CA2014177C - Cryogenic apparatus - Google Patents
Cryogenic apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2014177C CA2014177C CA 2014177 CA2014177A CA2014177C CA 2014177 C CA2014177 C CA 2014177C CA 2014177 CA2014177 CA 2014177 CA 2014177 A CA2014177 A CA 2014177A CA 2014177 C CA2014177 C CA 2014177C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- vessel
- medium
- enclosed
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000007791 liquid phase Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 7
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 4
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 239000004078 cryogenic material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000112 cooling gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
- F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
Abstract
A cryogenic apparatus is described which is designed to be of a compact size and to provide multiple functions, including chilling of gas or liquid, condensation of condensable vapours, and separation of liquid and gas phases of liquified cryogenic gas.
Description
CRYOGENIC APPARATUS
The present invention relates to a versatile multi-functional apparatus, particularly useful with cryogenic materials.
Cryogenic liquids and gases are well known and are used in a variety of industrial applications. A variety of structures has previously been described for storage of such cryogenic materials, separation of cryogenic gases and liquids and for cooling gases and liquids using cryogenic materials.
A search conducted in the facilities of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the present invention has revealed the following U.S. Patents as the closest prior art:
4,510,760 3,422,632 4,607,489 3,455,117 2,772,545 3,729,946 3,144,200 3,913,340 3,296,809 4,203,299 3,360,947 4,279,626 This prior art is illustrative of prior art structures.
For reasons which will become apparent below, none of this prior art discloses or suggests the apparatus of the present invention.
In accordance with the present invention, within a single compact apparatus, multiple functions are obtained. The apparatus of the invention functions as a chiller to cool gases or liquids to low temperatures, as a condenser to condense distillate media or other condensible vapor to liquid form, and as a phase separator whereby two phase gas-liquid mixture may be separated for use of either the gas or liquid phase, or both.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for handling liquids and gases, which comprises insulated vessel means having an upper closure and a lower wall and having a cooling zone into which a coolant medium may be introduced. First inlet means communicates through the upper closure with pipe means extending within the vessel means through the cooling zone to a first outlet means in the lower wall. This arrangement permits a liquid or gas to be passed from the first inlet means to the first outlet means in heat exchange relationship with the cooling zone and to be discharged from the first pipe means through the lower wall.
Second inlet means communicates through the upper closure with pipe means extending within the vessel means to second outlet means within the vessel means whereby a coolant medium may be introduced to the vessel means.
Third outlet means communicates through the lower wall with the cooling zone for discharge of liquid coolant medium from the vessel means by a direct downward flow to a point of use of the liquid coolant medium. Fourth outlet means communicates through the upper closure within the cooling zone for discharge of gaseous coolant medium from the vessel means.
Level control means is provided for controlling the level of liquid coolant medium in the cooling zone in the vessel means.
In this disclosure, particular emphasis is placed on the use of and the processing of cryogenic liquids, since it is these materials with which the apparatus of the invention is most useful. However, it will be apparent from the discussion of the construction and operation of the device, the invention is useful with other coolant materials. For example, when used as a condenser, a cold gas atmosphere may be sufficient to effect the desired degree of cooling.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:
A
Figure 1 is a part sectional view of a cryogenic apparatus provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Referring to the drawing, a cryogenic apparatus 10 comprises a vacuum-insulated vessel 12 of conventional construction and having an upper closure 14. Any other convenient form of insulation may be employed. A first upper inlet 16 to the vessel 12 is connected to a feed line 18 for a liquid or gas to be chilled or a vapour to be condensed.
A heat exchanger coil 22 within the vessel 12 connects the inlet 16 to a first outlet 24 in the lower wall 26 of the vessel 12. The heat exchanger coil 22 is partly immersed in a body 28 of cryogenic liquid in the vessel 12. The first outlet 24 is connected to a feed pipe 30 for conveying chilled liquid or gas or condensed vapour to a use point through a flow control valve 32.
A second upper inlet 34 to the vessel 12 is connected through a solenoid valve 36 to a feed pipe 38 for a cryogenic coolant. A pipe 40 inside the vessel 12 is connected to the inlet 34 for discharge of the cryogenic coolant into the vessel, through a second outlet 42, which may take the form of an anti-splash porous filter 42.
