Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile machine includes a LNG fuel tank to provide natural gas to a natural gas engine, a pressure relief valve to relieve pressure to a relief vent line, and a liquid separation device. The liquid separation device includes a canister defining an interior space and having a top end and a bottom end, a LNG inlet configured to receive mixed phase fluid into the canister from the relief vent line, a separator disposed within the interior space and fluidly connected to the LNG inlet, the separator configured to direct condensed liquid to the bottom end and to pass vapor to the interior space, a vapor outlet disposed on the top end of the canister, and a liquid drain disposed on the bottom end of the canister.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a slurry generator, an injector pump coupled to the slurry generator, a heat exchanger reactor coupled to the injector pump, wherein the heat exchanger reactor is adapted to subject a thermally expendable heat absorption material to a temperature above 60° C. and a pressure below 3 kPa, and wherein the expendable heat absorption material endothermically decomposes into a gaseous by-product. A vapor cycle system is coupled to the heat exchanger reactor and is operatively connected to a thermal load. A thermal energy storage system may be coupled to the vapor cycle system and the thermal load. The thermal energy storage system may isolate the heat exchanger reactor from thermal load transients of the thermal load.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly and a method for assembling the heat exchanger assembly is provided.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage device includes a storage tank having an inner tank, an intermediate tank and an outer tank spaced apart from each other so as to define a fluid reservoir for holding a cryogenic liquid and a thermal insulative space bounding the fluid reservoir. A top cover closes the open top. An inlet supplies the cryogenic liquid to the fluid reservoir. A fluid sensor is configured to detect a pressure within the cryogenic storage device and is removably disposed within the fluid reservoir so as to allow an ice formation to be thawed without having to thaw the entire cryogenic storage device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods by which the level of liquid nitrogen in one or more liquid nitrogen storage containers can be monitored, leaks may be detected and reported, and ideal container fill level may be indicated.

Abstract: A system configured to provide thermal regulation and vibration isolation to one or more electronic components. The system includes a sensor chassis defining an interior chamber, an electronics housing in the interior chamber of the sensor chassis, a thermoelectric cooler coupled between the sensor chassis and the electronics housing, a thermal strap coupled to the sensor chassis, and at least one isolator coupled to the sensor chassis. The system may also include an insulating material, such as Aerogel, in the interior chamber of the sensor chassis and extending around the electronics housing.

Abstract: A cryocooler is described that can include a pressure wave generator, and a refrigeration device (for example, a cold-head), which can be used to liquefy a gas when the gas is exposed to a surface of the refrigeration device. The pressure wave generator can include one or more motors. Each motor can include a stator, and at least one electrical coil wound around a portion of the stator. The electrical coil can generate a reversing magnetic field when alternating electric current is passed through the electrical coil. The motor can further include a pressurized container that can be placed within the space enclosed by the stator, and a piston that can be placed inside the pressurized container. The stators can be placed external to the pressurized container. The piston is made by combining magnets that have opposite and transverse polarities, and are combined adjacently on a common reciprocating axis.

Abstract: A system for temperature management of a downhole thermal component includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled with the thermal component and a heat exhausting temperature management system thermally coupled with the thermal component and the heat exchanger to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include an electrical device coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger and a power source to provide an energy flow to the electrical device to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include a thermoelectric cooler coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger. A method includes energizing an electrical device or a thermoelectric cooler to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and device for transfer of thermal energy is described which comprise providing a vessel with a compressible fluid medium, subjecting the compressible fluid medium to a pressure gradient and exposing the compressible fluid medium to sound waves capable to induce fluctuations of density accompanied by establishing of pressure gradient waves propagating through the compressible fluid medium and transferring the thermal energy.

