Apparatus, system, and methods for high-power polarization of noble gas nuclei
US12023644B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J2219/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and methods for polarizing nuclei of a noble gas are disclosed. The disclosed system may include a polarization apparatus configured to polarize a noble gas mixture including xenon-129. The disclosed system also may include separate volumes for (1) saturating the polarizable noble gas mixture with alkali metal vapor, (2) desaturating said noble gas mixture from its alkali metal vapor after polarization is completed, (3) intermediate storage of the resultant polarized noble gas mixture, and (4) transfer of said polarized noble gas mixture to a storage vessel (e.g., a delivery bag). The disclosed system further may include separate reservoirs for (1) the noble gas(es) to be polarized, (2) lightweight gas(es) to displace the noble gas(es), and (3) a heavy inert gas (e.g., such as natural xenon) to push the polarized noble gas(es) into a storage vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.