Specific Pump Structure Patents (Class 62/50.6)
  • Patent number: 11668437
    Abstract: A body structure has an inlet port that receives fluid, a first outlet port that connects to a top-fill line of a cryogenic tank, a second outlet port that connects to a bottom-fill line of a cryogenic tank and a slider tube cylinder. A cylinder housing connects to the body structure and has a pressure comparison cylinder with upper and lower volumes, with the latter in fluid communication with a cryogenic tank. A piston having a piston shaft slides within the pressure comparison cylinder. A pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the upper volume and the slider tube cylinder. A slider tube is connected to the piston shaft and slides within the slider tube cylinder. The slider tube cylinder selectively directs fluid to a top-fill line through the first outlet port or to a bottom-fill line through the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10894279
    Abstract: A descaling device having a device housing, a shaft, a shaft bearing, a nozzle head and a medium coupling, wherein the shaft bearing is arranged in the device housing and the shaft is mounted in the device housing by the shaft bearing for carrying out a rotary movement, wherein the shaft and the nozzle head are detachably connected to one another in a non-destructive manner, wherein the medium coupling has a medium connection for supply of a medium, wherein the shaft has a shaft cavity for conducting the medium supplied at the medium connection to the nozzle head. The descaling device has an improved maintainability and reliability due to the descaling device having a motor, and due to the motor being arranged on the shaft in the device housing between the nozzle head and the medium coupling in order to generate the rotary movement of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: HAUHINCO MASCHINENFABRIK G. HAUSHERR, JOCHUMS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Udo Hertel, Dirk Schulze Schencking
  • Patent number: 10836627
    Abstract: A multiple pump system is disclosed. The multiple pump system may include a fluid tank and a multiple pump vessel connected to the fluid tank. The multiple pump vessel may include at least one first pump and at least one second pump located therein. In addition, the at least one first pump may be configured to dispense a fluid from the fluid tank at a first pressure, and the at least one second pump may be configured to dispense the fluid from the fluid tank at a second pressure. The first pressure may be different from the second pressure, such that the at least one first pump may be configured to dispense liquefied natural gas, and the at least one second pump may be configured to dispense compressed natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CRYOGENIC INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Mackey
  • Patent number: 10774820
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump includes a drive assembly and a pressurization assembly operatively coupled to each other. The drive assembly includes a housing having sidewall and piston slidably disposed therein, the sidewall and a first surface of piston defining expansion chamber. A fuel supply valve is provided in fluid communication with supply of liquid cryogenic fuel and configured to selectively provide liquid cryogenic fuel into expansion chamber. A heating element extends at least partially into expansion chamber to heat and facilitate vaporization of liquid cryogenic fuel, thereby increasing pressure within expansion chamber and causing movement of piston in first direction. The pressurization assembly includes barrel defining bore and a plunger slidably disposed therein to define pressurization chamber for receiving liquid cryogenic fuel. The plunger is driven by the piston such that the movement of piston in first direction causes movement of plunger to pressurize cryogenic fuel within pressurization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron M. Brown
  • Patent number: 10626855
    Abstract: Lifting device (10) for vertically lifting liquids, where the lifting device (10) comprises: a lifting line arrangement (18) for guiding a liquid from an open lower reservoir (16) to an upper reservoir (14); a lowering line arrangement (20) for guiding the liquid from the upper reservoir (14) to the lower reservoir (16); a pressure converter (12) with an actuating member (36), the pressure converter (12) being configured to convert a liquid pressure in the lowering line arrangement (20) into a liquid pressure in the lifting line arrangement (18) by means of a substantially linear movement of the actuating member (36); and a pump member (38) for pumping the liquid in the lifting line arrangement (18) towards the upper reservoir (14) and/or for pumping the liquid in the lowering line arrangement (20) towards the pressure converter (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ENERGY HARVEST AS
    Inventor: Trond Melhus
  • Patent number: 10323581
    Abstract: In high horse power engines there are strict energy budgets allotted for each subsystem. It is a challenge for a gaseous fuel pumping system to supply the necessary gaseous fuel mass flow to the engine while staying within budget. A method for pressurizing a gaseous fuel supplied to an engine comprises providing first and second hydraulically actuated pumping apparatus comprising first and second shuttle valves in first and second hydraulic pistons respectively; and selectively communicating hydraulic fluid flow to the first and second hydraulically actuated pumping apparatuses. In a first mode hydraulic fluid is communicated through the first hydraulically actuated pumping apparatus to the second hydraulically actuated pumping apparatus. In a second mode hydraulic fluid is communicated through the second hydraulically actuated pumping apparatus to the first hydraulically actuated pumping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.
