Patent · US Expired

Cryogenic fluid heat exchanger method and apparatus

US6014864A · kind A · utility

49Cited by
12References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 16, 1998
Grant dateJan 18, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25D3/12
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method, and apparatus for implementing the method, utilize cryogenic fluids to cool a fluid. The method includes receiving and allowing expansion of a first compressed cryogenic fluid within a chamber; flowing a second fluid past said chamber; and allowing the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The method may further include maintaining the second fluid at a predetermined temperature by controlling the transfer of heat between the chamber and the second fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving therein and allowing expansion of a compressed cryogenic fluid. The chamber includes at least one wall formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and high resistivity to low temperature. The chamber may include an insert for receiving cryogenic fluid therein and dispersing the cryogenic fluid through a plurality of holes into the chamber. The apparatus may also include a fluid path component for circulating therethrough the second fluid.

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