With Conservation Of Cryogen By Reduction Of Vapor To Liquid Within Storage Receptacle Patents (Class 62/47.1)
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Publication number: 20130174583Abstract: A method for maintaining a subcooled bottom state or the natural convection current of a liquefied natural gas in a storage vessel by the use of an external heat exchanger. The liquefied natural gas is removed from the storage vessel and cooled in the external heat exchanger by a cryogenic fluid such as liquid nitrogen. The cooled liquefied natural gas is reintroduced back into the storage vessel thereby maintaining a subcooled bottom layer or natural convection current in the storage vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Ron C. Lee
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Publication number: 20130123110Abstract: A re-condensation device allows an NMR analysis device to be reduced in overall size and minimizes heat penetration into a liquid helium tank. An NMR analysis device provided with said re-condensation device. The re-condensation device includes: a second cooling member, part of which is inserted into a neck tube, and which re-condenses liquid helium; and a first cooling member, part of which is inserted into the neck tube. The second cooling member is thermally connected to a chiller's second cooling stage, and the first cooling member is thermally connected to the chiller's first cooling stage. The first cooling member has: a first insertion part, which has a diameter that allows insertion into the neck tube; and an inside contact part on the outer surface of the first insertion part and that cools heat seals by contacting, from the inside, a part of the neck tube that outside contact parts contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)Inventor: Takashi Miki
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Patent number: 8238988Abstract: A superconducting magnet assembly and method of cooling a superconducting magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ernst Wolfgang Stautner
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Publication number: 20120180502Abstract: Systems and methods to create and store a liquid phase mix of natural gas absorbed in light-hydrocarbon solvents under temperatures and pressures that facilitate improved volumetric ratios of the stored natural gas as compared to CNG and PLNG at the same temperatures and pressures of less than ?80° to about ?120° F. and about 300 psig to about 900 psig. Preferred solvents include ethane, propane and butane, and natural gas liquid (NGL) and liquid pressurized gas (LPG) solvents. Systems and methods for receiving raw production or semi-conditioned natural gas, conditioning the gas, producing a liquid phase mix of natural gas absorbed in a light-hydrocarbon solvent, and transporting the mix to a market where pipeline quality gas or fractionated products are delivered in a manner utilizing less energy than CNG, PLNG or LNG systems with better cargo-mass to containment-mass ratio for the natural gas component than CNG systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Ian Morris, Bruce Hall, Tolulope O. Okikiolu
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Publication number: 20120060516Abstract: A fuel gas supply system of a vessel, such as an LNG carrier, is provided for supplying fuel gas to a high-pressure gas injection engine of an LNG carrier, wherein LNG is extracted from an LNG storage tank of the LNG carrier, compressed at a high pressure, gasified, and then supplied to the high-pressure gas injection engine. In one embodiment, the system includes a boil-off gas reliquefaction apparatus for reliquefying boil-off gas generated in the LNG tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Hyun Ki Park
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Publication number: 20120055171Abstract: A fuel gas supply system of a vessel, such as an LNG carrier, is provided for supplying fuel gas to a high-pressure gas injection engine of an LNG carrier, wherein LNG is extracted from an LNG storage tank of the LNG carrier, compressed at a high pressure, gasified, and then supplied to the high-pressure gas injection engine. In one embodiment, the system includes a boil-off gas reliquefaction apparatus for reliquefying boil-off gas generated in the LNG tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Hyun Ki Park
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Publication number: 20120017608Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: JUNG HAN LEE, JUNG HO CHOI, SUNG KON HAN, DONG KYU CHOI, YOUNG SIK MOON
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Patent number: 8065883Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled storage of liquefied gases such as liquefied natural gas in an enclosed insulated container, in which part of the liquid is withdrawn and fed to an external refrigeration unit for subcooling and the subcooled liquid is reintroduced into the container via one or more valve-controlled headers under the control of a control system operated in response to pressure and temperature signals from within the container, wherein the level of subcooling is matched to the heat inleak into the container and most or all of the subcooled liquid is reintroduced directly into the stored liquid so as to maintain stable conditions in the stored liquid and to minimise evaporation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: The BOC Group plcInventor: Josef Pozivil