    Inventors: Michael Ebbehoj, Kenneth W. Kratschmar
  • Patent number: 9163617
    Abstract: A high-pressure fluid pump is operable to pressurize a fluid and includes a hollow stud including a first end, a second end, and a cylindrical space extending between the first end and the second end and a housing fixedly coupled to the first end of the hollow stud. A high pressure cylinder is disposed within the cylindrical space of the hollow stud. The high pressure cylinder includes a bore that extends from a first end to a second end of the high pressure cylinder. A seal head is engaged with the first end of the high pressure cylinder to define a seal therebetween and an end cap is coupled to the second end of the hollow stud and the seal head. The end cap is operable to apply a compressive force to the seal head to compress the seal head against the cylinder and to apply a tensile load to the hollow stud. A plunger is movable within the bore to pressurize the fluid in a space defined by the piston, the seal head, and the high pressure cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KMT Waterjet Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Mann
  • Patent number: 9151248
    Abstract: A system for supplying fuel to an engine of a ship. The system includes a high pressure pump pressurizing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) and supplying the pressurized LNG to the engine, a hydraulic motor driving the high pressure pump and a chamber carrying the high pressure pump and the hydraulic motor. The chamber is substantially free of electric sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joon Chae Lee, Jae Ho Jang, Chang Woo Lee, Nak Hyun Kim, Dong Eok Kang
  • Publication number: 20150143821
    Abstract: Disclosed is an liquid natural gas supply and delivery system with a multimode fuel gas delivery system and process. The tender is capable of supplying gaseous methane fuel to an cryogenic tank via direct pumping, pressure transfer, or any combination mode due to a configuration of pumps, heat exchangers, and piping and controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Terry Johnson, Tom Drube
  • Publication number: 20150143822
    Abstract: A cryogenic submerged multi-stage pump assembly includes a vertically oriented pump shaft. A permanent magnet electrical motor includes a rotor attached to the pump shaft and a stator disposed about the rotor. A first-stage impeller assembly includes a first impeller attached to the pump shaft, the first impeller configured to move a cryogenic fluid from a first impeller inlet to a first impeller outlet when the pump shaft is rotated by the electric motor. A second-stage impeller assembly includes a second impeller attached to the pump shaft, the second impeller configured to move the cryogenic fluid from a first impeller housing to a second impeller inlet and then to a second impeller outlet when the pump shaft is rotated by the electric motor. The first and a second impeller housing are disposed about the first and second impellers and configured to channel the cryogenic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis W. Chalmers, Mina Botrous, Mugdha Dokhale, Elidio Ruiz, Mark Geipel
  • Patent number: 8991197
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
  • Publication number: 20150033769
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a pump tower installation structure of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank and a manufacturing method thereof. The pump tower installation structure of the LNG storage tank includes an adaptor disposed at a predetermined area of an opening portion formed at an inner hull disposed on an upper side of the LNG storage tank, and a cover having through-holes corresponding to pipes of the pump tower installed at the storage tank, and disposed at a remaining area of the opening portion to be connected with the adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Eon Chun, Dae-Jung Kim, Sung-Oh Park, Soo-Ho Lee, Ki-Hun Joh, Jeong-Oh Hwang, Chang-Seon Bang
  • Publication number: 20150013351
    Abstract: A reciprocating cryogenic pump 2 comprises a piston reciprocable within a pumping chamber 44. The pumping chamber 44 has an inlet suction valve 48 for cryogenic liquid to be pumped and an outlet 32 for high pressure cryogenic liquid. The inlet valve 48 for the cryogenic liquid communicates with a cryogenic liquid reception chamber 46 in the cold end or head 6 of the pump 2. The pump head 6 is at least partially surrounded by a first jacket 8 retaining primary vacuum insulation. The first jacket 8 is itself at least partly surrounded by a second jacket 10. The jacket 10 defines a chamber for the reception of a coolant fluid such as liquid nitrogen and the second jacket has an inlet 20 and an outlet 22 for the liquid nitrogen. The thermal insulation can be further enhanced by a trapped gas space 73 between the first jacket 8 and an inner sleeve 52, the latter defining with an outer sleeve 50 vacuum insulation for the pumping chamber 44.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Pierre Papirer, Stephane Sgambati
  • Publication number: 20140290280
    Abstract: A system for supplying LNG fuel includes a fuel supplying line connected from an LNG storage tank to an engine, a boosting pump provided on the fuel supplying line and configured to pressurize LNG outputted from the LNG storage tank and cool down in a standby mode, a high pressure pump configured to pressurize the LNG outputted from the boosting pump to high pressure, and a return line connected between the LNG storage tank and the high pressure pump, in which the LNG is returned through the return line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Seok LEE
