Self-cleaning cryogenic refrigeration system
US5724832A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2205/30
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and device is disclosed for removing residual oil and other contaminants from the refrigerant stream flowing to low-temperature stages of a cryogenic refrigerator. A stream of vapor and liquid refrigerant is injected into a cyclone chamber 32! through the inlet tube 34!. While the liquid drains down a conical section 36! and out through a liquid line 38!, the vapor phase moves up into a packing of metal platelets 42! which is, in a particular embodiment, cooled by a returning stream of cold vapor passing through a tube 48! wrapped around the column. A portion of the vapor condenses on the platelets and is maintained in equilibrium with the vapor. Since high-molecular-weight contaminants are more soluble in the liquid phase, they are carried down the column with the drops of condensate and are swept out with the liquid fraction through the liquid line 38!. Consequently, the vapor sent out a vapor line 46! and into the low-temperature stages of the refrigeration system is cleansed of all oil residues and contaminants. A low-temperature refrigeration system with such a device can be operated continuously for many months with no signs of clogging. Moreover, the fractionating c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.