Patent · US Expired

Float-type shut off device for a cryogenic storage tank

US5787942A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
10References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 14, 1996
Grant dateAug 4, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 14, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/7417
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A snap-action flow interrupt device for terminating flow into a cryogenic storage container utilizes the momentum of the incoming liquid spray as a means of maintaining a float in a submerged position until the proper liquid level is attained. The incoming spray of liquid exerts a downward impact force on a surface of the float. The rising liquid level exerts an upward and increasing buoyant force on the float. When the rising liquid in the tank disrupts the spray, the buoyant force snaps the float upwards to interrupt the flow of liquid. The abrupt motion of the float generates a pressure spike and flow reduction, either of which may be easily detected by automatic fill termination devices or by a human operator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.