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Publication number: 20110271693Abstract: Systems and methods from removing heat generated by a heat sink of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. One system includes a coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement for a coldhead of the MRI system. The coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and a cooling system surrounding an outer surface of the coldhead sleeve. The cooling system uses helium gas to remove heat from the coldhead sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Longzhi Jiang, Jalal Zia, John Scaturro, JR., William Einziger
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Patent number: 8020407Abstract: A temperature-controlled vehicle including a cascade refrigeration system having a booster cooling line configured to supplement the cooling capacity of the cascade refrigeration system by expanding and venting a portion of a cryogenic refrigerant to the atmosphere during peak demands while the cascade refrigeration system continues to operate.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventor: Herman H. Viegas
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Publication number: 20110160064Abstract: A cryogenic system includes a superconducting magnet (20) in a reservoir of liquid helium (LH). Helium vapor (VH) rises and contacts a recondenser surface (50, 50?, 50?) on which the helium vapor (VH) condenses into liquid helium and flows by gravity off a lower edge of the recondenser surface. A plurality of fins (52) extend from the recondenser surface or a plurality of grooves (52?, 52?) are cut into the recondenser surface to disrupt the film thickness and to provide a path by which droplets of the liquid helium leave the recondenser surface without travelling a full vertical length of the recondenser (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Glen G. Pfleiderer, Robert A. Ackermann
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Publication number: 20100146992Abstract: A vessel storing or transporting a low temperature fluid includes an insulating material disposed between an inner tank and an outer shell. The insulating material is volumetrically compressed so that it exerts a reaction force that is equal to or exceeds an ambient pressure at the outer shell and/or supports at least some of the weight of the inner tank. Manufacturing processes and methods of using the vessel also are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Thomas M. Miller
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Patent number: 7581405Abstract: A storage vessel comprises a condenser for condensing boil-off vapor by direct heat exchange with cryogenic liquid feed to the vessel. The condenser comprises a packed arrangement of vapor-liquid contact packing that comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion. At least said top end portion is open to the vapor space to allow entry of boil-off vapor into the arrangement. The bottom end portion is in fluid flow communication with the lower portion of the storage vessel. One advantage of the invention is that the condenser is open to the vapor space of the storage vessel thereby allowing boil-off vapor to be drawn into the condenser by the condensation action of the vapor.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Paul Higginbotham, Kelvin Graham Hayes, Declan Patrick O'Connor
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Publication number: 20090193816Abstract: The present invention provides a cryostat comprising a cryogen vessel (1), a thermal radiation shield (2), and a sleeve (5) for accommodating a cryogenic refrigerator. Also provided is a first thermal contact for thermally and mechanically connecting a first stage of a cryogenic refrigerator to the radiation shield for cooling thereof. A secondary recondensing chamber is provided (8) for accommodating a second stage of a cryogenic refrigerator, and means (10; 24) are provided for thermally connecting the secondary recondensing chamber to a recondensing surface (11a; 44) exposed to the interior of the cryogen vessel. The cryostat further comprises a pressure control arrangement (100) for controlling the pressure of a gas within the secondary recondensing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.Inventors: Nicholas John Clayton, Neil Charles Tigwell, Stephen Paul Trowell
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Patent number: 7568353Abstract: A method of storing biological samples in which the biological samples are stored in a stack within a vessel interior of an insulated vessel. A pool of liquid cryogen is maintained within the vessel interior by condensing cryogenic vapor boiled off of the pool of liquid cryogen with a cryocooler having a cold finger. The cryocooler and cold finger are positioned so that a cold heat exchanger of the cold finger is in thermal contact with the cryogenic vapor and is positioned above the stack, so as to also maintain a temperature difference within the insulated vessel, between a bottom region of the stack and a top region of the stack, of no greater than about 65K.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bryce Mark Rampersad, John Henri Royal, Barry Alan Minbiole
