Abstract: A system and method for dispensing subcooled CO2 liquid includes a vacuum insulated bulk tank containing a supply of the liquid CO2. A pressure builder having an inlet in communication with a bottom portion of the bulk tank and an outlet in communication with a top portion of the bulk tank vaporizes liquid from the bulk tank and delivers the resulting gas to the top portion of the tank so as to pressurize it. A baffle is positioned within the bulk tank. Below the baffle, a refrigeration system is connected to the heat exchanger coil so that a refrigerant fluid is supplied to and received from the heat exchanger coil so that the liquid below the baffle is subcooled and the liquid above the baffle is stratified. A liquid fill line is in communication with the interior of the bulk tank via a fill line opening that is positioned above the baffle. A liquid feed line is in communication with a bottom portion of the interior of the bulk tank so that subcooled liquid may be dispensed.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use point includes a bulk tank containing a supply of carbon dioxide or other cryogenic liquid and a pressure builder that is in communication with the tank via a pressure building valve. The pressure builder uses heat exchangers to vaporize a portion of the cryogenic liquid as needed to pressurize the bulk tank. The pressurized cryogenic liquid is dispensed through a dispensing line running from the bottom of the tank. A vent valve also vents vapor from the tank to control pressure. Operation of the vent and pressure building valves is automated by a controller that receives data from sensors. The controller determines the required saturation pressure for the tank and varies the tank pressure to match and provide a generally constant outlet pressure depending on conditions of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use point includes a bulk tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid and a pressure builder that is in communication with the tank via a pressure building valve. The pressure builder uses heat exchangers to vaporize a portion of the cryogenic liquid as needed to pressurize the bulk tank. The pressurized cryogenic liquid is dispensed through a dispensing line running from the bottom of the tank. A vent valve also vents vapor from the tank to control pressure. Operation of the vent and pressure building valves is automated by a controller that receives data from sensors. The controller determines the required saturation pressure for the tank and varies the tank pressure to match and provide a generally constant outlet pressure depending on conditions of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing subcooled CO2 liquid includes a vacuum insulated bulk tank containing a supply of the liquid CO2. A pressure builder having an inlet in communication with a bottom portion of the bulk tank and an outlet in communication with a top portion of the bulk tank vaporizes liquid from the bulk tank and delivers the resulting gas to the top portion of the tank so as to pressurize it. A baffle is positioned within the bulk tank. Below the baffle, a refrigeration system is connected to the heat exchanger coil so that a refrigerant fluid is supplied to and received from the heat exchanger coil so that the liquid below the baffle is subcooled and the liquid above the baffle is stratified. A liquid fill line is in communication with the interior of the bulk tank via a fill line opening that is positioned above the baffle. A liquid feed line is in communication with a bottom portion of the interior of the bulk tank so that subcooled liquid may be dispensed.

Abstract: A mobile system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use point includes a low pressure bulk tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid and a high pressure sump in communication with the bulk tank so as to receive cryogenic liquid therefrom. A check valve is in circuit between the bulk tank and the sump. A heat exchanger is in communication with the sump and selectively receives and vaporizes a portion of cryogenic liquid from the sump when the sump is full as detected by a liquid level sensor. The resulting vapor is directed to the sump so as to increase the pressure therein. The check valve closes when the pressure building within the sump is initiated. The pressurized cryogenic liquid is dispensed from the sump via a dispensing hose. Operation of the system valves is automated by a controller.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A supplemental water heater tank and system features a supplemental tank with an inner vessel surrounded by an outer jacket. The space there between is generally evacuated of air so that the inner vessel is vacuum insulated. The supplemental tank includes water inlet and outlet ports. Water is heated in a water heater and transferred from the upper portion of the water heater tank to the lower portion of the vacuum-insulated supplemental tank through an insulated line and a dip tube that extends between the water inlet port and the bottom portion of the inner vessel. Hot water is withdrawn from the upper portion of the inner vessel of the supplemental tank for use in a home or the like.