A third lower outlet 44 communicates with the body 28 of cryogenic liquid through the bottom wall 26 of the vessel for discharge of liquid cryogenic material from the vessel through solenoid valve 46 to a feed pipe 48 and thence to the end use point.
A fourth upper outlet 50 communicates through the upper closure 14 to the vessel 12 with the gas atmosphere 52 above the body 28 of liquid cryogenic material, to enable gas to be discharged through a control valve 54 and a check valve 56 to a feed pipe 58 to end use or venting. A safety pressure relief valve 60 is provided to guard against overpressure in the A
The present invention relates to a versatile multi-functional apparatus, particularly useful with cryogenic materials.
Cryogenic liquids and gases are well known and are used in a variety of industrial applications. A variety of structures has previously been described for storage of such cryogenic materials, separation of cryogenic gases and liquids and for cooling gases and liquids using cryogenic materials.
A search conducted in the facilities of the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the present invention has revealed the following U.S. Patents as the closest prior art:
4,510,760 3,422,632 4,607,489 3,455,117 2,772,545 3,729,946 3,144,200 3,913,340 3,296,809 4,203,299 3,360,947 4,279,626 This prior art is illustrative of prior art structures.
For reasons which will become apparent below, none of this prior art discloses or suggests the apparatus of the present invention.
In accordance with the present invention, within a single compact apparatus, multiple functions are obtained. The apparatus of the invention functions as a chiller to cool gases or liquids to low temperatures, as a condenser to condense distillate media or other condensible vapor to liquid form, and as a phase separator whereby two phase gas-liquid mixture may be separated for use of either the gas or liquid phase, or both.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for handling liquids and gases, which comprises insulated vessel means having an upper closure and a lower wall and having a cooling zone into which a coolant medium may be introduced. First inlet means communicates through the upper closure with pipe means extending within the vessel means through the cooling zone to a first outlet means in the lower wall. This arrangement permits a liquid or gas to be passed from the first inlet means to the first outlet means in heat exchange relationship with the cooling zone and to be discharged from the first pipe means through the lower wall.
Second inlet means communicates through the upper closure with pipe means extending within the vessel means to second outlet means within the vessel means whereby a coolant medium may be introduced to the vessel means.
Third outlet means communicates through the lower wall with the cooling zone for discharge of liquid coolant medium from the vessel means by a direct downward flow to a point of use of the liquid coolant medium. Fourth outlet means communicates through the upper closure within the cooling zone for discharge of gaseous coolant medium from the vessel means.
Level control means is provided for controlling the level of liquid coolant medium in the cooling zone in the vessel means.
In this disclosure, particular emphasis is placed on the use of and the processing of cryogenic liquids, since it is these materials with which the apparatus of the invention is most useful. However, it will be apparent from the discussion of the construction and operation of the device, the invention is useful with other coolant materials. For example, when used as a condenser, a cold gas atmosphere may be sufficient to effect the desired degree of cooling.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:
A
Figure 1 is a part sectional view of a cryogenic apparatus provided in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Referring to the drawing, a cryogenic apparatus 10 comprises a vacuum-insulated vessel 12 of conventional construction and having an upper closure 14. Any other convenient form of insulation may be employed. A first upper inlet 16 to the vessel 12 is connected to a feed line 18 for a liquid or gas to be chilled or a vapour to be condensed.
A heat exchanger coil 22 within the vessel 12 connects the inlet 16 to a first outlet 24 in the lower wall 26 of the vessel 12. The heat exchanger coil 22 is partly immersed in a body 28 of cryogenic liquid in the vessel 12. The first outlet 24 is connected to a feed pipe 30 for conveying chilled liquid or gas or condensed vapour to a use point through a flow control valve 32.
A second upper inlet 34 to the vessel 12 is connected through a solenoid valve 36 to a feed pipe 38 for a cryogenic coolant. A pipe 40 inside the vessel 12 is connected to the inlet 34 for discharge of the cryogenic coolant into the vessel, through a second outlet 42, which may take the form of an anti-splash porous filter 42.
A third lower outlet 44 communicates with the body 28 of cryogenic liquid through the bottom wall 26 of the vessel for discharge of liquid cryogenic material from the vessel through solenoid valve 46 to a feed pipe 48 and thence to the end use point.