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Patent number: 7555916Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving the safety and efficiency and decreasing the cost of producing liquid gas, such as liquid oxygen, with a small-scale use liquefaction device, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, liquid oxygen barrier may be added to interface between a cryocooler and a dewar to control rate of liquid oxygen escape upon a tipping of the dewar. A boiloff vessel in fluid communication with the dewar allows expanding gas from a tipped dewar to escape while allowing the liquid to safely settle in the boiloff vessel. A temperature sensing circuit, in proximity with a heat dissipator or cold finger of the cryocooler, is operable to break an electrical power circuit of the cryocooler or cooling fan when a sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Oxygen purity of a feed stream of gas may be sensed and/or displayed.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Respironics In-X, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Dickerson, Steve W. Delve
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Patent number: 7526923Abstract: A device for condensing volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a storage or transport tank (4) into oil from the same or another storage or transport tank (4) via a downcomer (6), where the upper part (8) of the downcomer (6), which upper part has a cross sectional area that is essentially unreduced, is connected to a gas pipe (14), the gas pipe (14) communicating with the upper part (16) of the storage or transport tank (4), and where the upper part (8) of the downcomer (6) is arranged at a sufficient height above the upper part (16) of the storage or transport tank (4) to cause an inflow of gas from the upper part (16) of the storage or transport tank (4) due to the underpressure created in the upper part (8) of the downcomer (6) when oil flows down through the downcomer (6).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Knutsen OAS Shipping ASInventor: Per Lothe
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Publication number: 20090071171Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage system and method in which cryogenic liquid is stored within an active cryogenic liquid storage tank and one or more passive cryogenic liquid storage tanks. Headspace regions of the passive cryogenic liquid storage tanks are connected to the active cryogenic liquid storage tank and the active cryogenic liquid storage tank is refrigerated to collapse the headspace vapor within the active cryogenic liquid storage tank causing the flow of headspace vapor from the headspace regions of the passive cryogenic liquid storage tanks to the active cryogenic liquid storage tank. The increased head of liquid produces a pressure differential that drives liquid from the active cryogenic liquid storage tank back to the passive cryogenic liquid storage tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Jalal Hunain Zia, John Henri Royal, Kevin Roberts
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Publication number: 20090038318Abstract: A superconducting system comprises a superconducting coil (3) mounted in a support (12). The coil is surrounded by a cryogen chamber (17) which is located radially outwardly from the coil (3) on the other side of the support (12). The cryogen chamber is in fluid communication with a cryogen recondensing unit (33) whereby vaporized cryogen may flow from the cryogen chamber (17) to the cryogen recondensing unit (33) to be recondensed in use before returning to the cryogen chamber. Thermally conductive means (25) is arranged to facilitate heat transfer from the superconducting coil (3) to the cryogen chamber (17) to vaporize cryogen contained therein in use and thereby remove heat from the coil. The thermally conductive means (25) is highly thermally conductive at cryogenic temperatures. In use, the highly thermally conductive means (25) facilitates transfer of heat from the coil (3) to the interior of the cryogen chamber (17) to vaporize cryogen located therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: Telsa Engineering Ltd.Inventors: Michael Colin Begg, Frederick Thomas David Goldie
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Patent number: 7487644Abstract: A cryostat assembly comprises a liquid coolant containing vessel; a mechanical cooler having at least one cooling stage located above the vessel; and a channel for conveying gaseous coolant from the vessel to the cooling stage where the coolant is condensed in use and then returns through the channel to the vessel. An acoustic wave attenuator is located in the channel for attenuating the passage of acoustic energy originating from the mechanical cooler and propagating through the gaseous coolant, while permitting flow of gaseous coolant to the cooling stage and flow of condensed coolant to the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Oxford Instruments Superconductivity LimitedInventors: Philip Alexander Carr, Oleg Kirichek, Milind Diwakar Atrey
