Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for densifying liquids, specifically the densification of cryogenic propellants. A preferred system of the present invention subcools and densifies liquid propellants by utilizing a countercurrent gas or liquid flow. The countercurrent flow preferably utilizes a gas having a lower boiling point than the propellants. A packed tower may then be used, at or above atmospheric pressure, to introduce the countercurrent flow to the propellant. This methodology avoids the costs and problems associated with subatmospheric operation. A preferred embodiment is directed toward the densification of liquid oxygen, with a similar embodiment directed toward the simultaneous densification of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Systems and methods of the present invention may also be used to densify other liquids in similar fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for densifying liquids, specifically the densification of cryogenic propellants. A preferred system of the present invention subcools and densifies liquid propellants by utilizing a countercurrent gas or liquid flow. The countercurrent flow preferably utilizes a gas having a lower boiling point than the propellants. A packed tower may then be used, at or above atmospheric pressure, to introduce the countercurrent flow to the propellant. This methodology avoids the costs and problems associated with subatmospheric operation. A preferred embodiment is directed toward the densification of liquid oxygen, with a similar embodiment directed toward the simultaneous densification of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Systems and methods of the present invention may also be used to densify other liquids in similar fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for densifying liquids, specifically the densification of cryogenic propellants. A preferred system of the present invention subcools and densifies liquid propellants by utilizing a countercurrent gas or liquid flow. The countercurrent flow preferably utilizes a gas having a lower boiling point than the propellants. A packed tower may then be used, at or above atmospheric pressure, to introduce the countercurrent flow to the propellant. This methodology avoids the costs and problems associated with subatmospheric operation. A preferred embodiment is directed toward the densification of liquid oxygen, with a similar embodiment directed toward the simultaneous densification of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Systems and methods of the present invention may also be used to densify other liquids in similar fashion.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dewar and a refrigerator/liquefier which meets the variable demands of a superconducting magnet within the dewar. The system is sized to meet average loads over a defined duty cycle, and is variably operable to meed demands. In the preferred embodiment, a first supply of fluid circulates through a "condenser" element positioned in a dewar ullage to liquefy a separate supply of fluid in the dewar, and to refrigerate a pulsed cryogenic load therein, such as a superconducting magnet. A portion of the first supply of fluid may be diverted to refrigerate a second pulsed cryogenic load, such as magnet current leads permanently connected to the magnet. The dewar includes a cold gas vapor storage chamber separate from the dewar ullage, and the chamber is preferably located within the inner core of a solenoid superconducting magnet for compact and thermally efficient design. Responsive, independent adjustment of refrigeration to pulsed cryogenic loads is made possible.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dewar and a refrigerator/liquefier which meets the variable demands of a superconducting magnet within the dewar. The system is sized to meet average loads over a defined duty cycle, and is variably operable to meed demands. In the preferred embodiment, a first supply of fluid circulates through a "condenser" element positioned in a dewar ullage to liquefy a separate supply of fluid in the dewar, and to refrigerate a pulsed cryogenic load therein, such as a superconducting magnet. A portion of the first supply of fluid may be diverted to refrigerate a second pulsed cryogenic load, such as magnet current leads permanently connected to the magnet. The dewar includes a cold gas vapor storage chamber separate from the dewar ullage, and the chamber is preferably located within the inner core of a solenoid superconducting magnet for compact and thermally efficient design. Responsive, independent adjustment of refrigeration to pulsed cryogenic loads is made possible.

Abstract: First and second multi-stage cryogenic refrigerators each have a displacer driven by a common motor so that the displacers are substantially 180.degree. out of phase. The final stage of each refrigerator has a regenerator arranged in a heat exchange relationship with counterflow.

Abstract: The inner cryopanel of a cryopump includes a substrate having a plurality of holes such that the open areas represent 30% to 70% of the surface area of the substrate. A layer of cryosorbing material is secured to one surface of the substrate. An imperforate panel is juxtaposed to said one surface of said substrate.

Abstract: A closed loop refrigeration process and apparatus provides a large flow of cold, supercritical gas through a device which is to be cooled at cryogenic temperatures. The output of helium gas from a compressor is precooled with liquid nitrogen and divided into two streams which are cooled by expansion and by heat exchange with the return flow of helium to the compressor. The two streams are recombined and further cooled by heat exchange with the return flow and a liquid helium bath. The entire output of the compressor, at liquid helium temperature and above critical pressure, is forced through the load. The stream is then expanded through a valve where partial liquefaction takes place to replenish the liquid helium cooling bath. Gaseous helium is drawn off from the liquid helium bath and recycled through the heat exchangers back to the compressor.

Abstract: A structurally simple device in the form of a closed container and vented outlet conduit operates in accordance with Charles' law to intermittently dispense quantities of a liquid reagent in response to an increase in ambient atmospheric temperatures. The present liquid dispensing device finds particular utility in supplying liquid reagents, such as scale inhibitors, biocides and the like to the water circulating systems of air conditioners.

Abstract: A manually portable spray tank includes a plug-like adapter mounted in the filler opening or mouth of the tank to receive and hold a pressurized can or canister containing a liquid propellant. The adapter includes a depending, elongated heat exchanger tube or trap which is closed at its lower end and which extends almost to the bottom of the tank for direct heat exchange contact with the liquid contained in the tank. Liquid propellant under pressure flows from the supply can into the heat exchanger tube or trap where it is vaporized by heat from the spray liquid in the tank. The vaporized propellant then passes under relatively high pressure outwardly through a comparatively small opening in the upper end of the heat exchanger tube into the ullage of the tank to pressurize the column of spray liquid in the tank and thereby insure its forcible discharge from the outlet of the spray tank.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dewar and a refrigerator/liquefier which meets the variable demands of a superconducting magnet within the dewar. The system is sized to meet average loads over a defined duty cycle, and is variably operable to meed demands. In the preferred embodiment, a first supply of fluid circulates through a "condenser" element positioned in a dewar ullage to liquefy a separate supply of fluid in the dewar, and to refrigerate a pulsed cryogenic load therein, such as a superconducting magnet. A portion of the first supply of fluid may be diverted to refrigerate a second pulsed cryogenic load, such as magnet current leads permanently connected to the magnet. The dewar includes a cold gas vapor storage chamber separate from the dewar ullage, and the chamber is preferably located within the inner core of a solenoid superconducting magnet for compact and thermally efficient design. Responsive, independent adjustment of refrigeration to pulsed cryogenic loads is made possible.