System for warming pressurized gas
US6658855B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/16
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A plurality of vessels contains pressurized gas. Each vessel fluidly communicates with an adjacent vessel through a line. A heat exchanger is positioned in a heat conducting relationship with each line. The system includes an exhaust valve communicating with lower pressure. In one embodiment, the vessels communicate in series and only one of the vessels communicates with the exhaust valve. Alternatively, the vessels are arranged in a loop configuration with two of the vessels communicating with the exhaust valve through respective lines each containing a shutoff valve. The two shutoff valves are opened and closed in concert to cause the flow in the system to alternate directions as it is being exhausted. In a third configuration, two vessels communicate through a singular line in accordance with the most basic embodiment, but the vessel communicating with the exhaust valve encloses the other vessel. Heat transfer fins are located in the enclosed vessel, and extend into the enclosing vessel. A heat exchanger is located in a heat conducting relationship with the communicating line to heat the gas flowing from the enclosed vessel, and the fins conduct part of this heat to the gas stil…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.