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Patent number: 7484370Abstract: A refrigerant gas recycling apparatus for cryogenic cooling device has a first gas storage unit for temporarily storing refrigerant gas discharged from the cryogenic cooling device, a compressor for compressing refrigerant gas stored in the first storage unit, and a second gas storage unit for storing therein refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor and selectively re-supplying compressed refrigerant gas to the cryogenic cooling device using a pressure difference between compressed refrigerant gas and inside of the cooling device. Refrigerant gas discharged from the cryogenic cooling device is compressed and stored in reduced volume, and stored refrigerant gas is re-supplied to the cryogenic cooling device without a separate driving source.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.Inventors: Woon-Sik Kwon, Yeong-Chun Kim, Tae-Sun Moon, Heui-Joo Park
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Patent number: 7475552Abstract: The present invention provides a recondensing service neck for a cryostat. A service neck tube (22) provides access to the interior (10) of the cryostat. A recondensing surface is provided (44) for recondensing liquid cryogen boiled off from a liquid cryogen (12) within a cryostat; and a recondensing refrigerator (30) is provided for cooling the recondensing surface to below the boiling point of the cryogen.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.Inventor: Patrick Graham Sorsby
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Patent number: 7464558Abstract: A low eddy current cryogen circuit for superconducting magnets including at least a first cooling coil made of an electrically conducting material and having at least one electrical isolator incorporated in the first cooling coil. The electrical isolator is located to inhibit induced eddy current loops due to inductive coupling of the first cooling coil with eddy current inducing field sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xianrui Huang, Paul Shadforth Thompson, David Thomas Ryan, Gregory Alan Lehmann, Timothy John Havens
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Publication number: 20080216486Abstract: A thermal interface between a removable cryogenic refrigerator (4) and an article (10) to be cooled by the cryogenic refrigerator. The thermal interface consists of a recondensing chamber filled with a gas (12), the recondensing chamber being in thermal contact with a cooling surface (9) of the refrigerator and the article (10) to be cooled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2005Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.Inventors: Timothy John Hughes, Keith White
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Publication number: 20080190117Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.Inventors: JUNG HAN LEE, JUNG HO CHOI, SUNG KON HAN, DONG KYU CHOI, YOUNG SIK MOON
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Publication number: 20080180100Abstract: A superconducting magnet includes: a superconducting coil for generating a static magnetic field; a refrigerant container for containing the superconducting coil and a refrigerant; a vacuum container for holding the refrigerant container in a vacuum state; a radiation shield between the refrigerant container and the vacuum container; a refrigerator for re-liquidfying the refrigerant; and a dynamic magnetic field shield. The refrigerator includes: first and second regenerative refrigerants. The dynamic magnetic field shield is an electric good conductor and arranged around the first regenerative refrigerant along a motion axis of the first regenerative refrigerant, wherein a direction of the motion axis is aligned with a direction of a magnetic force line of the static magnetic field at the first regenerative refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Ryuya Ando, Mitsushi Abe, Tsutomu Yamamoto, Tomoo Chiba
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Publication number: 20080173026Abstract: A cylinder used for a cold head of a regenerative cryocooler, the cylinder includes an inside having a hollow-shaped configuration for a regenerative material, wherein the thickness of the cylinder at a high temperature end is greater than the thickness of the cylinder at a low temperature end.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hisae MITA, Mingyao XU
