Liquified Gas Transferred As Liquid Patents (Class 62/50.1)
  • Patent number: 12163626
    Abstract: A cryostat for operation with liquid helium, may comprise a primary chamber with a main region and a pot region for containing a bath of liquid helium-4, primary inlet means for introducing liquid helium-4 and primary outlet means for releasing gaseous helium-4, the primary inlet means comprising a transfer line extending into the primary region. The cryostat may be configured for operation under a continuous supply of liquid helium-4 and at a reduced helium-4 pressure, whereby gaseous helium-4 is pumped off through the outlet means. The primary chamber may comprise a baffle structure arranged between the pot region and the main region, the baffle structure defining at least one flowpath for the flow of gaseous helium-4, each flowpath forming a detoured connection between the pot region and the main region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITAT ZURICH
    Inventors: Dominik Biscette, Johan Chang, Denys Sutter
  • Patent number: 12116864
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subsurface formation includes super-cooling liquid carbon dioxide to a temperature between ?60° F. to ?70° F. using liquid nitrogen having a temperature in a range of ?100° F. to ?200° F., pumping the lipid carbon dioxide down a wellbore to create fractures in the subsurface formation, and pumping fracturing fluid containing a proppant down the wellbore after pumping the liquid carbon dioxide down the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Misfer J. Almarri, Waheed Syed Arshad, Mohammad H. Altwaijri
  • Patent number: 11946680
    Abstract: A dilution refrigerator is provided. The dilution refrigerator includes a plurality of thermalization plates configured to be cooled to a plurality of temperatures, and a first thermalization plate of the plurality of thermalization plates includes an integrated heat exchanger. The integrated heat exchanger includes channels formed in the first thermalization plate, and the channels are configured to allow helium to flow through the first thermalization plate during operation of the dilution refrigerator to improve heat exchange and cooling power of the dilution refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Corban I. Tillemann-Dick, Kyle J. Thompson, Bryan J. Choo, Johanna Zultak, Tyler James Plant
  • Patent number: 11913714
    Abstract: A dilution refrigerator, such as for a quantum computing system, includes a cryostat having a plurality of temperature-controlled flanges inside a vacuum chamber. A dilution unit is disposed inside the cryostat and operable to cool a first group of the flanges. A continuous flow helium refrigerator is in heat transfer communication with a lowest temperature flange of a second group of flanges, disposed at progressively lower temperatures that are greater than those of the first group of flanges, to provide primary cooling thereto to a first temperature. The continuous flow helium refrigerator resides at least partially in the cryostat and includes a helium liquefier and a first closed-loop circuit thermally coupling the helium liquefier to the lowest temperature flange of the second group of flanges. The helium liquefier provides liquid helium to the lowest temperature flange of the second group of flanges via the first closed-loop circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ANYON SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: François-Xavier Jette, Justin Huneault
  • Patent number: 11883700
    Abstract: The present system provides an integrated fire suppression system that includes all components in a single integrated panel, other than system piping to nozzles or emitters. The system enables the entire panel to be inspected and analyzed, and installed, repaired, or maintained in a single operation, dramatically reducing time spent on site and reducing the qualifying process as well. The assembly of the panel is off-site, typically under the inspection of any qualifying agencies. Once assembled, the system can remain qualified for rapid installation at any future time, allowing easy replacement of faulty panels or consumables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: FIRE & PUMP SERVICE GROUP
    Inventor: Frank Broidy
  • Patent number: 11607262
    Abstract: A system and method of using a source of low-pressure refrigerant for a cryotherapy procedure. The system may generally include a fluid reservoir and a fluid flow path in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, the fluid flow path including a thermal exchange device in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, a compressor in fluid communication with the thermal exchange device, a condenser, a reversing valve located between the compressor and the condenser, and an expansion valve located between the condenser and the thermal exchange device. The method may include transferring a low-pressure refrigerant to a first fluid reservoir, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, increasing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, and transferring the pressurized refrigerant from the first fluid reservoir to a second fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventors: Rachid Mahrouche, Eric Monger
  • Patent number: 11519556
    Abstract: A gaseous hydrogen storage and distribution system with a cryogenic supply and a method for the cryogenic conversion of liquid hydrogen into high-pressure gaseous hydrogen are provided. The gaseous hydrogen storage and distribution system includes pressuring liquid hydrogen from a cryogenic tank using a low pressure liquid pump before vaporization within a relatively small vaporizer. The resulting high pressure gaseous hydrogen is transferred to a plurality of storage tanks at ambient temperature according to a desired fill sequence. The high pressure hydrogen gas is subsequently distributed from the storage tanks through a hydrogen fueling dispenser according to a desired dispensing sequence. The present system and method provide improvements in operational safety, eliminates the use of high pressure gas compressor, and minimizes boiling off and ventilation losses at a reduced cost when compared to existing thermal compression storage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Zhili Feng, Yanli Wang
  • Patent number: 11300338
