Device for checking and treating needle valve blockage in liquid helium dewar

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for inspecting and treating needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar, relating to the technical field of needle valve blockage detection. The device comprises an adapter and a transparent tube. The adapter includes multiple KF ports, and the transparent tube is connected to one of the multiple KF ports of the adapter. The transparent tube contains one or more functional modules including an imaging module, a temperature measurement component, and a heating component. The functional modules correspond one-to-one with and are electrically connected to the adapter ports in the remaining KF ports that match the functional modules. The device has a simple structure and can quickly and accurately determine the cause of a needle valve blockage, allowing for timely unblocking and treatment based on the cause.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of needle valve blockage detection, and in particular to a needle valve blockage detection and processing device in a liquid helium dewar. Background Art

[0002] The sample chamber of a liquid helium dewar is typically used to hold superconducting materials (such as FeSeTe) for magnetoresistance, Hall effect, and magnetization measurements, or to hold multiferroic materials (such as Fe2Mo3O8 and CuO) for dielectric, magnetization, and magnetostriction measurements. The sample chamber temperature ranges from 1.6K to 300K, and is cooled by helium flow. Liquid helium flows from the chamber through a needle valve into the sample chamber. A pump then pumps the chamber to a negative pressure, where it evaporates and is pumped away, cooling the chamber. The needle valve controls the flow rate of liquid helium into the sample chamber, controlling the needle valve to control the cooling rate within the chamber. Because liquid helium is expensive and a non-renewable resource, the pump is connected to an external pipeline to recover the helium and liquefy it for recycling.

[0003] During use, the needle valve may become clogged for a variety of reasons: 1) Oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, etc. in the air that enters the sample chamber due to improper operation will turn into solid state at low temperatures and clog the needle valve; 2) Solid debris accidentally dropped into the liquid helium chamber when replenishing liquid helium may also clog the needle valve; 3) During the production and transportation process, hydrogen mixed in the liquid helium will also turn into solid state in the liquid helium, causing the needle valve to become clogged.

[0004] Needle valve blockages can cause a variety of reasons and require a step-by-step investigation. However, water-cooled magnet machines are valuable, and if needle valve blockages are not promptly addressed, or if troubleshooting the cause takes a long time, they can have significant consequences. However, existing technologies lack a simple, efficient method or device for detecting and promptly addressing the causes of needle valve blockages in liquid helium dewars. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) Technical problems solved

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a device for detecting and treating the blockage of the needle valve in the liquid helium dewar, which solves the problem that the existing technology cannot simply and quickly detect and treat the blockage of the needle valve in the liquid helium dewar.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A device for inspecting and treating a needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar, the device comprising: an adapter and a transparent tube;

[0010] The adapter includes a plurality of KF ports, and the transparent tube is connected to one of the plurality of KF ports of the adapter;

[0011] The transparent tube includes one or more functional modules including an imaging module, a temperature measurement component, and a heating component; the one or more functional modules correspond one-to-one with the adapter interfaces adapted to the one or more functional modules provided in the remaining KF ports, and are electrically connected.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connection between the KF port and the transparent tube is sealed.

[0013] Preferably, the number of the KF ports is 4.

[0014] In one embodiment, the adapter includes a six-pin Ramer connector, which is electrically connected to the temperature measuring component, the heating component, and the temperature controller respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment, the temperature measurement component includes a thermometer, the heating component includes a heating wire, and the imaging module includes an endoscope and a light source.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the periphery of the endoscope is wrapped with a layer of copper foil, and the copper foil is fixed to the inner wall of the transparent tube by a bracket;

[0017] The heating wire is wound around the outside of the copper foil and close to the bottom of the transparent tube;

[0018] The thermometer is arranged on the inner wall of the copper foil.

[0019] In one embodiment, an anti-reflective component is provided at the bottom of the transparent tube, and the anti-reflective component is used to prevent specular reflection of light.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflective component is a slope integrally formed with the transparent tube at the bottom end of the transparent tube.

[0021] In another embodiment, the anti-reflective component is a polarizing plate, and the polarizing plate is installed outside the lens of the imaging module.

[0022] In one embodiment, the transparent tube includes but is not limited to a transparent quartz tube.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sealing process includes but is not limited to sealant sealing process, rubber sealing process, flange sealing process, etc.