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Publication number: 20080016884Abstract: On cold filling of pressure containers the filling gas is cooled before introduction into the pressure container to be filled. On completion of the filling process the pressure container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. As the gas warms up the pressure in the pressure container rises rapidly. According to the invention, the pressure container is cooled before the introduction of the filling gas. The filling gas cools rapidly by means of heat transfer to the pressure container, whereby the filling capacity of the pressure container is considerably increased. Said method is particularly suitable for the filling of small tanks, in particular, for gas-driven vehicles and fuel-cell systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2002Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Martin Kesten, Friedel Michel
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Publication number: 20070277533Abstract: A system for cryogenic storage and delivery of fuel, particularly for supplying an internal-combustion engine driving a motor vehicle, includes at least a cryotank having an inner reservoir for receiving the cryogenic medium, which inner reservoir is held in a heat-insulated manner in an outer reservoir, a coolable cooling shield between the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir of the cryotank, and a heat sink. As a thermal-energy storage device, the heat sink is in heat-transmitting contact with the cooling shield. A filling and removal device has at least one pipe penetrating the outer reservoir and leading into the inner reservoir. At least for the filling with or for the removal of cryogenic medium, the heat sink is in heat-transmitting contact with the pipe for the cryogenic medium, in order to reduce the entry of heat from the environment into the inner reservoir while emitting heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Torsten RECH, Achim Baier, Markus Amsz, Tobias Brunner, Thomas Hagler, Oliver Kircher, Gregor Fischer
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Patent number: 7299655Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for vaporization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that employ a condensing gas stream to adjust the gross heating value (GHV) of the LNG such that, upon vaporization, a natural gas product is obtained that meets pipeline or other commercial specifications. The condensing gas can be air, nitrogen, or in embodiments, NGLs such as ethane, propane, or butane, or other combustible hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether (DME) depending on a desired change in GHV. In some embodiments, the methods and systems employ an integrated air separation plant for generation of nitrogen used as a condensing gas, wherein a cool stream of a heat transfer medium, such as water, ethylene glycol, other common heat transfer fluids, or mixtures thereof, obtained by heat transfer during vaporization of the LNG is used to pre-cool an air feed to the air separation plant, or to cool other process streams associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventor: Patrick B. Ward
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Patent number: 7272937Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprises a pulse tube refrigerator (A) having a pressure source (1), a cold reservoir (6), a condenser (7), a pulse tube (9), a radiator (10), and a phase adjuster (12); and a low-temperature container having a liquid reservoir (21) fixed to a vacuum tank (31) through heat-insulating support members (36) and (37). The condenser (7) is fixed to a cold end (6b) of the cold reservoir (6), and is disposed in a gas phase portion (21a) of the liquid reservoir (21). A hot end of the pulse tube (9) is fixed to the vacuum tank (31) and is disposed in such a manner that a cold end (9b) of the pulse tube (9) is located lower than the hot end and is located in a liquid phase portion (21b) of the liquid reservoir (21). The cold end (9b) of the pulse tube (9) is disposed outside the liquid reservoir (21) but within the vacuum tank (31), and the cold end (9b) of the pulse tube (9) and the condenser (7) communicate with each other through piping (8).Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Central Japan Railway Company, Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Mita, Tetsuya Gotou, Motohiro Igarasi, Takayuki Furusawa, Toshiyuki Amano, Yoshihiro Jizo
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Patent number: 7213400Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving the safety and efficiency and decreasing the cost of producing liquid gas, such as liquid oxygen, with a small-scale use liquefaction device, according to various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, liquid oxygen barrier may be added to interface between a cryocooler and a dewar to control rate of liquid oxygen escape upon a tipping of the dewar. A boiloff vessel in fluid communication with the dewar allows expanding gas from a tipped dewar to escape while allowing the liquid to safely settle in the boiloff vessel. A temperature sensing circuit, in proximity with a heat dissipator or cold finger of the cryocooler, is operable to break an electrical power circuit of the cryocooler or cooling fan when a sensed temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. Oxygen purity of a feed stream of gas may be sensed and/or displayed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Respironics In-X, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Dickerson, Steve W. Delve