  • Publication number: 20140238050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefied gas treatment system and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Ki Hong Kim, Min Ho Kang
  • Publication number: 20140230459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquefied gas treatment system and method, and the liquefied gas treatment system includes: a liquefied gas supply line connected from a liquefied gas storing tank to a source of demand; a heat exchanger provided on the liquefied gas supply line between the source of demand and the liquefied gas storing tank, and configured to heat exchange liquefied gas supplied from the liquefied gas storing tank with heat transfer media; a media heater configured to heat the heat transfer media; a media circulation line connected from the media heater to the heat exchanger; a media state detecting sensor provided on the media circulation line, and configured to measure a state of the heat transfer media; and a controller configured to set a coagulation prevention reference value for preventing the heat transfer media from being coagulated, and change a flow rate of the heat transfer media flowing into the media heater or calories supplied to the heat transfer media by the media heater on th
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Ki Hong Kim, Min Ho Kang
  • Patent number: 8789379
    Abstract: A hydrogen pump comprises a pump housing and a heating mechanism. The pump housing receives liquid hydrogen through a housing inlet. The heating mechanism vaporizes the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing releases the gaseous hydrogen through a housing outlet at a predetermined pressure level of the gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing closes the housing outlet such as when the liquid hydrogen in the pump housing falls below a depletion level. The pump housing opens and additional liquid hydrogen enters the pump housing through the housing inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Watts
  • Publication number: 20140182559
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an engine system having liquid and gaseous fuel systems, each of which injects fuel directly into an engine cylinder. A controller controls the pumping of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the gaseous fuel system using variable speeds for reciprocally moving a pumping piston of a pumping element with a drive assembly. The controller adjustably controls the drive assembly of the pump system to vary a time period for the pump cycle based upon a comparison of a pressure measured in the accumulator and a target pressure condition. When the accumulator pressure satisfies the target pressure condition, the controller is adapted to control the drive assembly such that the pumping element is in a creep mode in which the pumping piston continues to move, but produces no more than a nominal amount of compressed LNG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Steffen, Dana R. Coldren
  • Publication number: 20140157796
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a cryogenic fluid includes a bulk tank containing a supply of cryogenic fluid. A heating circuit includes an intermediate tank and a heating device and has an inlet in fluid communication with the bulk tank and an outlet. A bypass junction is positioned between the bulk tank and the inlet of the heating circuit. A bypass circuit has an inlet in fluid communication with the bypass junction and an outlet so that a portion of cryogenic fluid from the bulk tank flows through the heating circuit and is warmed and a portion flows through the bypass circuit. A mixing junction is in fluid communication with the outlets of the bypass circuit and the heating circuit so that warmed cryogenic fluid from the heating circuit is mixed with cryogenic fluid from the bypass circuit so that the cryogenic fluid is conditioned. A dispensing line is in fluid communication with the mixing junction so that the conditioned cryogenic fluid may be dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Chart Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Drube, Petr Zaruba
  • Publication number: 20140150470
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied gas processing system and method. A liquefied gas treatment system includes: a liquefied gas supply line connected from a liquefied gas storing tank to a source of demand, a pump provided on the liquefied gas supply line, and configured to pressurize liquefied gas discharged from the liquefied gas storing tank, a heat exchanger provided on the liquefied gas supply line between the source of demand and the pump, and configured to heat exchange the liquefied gas supplied from the pump with heat transfer media, a media heater configured to heat the heat transfer media, a media circulation line connected from the media heater to the heat exchanger, and a controller configured to change a flow rate of the heat transfer media flowing into the media heater or calories supplied to the heat transfer media by the media heater on the basis of a flow rate of the liquefied gas supplied to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LT.