Abstract: A low-loss cryogenic fluid supply system having at least one main cryogenic fluid tank and a backup cryogenic fluid tank each having a vent set to a first pressure P1 and a pressure build circuit set to a second pressure P2, a main tank gas supply line configured to supply gas to a junction at a third pressure P3, a main tank liquid supply line configured to supply gas to the junction at a fourth pressure P4, a backup tank liquid supply line configured to supply gas to the junction at a fifth pressure P5, a backup tank backpressure regulator configured to supply gas to a point upstream to the main tank gas supply line at a sixth pressure P6, and an outlet supply line configured to supply gas from the junction at an end use pressure Pu, where P1>P3?P2, P1?P6>P2, P6?P3>P4>P5>Pu.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating boil-off gas generated in an LNG storage tank of an LNG carrier for transporting LNG in a cryogenic liquid state, the LNG carrier having a boil-off gas reliquefaction plant, wherein an amount of boil-off gas corresponding to a treatment capacity of the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated during the voyage of the LNG carrier is discharged from the LNG storage tank and reliquefied by the reliquefaction plant. The boil-off gas treating method and apparatus can maintain an amount of boil-off gas discharged from an LNG storage tank at a constant level by storing in the LNG storage tank, instead of discharging and burning, surplus boil-off gas which has not been returned to the LNG storage tank through the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated in the LNG storage tank, and can prevent waste of boil-off gas and save energy by allowing an internal pressure of the LNG storage tank to be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut off pressure. The cut off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus of a superconducting device that is capable of minimizing the use of dividing members for dividing a liquid refrigerant, a vapor refrigerant or a room temperature insulating material, thereby preventing sealing members like O-rings mounted on the respective dividing members from being damaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal apparatus of a superconducting device that is capable of minimizing the use of dividing members for dividing a liquid refrigerant, a vapor refrigerant or a room temperature insulating material, thereby preventing sealing members like O-rings mounted on the respective dividing members from being damaged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.

Abstract: A dynamic system for determining an optimal liquid fill level and ullage space for a cryogenic liquid storage tank based on the temperature of the liquid being dispensed into the tank, and the desired operating pressure for an application. A means for selecting a desired operating pressure, such as a dial, is located external to the storage tank. A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cryogenic liquid being dispensed. An optimal fill level and ullage space is calculated, and communicated to a liquid level sensor and flow control valve.

Abstract: A cryogenic device is disclosed which has a cryogenic chamber, temperature sensor, a liquid cryogen injection zone, a source of heat, and a controller, in response to temperature data obtained from the temperature sensor, the injection of liquid cryogen into the injection zone and the application of heat, to control the temperature in the cryogenic chamber. The device may utilise a second source or a higher temperature gas as the source of heat and may utilise a multilayered plate insulator between the injection sites for cryogen and the cryogenic chamber. The device may also incorporate an overflow monitoring system and/or an automated cryogen filling system.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for hydraulic fluid supply between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive unit, switching hydraulic fluid flow direction to the hydraulic drive unit or stopping hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic drive unit when measured hydraulic fluid pressure crosses a predetermined pressure threshold value. The method further comprises calculating an amount of mechanical work done by the hydraulic drive unit and warning an operator or limiting hydraulic fluid flow rate to the hydraulic drive unit when the calculated mechanical work for the drive cycle is less than an expected amount of mechanical work. The apparatus for practicing the method further includes a pressure sensor associated with a hydraulic fluid supply conduit between the pump and the drive unit, and an electronic controller programmed to operate the drive system according to the method.

Abstract: Provided are a heat medium heating-cooling apparatus and a heat medium temperature control method, which can control the heat medium temperature stably and more efficiently. The heat medium heating-cooling apparatus includes a heat medium heating unit (12) as well as a bypass line (19) thereof with switching valves 20a, 20b switching the direction of a flow of the heat medium to the heat medium heating unit or the bypass line. Decisions are made based on the present temperature (PV) in a reactor (11), a preset target temperature (SV), stable temperature range (?) and control switching temperature (?). According to the resulted four decisions of “stable heating”, “stable cooling”, “inclined heating” and “inclined cooling”, the temperature control according to either of the heating control at a heating control unit or the cooling control at a cooling control unit is conducted.

Abstract: A gas-flow cryostat adapted for dynamic temperature regulation using a fluid level sensor; the cryostat further including one or more heaters coupled to various components of the cryostat. As fluid evaporates from a liquid coolant evaporation reservoir within the cryostat, the fluid level sensor and a feedback control unit are adapted to monitor and dynamically control the level of evaporating coolant by regulating the heaters. Accordingly, the cryostat is adapted to dynamically control temperature about a specimen region within the cryostat. The cryostat can be used in various applications, including analytical laboratory equipment for measuring various physical properties of samples. Temperature sensors are further incorporated for added control and optimization of the cryostat.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a process fluid comprises a storage vessel, a process pump for pumping the process fluid from the storage vessel, a hydraulic drive system comprising a hydraulic drive unit operatively connected to drive the process pump, a pressure sensor for measuring hydraulic fluid pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic drive system, and, an electronic controller programmed to monitor a signal representative of hydraulic fluid pressure that is measured by the pressure sensor, process the signal to determine when the storage vessel is empty, and stop the process pump when the storage vessel is empty. The disclosed method relates to using the disclosed apparatus to measure hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic drive system, process measured hydraulic fluid pressure to determine when the storage vessel is empty, and stop the process pump when the storage vessel is empty.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making noncommercial amounts of a gas a liquid using a Joule-Thomson device. The device uses a precooler, a compressor, a Joule-Thomson valve and a thermally insulated housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a process fluid comprises a storage vessel, a process pump for pumping the process fluid from the storage vessel, a hydraulic drive system comprising a hydraulic drive unit operatively connected to drive the process pump, a pressure sensor for measuring hydraulic fluid pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic drive system, and, an electronic controller programmed to monitor a signal representative of hydraulic fluid pressure that is measured by the pressure sensor, process the signal to determine when the storage vessel is empty, and stop the process pump when the storage vessel is empty. The disclosed method relates to using the disclosed apparatus to measure hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic drive system, process measured hydraulic fluid pressure to determine when the storage vessel is empty, and stop the process pump when the storage vessel is empty.