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Patent number: 7201002Abstract: In combination, pressurized fluid contained in a storage vessel, in both liquid and vapor regions, a heat exchanger in the vapor region of the vessel, and a first pressure regulator having an inlet side in communication with liquid in the vessel, and having an outlet side in communication with the heat exchanger, whereby if pressure in the vessel rises to the setting of the regulator, it opens and admits liquid from the vessel to the heat exchanger, to vaporize in that exchanger causing vapor in the vessel to condense, and reducing pressure in the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Cryogenic Group, Inc.Inventor: Ross M. Brown
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Patent number: 7191602Abstract: For the first time, a hydrogen storage method, apparatus and system having a fluid mixture is provided. At predetermined pressures and/or temperatures within a contained substantially fixed volume, the fluid mixture can store a high density of hydrogen molecules, wherein a predetermined phase of the fluid mixture is capable of being withdrawn from the substantially fixed volume for use as a vehicle fuel or energy storage having reduced and/or eliminated evaporative losses, especially where storage weight, vessel cost, vessel shape, safety, and energy efficiency are beneficial.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gene David Berry, Salvador Martin Aceves
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Patent number: 7140190Abstract: A cryogenic chamber comprising an outer vacuum vessel (9), an inner cryogen vessel (11), a turret (40) housing a neck tube (8) itself providing external access to the inner cryogen vessel (11), and a pulse tube refrigerator (20) itself comprising at least one pulse tube and at least one regenerator tube. The pulse tube refrigerator is located within a vacuum contained between the outer vacuum vessel (9) and the inner cryogen vessel (11) and the pulse tube refrigerator (20) and the neck tube (8) share a single turret (40). The cooling stage(s) (6, 7) of the pulse tube refrigerator (20) is/are rigidly mechanically connected to the neck tube (8) by highly conductive thermal links. The pulse tube(s) and regenerator tube(s) are displaced away from the neck tube and from each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Oxford Magnet Technology Ltd.Inventor: Peter Derek Daniels
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Patent number: 7126335Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance measuring apparatus includes an NMR probe head equipped with an NMR receiver coil and an irradiation coil, a preamplifier, for amplifying the NMR signal received by the NMR receiver coil, a coil cooling heat exchanger, for exchanging heat between the NMR receiver coil/irradiation coil and coolant, a preamplifier heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the preamplifier and the coolant, and a cooling device capable of cooling and compressing the coolant. Further, a first transfer tube is provided for transferring the coolant from the cooling device to the probe head, a second transfer tube for transferring the coolant from the probe head to the cooling device, a third transfer tube for transferring the coolant from the cooling device to the probe head, and a fourth transfer tube for transferring the coolant from the probe head to the cooling device.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Michiya Okada, Masae Kiryu, Hiromitsu Seino
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Patent number: 7076960Abstract: To provide a preserving system capable of re-using vaporized nitrogen, and moreover, capable of always cooling the specimens at a predetermined temperature or lower. The preserving system comprising a cylinder and the preserving vessel which is supplied with liquid nitrogen from this cylinder, is provided with a Stirling refrigerator and a condensing chamber arranged outside of said preserving vessel, and the gas phase part of this condensing chamber is made to communicate with that of said preserving vessel and also the liquid phase part is made to communicate with that of said preserving vessel, and further the cooling part of said Stirling refrigerator is arranged in said condensing chamber, therefore, the nitrogen vaporized in the preserving vessel is cooled by the cooling part of the Stirling refrigerator in the condensing chamber and liquefied again, and so this liquid nitrogen can be reused for cooling the preserving vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Takemasa
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Patent number: 7030613Abstract: A double-tubular third transfer tube is provided in the transfer tube storage conduit, and a first transfer tube, second transfer tube and fourth transfer tube are installed in its interior. Further, pressure control valves are arranged in the portion of normal temperature, thereby reducing the amount of heat intrusion and the coolant temperature. This arrangement cryogenically cools down the irradiation coil and reception coil, without damaging the compressor, and ensures a low-temperature probe to be manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Michiya Okada, Masae Kiryu, Hiromitsu Seino
