Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting disposable and non-disposable portions of a cryoprobe for use with a cryosurgical treatment system. Representative cryoprobes can include a disposable and non-disposable portion joined with a connector such as a coupler for connecting a single disposable portion to a single non-disposable portion. A representative coupler can include coupler ports into which connecting ends of fluid delivery tubes within the disposable and non-disposable portions can fluidly connect. A manifold mounting plate can include a plurality of slots into which disposable portions can be fluidly interconnected to non-disposable portions.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system having a coupler for connecting a disposable cryoprobe end portion to a non-disposable cryoprobe base portion. A cryoprobe can include a disposable portion that connects via a coupler to a non-disposable portion that is permanently attached to the cryosurgical system. Once a disposable portion is attached to the cryosurgical system, refrigerant can be circulated through the system and a cryothermal treatment can be performed. Upon completion of the cryosurgical treatment, the disposable portion can be detached and discarded.

Abstract: A Z-shaped, multi-channel conduit segment configured to transfer cryogenic fluid into and out of a cryogenic storage tank with minimal heat transfer. The conduit segment comprises a first channel operable to transport a cryogenic liquid from a supply source to the storage tank, and a second channel operable to transport gas from the storage tank to an end user. The conduit is preferably formed from a single piece of material, such that the first channel is separated from the second channel.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cryogenic fluid delivery system includes a vessel containing a cryogenic fluid at a first pressure and a first temperature, a first heat exchanger coupled to the vessel for receiving the cryogenic fluid and cooling the cryogenic fluid to a second temperature, a first pump coupled to the first heat exchanger for pressurizing the cryogenic fluid to a second pressure, a second pump for pressurizing the cryogenic fluid to a third pressure, a second heat exchanger coupled to the second pump for cooling the cryogenic fluid to a third temperature, and a nozzle coupled to the second heat exchanger for delivering a jet of the cryogenic fluid toward a target.

Abstract: A method for improving the insulation characteristics of a cryogenic piping system wherein an insulation volume defined by a jacket coaxial to an inner pipe is evacuated to a moderate vacuum and then filled with a condensable gas in one or more evacuation and filling cycles, and then, after evacuation to a moderate vacuum, the condensable gas is condensed to effect a high vacuum within the insulation volume.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel active insulation device and method for thermally shielding an external body from temperature fluctuations of a contained body. The method comprising providing an active thermal insulation envelope between the contained body and the external body; regulating the heat transfer from the active thermal insulation envelope to the external body; and regulating the heat transfer from the contained body to the active thermal insulation envelope, thus maintaining the temperature of the external body at a constant temperature or within a narrow temperature range.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: A process and device for evaporating an oxygen-enriched working fluid by indirect heat exchange include introducing an oxygen-rich working fluid into the evaporation passages of an evaporator where it is partially evaporated. A first oxygen-enriched gas and a portion of the oxygen-enriched working fluid that remains liquid are drawn off from the evaporation passages. At least a part of the portion that remains liquid is returned to the evaporation passages as a circulation liquid by a conveying device. The conveying device for the circulation liquid injects a lift gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of sealing of pipeline joints operating with cryogenic liquids. The method is realized with the use of a tape of a porous structuring material that may be dry or impregnated with a liquid having a freezing point above the temperature of a cryogenic fluid in the pipeline. The material of the tape and the impregnating liquid are inert to the cryogenic fluid and to the environment. The method consists in that prior to filling the pipeline with the cryogenic fluid, the tape is tightly wrapped around the joint or an area that is at risk of a damage or puncture, the wrapping is then wetted by pouring on it the same liquid that was used for impregnation, and then the cryogenic fluid is fed to the pipeline for freezing the liquid that is contained in the tape for forming a tight frozen seal around the joint.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus or system for withdrawing a cryogenic liquid from a container wherein the liquid may be drawn from the container independent of the orientation of the container. The apparatus comprises a conduit having a flexible metallic hose portion and a metallic head. The flexible hose portion has a first end in fluid communication with an outlet portal of the container and a second end to which the head is attached.

