Vent tube means for a cryogenic container
US4018582A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 1976 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0874
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vent tube having a first branch and a second branch for use in a cryogenic container through which the interior of the container is communicated to the atmosphere. The cryogenic container is adapted to receive a fixed volume of cryogenic fluid at a uniform temperature and density. In a filling operation, the first branch of the vent tube contacts the cryogenic fluid and carries a portion of the fluid to the atmosphere to inform an operator that the capacity of the container has been reached. After the container is filled, the temperature in the stored cryogenic fluid rises. As the temperature changes, distinct stratified layers of fluid of different densities and temperatures can be measured in the container. The change in temperature causes the cryogenic fluid to expand and submerge the adjacent first branch of the vent tube. Thereafter, the second branch, which is located at the gravitational top of the container, provides a flow path to the atmosphere for the top layer of cryogenic fluid to assure that the higher density cryogenic fluid is retained in the container means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.