    Inventors: Ju Seog Han, Eun Sung Baek
  • Patent number: 8726676
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
  • Publication number: 20140123916
    Abstract: A system for the exchange of thermal energy generated by electrical components in an electrical locker to a flow of a liquefied gas is provided. The system includes a storage container for cryogenically storing the liquefied gas at low pressure, a heat exchanger configured into the electrical locker, and a cryogenic pump in fluid communication with the storage container. The cryogenic pump pressurizes the liquefied gas received from the storage container to a higher pressure and pumps the pressurized liquefied gas to a location where vaporization of the liquefied gas into a gaseous form is performed using the thermal energy drawn from the electrical locker by the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Aaron G. Foege
  • Publication number: 20140109599
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump for a cryogenic liquid has associated therewith a heater for vaporizing the cryogenic liquid. The heater comprises a chamber (bounded by an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve), a helical heating coil having a plurality of turns disposed within the chamber, an inlet for cryogenic liquid communicating with the heat exchange coil and an outlet for resulting heated fluid communicating with the heat exchange coil. An inlet and an outlet from the water chamber for heat exchange fluid are provided. The heater chamber has a helical baffle having a plurality of turns for guiding the heat exchange fluid over the turns of the heat exchange coil. The turns of the baffle are interspaced with the turns of coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Alexis Lefevre, Pierre Papirer
  • Publication number: 20140109600
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump is typically used to supply high pressure natural gas to an engine. The pump has a piston operable to discharge cryogenic liquid from a pumping chamber within a pump housing. The cryogenic liquid exits the chamber through an outlet port in which a check valve is positioned. The check valve has a valve member which is loaded by a spring and is retained by a retaining member accessible from outside the housing. The check valve has an inlet which is axial with the valve member and an outlet which is transverse to the axis of the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Alexis Lefevre, Pierre Papirer
  • Publication number: 20140096540
    Abstract: A system for cryogenic liquid delivery includes a cryogenic vacuum pump that operates to efficiently cool down the cryogenic delivery pump. The system is a no loss system that provides reduced cool down time at lower cost greater versatility and maintainability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Foster
  • Patent number: 8671700
    Abstract: The cryogenic fluid generator includes at least one pump assembly having an actuator mounted to a container assembly. A pump assembly housing includes a longitudinal positioning opening and a pressurization cavity at a distal end terminating with a pump assembly outlet. An internal check valve assembly includes a shaft positioned within an opening of the pump assembly housing that extends into the pressurization cavity. The shaft is attached to the actuator and includes a longitudinal guidance slot; a fluid passageway; and, an internal sealing surface. A positioning bar assembly is positioned within the guidance slot. A connecting rod is securely connected at a first end to the positioning bar assembly, the connecting rod being positioned within the fluid passageway and terminating with a flow inhibiting element. A seal is positioned between the pump assembly housing and the check valve to provide a closure for the pressurization cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Endocare, Inc.
    Inventors: Thach Duong, Jay J. Eum
  • Patent number: 8551081
    Abstract: A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from the bellows to the probe upon activation of pump. A pressure relief valve is fluidly coupled to the conduits and positioned between the bellows and the probe. After initially forcing cryogen to the probe at a pressure that establishes a colligative-based sub-cooling of the liquid cryogen, the pressure relief valve is activated to lower the pressure of the cryogen to a running pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Endocare, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Baust, Roy Cheeks
  • Patent number: 8449264
    Abstract: A method for delivering a fluid using a centrifugal pump (11). Machines (1, 6) and/or apparatus (3, 8), which influence the pressure and/or the temperature of the fluid, are disposed upstream of the centrifugal pump (11). At the inlet to the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid is regulated to achieve a specific entry state. According to the invention, the entry state of the fluid is regulated by using the machines (1, 6) or apparatus (3, 8) such that, in the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid only takes on states in which the compressibility factor of the fluid has already reached or exceeded the minimum thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: KSB Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8439654
    Abstract: A method and system for pumping liquefied gas are provided. The system for pumping liquefied gas can includes a container having an access port with a central axis disposed at an upper end thereof, a pump disposed within the container, and at least one pipe segment having a first end and a second end. The pump can include a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a liquefied gas stored in the container and a fluid outlet. The first end of the pipe segment can be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the pump. The second end of the pipe segment can be in fluid communication with an exterior of the container. The pump can be capable of lifting the liquefied gas through the at least one pipe segment and discharging the liquefied gas from the container at a pressure sufficient for distribution or further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Hyun Cho
  • 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: 20120291455
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for moving liquid cryogen at relatively low pressures and at high volumes. An axial rotor pump may have housing with a substantially vertical tubular space. The axial rotor pump may pump liquid cryogen from an inlet near a bottom of the housing to an outlet near a top of the housing. A seal may not be required between a pump drive shaft and the top of the pump housing by using an extended neck or a magnetic coupling arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Bryce M. Rampersad, Jeffrey R. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8280557