Abstract: A connector for piping destined to the transfer of fluid at very low temperature, in particular liquefied natural gas is described. The coupling comprises a first and a second length of piping (8, 9) that are provided with respective closing valves (20, 27) and destined to be fastened, respectively, to a piping (2) for the inflow of the fluid and to a piping (6) for the receiving of the fluid. Onto the second length of piping (9) a quick-coupling mechanism (34) is mounted that comprises a circumferential sequence of jaws (36) that are suitable to provide a firm front coupling between terminal flanges (12, 17) of the two lengths of piping (8, 9), and means (35 38) for the driving of the jaws. Each one of said lengths of piping (8, 9) is surrounded by an external coating band (23, 30) that defines with said length of piping a thermally insulating interspace (25, 32).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for controlling and raising the temperature of a fitting used to transfer liquefied gas to a storage vessel. A hollow metal tube containing heated inert gas contacts the fitting such that heat is transferred to the fitting. By raising the temperature of the fitting, problems such as leakage due to freezing the o-ring seal can be reduced. The method utilizes a vortex tube as the heat source to avoid problems with sparking when an incendiary gas such as hydrogen is being transferred to the storage vessel.

Abstract: A coupler for making a detachable bayonet connection between two sections of a flow path. The coupler includes male and female bayonet hub members that detachably connect the flow path sections. In one aspect of the invention, the coupler includes an internal vapor shielding flow path defined within the coupler by the interconnection of the hub members that operates to intercept and remove heat entering the coupler from the external environment. In this regard, the internal vapor shielding flow path may include at least one valve to vent at least a portion of the vapor shielding material external to the coupler from the vapor shielding flow path.

Abstract: A fail safe secondary containment system for a cryogenic liquid transport pipeline spool having a mainline liquid transport pipe and a secondary containment pipe which overlies the mainline liquid transport pipe and is affixed to the outer surface of the mainline liquid transport pipe to form a sealed annular containment space therebetween, has a cap mounted on the secondary containment pipe to provide a sealed tertiary space. A first check valve has an inlet connected to the secondary containment space for receiving fluid therefrom and an outlet connected to the tertiary containment space and a second check valve has an inlet connected to the tertiary containment space for receiving fluid therefrom and an outlet connected to the inside of the mainline liquid transport pipe.

Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.

Abstract: In the present method, cold substances are transferred through a nozzle with moving parts. An insulating boot facilitates the method. The present method is generally suited for use in transferring cryogenic substances such as during the refueling of liquid natural gas vehicles. The present method causes an insulating layer to be created between a removable boot and a nozzle separating the ambient environment from the moving parts of the nozzle, purging the layer with a dry gas such as nitrogen to remove moisture and restricting the incursion of such moisture from the layer and therefore, from the moving parts to avoid freezing up of the moving parts. The layer can also help to avoid freezing up of the abutting interface created between the nozzle and receiving line when the nozzle is removably engaged to a receiving line.

Abstract: Stranded natural gas is sometimes liquefied and sent to other countries that can use the gas in a transport ship. Conventional receiving terminals use large cryogenic storage tanks to hold the liquefied natural gas (LNG) after it has been offloaded from the ship. The present invention eliminates the need for the conventional cryogenic storage tanks and instead uses uncompensated salt caverns to store the product. The present invention can use a special heat exchanger, referred to as a Bishop Process heat exchanger, to warm the LNG prior to storage in the salt caverns or the invention can use conventional vaporizing systems some of which may be reinforced and strengthened to accommodate higher operating pressures. In one embodiment, the LNG is pumped to higher pressures and converted to dense phase natural gas prior to being transferred into the heat exchanger and the uncompensated salt caverns.

Abstract: A flexible conduit for conveying cryogenic fluids has a metal inner tube and a metal outer tube. A strip-shaped spacer member is made of a material of low thermal conductivity, which is spirally wound on the inner tube such that it contacts both the inner and outer tubes. The strip-shaped spacer member is twisted about its own axis and includes a metal that is stable with respect to high-energy radiation and has a thermal conductivity of less than 25 W/m.K and a tensile strength of more than 240 MPa.