[0024] (3) Beneficial effects

[0025] The present invention provides a device for inspecting and treating needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0026] This needle valve clog detection and treatment device includes an adapter and a transparent tube. The adapter includes multiple KF ports, and the transparent tube is connected to one of the KF ports of the adapter. The transparent tube contains one or more functional modules including an imaging module, a temperature measurement component, and a heating component. The functional modules correspond to and are electrically connected to the adapter ports in the remaining KF ports. This needle valve clog detection and treatment device has a simple structure and can quickly and accurately determine the cause of needle valve clogs and provide timely unblocking treatment based on the cause. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a device for inspecting and treating a needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the device for inspecting and treating the needle valve blockage in the liquid helium dewar from another perspective in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter in the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a transparent tube in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] In the figure: 1- adapter; 2- transparent tube; 3- imaging module; 4- temperature measurement component; 5- heating component; 6- copper foil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] A dewar is an insulated container that isolates external heat from the cryogenic liquid inside. A needle valve is a structure inside the dewar, located at the bottom of the liquid helium chamber within the dewar. It controls the rate at which liquid helium flows into the sample chamber.

[0035] The sample chamber of a liquid helium dewar is typically used to hold superconducting materials (such as FeSeTe) for magnetoresistance, Hall effect, and magnetization measurements, or to hold multiferroic materials (such as Fe2Mo3O8 and CuO) for dielectric, magnetization, and magnetostriction measurements. The sample chamber temperature ranges from 1.6K to 300K, and is cooled by helium flow. Liquid helium is introduced into the chamber through an inlet port and flows through a needle valve into the sample chamber. A pump then pumps the sample chamber to a negative pressure, where the liquid helium evaporates and is pumped away, cooling the sample chamber. The needle valve controls the flow rate of liquid helium into the sample chamber, and controlling the needle valve controls the cooling rate within the chamber.

[0036] Since liquid helium is expensive and helium itself is a non-renewable resource, the pump will be connected to an external pipeline to recover the helium gas and then liquefy it into liquid helium for recycling.

[0037] During use, the needle valve may become clogged for a variety of reasons: 1) Operational errors during sample placement may allow air to enter the sample chamber. At low temperatures, oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, etc. in the air will turn into solids and may clog the needle valve. 2) When replenishing the liquid helium chamber, some solid debris from the outside may accidentally fall into the liquid helium chamber. As the liquid helium flows, it may also block the needle valve. 3) During the production and transportation process, hydrogen may be mixed with liquid helium, and hydrogen will also turn into solids in liquid helium, causing the needle valve to become clogged.

[0038] Clearly, the causes of needle valve blockage in liquid helium dewars are diverse and require progressive investigation and targeted unblocking. However, water-cooled magnet machines are valuable, and if needle valve blockage is not promptly addressed, or if troubleshooting the cause takes a significant amount of time, significant impact can occur. Currently, there are no simple, efficient methods or devices for detecting and addressing needle valve blockage in liquid helium dewars.

[0039] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application solves the problem that the existing technology cannot simply and quickly detect and treat the blockage of the needle valve in the liquid helium dewar by providing a device for detecting and treating the blockage of the needle valve in the liquid helium dewar, and achieves the purpose of quickly and accurately determining the cause of the needle valve blockage and taking targeted measures.

[0040] The technical solution in the embodiments of the present application is to solve the above technical problems, and the overall idea is as follows:

[0041] In order to simply and quickly troubleshoot the cause of the needle valve blockage in the liquid helium dewar and carry out targeted and timely unblocking treatment, the present application uses an adapter to connect a transparent tube, and sets one or more functional modules such as an imaging module, a temperature measurement component, and a heating component in the transparent tube. The above functional modules are connected to external instruments through the adapter interface set in the KF port of the adapter using wires, thereby realizing temperature measurement, temperature control, and image acquisition inside the transparent tube, thereby realizing rapid troubleshooting and targeted and efficient treatment of the cause of the needle valve blockage in the liquid helium dewar.

[0042] In order to better understand the above technical solution, the above technical solution will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings in the specification, the structure of each component in the drawings, the connection relationship between each component, and the specific implementation method.

