Apparatus and method for holding a cryogenic fluid and removing cryogenic fluid therefrom with reduced heat leak
US7356996B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S417/901
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The apparatus comprises a double walled vacuum insulated vessel defining a cryogen space for holding a cryogenic fluid, a pump assembly comprising a pump with a suction inlet disposed within the cryogen space, and at least one elongated member extending from the pump to a drive unit disposed outside the cryogen space. The elongated member comprises an elongated non-metallic section that has a thermal conductivity that is less than that of a structurally equivalent elongated stainless steel member of the same length. In preferred embodiments, the elongated member can be one or both of a drive shaft or a rigid structural member for supporting the pump and holding it in a fixed relationship to the drive unit. The method employs the apparatus to increase hold times for holding cryogenic fluids by reducing heat leak into the cryogen space.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.