Method and device for low-temperature cooling/liquefaction
US10690406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2270/912
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for low-temperature cooling/liquefaction of a working fluid, in particular a working fluid including helium or consisting of pure helium by means of a refrigerator/liquefier that includes a working circuit provided with a compressor station and a cold box. The refrigerator/liquefier subjects the working gas within the working circuit to a cycle that includes, in series: compressing the working fluid within the compressor station, cooling and decompressing the working fluid in the cold box, and heating the working fluid with a view to the return thereof to the compressor station. The compressor station includes one or more compression levels, each one using one or more compressors mounted on landings. The method is characterized in that the refrigerator includes a device for injecting a seal gas that is separate from the working fluid on at least one landing of the compressor(s) so as to form a gas seal that guides the working fluid leaks, coming from the working circuit, to an area for recirculating and returning the fluid into the working circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.