Abstract: A hydrogen feed stream comprising one or more impurities selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water, is contacted with liquid hydrogen in a cryogenic wash column (CWC) process that produces pure hydrogen with high overall recovery. The waste liquid stream leaving the CWC may be used to improve the performance of upstream hydrogen processing steps.

Abstract: An arrangement comprising at least one liquefaction plant for liquefying a gaseous medium to produce a liquefied medium; and at least one storage tank for storing the liquefied medium. At least one first transfer line is connected between the liquefaction plant and the storage tank, for transferring liquefied medium from the liquefaction plant into the storage tank. At least one second transfer line is connected between the liquefaction plant and the storage tank, for transferring gaseous medium from the storage tank into the liquefaction plant. At least one shut-off valve is provided in each transfer line. The apparatus further includes a bypass line.

Abstract: A preform material including a starter tip to facilitate an initial fiber draw from the preform within a furnace, wherein the tip comprises a vacuum-sealed tip to receive a plastic grip which attached to an end of a preform.

Abstract: Refrigeration device comprising a working circuit in a loop for the working gas and comprising, in series: a compression station, a cold box, a system for the exchange of heat between the cooled working gas and a point of use, a system for the additional pre-cooling of the working gas leaving the compression station comprising an auxiliary cryogenic fluid volume, the cold box comprising a first cooling stage for the working gas comprising a first and a second heat exchanger, these being connected both in series and in parallel to the working circuit at the outlet of the compression station, the first cooling stage also comprising a third heat exchanger selectively exchanging heat with the auxiliary fluid, characterized in that the third heat exchanger is connected both in series and in parallel to the first and to the second heat exchangers, the working circuit comprising a recuperation pipe fitted with at least one valve and which connects the outlet of the third heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A device for refrigerating and/or liquefying a working gas comprising helium, the device comprising a looped working circuit for the working gas includes, in series, a compression station, a cold box, a heat exchange system exchanging heat between the cooled working gas and a user, the device further comprising an additional pre-cooling system comprising at least one tank of auxiliary cryogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen, the cold box comprising a first cooling stage of the working gas comprising a first exchanger disposed at the output of the compression station as well as a second heat exchanger and a third heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger being of the aluminum plate-fin type, the second heat exchanger being of the tube or welded plate type, characterized in that the second and third heat exchangers are connected both serially and in parallel on the working circuit downstream of the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A helium recovery plant adapted to filter, compress, and purify helium gas collected from one or more helium-using instruments, as well as to liquefy and redistribute the purified gas within a closed system. The recovery plant is adapted to match the purification and liquefaction rate of the system with the consumption rate of the coupled instruments. Additionally, the recovery plant is adapted to match the liquefaction rate of a liquefaction module with a boil-off rate of liquid helium within a Dewar thereof. The recovery plant is further adapted to recycle helium therein in an effort to achieve zero loss.

Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.

Abstract: Liquefaction systems and associated processes and methods are disclosed herein. Liquefaction systems in accordance with the present technology can include a liquefier positioned to liquefy gases from an emission stream. The liquefier can include a compressor configured to compress a first gas to produce a first liquid, and to compress a second gas to produce a second liquid. The first liquid can be directed to a first collection tank and the second liquid can be directed to a second collection tank. In some embodiments, a liquefaction system can direct a portion of a compressed liquid to a liquefier to pre-cool gases in the emission stream and/or to cool gases at various stages of compression.

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.

Abstract: Method and installation for refrigerating the same application by means of several refrigerators/liquefiers disposed in parallel, the refrigerators/liquefiers in parallel using a working gas of the same nature having a low molar mass, that is to say having a mean total molar mass of less than 10 g/mol such as pure gaseous helium, each refrigerator/liquefier comprising a station for compressing the working gas, a cold box intended to cool the working gas at the output from the compression station, the working gas cooled by each of the respective cold boxes of the refrigerators/liquefiers being put in thermal exchange with the application with a view to supplying cold to the latter, in which a single compression station compresses the working gas for each of the respective separate cold boxes of the refrigerators/liquefiers disposed in parallel, the single compression station comprising only compression machines of the lubricated-screw type and systems for removing oil from the working fluid output from the com