Abstract: An automatically actuated line connection and delivery system is disclosed for the delivery of a cryogenic fluid coolant to tools mounted on manufacturing machines such as vertical and horizontal machining centers, punching presses, thermal spray systems, welding systems, laser cutters, etc. The system includes a linearly-actuated, cryogenic fluid socket/plunger connection “(20)” with a differential, thermal contraction-controlled sealing mechanism, “(22,24)” as well as provisions for installing this connection on automated manufacturing machines “(60,84)” and integrating operation of the connection “(20)” with the manufacturing cycle controlled from a remote control panel “(70)”.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a gaseous product delivered from a horizontal container containing a supply of a fluid includes an elongated hollow tube inside the container and a purifying medium inside the tube. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with a port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, an air dryer and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The air dryer removes moisture in the air. The tube is connected to the air dryer and the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers air from the air dryer to the fluid transfer assembly at a plurality of points along a length of the fluid transfer assembly.

Abstract: A process plant (1) for handling combustibles fluids, for example an oil production plant in which gaseous hydrocarbons are separated from oil and in which surplus gases or residual gases from uncontrolled build-ups of gas pressure in the process escape through process or safety valves in the plant and are conducted to a collection line (9). The surplus or residual gases are conducted via the collection line (9) to one or more low-pressure stores (2) and a connection line or return line (11, 3) is arranged from the store(s) (2) to the process or another treatment unit for processing the returned or collected fluid. The low-pressure store(s) can expediently comprise the crude oil or raw product store (2) of the process plant upstream of the process plant.

Abstract: A housing (16) comprises a first housing (17) and a second housing (18). The first housing (17) is fixed to a gas cylinder (1) and is provided with a cylinder main valve (3) which is manually opened and closed. The second housing (18) is provided with a main stop valve (4) of an electromagnetically opening and closing valve. The second housing (18) is removably fixed to the first housing (17) by a tightening bolt (39). In this state where the second housing (18) is fixed to the first housing (17), the cylinder main valve (3) has a first valve chamber (44) communicated with a second valve chamber (63) of the main stop valve (4).

Abstract: A method of transferring a cryogenic fluid comprises passing a cryogenic fluid through a flexible conduit having a wall formed of a first layer of a porous polymeric (12) material and a second layer formed of an impermeable material (14).

Abstract: An improvement to an LNG carrier having a vaporizer on board said LNG carrier for vaporizing the LNG to a gaseous state is disclosed. The LNG carrier includes a source of heat for said vaporizer; an intermediate fluid circulating between said vaporizer and said source of heat; and one or more pumps for circulating said intermediate fluid between said vaporizer and said source of heat. The improvement includes equipment connections for adding at least one additional source of heat for said vaporizer, pre-installed flow conduits between said vaporizer and said equipment connections, and valves for isolating said pre-installed flow conduits from said vaporizer.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid system having a flexible conduit for conducting cryogenic materials and a method for fabricating such a flexible conduit is herein disclosed. The flexible conduit of the cryogenic fluid system generally includes a first tube and a second tube disposed about the first tube. The first and second tubes can be made from the same or different materials (including composites) as long as the material which makes up at least one of the first and second tubes is silicone rubber-impregnated glass cloth. The flexible conduit also generally includes a fluorocarbon polymer liner disposed against a first inner wall of the first tube, so that the first tube is positioned between the second tube and the fluorocarbon polymer liner. Some variations of the flexible conduit have an annulus between the first and second tubes which optionally is occupied, at least in part, by insulation.

Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, a supply of dry gas and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The tube is connected to the the supply of dry gas and the fluid transfer assembly, and located at least partially within the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers gas from the supply of dry gas to the fluid transfer assembly throughout at least a segment of the tube within the fluid transfer assembly.

Abstract: A modular gas control device for use with a compressed gas cylinder (111) comprises a primary module (152) and a secondary module (252) mounted on the primary module. The primary module comprises a first supporting body (154) having a first main gas flow path (155) through the body. The supporting body has input connecting means (156) for mounting the body on the cylinder (111) and connecting the gas flow path (155) to communicate with the gas cylinder through a first flow path (157). Pressure reducing means (166) provides gas in the flow path at a lower pressure than in the container. Output connecting means (170) downstream of the pressure reducing means provides a low pressure outlet from the main gas flow path. A high pressure shut-off valve (164) is positioned upstream of the pressure reducing means, and filling means (161, 160) allows filling of the cylinder with compressed gas through the input connecting means (156) along a second flow path (159) separate from the input flow path (157).