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and a device for providing zeotropic refrigerants in which the refrigerant is formed from a refrigerant blend of at least two components, the components being added to a container in the ratio of their respective mass fractions to the refrigerant, and the refrigerant blend being formed in the container, wherein the temperature and/or the pressure in the container is set by means of a control device such that the refrigerant is present exclusively in the gas phase or exclusively in the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: WEISS TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Murat Aydin, Gerald Klee
  • Patent number: 11153991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a load using liquid nitrogen conveyed in a circuit are provided. Cooled liquid nitrogen is used for cooling the liquid nitrogen conveyed in the circuit. A first proportion of the liquid nitrogen is cooled in an open cooling system and a second proportion is cooled in a closed cooling system using one or more cooling units. The open cooling system and closed cooling system are used for cooling of a power supply having a first end and a second end. The open cooling system is arranged at the first end and the closed cooling system is arranged at the second end. Cooling power is provided in a first time period as a first, smaller amount of total cooling power and in a second time period as a second, higher amount of total cooling power. A first proportion of the amount of total cooling power is provided by means of the open cooling system and a second proportion is provided by means of the closed cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Alexander Alekseev
  • Patent number: 10883729
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a burner configured to burn a combustible gas to produce heat, a heat exchanger configured to receive the heat from the burner, a flow sensor configured to measure a flow rate of a coolant passing through the heat exchanger; and a controller comprising processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives flow data from the flow sensor and controls a firing rate of the burner based on a predetermined relationship between a differential temperature of coolant flowing through the heat exchanger and the coolant's flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Raymond Ibrahim Hallit, Jorge Gamboa, Stephen Thomas Thurlkill
  • Patent number: 10604279
    Abstract: To provide a propellant tank such as a fuel tank and an oxidant tank for a spacecraft, the propellant tank discharging propellant such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen accumulated therein toward a rocket engine by pressurizing an inside thereof by operating gas. The propellant tank includes a tank body that accumulates therein the propellant in a liquid state, and a holding container that is provided inside the tank body and disposed with a predetermined gap from an inner wall of the tank body, so that the propellant in a liquid state can be held therein, when the inside of the tank body is in a microgravity state or a zero-gravity state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Keitaro Ishikawa, Taichi Aoyama, Kiyoshi Kinefuchi, Koichi Okita, Wataru Sarae
  • Patent number: 10173389
    Abstract: A natural gas line comprises a concentric pipe having an inner natural gas pipe and an outer carbon dioxide pipe surrounding the inner pipe. Carbon dioxide in the outer pipe comprises a shield which prevents or decreases natural gas leakage to the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide may be supplied from an exhaust of a fuel cell system, such as carbon dioxide separated from the fuel exhaust of a fuel cell system by a carbon dioxide separator. The natural gas may flow from a natural gas field to the fuel cell system via the inner pipe while the carbon dioxide may flow from the fuel cell system to the natural gas field via the outer pipe. The carbon dioxide may be sequestered in the empty space underground in natural gas field created by the extraction of the natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: KR Sridhar, Arne Ballantine
  • Patent number: 10078000
    Abstract: A method for determining a filling mass in a thermally insulated container for a cryogenically stored gas includes determining the filling mass using a known container volume and a calculated density of the gas content of the container. A temperature sensor is used for measuring a mixing temperature of liquid and gaseous phases, where the liquid phase is extracted via a first extraction supply line at the geodetically lowest point, and the gaseous phase is extracted via a second extraction supply line at the geodetically highest point. Downstream of the extraction points, after a convergence of the first and the second extraction supply line, the temperature sensor is placed where a complete and thorough mixing of the liquid and the gaseous phase of the gas from the first and second extraction supply line has already taken place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Kampitsch, Stefan Schott
  • Patent number: 10041729
    Abstract: A method for the cryogenic fractionation of air, in which a liquid volume present in a vaporization chamber in a distillation column system of an air fractionation plant is fed by means of a cryogenic liquid and in which a proportion of the liquid volume is continuously transferred into the gas phase by vaporization, wherein, in addition to oxygen, the cryogenic liquid contains components, including xenon, which are higher-boiling than oxygen. The content of xenon in the cryogenic liquid is determined and used as a measure of any enrichment of the components which are higher-boiling than oxygen in the cryogenic liquid. A corresponding air fractionation plant is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Matthias Meilinger
  • Patent number: 9651569
    Abstract: Provided is a testbed for conducting an experiment on a substance in a cryogenic liquid state in a microgravity environment. The testbed includes a frame with rectangular nominal dimensions, and a source section including a supply of the substance to be evaluated in the cryogenic liquid state. An experiment section includes an experiment vessel in fluid communication with the storage section to receive the substance from the storage section and condense the substance into the cryogenic liquid state. A sensor is adapted to sense a property of the substance in the cryogenic liquid state in the experiment vessel as part of the experiment. A bus section includes a controller configured to control delivery of the substance from the storage section to the experiment vessel, and receive property data indicative of the property sensed by the sensor for subsequent evaluation on Earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SIERRA LOBO, INC.
