Method and apparatus for controlling a cryogenic refrigeration system
US5060481A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6606
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cryogenic refrigeration system has a control system that controls the operation of the refrigeration system and provides status information to the operator of the refrigeration system. The cryogenic refrigeration system includes one or more heater and at least one Joule-Thomson valve. The heaters are used to control the recondensing capacity of the refrigeration system and to heat the at least one Joule-Thomson valve and other points to melt away contaminants that may freeze at such points. The control system controls operation of the heaters. The control system also automates an initialization routine that utilizes the heaters to prevent blockage of the valves, and cools the refrigeration system down to a desired temperature. In addition, the control system shuts down the refrigeration system if the status information it monitors exceed a safe range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.