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Patent number: 6900714Abstract: A system and method for protecting a superconductor. The system may comprise a current sensor operable to detect a current flowing through the superconductor. The system may comprise a coolant temperature sensor operable to detect the temperature of a cryogenic coolant used to cool the superconductor to a superconductive state. The control circuit is operable to estimate the superconductor temperature based on the current flow and the coolant temperature. The system may also be operable to compare the estimated superconductor temperature to at least one threshold temperature and to initiate a corrective action when the superconductor temperature exceeds the at least one threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xianrui Huang, Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Kiruba Haran Sivasubramaniam, James William Bray, David Thomas Ryan, James Michael Fogarty, Albert Eugene Steinbach
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Patent number: 6828889Abstract: Heater duty cycle (the active pressure control circuit) in recondensing superconducting magnet systems is monitored to determine total thermal system performance, to minimize non-zero boil-off operation, and to reduce maintenance costs. Undesirable conditions, such as a degrading cold head, plumbing leaks, and so forth, may be detected earlier by monitoring heater duty cycle. Appropriate service intervals may be determined and cryogen or helium losses may be reduced. The technique provides earliest possible identification of failures related to such variables, as well as, facilitates isolation of the root cause of the problem. Monitoring of heater duty cycle (energization time) offers advantages over the traditional approach of monitoring or alarming on low level in the cryogen (helium) vessel. The technique may provide for relying on observation of the effects of reduced cooling capacity, such as abnormal heater duty cycle, early enough in the failure cycle to prevent helium loss and equipment damage.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James Joseph Zaput
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Patent number: 6807812Abstract: A magnetic resonance assembly comprising, a liquid cryogen vessel, a liquid cryogen cooled conducting magnet disposed within the liquid cryogen vessel, a closed vaccum vessel surrounding the liquid cryogen vessel and spaced from the liquid cryogen vessel, a cooling device fixably attached to the vacuum vessel operable for providing cryogenic temperatures to the superconducting magnet, a heat exchanger device in thermal contact with the liquid cryogen vessel operable for heat exchange, and a bus bar in thermal contact with the cooling device and the heat exchanger device. The cooling device may be a pulse tube cryocooler capable of providing temperatures of about 4 K. A thermal bus bar of high purity aluminum or copper is used to connect and provide a spatial separation of a pulse tube cryocooler and a remote recondenser unit, thus reducing the overall height of the magnet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Lehmann, Roy A. Mangano, Clifford J. Ginfrida, Kathleen W. McGuinness
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Publication number: 20040194473Abstract: A cryogenic chamber comprising an outer vacuum vessel (9), an inner cryogen vessel (11), a turret (40) housing a neck tube (8) itself providing external access to the inner cryogen vessel (11), and a pulse tube refrigerator (20) itself comprising at least one pulse tube and at least one regenerator tube. The pulse tube refrigerator is located within a vacuum contained between the outer vacuum vessel (9) and the inner cryogen vessel (11) and the pulse tube refrigerator (20) and the neck tube (8) share a single turret (40). The cooling stage(s) (6, 7) of the pulse tube refrigerator (20) is/are rigidly mechanically connected to the neck tube (8) by highly conductive thermal links. The pulse tube(s) and regenerator tube(s) are displaced away from the neck tube and from each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Peter Derek Daniels
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Publication number: 20040139752Abstract: A pressure vessel for transportation of liquefiable petroleum gas (LPG) is cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional profile. The wall thickness of the vessel (in meters) multiplied by a design strength of the material from which the vessel is made (in megapascals) is less than 0.8 times the internal diameter of the vessel (in meters). The design strength is the yield strength divided by 1.5 or the tensile strength divided by 2.5. The wall thickness is between 3 mm and 11 mm. The diameter is between 1 and 2.6 m. The vessel have have an external insulating and fire resistant cladding. It may also have a cooling plant for cooling the LPG.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Graham Christopher Pye, Donegal Harold Victor Carroll