    Inventor: Philip Travis Putman
  • Patent number: 9587890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical relay fluid storage barrel installed with fluid inlet and fluid outlet for whole or in part placement into natural thermal energy body in vertical or downward oblique manner, wherein a thermal energy exchanger is installed inside the relay fluid storage barrel temporarily storing thermal conductive fluid for external flow, the thermal energy exchanger is installed with fluid piping for the thermal conductive fluid passing through, to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel, and the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel performs heat exchange with the natural thermal energy body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 9533251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vapor recovery system for gas station that is capable of controlling vapor emission to less than 0.38 lbs/1000 gallons fuel dispensed. The system may include at least one canister containing adsorbents such as activated carbon, zeolite, activated alumina, silica, and other adsorbents for passive removal of hydrocarbon vapors in venting air. Additionally, the system may include a means to enhance vapor-liquid equilibrium in the ullage of the fuel tank and accordingly minimize vapor emission level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ingevity South Carolina, LLC
    Inventor: Michael F. Tschantz
  • Patent number: 9441874
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance and a method for operating a water heating assembly of the same are provided. The method includes operating a heating element of the water heating assembly to generate heated water. To dispense the heated water, an air valve of the water heating assembly is closed and an air pump of the water heating assembly is worked. In such a manner, heated water can be dispensed accurately and/or precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Francis Bird, Bradley Nicholas Gilkey, Robert Lee Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9086040
    Abstract: Embodiments for monitoring fuel system degradation are provided. In one example, a method for a vehicle comprises evacuating fuel from a first fuel tank to a second fuel tank, and indicating fuel system degradation in response to a change in fuel system pressure following the evacuation of fuel. In this way, fuel system degradation may be indicated without use of a separate pressure building device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Aed M Dudar
  • Publication number: 20150114009
    Abstract: An LNG storage and delivery method for a transportation system includes routing a first train to scheduled stops along a first train route, routing the first train to an LNG fuel source positioned on the first train route, transferring LNG from the LNG fuel source to the first train, and transporting LNG from the LNG fuel source to an LNG storage site positioned along a second train route using the first train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Nels R. Peterson, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood,, JR.