A fourth upper outlet 50 communicates through the upper closure 14 to the vessel 12 with the gas atmosphere 52 above the body 28 of liquid cryogenic material, to enable gas to be discharged through a control valve 54 and a check valve 56 to a feed pipe 58 to end use or venting. A safety pressure relief valve 60 is provided to guard against overpressure in the A
vessel 12. The outlet 50 also is connected through flow control valve 62 to back pressure adjustment valve 64 to provide control of internal pressure, as required.
An elongate level control device 68, which may include a thermistor at the lower end thereof extends through the top closure 14 to the vessel 12 to communicate with the upper level of the body 28 of liquid. The thermistor is connected to the solenoid valve 36 to control flow in response to electrical signals from the thermistor. As soon as the thermistor is covered by the liquid, the in flow ceases as the solenoid valve 36 is closed. Similarly, when the liquid drops below the thermistor, the solenoid valve 36 opens and coolant flow recommences. The level control device 68 preferably takes the form of a single thermistor sensor packaged into a narrow channel stainless steel tube, so as to minimize heat transfer into the vessel.
The vertical position of the level control device is adjustable to provide the required liquid level.
A temperature sensor 70 is provided in the vessel l0 to sense the temperature therein during operation of the device as a condenser, as described in more detail below.
In operation, the cryogenic apparatus 10 is capable of multiple functions, namely as a chiller, a condenser and a phase separator. When functioning as a chiller, a gas or liquid to be chilled is passed from the first inlet 16 to the first outlet 24 through the heat exchanger coil 22. The body 28 of cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, liquid argon or other liquified gas, cools the liquid or gas as it passes through the coil 22. In this mode of operation, there is generally a substantially uniform flow of liquid or gas through the device 10 which is desired to be a specific exit temperature.
A
An elongate level control device 68, which may include a thermistor at the lower end thereof extends through the top closure 14 to the vessel 12 to communicate with the upper level of the body 28 of liquid. The thermistor is connected to the solenoid valve 36 to control flow in response to electrical signals from the thermistor. As soon as the thermistor is covered by the liquid, the in flow ceases as the solenoid valve 36 is closed. Similarly, when the liquid drops below the thermistor, the solenoid valve 36 opens and coolant flow recommences. The level control device 68 preferably takes the form of a single thermistor sensor packaged into a narrow channel stainless steel tube, so as to minimize heat transfer into the vessel.
The vertical position of the level control device is adjustable to provide the required liquid level.
A temperature sensor 70 is provided in the vessel l0 to sense the temperature therein during operation of the device as a condenser, as described in more detail below.
In operation, the cryogenic apparatus 10 is capable of multiple functions, namely as a chiller, a condenser and a phase separator. When functioning as a chiller, a gas or liquid to be chilled is passed from the first inlet 16 to the first outlet 24 through the heat exchanger coil 22. The body 28 of cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, liquid argon or other liquified gas, cools the liquid or gas as it passes through the coil 22. In this mode of operation, there is generally a substantially uniform flow of liquid or gas through the device 10 which is desired to be a specific exit temperature.
A
The exit temperature of the liquid or gas passing through the control valve 32 depends upon the level of the body 28 of liquid nitrogen and the flow rate of the liquid or gas in the heat exchange coil 22. The liquid nitrogen level is determined by the level control device 68, which may be set at selected heights within the vessel, while the flow rate of the liquid or gas through the heat exchange coil 22 is controlled by the control valve 32. The level control device 68 controls the solenoid valve 36 to permit additional cryogenic liquid to be passed into the vessel 12 to maintain the desired liquid level, as described above.
The condenser function is similar to the chiller function and is employed to condense condensable vapours to liquid form. In this mode of operation, there is generally a non-uniform flow of condensable vapors to the device, so that a variable degree of cooling is required.
A temperature sensor 70 senses the temperature of the interior of the vessel. The temperature is preset to the optimal temperature for condensation of the vapors being heated by introduction of the appropriate quantity of cooling medium to the vessel 10 through pipe 40. During passage of the condensable vapor through the coil 22, the interior temperature of the vessel 10 is sensed by the sensor 70. If the flow rate of condensable gases becomes sufficiently high as to cause arise in temperature, the temperature sensor 70 generates an electrical signal which opens the solenoid valve 36 to permit further coolant to enter the vessel 10 to restore the internal temperature to the desired level. The level controller device 68 is set to its upper extent and serves to prevent overfilling of the vessel 12 by coolant. In this way, the cryogenic apparatus 10 may control precisely the temperatures required to condense a wide range of vapour distillates.
