially opposite to the first general direction. The released liquid air is pumped to pressure, and the released liquid air and inlet air flow past each other such that heat exchange occurs. The inlet air warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the inlet air. Moisture and carbon dioxide are removed from the inlet air, and the inlet air is compressed and cooled such that the inlet air is substantially liquefied. The substantially liquefied air replaces a portion of the released liquid air; and the substantially vaporized released liquid air is combusted with fuel to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Expansion Energy, LLC
    Inventor: David Vandor
  • Patent number: 7849704
    Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus of superconducting equipment with excellent assembly workability and a termination structure of a superconducting cable including the cryogenic apparatus are provided. A termination structure of a superconducting cable includes a terminal of the superconducting cable disposed on a low-temperature side, a bushing 10 for communicating power between the low-temperature side and a room-temperature side, a connection part 2 connecting the terminal of the cable and the bushing 10, and a terminal connection box 3 accommodating the connection part 2. The terminal connection box 3 includes a coolant vessel 20 accommodating a terminal of the bushing 10 on the low-temperature side and the connection part 2 and filled with a coolant for cooling the terminal and the connection part 2 and a vacuumed vessel 30 disposed so as to surround the coolant vessel 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Ashibe, Hideki Itoh
  • Patent number: 7823394
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to insulate a vessel includes placing a plurality of shells on all sides of the vessel without providing a direct energy pathway from outer walls of the vessel to the inner walls of the vessel; placing the shells under a vacuum; cryogenically cooling the shells to a cryogenic temperature; and while under vacuum, allowing the shell temperature to rise from the cryogenic temperature to ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Reflect Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dain, Boyd Bowdish, Nick Henneman
  • Publication number: 20100223934
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a cooler or freezer enclosure; a heat exchanger within the enclosure; a bulk storage tank in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; a sound generator in fluid communication with the heat exchanger; a thermoacoustic refrigerator in acoustic communication with the sound generator; and an indirect heat exchange loop in heat transfer contact with the thermoacoustic refrigerator. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the bulk storage tank, and to provide pressurized gas to the sound generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen A. McCormick, Michael D. Newman
  • Publication number: 20100199718
    Abstract: A storage enclosure and an apparatus and method for producing carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen by means of cryogenic separation, including one such enclosure is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Alain Briglia, Arthur Darde, Natacha Haik-Beraud, Antoine Hernandez, Guillaume Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20100186426
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by cooling and pressurizing retained natural gas to liquefy the retained natural gas within a fiber reinforced plastic pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100126216
    Abstract: An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Hall, Micahel J. Mulvany, Tolulope O. Okikiolu
  • Publication number: 20100089070
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid reservoir, particularly a fluid reservoir with a sorption medium. According to the invention an improvement is provided by a device for the temperature control of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Thorsten Allgeier, Stephan Leuthner, Jan-Mitchael Graehn, Werner Gruenwald, Ian Faye
  • Publication number: 20100050660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile refrigerated vehicle comprising a refrigerated chamber housing for at least one refrigerated chamber contained therein, a tank for liquefied gas, an evaporator for the evaporation of the liquefied gas during the delivery of cold to the refrigerated chamber and an exhaust pipe for the evaporated gas, in conjunction with which the evaporator is arranged outside the refrigerated chamber; and a method for refrigerating a refrigerated chamber of a mobile refrigerated vehicle comprising the following process stages: removal of a liquefied gas from a tank and supply of the gas into an evaporator arranged outside the refrigerated chamber; removal of a flow of cooling air to be refrigerated from the refrigerated chamber, evaporation of the liquefied gas in the evaporator and utilization of at least one part of the cold content for the refrigeration of the flow of cooling air; introduction of the refrigerated flow of cooling air into the refrigerated chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONY POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPL
    Inventors: Dirk Teegen, Franz Lurken, Helmut Henrich, Reinhard Kost
  • Publication number: 20100025406
    Abstract: A vessel for containing liquefied petroleum gas and a method for loading a semitrailer with a plurality of vessels is disclosed. The vessel may include a tank with an outside diameter that is greater than thirty inches and less than thirty-four inches. The tank may be configured to contain at least 119 water gallons, and may be further configured to contain liquefied petroleum gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Greg E. McRae
  • Publication number: 20100018225
    Abstract: An LNG storage tank comprises a heat insulating wall on an inner surface of the storage tank, a sealing wall contacting LNG on the heat insulating wall, and a structure to support the sealing wall. The structure comprises an anchor structure, which comprises an anchor member between the inner surface of the storage tank and the sealing wall to secure the sealing wall to the inner surface, and a heat-insulating material around the anchor member. The anchor member is coupled at several portions to the inner surface. The structure provides a simple configuration to the heat insulating wall and the sealing wall, and a simple connection therebetween, enabling convenient construction thereof while increasing sealing reliability. The structure simplifies an assembled structure and a manufacturing process, reducing a construction time of the tank while efficiently relieving stress on the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KOREA GAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Young Myung Yang, Ihn Soo Yoon, Ji Hoom Kim, Byoung Taek Oh, Young Kyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20100011782
    Abstract: A container for receiving cryogenic media and/or units which are to be stored at low temperatures, having an outer shell (1) and an insulating shell (10) which is connected directly or indirectly to said outer shell (1) in a positionally stable manner and is optionally surrounded by one or more further insulating shells (10), wherein an inner shell (2) for storing cryogenic media is connected to the outer shell (1) via fastening elements (3) in a positionally stable manner, is characterized in that, in order to secure a spacing between the insulating shells (10) and the outer and inner shells (1, 2), each insulating shell (10) is of at least two-part configuration and is fastened to the outer shell (1) and/or to the inner shell (2) by means of positioning elements (11, 26, 27) which are independent of the fastening elements (3), wherein the insulating shell (10) is spaced apart without contact from the outer or inner shell (1, 2) or from a further insulating shell (10) with the formation of a gap (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Rebernik Matthias
  • Publication number: 20100012015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JUNG HAN LEE, YOUNG SIK MOON, DONG KYU CHOI, YOUNG SOO KIM
  • Publication number: 20090293502
    Abstract: Systems and methods for releasing and replacing stored energy comprise capturing inlet air from the ambient environment so the inlet air flows in a first general direction. Released liquid air flows in a second general direction, the second general direction being substantially opposite to the first general direction. The released liquid air is pumped to pressure, and the released liquid air and inlet air flow past each other such that heat exchange occurs. The inlet air warms the released liquid air such that the released liquid air is substantially vaporized, and the released liquid air cools the inlet air. Moisture and carbon dioxide are removed from the inlet air, and the inlet air is compressed and cooled such that the inlet air is substantially liquefied. The substantially liquefied air replaces a portion of the released liquid air; and the substantially vaporized released liquid air is combusted with fuel to produce electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Expansion Energy, LLC
    Inventor: David Vandor
  • Patent number: RE42467
    Abstract: Improved process for evacuating the thermally insulating jacket of a dewar having an inner wall and an outer wall, with the inner space between said walls completely or partially filled with an insulating material, containing also a moisture sorbing material and a getter material, in which said moisture sorbing material is a chemical drying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Boffito, Antonio Schiabel, Allessandro Gallitognotta