[0043] It should be noted that the device for inspecting and treating a clogged needle valve in a liquid helium dewar, as proposed in this embodiment of the application, is inserted into the liquid helium chamber through the infusion port, allowing observation of the quality of the liquid helium within the chamber. Furthermore, the device proposed in this embodiment of the application is only used when a clogged needle valve occurs; it does not occupy the infusion port at other times, nor does it affect the replenishment of liquid helium.

[0044] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 The present embodiment provides a device for inspecting and treating a needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar, comprising:

[0045] Adapter 1 and transparent tube 2. Adapter 1 includes multiple KF ports, and transparent tube 2 is connected to one of the multiple KF ports of adapter 1.

[0046] Transparent tube 2 includes, but is not limited to, one or more functional modules including an imaging module 3, a temperature measurement component 4, and a heating component 5. Each of these modules is electrically connected to a connector provided in the remaining KF ports. These connectors are designed to accommodate the data acquisition functions of these modules in terms of quantity and functionality. In specific implementations, the connectors are embedded in the remaining KF ports.

[0047] In one embodiment, see Figure 1-Figure 3 The adapter 1 has four KF ports, two of which extend axially along the transparent tube 2. One (bottom) KF port is connected to one end of the transparent tube 2. The other (top) KF port is connected to a pump to facilitate vacuuming the interior of the transparent tube 2.

[0048] Preferably, the connection between the KF port and the transparent tube 2 is sealed. It should be noted that the sealing method between the transparent tube 2 and one of the KF ports of the adapter 1 includes, but is not limited to, sealing with sealant, and may also be other equivalent sealing solutions, such as rubber seals, flange seals, and the like.

[0049] In one embodiment, the adapter 1 has two KF ports on its side. One KF port is used to connect to a six-pin Ramo connector. This six-pin Ramo connector electrically connects the temperature measuring component 4 and the heating component 5 internally via wires, and externally to an external temperature controller, which can set the heating power and monitor the internal temperature in real time. The other KF port is electrically connected to the imaging module 3 and is used to collect data from the imaging module 3 for imaging. It should be noted that in actual implementation, the six-pin Ramo connector can also be replaced with other vacuum connectors that can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature measuring component 4 is a thermometer, the heating component 5 is a heating wire, and the imaging module 3 includes an endoscope and a light source.

[0051] like Figure 4 , which is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the transparent tube 2. Figure 4 The endoscope is arranged in the middle of the entire transparent tube 2 along the axis position and direction of the transparent tube 2, and the endoscope has its own light source, which can provide illumination in the liquid helium cavity for easy observation.

[0052] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the outer periphery of the endoscope is wrapped with a layer of copper foil 6, which is secured to the inner wall of the transparent tube 2 via a bracket (not shown). A heating wire is wrapped around the outer side of the copper foil 6 near the bottom of the transparent tube 2. At this location, a thermometer is attached to the inner wall of the copper foil 6, between the copper foil 6 and the endoscope. It should be noted that the placement of the copper foil 6 ensures uniform heating and maintains the endoscope at its operating temperature. Furthermore, the bracket securing the copper foil 6 to the transparent tube 2 prevents direct contact between the copper foil 6 and the transparent tube 2, which could lead to heat transfer.

[0053] Furthermore, since endoscopes cannot function properly at low temperatures, the KF port and pump at the top of the transparent tube 2 are used to create a vacuum (a vacuum cannot conduct heat). The power of the heating wire is then controlled to maintain normal operation. When only observing liquid helium is required, the heating wire power is not too high. This prevents excessive heat transfer to the liquid helium, which could cause it to boil over and affect observation, and also prevents the liquid helium from causing the temperature inside the transparent tube 2 to drop too low, potentially causing the endoscope to stop functioning. To evaporate the liquid helium, simply adjust the internal vacuum level and the heating wire power to achieve the desired effect.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, an anti-reflective component is provided at the bottom of the transparent tube 2, which can prevent light from forming a mirror reflection and affecting the endoscope imaging.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflective component is an inclined surface integrally formed with the bottom of the transparent tube 2, such as Figure 4 As shown, the arrangement of the inclined surface can prevent the mirror reflection of light from affecting the endoscope imaging. In another preferred embodiment, the anti-reflective component is a polarizing plate, which is installed on the endoscope lens to avoid reflection, thereby avoiding the impact on the endoscope imaging.

