Abstract: A flange for a pump comprises first and second faces and a passageway for cryogenic fluid flow extending from the first face to the second face and at least one of (1) the passageway is for a pipe and comprises a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter, wherein when the pipe has an outer diameter that is smaller than the second diameter a gap is formed between the pipe and the passageway where the pipe passes through the second portion; and (2) a first annular groove in one of the first face and the second face and extending around the passageway, wherein the first annular groove in cooperation with the passageway forms a bellows. The gap and bellows increase the thermal resistance between the passageway and the flange, and the bellows allows for flexure during thermal contractions of the flange reducing thermal stress on welded fluid seals.

Abstract: Sensor probes for capacitance-type liquid level sensors do not comprise an acceptable balance between cost, performance and durability for mobile applications. An improved sensor probe is provided. A first electrode comprises two or more first plate sections arranged in angular relationship with respect to each other. A second electrode comprises two or more second plate sections arranged in angular relationship with respect to each other. Spacers are located between the first and second electrodes such that each first plate section is spaced apart in parallel and substantially overlapping relationship with respective second plate sections. Fasteners securely fix the first and second electrodes in position.

Abstract: A flange for a pump comprises first and second faces and a passageway for cryogenic fluid flow extending from the first face to the second face and at least one of (1) the passageway is for a pipe and comprises a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter, wherein when the pipe has an outer diameter that is smaller than the second diameter a gap is formed between the pipe and the passageway where the pipe passes through the second portion; and (2) a first annular groove in one of the first face and the second face and extending around the passageway, wherein the first annular groove in cooperation with the passageway forms a bellows. The gap and bellows increase the thermal resistance between the passageway and the flange, and the bellows allows for flexure during thermal contractions of the flange reducing thermal stress on welded fluid seals.

Abstract: A method and a system control flow of fluid from a storage tank through a supply line to an end user. The system includes a valve that in its open position allows fluid flow from the storage tank to the end user and closes when the pressure in the fluid supply line drops below a predetermined set point. The storage tank is thereby isolated because the valve prevents fluid from flowing from the storage tank to the supply line when the pressure in the supply line is lower than a predetermined upper limit of the storage tank pressure. An end use that is particularly suited to the present system and method is a fuel storage and supply system for a natural gas powered internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a tank and/or a plug includes a valve having a first port sealingly couplable onto a tank port surrounding the plug, a second port, and a valve member operable between an open position providing a pathway between the first and second ports, and a closed position providing a sealed barrier between the first and second ports. The apparatus further includes an adapter sealingly couplable to the second port, and a plug displacement tool couplable to the adapter for displacing the plug relative to the tank when the first port is coupled to the tank port, the adapter is coupled to the second port, and the valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: Sensor probes for capacitance-type liquid level sensors do not comprise an acceptable balance between cost, performance and durability for mobile applications. An improved sensor probe is provided. A first electrode comprises two or more first plate sections arranged in angular relationship with respect to each other. A second electrode comprises two or more second plate sections arranged in angular relationship with respect to each other. Spacers are located between the first and second electrodes such that each first plate section is spaced apart in parallel and substantially overlapping relationship with respective second plate sections. Fasteners securely fix the first and second electrodes in position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method estimate fluid mass in a cryogenic tank that holds a multiphase fluid comprising a liquid and a vapor. The apparatus comprises a level sensor, a pressure sensor and a computer. The level sensor provides a parameter representative of a level of the liquid. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal representative of vapor pressure inside the cryogenic tank. The computer is operatively connected with the level sensor and the pressure sensor to receive the parameter and the pressure signal, and is programmed to determine the level from inputs comprising the parameter, to calculate a first volume of the liquid from inputs comprising the level, and to calculate a first mass of the liquid from inputs comprising the first volume and the pressure signal.