  • Patent number: 9016076
    Abstract: A fluid spray device system (1) that maintains a resultant fluid discharge, or a material onto which the resultant fluid is discharged, within a predetermined range of a set-point temperature by regulating the flow rate of a throttling gas using a proportional valve (22). The resultant fluid has throttling gas and cryogenic fluid components. Both the throttling gas and cryogenic fluid are preferably supplied from a single tank (11) and the cryogenic fluid supply is pressure-regulated and includes a triaxial delivery hose (33) having a return line with a back-pressure regulator (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Giardiniere, John Lewis Green, Ranajit Ghosh, Daniel James Gibson, Zbigniew Zurecki
  • Publication number: 20150096768
    Abstract: This discovery provides means to move cryogenic liquids safely in circumstances not needing long term liquid state preservation, to: reduce mass from current practiced cryogenic containments, lower cost, making methods affordable, and be disposable, if necessary. Using liquid Nitrogen as the transport agent for Nitrogen gas in fire, crises and energy situations allows expelling of foreign substances by both liquid and gaseous Nitrogen keeps both temperature and purity of the gas. expanding quantity at evaporation to over 200 times volume, and employing plastic materials properly constructed for rapid movement, thermal insulation, inclusion of electrical wiring and function in dead air space, and flow direction control using valves. This allows fixed Nitrogen fire control systems, replacing water sprinkler systems, eliminating water damage and electrical arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Denyse Claire Dubrucq
  • 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: 20150075189
    Abstract: A low-loss cryogenic fluid supply system having at least one main cryogenic fluid tank and a backup cryogenic fluid tank each having a vent set to a first pressure P1 and a pressure build circuit set to a second pressure P2, a main tank gas supply line configured to supply gas to a junction at a third pressure P3, a main tank liquid supply line configured to supply gas to the junction at a fourth pressure P4, a backup tank liquid supply line configured to supply gas to the junction at a fifth pressure P5, a backup tank backpressure regulator configured to supply gas to a point upstream to the main tank gas supply line at a sixth pressure P6, and an outlet supply line configured to supply gas from the junction at an end use pressure Pu, where P1>P3?P2, P1?P6>P2, P6?P3>P4>P5>Pu.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Air Products And Chemicals Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gerard Witte
  • Patent number: 8959930
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating boil-off gas generated in an LNG storage tank of an LNG carrier for transporting LNG in a cryogenic liquid state, the LNG carrier having a boil-off gas reliquefaction plant, wherein an amount of boil-off gas corresponding to a treatment capacity of the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated during the voyage of the LNG carrier is discharged from the LNG storage tank and reliquefied by the reliquefaction plant. The boil-off gas treating method and apparatus can maintain an amount of boil-off gas discharged from an LNG storage tank at a constant level by storing in the LNG storage tank, instead of discharging and burning, surplus boil-off gas which has not been returned to the LNG storage tank through the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated in the LNG storage tank, and can prevent waste of boil-off gas and save energy by allowing an internal pressure of the LNG storage tank to be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Jin Yul Yu, Dong Kyu Choi, Hyun Ki Park, Hyun Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8955338
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage tank having a first conduit adapted for filling and extracting a cryogenic liquid from the tank and a second conduit adapted for filling and extracting a gas from the tank is disclosed, wherein heat originating from inlet and outlet conduits transferred to the tank is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Jung, Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 8943841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Jung Ho Choi, Sung Kon Han, Dong Kyu Choi, Young Sik Moon
  • Patent number: 8905070
    Abstract: A multivalve with a storage bag and a storage bag configured for temporarily accommodating a liquid gas fuel around a discharge for a liquid gas fuel store formed from a deformable memory material, wherein the storage bag has a temporary, size-reduced position, an outer diameter of the storage bag then being less than 48 mm, and a second, operative position, the storage bag having a sufficient volume. A multivalve with a storage bag includes a storage bag having a bottom with sides rising from the bottom, a one-way valve being placed in or close to the bottom and connected to an inlet in the storage bag, the one-way valve being welded to the plastic of the storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Vialle Alternative Fuel Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Bob Alexander Beem
  • Patent number: 8857162
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for reducing the cold start time for a vehicle with a twin fuel engine. The system has an exhaust system, from which exhaust is discharged and collected on an exhaust manifold. A heat exchanger is positioned within the exhaust system, with coolant flow passages in thermal communication with the engine, and the heat exchanger. A control valve is coupled to a first flow path operable to direct the exhaust through the heat exchanger across the first flow path and a second flow path in selective amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Andrew Brown, Joshua Wayne Steffen
  • Publication number: 20140261132