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes first and second outdoor units having first and second outdoor heat exchangers and first and second heat source-side degree of subcooling adjustment devices configured to adjust first and second degrees of subcooling in outlet sides of the first and second outdoor heat exchangers, respectively. First and second outdoor-side determination units are configured to determine first and second degrees of subcooling, respectively. A controller is configured to control the first and second heat source-side degree of subcooling adjustment devices, respectively, such that a difference between the first degree of subcooling and the second degree of subcooling is reduced when refrigerant is charged into a refrigerant circuit having the first outdoor heat exchanger and the second outdoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawano, Masahiro Oka, Kazuhiko Tani, Atsushi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20120235415
    Abstract: A power recovery system using the Rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with an electric generator which further consists of a heat sink, a heat source, a working fluid to transport heat and pressure energy, a feed pump and a two-phase liquid-vapor expander for the working fluid mounted together with an electric generator on one rotating shaft, a first heat exchanger to transport heat from the working fluid to the heat sink, a second heat exchanger to transport heat from the heat source to the working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Ebara International Corporation
    Inventor: Joel V. Madison
  • Publication number: 20120090335
    Abstract: A method and system for installing and maintaining submerged pumps is disclosed. The submerged pump may be positioned within a product storage vessel. Alternatively the submerged pump may be positioned within a product storage vessel with a sump that is integral with and not removable from the vessel. The pump may used for the movement of products, such as cryogenic liquids, including but not limited to, nitrogen, argon, ethylene, natural gas, nitrous-oxide, carbon-monoxide, hydrogen, helium, and carbon-dioxide. Superior results are obtained with respect to access, maintenance and handling of the pump within a product storing vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Hector Villarreal
  • Publication number: 20110210556
    Abstract: An improvement for a turbine generator or pump having main bearings separated by a span of shaft and a thrust equalizing mechanism adjacent one of said main bearings, the improvement comprising a stationary length compensator interposed between the thrust equalizing mechanism and its adjacent main bearing to reduce the span between said main bearings. Preferably the length compensator is composed of material that shrinks less than the shaft of the generator, and the height of the length compensator, i.e., the compensating dimension, is selected according to desired thrust equalizing mechanism operating parameters over a temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Ebara International Corporation
    Inventor: Joel V. Madison
  • Publication number: 20110185748
    Abstract: Liquefied natural gas is stored, for example, on board ship, in a battery 2 of storage tanks 4, 6, 8 and 10. Submerged pumps 16 are used to transfer the LNG to secondary storage vessel 22. The pressure of the LNG is raised and it is transferred from the secondary vessel 22 to a forced vaporiser 36, in which it is vaporised. The outlet pressure of each submerged pump 16 may be relatively low and the apparatus may be operated either intermittently or continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7913496
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for pumping a cryogenic fluid from a storage vessel. The cryogenic fluid is pumped from the storage vessel to a heat exchanger and then to a delivery conduit. A pressure sensor measures fluid pressure in the delivery conduit. An electronic controller is programmed to monitor a signal from the pressure sensor, process the signal to determine from the measured process fluid pressure when cryogenic pump performance is degraded, and to send a signal to an operator of the apparatus indicating when the electronic controller determines that cryogenic pump performance has degraded below a predetermined threshold volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Batenburg, Gage Garner, Gregory Harper, Mike Ure
  • Publication number: 20110056217
    Abstract: A portable gas filling system for transfer of cryogenic fluids to high pressure gas cylinders includes a moveable platform, a cryogenic fluid pump for connection to an off platform cryogenic fluid Dewar, and a vaporizer for connection between the fluid pump and gas cylinders. A vacuum pump is provided for purging of interconnecting system lines and a gas accumulator interconnected to the system lines enables storage of gas to pressurize the Dewar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: CRAIG FENNESSY, DUANE BERGMANN
  • Publication number: 20100300119
    Abstract: A pump for supplying a cryogenic liquid coolant in accordance with the present invention includes: a housing having an inlet port for introducing a cryogenic liquid coolant, an outlet port for discharging the cryogenic liquid coolant introduced through the inlet port, and a chamber for connecting the inlet port and the outlet port; an impeller rotatably retained in the housing for introducing the cryogenic liquid coolant through the inlet port and discharging the same through the outlet port; and a vapor exhausting part provided in the housing for exhausting vapor generated from the cryogenic liquid coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Je Heon JUNG, Jung Hyun LEE, Woon Sik KWON, Heui Joo PARK, Chi Hwan LEE, Yeong Chun KIM
  • Publication number: 20100287955
    Abstract: A hydrogen pump comprises a pump housing and a heating mechanism. The pump housing receives liquid hydrogen through a housing inlet. The heating mechanism vaporizes the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing releases the gaseous hydrogen through a housing outlet at a predetermined pressure level of the gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing closes the housing outlet such as when the liquid hydrogen in the pump housing falls below a depletion level. The pump housing opens and additional liquid hydrogen enters the pump housing through the housing inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Daniel A. Watts
  • Publication number: 20100180607
    Abstract: The cryogenic fluid generator includes at least one pump assembly having an actuator mounted to a container assembly. A pump assembly housing includes a longitudinal positioning opening and a pressurization cavity at a distal end terminating with a pump assembly outlet. An internal check valve assembly includes a shaft positioned within an opening of the pump assembly housing that extends into the pressurization cavity. The shaft is attached to the actuator and includes a longitudinal guidance slot; a fluid passageway; and, an internal sealing surface. A positioning bar assembly is positioned within the guidance slot. A connecting rod is securely connected at a first end to the positioning bar assembly, the connecting rod being positioned within the fluid passageway and terminating with a flow inhibiting element. A seal is positioned between the pump assembly housing and the check valve to provide a closure for the pressurization cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ENDOCARE, INC.