Abstract: A system and method for recovering helium-3 from helium. A distillation column having a top section that is smaller in diameter than a main section is provided. The column also includes an intermediate condenser that condenses vapor from the main section and above a helium feed stream. Reflux to the column can be provided by liquid helium-3 from a conduit or from an overhead condenser. In a preferred cycle, the distillation column is operated at a subatmospheric pressure, and in a temperature range between 2.3 K and 4.3 K.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering helium-3 from helium. A distillation column having a top section that is smaller in diameter than a main section is provided. The column also includes an intermediate condenser located in the main section and above a helium feed stream. Reflux to the column can be provided by liquid helium-3 from a conduit or from an overhead condenser. In a preferred cycle, the distillation column is operated at a subatmospheric pressure, and in a temperature range between 2.3 K and 4.3 K.

Abstract: A cryocooler for liquefying gas in which the neck of the dewar or cryostat includes a cold end of a cryocooler with the first stage cooling station, the first stage regenerator, the second stage cooling station, the second stage regenerator, and a condenser thermally coupled to the second cooling station. Radiation baffles are also present within the neck portion of the dewar between the storage portion for the dewar and the condenser, such that when the cryocooler is turned off, the radiation baffles reduce heat radiation on the cryogen in the storage section of the dewar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an installation for producing liquid helium, said installation comprising a cooling/liquefaction device comprising a working circuit that subjects a helium-enriched working fluid to a thermodynamic cycle in order to produce liquid helium, said circuit comprising at least one working fluid compression body and a plurality of heat exchangers. The installation also comprises a plurality of fluid recovery lines having respective upstream ends to be selectively connected to respective reservoirs, and a first collection line having an upstream end connected to the recovery lines and a downstream end connected to a receiving body that can supply the working circuit with a working fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering helium-3 from helium. A distillation column having a top section that is smaller in diameter than a main section is provided. The column also includes an intermediate condenser located in the main section and above a helium feed stream. Reflux to the column can be provided by liquid helium-3 from a conduit or from an overhead condenser. In a preferred cycle, the distillation column is operated at a subatmospheric pressure, and in a temperature range between 2.3 K and 4.3 K.

Abstract: A system and a method for liquefaction of gases which are utilized in their liquid state as refrigerants in applications that require low temperatures, throughout various pressure ranges, from slightly above atmospheric pressures to pressures near the critical point. The system and method are based on closed-cycle cryocoolers and utilize the thermodynamic properties of the gas to achieve optimal liquefaction rates.

Abstract: A helium recovery plant adapted to filter, compress, and purify helium gas collected from one or more helium-using instruments, as well as to liquefy and redistribute the purified gas within a closed system. The recovery plant is adapted to match the purification and liquefaction rate of the system with the consumption rate of the coupled instruments. Additionally, the recovery plant is adapted to match the liquefaction rate of a liquefaction module with a boil-off rate of liquid helium within a Dewar thereof. The recovery plant is further adapted to recycle helium therein in an effort to achieve zero loss.

Abstract: A system and a method for liquefaction of gases which are utilized in their liquid state as refrigerants in applications that require low temperatures, throughout various pressure ranges, from slightly above atmospheric pressures to pressures near the critical point. The system and method are based on closed-cycle cryocoolers and utilize the thermodynamic properties of the gas to achieve optimal liquefaction rates.

Abstract: A reliquifier using a cryocooler in which an insulated sleeve surrounds a portion of the cold head, a first stage cooling station, and a second stage cooling station, including a condenser. Gas is conveyed from a cryostat to the insulated sleeve, where it is liquefied as it passes over the cold head. An end of the insulated sleeve is connected to a liquid transfer tube for conveying condensed fluid back to the cryostat.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for cooling at least one super-conducting magnet. According to the invention, the cooling of the super-conducting magnet(s) takes place exclusively by means of one or more helium flows which are at at least two temperature levels.