    Abstract: Systems and methods for storing energy in gaseous form in submerged thin-walled tanks are secured to the ocean or lake floor but are open to the water at the tank bottoms and are configured to be filled with gas while submerged. A conduit operatively connected to the tanks provides flow from a surface source of an energy-containing gas to the tank interiors. Surface or subsurface pumping apparatus which may include piston-less pressure cylinders or have leveraged pistons provide a preselected flow rate of the energy-containing gas into the containment structure interior against a back pressure essentially equal to the static pressure of the body of water at the location of the tank to displace an equivalent volume of water through the open bottom. The conduit can be configured to allow heat transfer to vaporize liquefied gas prior to storage. Hydrogen gas can be generated and stored within the tank using Aluminum activated with Galinstan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Fevzi Zeren, Zekeriye Konukoglu
  • Publication number: 20140250922
    Abstract: A system for supplying LNG fuel is disclosed. The system includes a fuel supplying line connected from an LNG storage tank to a high pressure engine and a low pressure engine, respectively, a pump formed on the fuel supplying line, and configured to pressurize LNG outputted from the LNG storage tank to high pressure, a first heat exchanger formed on the fuel supplying line between the high pressure engine and the pump, and configured to heat the LNG supplied from the pump, a second heat exchanger formed on the fuel supplying line between the low pressure engine and the LNG storage tank, and configured to evaporate the LNG in a liquid state supplied from the LNG storage tank and a heat source supplying line configured to supply heat to the LNG by supplying glycol water to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Ho KANG, Jong Bum LEE, Ju Seog HAN, Hee Seung HEO
  • Publication number: 20140245756
    Abstract: Cryogenic energy storage systems, and particularly methods for capturing cold energy and re-using that captured cold energy, are disclosed. The systems allow cold thermal energy from the power recovery process of a cryogenic energy storage system to be captured effectively, to be stored, and to be effectively utilised. The captured cold energy could be reused in any co-located process, for example to enhance the efficiency of production of the cryogen, to enhance the efficiency of production of liquid natural gas, and/or to provide refrigeration. The systems are such that the cold energy can be stored at very low pressures, cold energy can be recovered from various components of the system, and/or cold energy can be stored in more than one thermal store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: HIGHVIEW ENTERPRISES LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Morgan, Stuart Nelmes, Nicola Castellucci, Stephen Gareth Brett
  • Publication number: 20140243205
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (5) includes a thermally conductive cylindrical container (40), at least one thermally conductive tube (30), a cooling column (90), and a cryogen coldhead (100). The cooling column and coldhead condense gaseous helium to liquid helium to maintain a reservoir of liquid helium in the thermally conductive cylindrical container (40). The at least one thermally conductive tube (30) coils circumferentially around the container (40), and extends to at least one superconducting magnet coil heat exchanger (20), and back. The tube forms a selected loop which holds gaseous helium at pressure up about 104 bar (1500 PSI) or room temperature to about 0.75 bar at cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Adolph Ackermann, Philippe Menteur, Manmohan Dhar
  • 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
  • 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: 20140150471
    Abstract: A method for cooling a plant for superconductive cables is provided, where the plant includes two thermally insulated end closures (1, 2) and at least one thermally insulated, tubular cryostat (3) arranged between the end closures, in which at least one superconductive cable is arranged. Liquid nitrogen contained in a cooling agent supply is pumped by means of a pump (9) through a first end closure and the cryostat to a second end closure. At least one vacuum insulated tank (7) is used for the cooling agent supply, where the tank (7) contains nitrogen at operating temperature and out of which the nitrogen is pumped. For making available a quantity of liquid nitrogen necessary for operating the plant, the supply of liquid nitrogen contained in the tank (7) is supplemented during operation or is switched over to another tank (10) containing liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: NEXANS
    Inventor: Nexans
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8683823
    Abstract: A system for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a moored floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a floating liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Publication number: 20140076290
    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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Watts, Jason A. Grow
  • Publication number: 20140075965
    Abstract: Described herein are at least systems and methods for cryogenic fluid delivery which utilize pumpless delivery of cryogenic fluid. The systems and methods utilize hydraulic pressure, saturation pressure, or a combination of both hydraulic pressure and saturation pressure to deliver cryogen to a use device, such as an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jeff Patelczyk, Erik Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20140060088
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for contact freezing a food product. A conveyor belt or other support may have an active region that supports materials on an outer surface. Liquid cryogen may be provided in bulk contact with an inner surface of the active region via splashing, agitation, pumping, gravity feed, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Bryce M. Rampersad, Theodore H. Gasteyer, III, Gary D. Lang
  • Patent number: 8646289
    Abstract: A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Patent number: 8647337
    Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a cryogenic fluid may comprise a flow passage configured to be placed in flow communication with a reservoir containing a cryogenic fluid, the flow passage defining a flow passage inlet opening configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, and a flow passage outlet opening opposite the flow passage inlet opening. The dispensing head may further comprise a dispensing member configured to dispense the cryogenic fluid, the dispensing member defining a lumen having a lumen inlet opening and a lumen outlet opening; and at least one porous member disposed in the flow passage, the at least one porous member being configured as a primary flow regulation mechanism to limit a flow rate of the cryogenic fluid as it flows from the reservoir to the lumen outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: STC Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: R. Sam Niedbala, Lincoln C. Young, Peng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8640493
    Abstract: Method for processing, treatment and liquefaction of natural gas proximate offshore gas fields with a gas floating production storage and offloading vessel with a primary processing unit, a gas treating unit, and a natural gas compressor. The liquefaction is split between a liquefied natural gas transport vessel moored on a disconnectable turret and the floating production storage and offloading vessel. High pressure liquefied natural gas inlet quality gas from the vessel is sent through conduits to the liquefied natural gas transport vessel(s) then back through the disconnectable turrets to the vessel. A separate nitrogen refrigerant on the transport vessel provides final stage liquefaction while being powered by the transport vessel's propulsion plant. When the transport vessel is full, the transport vessel disconnects from the disconnectable turret, and motors to a transfer terminal located in sheltered water for transfer of liquefied natural gas cargo to a standard trading tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: FLNG, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Magee Shivers, III, Richard Paul Michel, Marcus LaRoy Morris, Ned Phillip Baudat, Norman Paul Kolb
  • Publication number: 20140026597
    Abstract: A cryogenic fuel storage system for an aircraft is disclosed including a cryogenic fuel tank having a first wall forming a storage volume capable of storing a cryogenic liquid fuel; an inflow system capable of flowing the cryogenic liquid fuel into the storage volume; an outflow system adapted to deliver the cryogenic liquid fuel from the cryogenic fuel storage system; and a vent system capable of removing at least a portion of a gaseous fuel formed from the cryogenic liquid fuel in the storage volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Jay Epstein, Randy M. Vondrell, Robert Harold Weisgerber, Narendra Joshi, Thomas Bonser
  • Publication number: 20140007595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a mixture of liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen, the proportions of which are approximately those of liquid air, according to which: first, an amount AN2 of liquid nitrogen (10) is transferred (11) into a mixing tank (30); secondly, an amount AO2 of liquid oxygen (20) is transferred (21) into the mixing tank (30), the amounts AN2 and AO2 making it possible to reconstitute, in the mixing tank, a primary mixture within a given range of oxygen content; the mixing tank is kept on hold for a resting period which promotes the stabilization of the mixture formed, making it possible to obtain, on conclusion of this resting period, the desired mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et I'Exploitaion des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Nadia MAYOUFI OUERGHEMMI, Patricia Privat
  • Publication number: 20130327066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the internal pressure of a pressure vessel (1) containing a medium being present in both a liquid (3) and gaseous (2) phase, the vessel comprising one inner (9)and one outer (10) fluid tight barrier, said barriers being separated by an inter-barrier space (8), comprising the steps of: —circulating a suitable fluid through both the inter-barrier space and a heating unit; and —heating the fluid by the heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: AKER ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventors: Arne Barrett Sele, Trygve Johannes Lund
  • Patent number: 8590339
    Abstract: In method of providing uniformity of vapor and liquid phases in two or more streams derived from a mixed vapor and liquid stream (10), the mixed vapor and liquid stream (10) passes from a first heat exchanger (101) into a distribution vessel (12) via one or more inlets (14). The distribution vessel (12) has two or more outlets (16) connected to a second heat exchanger (102). The liquid part of the mixed stream (10) is allowed to collect in a first area (20) in the distribution vessel (12), and the vapor part of the mixed stream (10) is allowed to collect in a second area (30) of the distribution vessel (12), preferably above the first area (20). The liquid in the first area (20) passes into the outlets (16) via one or more liquid apertures (18) in each outlet (16) that communicate with the first area (20), and the vapor in the second area (30) passes into the outlets (16) via one or more vapor apertures (28) in each outlet (16) communicating with the second area (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Johan Jan Barend Pek
  • Publication number: 20130263610
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system. The system may include a first tank configured to contain a first fluid and a second tank configured to contain a second fluid. The system may also include a conditioning system fluidly connected to the second tank. The conditioning system may include at least one conduit fluidly coupled to a lower region of the second tank. The conditioning system may also include a heat exchanger. In addition, the conditioning system may include at least one conduit fluidly coupled to an upper region of the second tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Mackey