Abstract: A liquefied gas supply system and method can supply the liquefied gas in a plurality of liquefied gas containers uniformly to supply huge amount of gas constantly. A liquefied gas supply system comprises a plurality of liquefied gas containers 1, a detector 2 installed in each of the containers 1 to detect a volume of liquefied gas contained in each of the containers 1, a heating device 3 installed on each of the container 1 and a control device 7 to process information obtained by each of the detectors 2 and control each of the heating devices 3. The control device 7 controls each of the heating devices 3 based on a value obtained by overall processing of the information obtained by each of the detectors 2.

Abstract: To detect the volume of gas remaining in a gas bottle or a fixed tank of a system for supplying liquefied gas as fuel for a combustion engine, a positive temperature coefficient (or PTC) probe (16) is placed in the gas feed line (12) between the gas source and the combustion engine. The PTC probe (16) detects the change of phase, from the liquid phase of the liquefied gas to the gaseous phase, in the feed line (12) and delivers an electrical signal to an electronic circuit that triggers a visual or audible signal in response to the detection of the phase change.

Abstract: A refrigerant liquid level measuring device that measures a refrigerant liquid level in a short period is provided. A series sensor arrangement includes a plurality of sensor elements electrically connected in series. The sensor elements each have a superconducting wire and a normal conductor heater electrically connected to the wire, and the superconducting wire and the normal conductor heater are in thermal contact with each other. The series sensor arrangement is provided to cross the liquid level of refrigerant liquid in a container that stores the refrigerant liquid and one of the sensor elements and the other sensor elements in the series sensor arrangement are positioned on one another in the vertical direction. The series sensor arrangement is supplied with electric current, so that the liquid level of the refrigerant is measured by measuring the electrical resistance value of the normal conductive part of the super conducting wires in the series sensor arrangement.

Abstract: A product including a cryogenic container and an acoustic sensor positioned to sense the resonant frequency of the container and any liquid contents therein.

Abstract: A densifier is provided which in one embodiment can simultaneously densify two cryogenic liquids at different temperatures. The densifier has an oscillatory power source for generating oscillatory power and a two stage pulse tube refrigerator. The oscillatory power source can be a thermoacoustic heat engine or a mechanical oscillatory power source such as a linear flexure bearing compressor. The first stage densifies a first cryogenic liquid to a first cryogenic temperature, and the second stage densifies a second cryogenic liquid to a second, lower cryogenic temperature. A densified propellant management system also is provided which has a densifier for simultaneously densifying two cryogenic liquids at different temperatures, and a cryogenic temperature probe for measuring the temperature gradient in a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A densifier (10) for simultaneously densifying two cryogenic liquids at different temperatures is provided. The densifier (10) has a thermoacoustic heat engine (20), a resonance tube (18) and a two stage pulse tube refrigerator (40). The thermoacoustic heat engine (20) generates oscillatory acoustical power required to generate net refrigeration power in the two-stage pulse tube refrigerator (40). The first stage (100) densifies a first cryogenic liquid to a first cryogenic temperature, and the second stage (200) densifies a second cryogenic liquid to a second, lower cryogenic temperature. The thermoacoustic heat engine (20) converts thermal energy to the oscillatory acoustical power required to generate net refrigeration in the first (100) and second (200) stages of the pulse tube refrigerator (40). No mechanical energy input is required, and therefore the invented densifier (10) has no moving parts.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus has a storage vessel for storing a liquefied gas and an evaporated gas produced by evaporation of the liquefied gas, a cooling head cooled by the evaporated gas to approximately a boiling temperature of the liquefied gas, piping for conveying the evaporated gas from the storage vessel to the cooling head, and a gas collection port provided at one end portion of the piping above a liquid level of the liquefied gas for collecting only the evaporated gas from the storage vessel. Thus, contamination of a gas line, needle valve, or the like, can be avoided. In addition, a liquid level sensor may be provided in the storage vessel for sensing the liquid level of the liquefied gas, so that the gas collection port may be vertically moved within the storage vessel to collect cooled gas close to the liquid level.