Abstract: A supplemental water heater tank and system features a supplemental tank with an inner vessel surrounded by an outer jacket. The space there between is generally evacuated of air so that the inner vessel is vacuum insulated. The supplemental tank includes water inlet and outlet ports. Water is heated in a water heater and transferred from the upper portion of the water heater tank to the lower portion of the vacuum-insulated supplemental tank through an insulated line and a dip tube that extends between the water inlet port and the bottom portion of the inner vessel. Hot water is withdrawn from the upper portion of the inner vessel of the supplemental tank for use in a home or the like.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A high pressure cryogenic fluid dispensing system features a tank containing a cryogenic liquid with a liquid side and a head space there above. A pressure building coil featuring a section of parallel heat exchangers and a section of series heat exchangers receives liquid from the tank through a pressure building regulator valve and a pair of surge check valves. The liquid flashes to gas in the section of parallel heat exchangers and the resulting gas is forced to the section of series heat exchangers where it is pressurized and warmed. The gas may be directed to a warming coil for dispensing and to the head space of the tank to rapidly pressurize it. Gas traveling to the head space flows through an vapor space withdrawal control valve. The vapor space withdrawal control valve and pressure building regulator valve may be automated via a controller that provides pressure building when the tank pressure drops below the system operating pressure.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A high pressure cryogenic fluid dispensing system features a tank containing a cryogenic liquid with a liquid side and a head space there above. A pressure building coil featuring a section of parallel heat exchangers and a section of series heat exchangers receives liquid from the tank through a pressure building regulator valve and a pair of surge check valves. The liquid flashes to gas in the section of parallel heat exchangers and the resulting gas is forced to the section of series heat exchangers where it is pressurized and warmed. The gas may be directed to a warming coil for dispensing and to the head space of the tank to rapidly pressurize it. Gas traveling to the head space flows through an vapor space withdrawal control valve. The vapor space withdrawal control valve and pressure building regulator valve may be automated via a controller that provides pressure building when the tank pressure drops below the system operating pressure.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: Prefabricated insulated pipe sections are constructed of an inner pipe surrounded by a concentrically-positioned outer pipe. End portions of the inner and outer pipes are joined with bellow members so that an annular space is defined. A portion of the inner pipe is wrapped with layers of insulation material with inert insulating granules positioned between the layers. The annular space is partially evacuated to below atmospheric pressure. Multiple pipe sections may be joined by their inner pipes through brazing or other known methods. The joints and neighboring bellow members on abutting pipe sections are covered by clam shells that are sealed and filled with insulation.

Abstract: A vacuum panel includes a jacket having a bottom that is formed into a "pan" shape. A top is welded to the flanges of the bottom to create a hermetic seal therebetween. A dense glass fiber mat fills the jacket. A getter is strategically located in the panel to absorb residual gases in the panel and maintain the vacuum life. To create the vacuum in the panel, the panel is heated to a specified temperature and time, and evacuated through an opening. The opening is sealed with a braze seal that is melted over the opening.

Abstract: In the manufacture of vacuum insulation panels, it is necessary to prevent deformation and damage to the brazed seal-off provided to maintain internal vacuum. The invention provides seal-off port geometries which improve the integrity of the vacuum panel. Annular troughs are formed in the metal sheet around the seal-off port to provide improved strength and stability to the seal-off area and to permit movement to compensate for melt-back of the glass mat contained within the panel.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel is comprised from a base and a cover member joined together to define an inner cavity. The cover is provided with a planar fastening surface for bonding the vacuum panel to a target surface to be insulated. A peripheral rounded corner around the fastening surface is configured to eliminate deformation of the fastening surface due to atmospheric forces arising from the evacuation of the inner cavity. The rounded peripheral corner of the cover is configured to permit lateral expansion of the cover member to accommodate lateral expansion of the base member during evacuation. The corner also adds strength to the panel cover, permitting the inner fiber glass mat to be formed with a void near the flange weld and eliminating the risk of weld contamination by the fiber glass material during assembly. The fastening surface remains planar and disposed above the outer flange after evacuation of the panel, thus providing an improved fastening surface compared to prior art vacuum panels.

Abstract: The invention consists of an outer jacket surrounding and spaced from an inner tank to create an insulated space therebetween. The inner tank closely conforms to the outer jacket such that the insulation chamber is substantially uniform and the capacity of the inner tank is increased. An insulated support assembly that extends into the inner tank allows communication between the exterior of the vessel and the inner tank for pipes, pressure gauges and the like. The support assembly allows for a long insulated path without reducing the capacity of the tank to the same extent as the prior art devices.

Abstract: The delivery system of the invention consists of a pair of LNG fuel tanks mounted on a vehicle. A solenoid valve associated with each tank allows the vehicle operator to select the tank from which LNG is to be delivered to the engine. An automatic override system is provided whereby if the pressure in the non-selected tank rises above a predetermined level, the operator's tank selection is overridden and gas from the non-selected tank is used until the pressure falls below the predetermined level. This override system eliminates the need to vent gas to the atmosphere to avoid pressure building up and thereby eliminates waste of the LNG. Each tank is also provided with a pressure building capability such that the gas will always be delivered to the engine with sufficient pressure. The system is designed such that LNG from a stationary low pressure storage tank can be delivered at high pressure to refuel the tanks.