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: A method for refrigerating a high temperature superconducting device to maintain superconducting operating conditions wherein a first heat transfer means such as a first heat transfer fluid is cooled to a temperature greater than the temperature of saturated liquid nitrogen and is used for ambient heat intercept while a second heat transfer means such as a second heat transfer fluid is cooled to a temperature within the high temperature superconductivity temperature operating range to maintain superconducting operating conditions.

Abstract: In the present method and apparatus, cryogenic liquid and vapor are pumped from a storage tank and the proportion of liquid and vapor is controlled so as to influence flow rate through the apparatus. In an induction stroke, the piston of a reciprocating pump is retracted and cryogenic fluid is drawn from the storage tank into a piston chamber associated with the piston. Flow rate is controlled through the apparatus by controlling the proportion of liquid and vapor supplied to the pump during the induction stroke by supplying substantially only vapor to the pump during a portion of the induction stroke. In a compression stroke, the pump compresses and condenses vapor into liquid and then compresses any liquid within the piston chamber; compressed cryogenic fluid is ultimately discharged from the pump.

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automatic regulation of flow of fluid from a source where it is stored as liquified gas. The apparatus includes a flow control valve connected in a conduit connecting the source in flow communication to a vaporizer. The apparatus also includes a valve controller operable to regulate the flow of fluid in liquid phase at least partially through the valve. The controller derives the energy to operate the valve and the controller from the fluid when the fluid is in its gas phase. The vaporizer can be used to warm the fluid passing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved tube for the effective transfer of cryogenic fluids and the like. The transfer tube (22) comprises at least two tubes, an inner tube (30) coaxially housed within an outer tube (44) with a defined gap therebetween. The inner tube is sufficiently permeable to gaseous cryogenic fluid that it allows release of limited amounts of gaseous fluid into the defined gap. The outer tube is essentially impermeable so as to contain the gaseous fluid within the gap. Preferably both tubes are constructed from flexible and cold temperature resistant polymer materials, such as fluoropolymer materials and especially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). The transfer tube of the present invention is highly effective at cryogenic fluid transfer while being lighter, more flexible, and more efficient than currently available transfer tubes.

Abstract: A fluid transport system including a fluid transfer assembly, a supply of dry gas and a tube. The fluid transfer assembly includes a pipe for transporting a cold fluid and a vapor barrier surrounding the pipe. The tube is connected to the the supply of dry gas and the fluid transfer assembly, and located at least partially within the fluid transfer assembly. The tube transfers gas from the supply of dry gas to the fluid transfer assembly throughout at least a segment of the tube within the fluid transfer assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a pressurized system is described. A purge fitting can be used to vent the pressurized system. Venting can release a gas, such as air, from the system. The pressurized system can be a climate control system (e.g., an air conditioning or refrigeration system), a brake system, a hydraulic system, or a service device for servicing a climate control system. The purge fitting allows air that may be trapped in the pressurized system to be vented by depressing a purge actuator, such as a purge button attached to the fitting. The air can be vented from an opening adjacent to the actuator or other orifice. By purging air directly from the system, the amount of air introduced into the system during servicing can be minimized. The invention also features a coupling member that can be compact in size.

Abstract: A heat switch includes two symmetric jaws. Each jaw is comprised of a link connected at a translatable joint to a flexible arm. Each arm rotates about a fixed pivot, and has an articulated end including a thermal contact pad connected to a heat sink. The links are joined together at a translatable main joint. To close the heat switch, a closing solenoid is actuated and forces the main joint to an over-center position. This movement rotates the arms about their pivots, respectively, forces each of them into a stressed configuration, and forces the thermal contact pads towards each other and into compressive contact with a cold finger. The closing solenoid is then deactivated. The heat switch remains closed due to a restoring force generated by the stressed configuration of each arm, until actuation of an opening solenoid returns the main joint to its starting open-switch position.