A
The condenser function is similar to the chiller function and is employed to condense condensable vapours to liquid form. In this mode of operation, there is generally a non-uniform flow of condensable vapors to the device, so that a variable degree of cooling is required.
A temperature sensor 70 senses the temperature of the interior of the vessel. The temperature is preset to the optimal temperature for condensation of the vapors being heated by introduction of the appropriate quantity of cooling medium to the vessel 10 through pipe 40. During passage of the condensable vapor through the coil 22, the interior temperature of the vessel 10 is sensed by the sensor 70. If the flow rate of condensable gases becomes sufficiently high as to cause arise in temperature, the temperature sensor 70 generates an electrical signal which opens the solenoid valve 36 to permit further coolant to enter the vessel 10 to restore the internal temperature to the desired level. The level controller device 68 is set to its upper extent and serves to prevent overfilling of the vessel 12 by coolant. In this way, the cryogenic apparatus 10 may control precisely the temperatures required to condense a wide range of vapour distillates.
A
The phase separation function serves to separate gaseous phase from liquified cryogenic gases for use of liquid phase, gaseous phase or both, at various pressures, as required. A two phase cryogenic mixture is fed by line 38, through solenoid valve 36, to the interior of the vessel 12, and forms liquid phase 28 and gaseous atmosphere 52. These materials are discharged respectively through outlets 44 and 50 to their end use points.
One example of the use of the phase separation function is in the blow molding of plastic containers where nitrogen is required in the liquid phase for efficient cooling. Normally, liquified nitrogen is difficult to convey upwardly, particularly where short-duration cyclical injections are the mode of utilization.
During non-flow segments of such cycles, the liquified gas inside thermally-insulated transfer tubing or hoses partially gasifies, with the gas phase sitting on top of the liquid. When the demand for use initiates, it is only the gas that is available initially. The cryogenic apparatus of the present invention alleviates the problem since its compact form enables it to be elevated above the use point, thereby enabling delivery by a direct downward gravity flow of liquid to be effected and a path for any gas bubbles to escape upwardly by floating upwardly against the downward liquid flow.
The accumulated gas atmosphere 52 may be employed to supplement the initial vapour blowing of the parison, so that no gas is wasted in the blow-molding operation.
The cryogenic apparatus of this present invention, therefore, provides a versatility of operation not previously achieved and provides such versatility in a compact unit.
A
._ In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a novel cryogenic apparatus which combines the multiple functions of chilling, condensing and separation in a single unit. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.
A
One example of the use of the phase separation function is in the blow molding of plastic containers where nitrogen is required in the liquid phase for efficient cooling. Normally, liquified nitrogen is difficult to convey upwardly, particularly where short-duration cyclical injections are the mode of utilization.
During non-flow segments of such cycles, the liquified gas inside thermally-insulated transfer tubing or hoses partially gasifies, with the gas phase sitting on top of the liquid. When the demand for use initiates, it is only the gas that is available initially. The cryogenic apparatus of the present invention alleviates the problem since its compact form enables it to be elevated above the use point, thereby enabling delivery by a direct downward gravity flow of liquid to be effected and a path for any gas bubbles to escape upwardly by floating upwardly against the downward liquid flow.
The accumulated gas atmosphere 52 may be employed to supplement the initial vapour blowing of the parison, so that no gas is wasted in the blow-molding operation.
The cryogenic apparatus of this present invention, therefore, provides a versatility of operation not previously achieved and provides such versatility in a compact unit.
A
._ In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a novel cryogenic apparatus which combines the multiple functions of chilling, condensing and separation in a single unit. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.