Abstract: A helium management control system for controlling the helium refrigerant supply from a common manifold supplies a plurality of cryogenic refrigerators with an appropriate helium supply. The system employs a plurality of sensors to monitor and regulate the overall refrigerant supply to deliver an appropriate refrigerant supply to each of the cryogenic refrigerators depending on the computed aggregate cooling demand of all of the cryogenic refrigerators. An appropriate supply of helium is distributed to each cryopump by sensing excess and sparse helium refrigerant and redistributing refrigerant accordingly. If the total refrigeration supply exceeds the total refrigerant demand, or consumption, excess refrigerant is directed to cryogenic refrigerators which can utilize the excess helium to complete a current cooling function more quickly.

Abstract: Provided are a pileus-gills type helium condenser and an apparatus, including the same, for condensing helium. The pileus-gills type helium condenser includes: a body having a hemispheric shape and formed of a highly thermally conductive metal; a plurality of cooling fins collectively having a pileus gills-like shape and arranged along the circumference of the body to be spaced apart from one another; and a through-hole formed in the center of the body to be adjacent to the cooling fins.

Abstract: A cryogen boil-off gas re-liquefier adapted for retrofitting magnetic resonance instruments designed to exhaust vaporized helium. Means for recondensing helium and nitrogen boil off gasses to reduce operating cost of cryogenic systems.

Abstract: An extra-low vibration cryostat, which incorporates a cryocooler and cryostat to cool and house a vibration-sensitive device, with the cryocooler and cryostat sealed gas-tight to each other, but mechanically isolated, so that vibration from the cryocooler does not affect the device.

Abstract: A reliquifier using a cryocooler in which an insulated sleeve surrounds a portion of the cold head, a first stage cooling station, and a second stage cooling station, including a condenser. Gas is conveyed from a cryostat to the insulated sleeve, where it is liquefied as it passes over the cold head. An end of the insulated sleeve is connected to a liquid transfer tube for conveying condensed fluid back to the cryostat.

Abstract: A unique process cycle and apparatus design separates the consumer (cryogenic) load return flow from most of the recycle return flow of a refrigerator and/or liquefier process cycle. The refrigerator and/or liquefier process recycle return flow is recompressed by a multi-stage compressor set and the consumer load return flow is recompressed by an independent consumer load compressor set that maintains a desirable constant suction pressure using a consumer load bypass control valve and the consumer load return pressure control valve that controls the consumer load compressor's suction pressure. The discharge pressure of this consumer load compressor is thereby allowed to float at the intermediate pressure in between the first and second stage recycle compressor sets.

Abstract: A unique process cycle and apparatus design separates the consumer (cryogenic) load return flow from most of the recycle return flow of a refrigerator and/or liquefier process cycle. The refrigerator and/or liquefier process recycle return flow is recompressed by a multi-stage compressor set and the consumer load return flow is recompressed by an independent consumer load compressor set that maintains a desirable constant suction pressure using a consumer load bypass control valve and the consumer load return pressure control valve that controls the consumer load compressor's suction pressure. The discharge pressure of this consumer load compressor is thereby allowed to float at the intermediate pressure in between the first and second stage recycle compressor sets.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a three-stage process for recovering and purifying a helium gas, and a system for using the three-stage process. The steps comprise a) introducing a gas from a cold spray forming chamber to a particulate removing apparatus to form a particulate-free helium gas, and recycling a first portion of the particulate-free helium gas back to the chamber; b) passing a second portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a first compressor prior to passing a helium gas purification membrane to form a purified helium gas and an exhaust gas, and passing the purified helium gas to mix with the first portion of particulate-free helium gas to the chamber; and c) passing a third portion of the particulate-free helium gas to a liquid separator apparatus to remove water and a receiver to dampen any pulsations to form a liquid-free helium gas, and recycling the liquid-free helium gas to said cold spray forming chamber.

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: The invention concerns a method and an installation for purifying impure helium. Said method consists in subjecting the helium to at least two successive steps: (a) cryogenic refrigeration of impure helium so as to eliminate by condensation at least part of the main impurities it contains and recuperating helium with intermediate purity containing residual impurities; and (b) permeation of at least part of the helium with intermediate purity derived form step (a) so as to eliminate at least part of said residual impurities and recuperating helium with final purity higher than said intermediate purity. Said method and said installation are useful for purifying impure helium recuperated at the output of an optical fibre cooling chamber, prior to the reintroduction of the resulting purified helium into said chamber so as to recycle the helium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing polarized high-pressure vapor-phase helium-3, particularly for NMR imaging. The apparatus comprises a means for injecting helium-3 or a mixture of isotopes into an optical pumping cell (2), a means for liquefying the polarized gas from the optical pumping cell (2) and a tank (4) for storing the polarized liquid-phase helium-3, characterized in that the storage tank (4) is cooled to a temperature that may be set between a storage temperature Ta and an evaporation temperature Te, and communicates alternately with the optical pumping cell (2) and a high-pressure helium-3 gas discharge duct.

