High pressure pump system for supplying a cryogenic fluid from a storage tank
US6659730B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S417/901
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for supplying both cryogenic liquid and vapor from a storage tank to a pump to reduce the need for venting. The pump is operable to pump cryogenic liquid or a mixture of liquid and vapor. Different operating modes are selectable to control mass flow rate through the pump. With one operating mode a high flow rate is achieved by supplying only cryogenic liquid to the pump. By selecting another operating mode, a lower mass flow rate is achieved by simultaneously supplying liquid and vapor from the storage tank to the pump. The pump preferably has an inducer with at least two chambers and valves for recycling excess fluid within the inducer instead of returning it to the storage tank. The reciprocating pump is preferably double acting such that fluid is discharged from the pump during both extension and retraction strokes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.