Method for adjusting the pressure in a cryogenic tank and corresponding device

US6634178B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Messer Griesheim GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Friedel Michel · Erkrath, DE
• Heinz Koser · Rodgau, DE
• Rainer Schmitt · Meckenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 31, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2003
• Expiry date: May 31, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/32
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a prior-art method to regulate the pressure inside a cryogenic tank containing cold gas when a main stream for a consumer is withdrawn, heated gas in the form of a heating gas secondary stream, which is regulated as a function of the tank pressure, is fed through the cryogenic tank via a pipe. In order to start on this basis and to provide a simple and safe operating method to regulate the main stream and the secondary stream while also providing a cost-efficient device for this purpose, it is proposed by the method according to the invention that the secondary stream and the main stream be fed to a pressure-control means equipped with a first adjustable throttle for the secondary stream and with a second adjustable throttle for the main stream, whereby the throttles are coupled to each other in such a way that they can be opened and closed in opposite directions as a function of the pressure in the tank. The device suitable for this purpose comprises a pressure-control means with which a gas stream in the form of a heating gas secondary stream, which is regulated as a function of the pressure in the tank, is conveyed through the pipe, whereby the pressure-control means is equip…