A
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus for handling liquids and gases, which comprises:
insulated vessel means having an upper closure and a lower wall and housing a cooling zone into which a coolant medium may be introduced, first inlet means communicating through said upper closure with first pipe means extending within said vessel means through said cooling zone to a first outlet means in said lower wall, whereby a liquid or gas may be passed from said first inlet means to said first outlet means in heat exchange relationship with said cooling zone and may be discharged from said first pipe means through said lower wall, second inlet means communicating through said upper closure with second pipe means extending within said vessel means to second outlet means within said vessel, whereby a coolant medium may be introduced to said vessel means, first solenoid valve means provided in said second inlet means for connecting a source of coolant medium to said second pipe means, temperature sensing means located in operative relation to said first outlet means for sensing the temperature of said cooling zone, said temperature sensing means being operatively connected to said first solenoid valve means to open said first solenoid valve means when the temperature of said cooling zone detected by said temperature sensing means is above a predetermined temperature to permit coolant medium to enter said cooling zone and to close said first solenoid valve means when the temperature of said cooling zone detected by said temperature sensing means is below a predetermined temperature to prevent said coolant medium from entering said cooling zone;
third outlet means communicating through said lower wall with said cooling zone for discharge of liquid coolant medium from said vessel means by a direct downward flow to a point of use of said liquid coolant medium, fourth outlet means communicating through said upper closure with said cooling zone for discharge of gaseous coolant medium from said vessel means, and level control means for controlling a level of liquid coolant medium in said cooling zone in said vessel means.
insulated vessel means having an upper closure and a lower wall and housing a cooling zone into which a coolant medium may be introduced, first inlet means communicating through said upper closure with first pipe means extending within said vessel means through said cooling zone to a first outlet means in said lower wall, whereby a liquid or gas may be passed from said first inlet means to said first outlet means in heat exchange relationship with said cooling zone and may be discharged from said first pipe means through said lower wall, second inlet means communicating through said upper closure with second pipe means extending within said vessel means to second outlet means within said vessel, whereby a coolant medium may be introduced to said vessel means, first solenoid valve means provided in said second inlet means for connecting a source of coolant medium to said second pipe means, temperature sensing means located in operative relation to said first outlet means for sensing the temperature of said cooling zone, said temperature sensing means being operatively connected to said first solenoid valve means to open said first solenoid valve means when the temperature of said cooling zone detected by said temperature sensing means is above a predetermined temperature to permit coolant medium to enter said cooling zone and to close said first solenoid valve means when the temperature of said cooling zone detected by said temperature sensing means is below a predetermined temperature to prevent said coolant medium from entering said cooling zone;
third outlet means communicating through said lower wall with said cooling zone for discharge of liquid coolant medium from said vessel means by a direct downward flow to a point of use of said liquid coolant medium, fourth outlet means communicating through said upper closure with said cooling zone for discharge of gaseous coolant medium from said vessel means, and level control means for controlling a level of liquid coolant medium in said cooling zone in said vessel means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first outlet means has flow control valve means for discharging heat exchanged medium from said first pipe means at a temperature determined by the flow rate through said flow control valve means and the quantity of the liquid coolant medium.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pipe means is formed into a coil.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second outlet means has anti-splash porous filter means thereat to prevent splashing of cryogenic liquid introduced as said coolant medium.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said level control means comprises single thermistor means to generate an electrical signal upon contact with liquid coolant medium in said cooling zone and said single thermistor is operatively connected to said solenoid valve means to close said solenoid valve means when said electrical signal is generated by said single thermistor means, thereby to prevent the flow of coolant medium to said cooling zone until said thermistor no longer contacts said liquid coolant.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third outlet means has second solenoid valve means for discharging liquid coolant medium from a body of liquid coolant medium in said vessel.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth outlet means has flow control valve means and check valve means for discharging gaseous coolant medium from a gaseous phase in said vessel.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said fourth outlet means has back pressure control valve means therein for maintaining a desired pressure in said vessel and pressure safety relief valve means therein.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said level control means comprises an elongate tube having a single thermistor at the lower and thereof and extending through a top closure to said vessel to be located at an adjustable height within said vessel.
10. A method for controlling the flow of cryogenic liquid to an end use location, which comprises:
feeding liquefied cryogenic gas to an enclosed storage zone and forming a liquid phase and a gaseous phase therein, discharging said liquid phase by a direct downward flow under a required pressure through a lower outlet from said storage zone, continuously sensing the level of said liquid phase in said storage zone, and controlling said feed of liquefied cryogenic gas to said enclosed storage zone in response to said sensed level of said liquid phase to maintain a predetermined level of said liquid in said zone.
feeding liquefied cryogenic gas to an enclosed storage zone and forming a liquid phase and a gaseous phase therein, discharging said liquid phase by a direct downward flow under a required pressure through a lower outlet from said storage zone, continuously sensing the level of said liquid phase in said storage zone, and controlling said feed of liquefied cryogenic gas to said enclosed storage zone in response to said sensed level of said liquid phase to maintain a predetermined level of said liquid in said zone.
