Abstract:
A canister includes a substantially cylindrical body having (i) a sidewall shell; (ii) a transition region; (iii) a dome portion extending from a convex annular portion to define at least a partially closed dome at one end of the body cylinder; (iv) and an opposing, open end of the cylindrical body; and a curved bottom member recessed within and sealed at a periphery thereof to the sidewall shell at the open end of the cylindrical body. An annular, exterior surface portion of the bottom member bears on an annular, exterior surface portion of the transition region thereby forming a space between and within the annular exterior surface portion of the bottom member and an exterior surface of the dome portion when the canister is stacked on a substantially identical canister.
Abstract:
A container is provided for storing pressurized liquefied natural gas at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about -123.degree. C. (-190.degree. F.) to about -62.degree. C. (-80.degree. F.). The container is constructed from an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a DBTT lower than about -73.degree. C. (-100.degree. F.).
Abstract:
A valve assembly is provided that prevents overfilling of vessels, such as tanks used to hold liquified gas, beyond a predetermined maximum level. Preferably, the valve assembly is for use with an LP tank attached at the bottom of a service valve thereof. The valve assembly has a valve member controlled for shifting by a float assembly that rises and falls with the fluid level in the tank. The float assembly keeps the valve member removed from the flow of fluid through the valve housing during tank filling operations in a chamber of a diverter member until the maximum fill level is approached when the float assembly allows the valve member to begin to shift into a blocking position projecting from the diverter member restricting flow into the tank and eventually cutting it off when the maximum fill level is attained. Flow paths defined by recessed channels formed on the exterior of the diverter member direct incoming fluid flow around the valve member in the diverter member chamber during tank filling operations. A port of the housing is below the flow paths which direct fluid through the port during tank filling operations until the valve member shifts to its blocking position. The valve assembly also allows for outgoing flow therethrough for unloading of the tank when opened to ambient by shifting of the valve member off from its seat in the blocking position due to the pressure differential in the tank interior versus the lower ambient pressures exterior of the tank. As the tank is unloaded, the float assembly lowers pivoting cam member thereof to lift valve stem causing the valve member to shift from between the flow paths and port allowing fluid to flow out from the tank.
Abstract:
A compact rapid chilling system comprises: a liquefied-gas cylinder (1) filled with a liquefied gas; a cylinder holder (2) for holding the liquefied-gas cylinder (1); and, a control box (3) mounted on the cylinder holder (2). The control box (3) is provided with a nozzle (23) for issuing a jet of the liquefied gas through an electromagnetic valve, which liquefied gas is supplied from the liquefied-gas cylinder (1). The control box (3) is further provided with a control switch (25) for controlling the jet of the liquefied gas.
Abstract:
A liquid cryogen withdrawal device includes a plug (14) for insertion into the neck of a cryogen-containing dewar (10) in gas-tight relationship. A withdrawal tube (17) passes through the plug to conduct liquid from the bottom of the dewar through a sintered bronze filter to a container to be filled with cryogen, and a pressure tube (19) fitted with a pump (20). Cryogen is stored in the dewar with a loose fitting cap thereon, with no withdrawal device in the dewar. When liquid is desired to be retrieved from the dewar, the withdrawal device is inserted into the dewar; and the pump is operated to create enough pressure to force a suitable amount of liquid from the dewar. The plug may have a gas pressure relief valve disposed thereon.
Abstract:
An internally pressurized fluid vessel, in particular for liquids and/or gases exerting pressure outwards from the container has a sandwich structure capable of withstanding the internal pressure. The vessel has an interior container, an outer jacket in which the container is positioned and a material filling the space between the container and the outer jacket.
Abstract:
A delivery and storage system for cryogenic fluids features a vehicle mounted dispensing system including a bulk storage tank that feeds cryogenic liquid to a sump containing a pump to pre-cool the pump. The pump feeds cryogenic liquid to another sump containing a meter so as to cool the meter. A valve selectively routes the cryogenic liquid from the meter sump to the bulk storage tank as the meter cools down. When the meter reaches operating temperature, cryogenic liquid is directed through the meter to a dispensing hose. The cryogenic liquid is dispensed into a liquid cylinder. The liquid cylinder features an automatic shut-off device to reduce the flow of the cryogenic liquid into the cylinder when the cylinder is full. The inner shell is held to the outer shell at the top by a combination stainless steel hose and composite cylinder neck. The bottom of the inner shell features a pair of pins which are supported by a strap across the bottom portion of the outer shell interior.
Abstract:
The cap which is threaded onto the dewar of a cryosurgical instrument has a vent hole therethrough which is normally closed off by a gasket when the cap is secured to the dewar, but which can allow the venting of gaseous cryogen therethrough when the cap is loosened. The threads of the cap have a scalloped region in which the threads have been machined away so as to provide a passage for gaseous cryogen, whereby, when the cap is loosened on the dewar, pressure therein is released by gas escaping either through the hole or through the scalloped region of the threads.
Abstract:
A device for pressurizing a tank containing a supply of cryogenic liquid features a tubular enclosure disposed within the cryogenic liquid. The tubular enclosure features an opening in its bottom and is in communication with a pressure builder coil external to the tank. The vapor side of the pressure builder coil is in communication with the head space of the tank. An electric heater element is disposed in the bottom of the tubular enclosure. An insulating tube may optionally be disposed about the tubular enclosure. In addition, a ball may optionally be positioned adjacent the opening in the tubular enclosure so that a check valve is formed. The device fits through the tops of existing cryogenic tanks.
Abstract:
Leakage of propellants such as oxygen and hydrogen in an enclosed environment in the atmosphere can lead to fires or explosions. For storage tanks on reusable launch vehicles such as the space shuttle where propellant is to be stored in the cargo bay of the vehicle, the storage tank should be filled while the vehicle is at a safe altitude to avoid the dangers associated with propellant leakage. The invention a process for filling propellant tanks at safe altitudes where if there is propellant leakage ignition will not occur. The process involves launching the vehicle with an inert gas in the storage tanks, dumping the inert gas and filling the tanks in the cargo bay from the main propellant tanks during the launch once the vehicle is at a safe altitude. The propellant can be dumped overboard and the storage tanks filled with an inert gas in case of a mission abort if the vehicle needs to make an emergency landing.