    Inventors: THACH DUONG, JAY J. EUM
  • Publication number: 20100154440
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in an LNG re-gasification system comprising a suction drum wherein said suction drum is sectionised by one or more baffles wherein said baffles are perforated. The invention further relates to a system and a process for use in re-gasification of LNG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Moss Maritime AS
    Inventors: Roy Inge Sørensen, Ellen Marie Kvam
  • Publication number: 20100154439
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert L. Danley, Patrick Traini
  • Patent number: 7637113
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Batenburg
  • Patent number: 7624770
    Abstract: Multi compressor systems and apparatuses for the manufacture, storage and dispensing of manufactured hydrogen fuel to hydrogen vehicle tanks or remote mobile refuelers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Walter Boyd, David Grant Wardle, Kelly R. Leitch, Satish S. Tamhankar, Gary Peter Lomas
  • Publication number: 20090229276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the regasification of liquefied natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of: a) removing liquefied natural gas (10) from a storage tank (2) using a first pump unit (3); b) passing the removed liquefied natural gas (20) to and feeding it into a second pump unit (4) at an inlet pressure; c) increasing the pressure of the liquefied natural gas in the second pump unit (4) thereby obtaining pressurized liquefied natural gas (50); d) vaporizing the pressurized liquefied natural gas (50) thereby obtaining gaseous natural gas (60); wherein the second pump unit (4) discharges the pressurized liquefied natural gas (50) at a pre-selected pressure value, regardless of the inlet pressure at the second pump unit (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Marc Alexander Rieder, David Bertil Runbalk, Alexander Emanuel Maria Straver
  • Publication number: 20090199590
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a natural gas stream is disclosed. The natural gas stream to be compressed is liquefied and then compressed by means of at least one cryogenic pump. Liquefaction of the natural gas stream to be compressed preferably takes place using the energy from a low-temperature process, specifically in the exchange of heat countercurrent to at least one medium to be heated, preferably countercurrent to a cryogenic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Adler, Helmut Mayer
  • Publication number: 20080302111
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for pumping a cryogenic fluid from a storage vessel. The cryogenic fluid is pumped from the storage vessel to a heat exchanger and then to a delivery conduit. A pressure sensor measures fluid pressure in the delivery conduit. An electronic controller is programmed to monitor a signal from the pressure sensor, process the signal to determine from the measured process fluid pressure when cryogenic pump performance is degraded, and to send a signal to an operator of the apparatus indicating when the electronic controller determines that cryogenic pump performance has degraded below a predetermined threshold volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Greg Batenburg, Gage Garner, Gregory Harper, Mike Ure
  • Publication number: 20080302109
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Greg Batenburg
  • Patent number: 7455497
    Abstract: An improved high performance inducer for a pump assembly includes a set of primary blades and splitter blades to achieve a vapor-to-liquid ratio up to 1:1. Minimum back pressure is provided at the leading edge to aid in getting fluid into the blades where the vapor component of the pumped fluid is removed. A hub increases in diameter over the axial extent of the helical blades, thereby resulting in a decreasing depth of the blades between the inlet and outlet of the inducer. A substantial improvement in removing fluid from a storage reservoir is obtained resulting in a substantial savings in shipping costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Carter Cryogenics Company, LLC
    Inventor: JinKook Lee