Abstract: A flange (50) for a pump (10) comprises a first face (65); a second faces (85); a passageway (110) for cryogenic fluid flow extending from the first face (65) to the second face (85), and the passageway (110) for a pipe (40) and comprising a first portion (120) of a first diameter and a second portion (130) of a second diameter greater than the first diameter, wherein when the pipe (40) has an outer diameter that is smaller than the second diameter, a gap (140) is formed between the pipe (40) and the passageway (110) where the pipe (40) passes through the second portion (130); and a first annular groove (155) in one of the first face (65) and the second face (85) and extending around the passageway (111), wherein the first annular groove (155) in cooperation with the passageway (111) forms a bellows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method estimate fluid mass in a cryogenic tank that holds a multiphase fluid comprising a liquid and a vapor. The apparatus comprises a level sensor, a pressure sensor and a computer. The level sensor provides a parameter representative of a level of the liquid. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal representative of vapor pressure inside the cryogenic tank. The computer is operatively connected with the level sensor and the pressure sensor to receive the parameter and the pressure signal, and is programmed to determine the level from inputs comprising the parameter, to calculate a first volume of the liquid from inputs comprising the level, and to calculate a first mass of the liquid from inputs comprising the first volume and the pressure signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a tank and/or a plug includes a valve having a first port sealingly couplable onto a tank port surrounding the plug, a second port, and a valve member operable between an open position providing a pathway between the first and second ports, and a closed position providing a sealed barrier between the first and second ports. The apparatus further includes an adapter sealingly couplable to the second port, and a plug displacement tool couplable to the adapter for displacing the plug relative to the tank when the first port is coupled to the tank port, the adapter is coupled to the second port, and the valve member is in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method estimate fluid mass in a cryogenic tank that holds a multiphase fluid comprising a liquid and a vapor. The apparatus comprises a level sensor, a pressure sensor and a computer. The level sensor provides a parameter representative of a level of the liquid. The pressure sensor provides a pressure signal representative of vapor pressure inside the cryogenic tank. The computer is operatively connected with the level sensor and the pressure sensor to receive the parameter and the pressure signal, and is programmed to determine the level from inputs comprising the parameter, to calculate a first volume of the liquid from inputs comprising the level, and to calculate a first mass of the liquid from inputs comprising the first volume and the pressure signal.

Abstract: A double-walled vacuum insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support system for the inner vessel that comprises at least one elongated metallic conduit that penetrates the walls of the outer vessel and the inner vessel. The conduit itself provides support in an axial direction parallel to a horizontal axis and at least two non-metallic members provide support in a radial direction from the horizontal axis. By requiring the conduit to support only axial loads, its wall thickness can be reduced, thereby reducing heat transfer through the conduit. The non-metallic members that provide support in the radial direction can be made from composite materials selected for structural strength as well as low thermal conductivity, resulting in a container with improved overall thermal insulation to reduce heat leak and allow longer holding times.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a double walled vacuum insulated vessel defining a cryogen space for holding a cryogenic fluid, a pump assembly comprising a pump with a suction inlet disposed within the cryogen space, and at least one elongated member extending from the pump to a drive unit disposed outside the cryogen space. The elongated member comprises an elongated non-metallic section that has a thermal conductivity that is less than that of a structurally equivalent elongated stainless steel member of the same length. In preferred embodiments, the elongated member can be one or both of a drive shaft or a rigid structural member for supporting the pump and holding it in a fixed relationship to the drive unit. The method employs the apparatus to increase hold times for holding cryogenic fluids by reducing heat leak into the cryogen space.

Abstract: A double-walled vacuum-insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support structure for supporting an inner vessel within an outer vessel. The container has an elongated horizontal axis. A conduit extending between the inner and outer vessels has a wall thickness that allows the conduit to carry a substantial portion of axial loads acting on the inner vessel in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis. The support structure further comprises a non-metallic support spanning between the inner and outer vessels, with the non-metallic support capable of transferring substantially all radial loads transverse to said horizontal axis. The non-metallic support is also fixedly attached to the inner and outer vessels so that it is capable of supporting a substantial portion of the axial loads so that the non-metallic support and the conduit cooperate to provide support in the axial direction.

Abstract: A cryogenic tank assembly has a pump which discharges into an accumulator which is located in the cryogenic storage area. This reduces the space required for the device as well as the functioning of the device. The high pressure fluid in the accumulator remains at a cryogenic temperature. The system may also include a heater to deliver high pressure gas form the liquid storage volume.

Abstract: A storage tank for cryogenic liquids incorporates an ullage vessel that provides for an ullage space. The ullage vessel is in communication through an ullage line to a fill line that provides cryogen to a cryogen space. The junction where the ullage line and fill line meet is of a certain cross-sectional area. Downstream of the junction, the fill line is of a greater cross-sectional area than at the junction. This creates a pressure reduction at the junction during filling, which causes a net flow of material from the ullage space over the course of filling. Once the tank is liquid full, causing cryogen to be redirected down the ullage line, the smaller cross-sectional area of the ullage line compared to the fill line causes a reduction in flow of cryogen which is detected by the fill pump causing filling to stop.