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Patent number: 6634178Abstract: In a prior-art method to regulate the pressure inside a cryogenic tank containing cold gas when a main stream for a consumer is withdrawn, heated gas in the form of a heating gas secondary stream, which is regulated as a function of the tank pressure, is fed through the cryogenic tank via a pipe. In order to start on this basis and to provide a simple and safe operating method to regulate the main stream and the secondary stream while also providing a cost-efficient device for this purpose, it is proposed by the method according to the invention that the secondary stream and the main stream be fed to a pressure-control means equipped with a first adjustable throttle for the secondary stream and with a second adjustable throttle for the main stream, whereby the throttles are coupled to each other in such a way that they can be opened and closed in opposite directions as a function of the pressure in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbHInventors: Friedel Michel, Heinz Koser, Rainer Schmitt
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Patent number: 6553773Abstract: A cooling fluid system is disclosed for providing cryogenic cooling fluid to a high temperature super-conducting rotor comprising: a cryogen storage tank storing a liquid cryogenic cooling fluid; an inlet transfer line connecting the storage tank to the rotor and forming a passage for liquid cooling fluid to pass from the tank to the rotor, wherein said storage tank is elevated above the rotor and the liquid cooling fluid is gravity fed to the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris
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Patent number: 6453677Abstract: A cryogenic vessel system for containing cryogenic fluid wherein refrigeration is generated by applying and withdrawing a magnetic field to a bed of magnetizable particles, and the refrigeration is provided to the vessel interior to counteract heat leak into the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Bayram Arman
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Patent number: 6430938Abstract: A cryogenic vessel system for containing cryogenic fluid wherein heat leak into the vessel interior is counteracted by refrigeration generated from energy provided by a pulse generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: John Henri Royal, Christian Friedrich Gottzmann, Arun Acharya, Gary D. Lang
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Patent number: 6405540Abstract: A device is disclosed for preventing the evaporation of a liquefied gas stored in an impervious and thermally insulating tank built into a bearing structure of a ship or located in a set of floating or land-side storage tanks. The device passes a fluid refrigerant through the mass of liquefied gas to cool the mass to a temperature slightly below its reference storage temperature. By so doing, the refrigerant compensates for the heating of the mass, due to thermal leaks within the insulating tank, during the transport or storage of the liquefied gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Gaz Transport et TechnigazInventor: Jacques Dhellemmes
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Patent number: 6389821Abstract: A cryostat arrangement for keeping liquid helium comprising an outer shell (2), a helium container (6) installed therein and a neck pipe (4) extending from the helium container to the outer shell whose upper warm end is connected to the outer shell and whose lower cold end is connected to the helium container, wherein the outer shell, the helium container and the neck pipe define an evacuated space (13) containing a radiation shield (15) surrounding the helium container and being connected at a coupling to the neck pipe in a heat-conducting fashion, wherein a refrigerator is installed in the neck pipe having a cold finger (5a) which consists of at least one pipe and projects into the neck pipe, is characterized in that at least one pipe of the cold finger is surrounded by at least one separating body (3a) which divides the neck pipe into two partial volumes (8a and 9a) which are connected to one another through a lower opening (10a) and an upper opening (7a).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Bruker Analytik GmbHInventors: Marco Strobel, Michael Westphal
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Patent number: 6367264Abstract: A refrigeration system to be located at carbon dioxide using locations for providing cooled or sub-cooled liquid carbon dioxide at temperatures as low as minus 65° F. to various liquid carbon dioxide dispensing/using devices. The system is capable of being added to virtually every type of carbon dioxide storage vessel used at customer sites, and is especially useful where relatively short carbon dioxide use periods are involved, as the hybrid refrigeration cycle utilizes the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage vessel as a rechargeable refrigeration sink.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Lewis Tyree, Jr.