Abstract: Within upper and lower cryostats for a super conducting magnet level sensors which measure respective amounts of liquid helium therein are assembled and are connected to a measuring circuit. When a control signal of a computer is provided to the measurement circuit via a sequencer, the measurement circuit performs automatic measurement of a remaining amount of liquid helium and the measured data is transferred to the computer. The computer records the measured data as well as performs computation processing thereof and causes a display unit to display the processing result as an effective management parameter of the liquid helium. Thereby, an open type MRI apparatus using a super conducting magnet with liquid helium monitoring system which is suitable for maintenance and management of liquid helium for the super conducting magnet can be provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed cooling apparatus for cooling a sample or sensor to the neighborhood of the boiling temperature of a liquefied gas by transporting the gas. The cooling apparatus can be run stably such that piping or needle valve acting as a medium for transporting the liquefied gas is not clogged up. The apparatus is so constructed that a gas collection port is installed in a transfer tube and that gas produced by evaporation of the liquefied gas is collected and used as a coolant for a cooling head.

Abstract: In a system for detecting overflow of a liquid cryogen storage tank, a differential pressure gauge measures the pressure of the tank at the top and bottom of the tank while liquid cryogen is introduced into the tank. Once the measurement reaches a predetermined amount, the operator terminates the fill. Alternatively, the differential pressure gauge sends a signal to the controller and the controller shuts the valves off. The tank includes an outlet pipe connected to either an audible device or avisual device and a vent stack. The excess cryogen, liquid or vapor, flows out of the tank through the outlet pipe. The audible device whistles when vapor passes through but is silent when the liquid passes through the audible device. This audible device provides a back-up warning which signifies when liquid cryogen is flowing out of the tank so that the operator may shut off the valves.

Abstract: An ice water cooling system for a multi-story building includes an open chemical tank 304 adjacent the bottom of the building 300. The tank includes a float-level ball 310 positioned therein for controlling the flow volume of water from the pipeline circular system 302. A pump 314 and check valve 312 are positioned downstream of the tank and are configured to prevent reflux from the pipeline circular system. The float-level ball, pump and check valve act to isolate the pressure in the pipeline circular system from that of the open-chemical tank which is at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An installation for the storage of a liquified gas under pressure in a pressure chamber. The installation includes a closed pressure resistant chamber to contain the liquid. The container has a wall whose thickness es is determined by computations taking into account parameters associated with a pressure Ps within the chamber and a temperature Ts<−50° of the wall of the chamber. The installation further includes a device to indicate a magnitude G of a temperature Ts of the chamber wall and a device to indicate a magnitude G′ representative of the computation temperature Ts. The installation also includes a device to compare the magnitudes G and G′, and a device to lower the pressure to a value P2 below the computed pressure Ps if as a result of the comparison, Te is greater than Ts.

Abstract: A cryogenically-cooled working surface in heat exchange contact with a reservoir of cryogenic fluid permits sorting or measuring cryogenically-preserved samples without the risk of damage by thawing. The portable device is suitable for laboratory or field use, is positionally stable, and easily refillable with cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing system including a vessel for holding a fluid, an adjustable set point pressure regulator in the interior volume of the vessel, a dispensing assembly in fluid flow communication with the regulator for dispensing fluid at a pressure determined by the set point of the regulator, and an adjusting assembly exterior to the vessel for in situ adjustment of the set point of the internally disposed regulator. By such arrangement, fluid storage and dispensing operations can have respectively differing regulator set point pressures, as for example a sub-atmospheric pressure set point for storage and a super-atmospheric pressure set point for dispensing.

Abstract: A container for holding a cryogenic, two constituent liquid, is described. The container has two vent conduits disposed at different altitudes or levels inside the container wherein a first, cryogenic liquid is filled into the container until it vents from the first conduit. Then, a second, cryogenic liquid is filled into the container until the combined liquids vent through the second conduit. The vent conduits are preferably positioned to provide intended percentages of the various constituents comprising the liquid.