11 11. The method of claim 10 wherein said level of said liquid phase is continuously sensed by thermistor means generating an electrical signal upon contact with said liquid and said control of said feed of liquefied cryogenic gas is effected by solenoid valve means through which said liquefied cryogenic gas is fed and which is converted in operative relation to said thermistor means to close said solenoid valve means when said electric signal is generated by said thermistor means, thereby to prevent the flow of liquefied cryogenic gas to said storage zone until said thermistor means no longer contacts said liquid phase.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said discharge of liquid phase by a direct downward flow is effected intermittently.
13. A method for cooling a fluid medium, which comprises:
flowing said fluid along an enclosed flow path in heat exchange relation with a body of heat-exchange medium which is capable of removing heat from said fluid and which is located in an enclosed storage zone, said enclosed flow path extending within said enclosed storage zone from an upper inlet to an lower outlet, and controlling the temperature of fluid exiting said enclosed storage zone at a desired value as a function of flow rate of said fluid along said enclosed flow path and the volume of said body of heat-exchange medium.
flowing said fluid along an enclosed flow path in heat exchange relation with a body of heat-exchange medium which is capable of removing heat from said fluid and which is located in an enclosed storage zone, said enclosed flow path extending within said enclosed storage zone from an upper inlet to an lower outlet, and controlling the temperature of fluid exiting said enclosed storage zone at a desired value as a function of flow rate of said fluid along said enclosed flow path and the volume of said body of heat-exchange medium.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said volume of said heat-exchange medium in said storage zone is controlled by continuously sensing the level of liquid heat exchange medium in said enclosed storage zone and intermittently feeding heat exchange medium to said enclosed storage zone in response to a sensed level of heat exchange medium below a predetermined level.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said flow rate of said fluid along said flow path is controlled by a variable-flow valve means operatively positioned with reference to said flow path downstream of said enclosed storage zone.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said fluid is in the form of a liquid or gas flowing at a substantially uniform flow rate along said enclosed flow path.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein said heat exchange medium is a cryogenic liquid.
18. A method for condensing a condensable vapor, which comprises:
flowing said condensable vapor along an enclosed flow path in heat exchange relation with a body of heatexchange medium which is capable of removing heat from said condensable vapor sufficient to condense the same and which is located in an enclosed storage zone, said enclosed flow path extending within said enclosed storage zone from an upper inlet to a lower outlet, and controlling the temperature of liquid condensate exiting said enclosed storage zone at a desired value as a function of the temperature of the body of heatexchange medium.
flowing said condensable vapor along an enclosed flow path in heat exchange relation with a body of heatexchange medium which is capable of removing heat from said condensable vapor sufficient to condense the same and which is located in an enclosed storage zone, said enclosed flow path extending within said enclosed storage zone from an upper inlet to a lower outlet, and controlling the temperature of liquid condensate exiting said enclosed storage zone at a desired value as a function of the temperature of the body of heatexchange medium.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said temperature of said liquid condensate is controlled by continuously sensing the temperature of liquid condensate exiting said enclosed storage zone and intermittently feeding heat-exchange medium to said enclosed storage zone in response to a sensed temperature of liquid condensate above a predetermined level.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said condensable vapor flows at a non-uniform flow rate along said enclosed flow path.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein said heat exchange medium is a cryogenic liquid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2014177 CA2014177C (en) | 1990-04-09 | 1990-04-09 | Cryogenic apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2014177 CA2014177C (en) | 1990-04-09 | 1990-04-09 | Cryogenic apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2014177A1 CA2014177A1 (en) | 1991-10-09 |
| CA2014177C true CA2014177C (en) | 1999-09-14 |
Family
ID=4144715
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2014177 Expired - Fee Related CA2014177C (en) | 1990-04-09 | 1990-04-09 | Cryogenic apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2014177C (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-04-09 CA CA 2014177 patent/CA2014177C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2014177A1 (en) | 1991-10-09 |
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