Cryogenic storage container
US5005362A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/32
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a cryogenic storage container having a pressure vessel surrounded by a vacuum vessel for maintaining a vacuum between the outer wall of the vacuum vessel and the pressure vessel. A pair of intermediate and sub-intermediate heat shields are disposed between the outer wall of the vacuum vessel and the pressure vessel for intercepting the heat that would otherwise be transferred from the vacuum vessel to the pressure vessel. The heat intercepted by the intermediate heat shield is absorbed by liquid nitrogen contained within a liquid nitrogen container. The heat intercepted by the sub-intermediate heat shield is preferably absorbed by liquid neon in a liquid neon storage tank. The liquid nitrogen and neon absorb heat by undergoing a phase change, from liquid to vapor. In order to prevent failure of the liquid nitrogen container, the nitrogen is vented to the atmosphere over a period of time. The vaporized neon, on the other hand, flows into an adsorbant canister containing activated charcoal to adsorb gaseous neon for regeneration back to liquid neon at a future time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.