Abstract: In this process, the fluid is compressed (at 2) in the gaseous state to a pressure called the high pressure, the fluid is precooled on passing through a precooling first stage (3), cooled and liquefied, at least partially, on passing through a cooling second stage (4), at least some of the cooled and expanded fluid is collected in a tank (5) for storing the fluid in a two-phase state and some of the gas phase is sent back via a warming line (7) from the tank through the first and second stages. The precooled fluid is divided into at least two separate streams which are expanded in parallel in the second stage, mainly a first stream intended to supply, at least partly, a first source of refrigeration (at 8), and at least a second stream, one of these streams being partially liquefied separately (at 27) on passing through the second stage (4). The process is applicable to the cooling of superconducting components using helium.

Abstract: Helium recycling for optical fiber manufacturing in which consolidation process helium is recycled either directly for use in consolidation at high purity or recycled at lower purity adequate for usage in draw or other processes having a lower helium parity. Integrated processes for recycling helium from two or more helium using processes in the optical manufacturing process are also described. Substantial helium and cost savings are recognized.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of a cryogenic fluid in liquid, diphase, gaseous or supercritical state, having boiling point Pe, with at least one of its impurities having a boiling point Pe', with Pe'>Pe. The process includes at least one step selected from the group comprised by:a filtration step of at least one impurity in solid state,and an adsorption step of at least one impurity in liquid or gaseous state;and in which there is recovered at least one portion of the cryogenic fluid at least partially purified.

Abstract: Helium recycling for optical fiber manufacturing in which consolidation process helium is recycled either directly for use in consolidation at high purity or recycled at lower purity adequate for usage in draw or other processes having a lower helium parity. Integrated processes for recycling helium from two or more helium using processes in the optical manufacturing process are also described. Substantial helium and cost savings are recognized.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of a cryogenic fluid in liquid, diphase, gaseous or supercritical state, having a boiling point Pe, with at least one of its impurities having a boiling point Pe', with Pe'>Pe. The process includes at least one step selected from the group comprised by:a filtration step of at least one impurity in solid state,and an adsorption step of at least one impurity in liquid or gaseous state;and in which there is recovered at least one portion of the cryogenic fluid at least partially purified.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the purification of a cryogenic fluid in liquid, diphase, gaseous or supercritical state, having boiling point Pe, with at least one of its impurities having a boiling point Pe', with Pe'>Pe. The process includes at least one step selected from the group comprised by:a filtration step of at least one impurity in solid state,and an adsorption step of at least one impurity in liquid or gaseous state;and in which there is recovered at least one portion of the cryogenic fluid at least partially purified.

Abstract: Method of reliquefying gaseous helium produced when transferring liquid helium from a donor container (R1) to a receiver container (R2), characterized in that a stream of gaseous helium is bled off from a point in a compression unit (10) intended for charging with gaseous helium under pressure, this stream of gaseous helium is cooled by heat exchange with the gaseous helium intended for the compression unit (10) and the compressed gaseous helium thus cooled is expanded in order to obtain reliquefied helium.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a cold-accumulating refrigerator, and a cooling circuit. The cold-accumulating refrigerator includes a regenerator. The cooling circuit includes a main circuit, and a branched circuit. The main circuit includes a counterflow heat exchanger. The branched circuit is branched from an upstream portion of the main circuit, and joined to a downstream portion thereof, thereby reducing one of the flows of a refrigerant, flowing in a high-pressure-side passage and a low-pressure-side passage which are disposed in the counterflow heat exchanger, with respect to the other one of the flows. Moreover, the branched circuit includes a heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is thermally brought into contact with a portion of the regenerator whose temperature is varied from a high temperature to a low temperature by another refrigerant flowing therein.