Abstract: A heat switch includes two symmetric jaws. Each jaw is comprised of a link connected at a translatable joint to a flexible arm. Each arm rotates about a fixed pivot, and has an articulated end including a thermal contact pad connected to a heat sink. The links are joined together at a translatable main joint.

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for transferring a cryogenic fluid. A polymeric, coaxial (i.e. “tube-in-tube” geometry) transfer line is utilized where a first portion of the cryogenic fluid flows through the inner tube while a second portion flows through an annulus between the inner tube and outer tube which annulus is at a lower pressure than the inside tube. In one embodiment, the inner tube is substantially non-porous and the transfer line is preceded by a flow control means to distribute at least part of the first and second portions of the cryogenic fluid to the inner tube and annulus respectively. In a second embodiment, the inner tube is porous with respect to both gas permeation and liquid permeation such that both a gaseous part and a liquid part of the first portion permeates into the annulus to form at least a part of the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring fluid from a vessel includes a pump, a first conduit, and a control means in fluid communication with the pump and having open and closed positions. The first end of the conduit is in fluid communication with the vessel and a second end of the conduit is in fluid communication with an inlet of the pump. The control means alternates between the open and the closed positions, whereby a stream of fluid flows into the pump inlet from the conduit when the control means first alternates to the open position, the control means alternates to the closed position and the fluid vaporizes in the pump thereby forming a vaporized portion of the fluid, and a stream of the vaporized portion of the fluid flows out of a pump outlet when the control means alternates again to the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring fluid from a vessel includes a pump, a first conduit, and a control means in fluid communication with the pump and having open and closed positions. The first end of the conduit is in fluid communication with the vessel and a second end of the conduit is in fluid communication with an inlet of the pump. The control means alternates between the open and the closed positions, whereby a stream of fluid flows into the pump inlet from the conduit when the control means first alternates to the open position, the control means alternates to the closed position and the fluid vaporizes in the pump thereby forming a vaporized portion of the fluid, and a stream of the vaporized portion of the fluid flows out of a pump outlet when the control means alternates again to the open position.

Abstract: A method of reducing the duration of the thermal stabilization phase of a liquefied gas converter (13) is characterized in that the method comprises providing in a feed line (11) between a source (12) of liquefied gas and the liquefied gas converter (13), an uninsulated flow region (16) through which at least a portion of the liquefied gas passes during filling.

Abstract: This invention concerns a unitary system for export of liquid natural gas (LNG) from a floating production vessel (FPSO vessel) (1), with the new and inventive consists of the combination of the following points: an LNG buffer tank in the FPSO vessel, with buffer storage capacity for temporary storage of the continuous produced LNG during an LNG tank vessel's absence, a mooring device arranged for short separation moorage between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, a cryogenic transfer device arranged between the FPSO vessel's stem and an LNG tank vessel's bow, comprising a flexible LNG pipe and arranged for consecutive transfer of produced LNG; at least one or several LNG storage tanks in an LNG tank vessel, arranged for continuous filling via the cryogenic transfer device until the desired degree of filling of the LNG tank vessel is achieved.

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: A cooling fluid coupling is disclosed for providing cooling fluid to a rotor having a super-conducting winding of a synchronous machine and a source of cryogenic cooling fluid. The fluid coupling comprises an inlet cooling tube and an outlet cooling tube in the rotor and coaxial with an axis of the rotor. The inlet cooling tube has an input port coupled to receive inlet cooling fluid from the source of cryogenic cooling fluid. The outlet cooling tube has an output port coupled to return cooling fluid from the rotor to source. A stationary motion gap seal separates the input port and output port of the coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling MRI system components including components that reside inside an RF shield such as an RF coil, a receiver coil, a patient support table and a patient enclosure wall wherein the cooling system employs a liquid coolant essentially devoid of protons and to that end, essentially devoid of hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: An open flow cryostat for cooling a sample in use comprises a supply (1) for supplying a coolant, an outlet (2) for directing a flow of the coolant towards the sample, a supply line (3) for transporting coolant from the supply to the outlet and an isolation line (5) arranged to transport at least some of the coolant away from the outlet. The isolation line (5) is positioned in contact with at least a portion of the supply line (3) to thermally isolate the supply line (3) from the surroundings.