[0056] In one embodiment, the transparent tube 2 is a transparent quartz tube. It should be noted that transparent quartz tubes are a special industrial technical glass made of silicon dioxide. They possess a series of excellent physical and chemical properties, including transparency, low thermal conductivity, durability, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, good thermal stability, good light transmission, and good electrical insulation. It should also be noted that, in specific implementations, the transparent tube 2 may alternatively be made of other materials that meet the requirements of transparency, low thermal conductivity, and sufficient durability.

[0057] The method and principle of using the device for checking and treating the blockage of a needle valve in a liquid helium dewar proposed in the above embodiment of the present application:

[0058] First, using the device for inspecting and treating needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar proposed in the above embodiment of the present application, the device can be inserted into the liquid helium chamber through the liquid helium inlet to directly observe the amount of impurities in the liquid helium and the state of the needle valve opening, thereby determining the cause of the needle valve blockage.

[0059] If there are too many solid impurities in the liquid helium, adjust the internal vacuum and the power of the heating wire to evaporate the liquid helium in the liquid helium chamber and perform purification treatment when filling liquid helium next time;

[0060] If the blockage is caused by foreign matter entering the liquid helium chamber, the Dewar needs to be completely warmed up and the debris inside the Dewar needs to be cleaned. If no obvious problem is observed, it may be that during the sample change process, improper operation has caused air to enter the sample chamber, resulting in blockage of the liquid helium outlet at the bottom of the sample chamber. At this time, there is no need to fully heat up the Dewar. You only need to adjust the power of the internal heating wire and briefly heat it up to melt and evaporate the fixed nitrogen.

[0061] In summary, compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0062] 1. This application proposes a device for inspecting and treating needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar. The device comprises an adapter and a transparent tube. The adapter includes multiple KF ports, and the transparent tube is interconnected with one of the multiple KF ports. The transparent tube contains one or more functional modules, including an imaging module, a temperature measurement component, and a heating component. The functional modules correspond one-to-one with and are electrically connected to the adapter ports in the remaining KF ports. This device has a simple structure and can quickly and accurately determine the cause of needle valve blockage and promptly clear it based on the cause. Specifically, water-cooled magnets are time-consuming. If needle valve blockage is not promptly addressed, it can take several days for the internal temperature to naturally rise. The device can evaporate the liquid helium in the liquid helium chamber within half an hour, allowing the needle valve to return to temperature and clear within four hours. Furthermore, the quality of the liquid helium can be monitored, allowing any impurities to be promptly replaced to avoid repeated needle valve blockages.

[0063] 2. The present application proposes a device for inspecting and treating a needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar, wherein an anti-reflective component is provided at the bottom of the transparent tube, which can prevent the mirror reflection of light from affecting the imaging of the endoscope.

[0064] 3. The present application proposes a device for inspecting and treating a needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar. A layer of copper foil is wrapped around the periphery of the endoscope. The copper foil is fixed to the inner wall of a transparent tube by a bracket, thereby avoiding direct contact between the copper foil and the transparent tube to cause heat transfer.

[0065] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0066] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for inspecting and treating needle valve blockage in a liquid helium dewar, characterized in that: The device comprises: an adapter (1) and a transparent tube (2); The adapter (1) includes a plurality of KF ports, and the transparent tube (2) is connected to one of the plurality of KF ports of the adapter (1); The transparent tube (2) includes a plurality of functional modules including an imaging module (3), a temperature measurement component (4), and a heating component (5); the plurality of functional modules correspond one to one with the adapters adapted for the plurality of functional modules provided in the remaining KF ports, and are electrically connected; The adapter includes a six-pin Lemo connector, and the six-pin Lemo connector is electrically connected to the temperature measuring component (4), the heating component (5), and the temperature controller respectively; The heating assembly (5) includes a heating wire, and the imaging module (3) includes an endoscope and a light source; the endoscope is wrapped with a layer of copper foil (6), and the copper foil (6) is fixed to the inner wall of the transparent tube (2) through a bracket; the heating wire is wound around the outside of the copper foil (6) and close to the bottom of the transparent tube (2); The transparent tube (2) comprises a transparent quartz tube; The top KF port among the multiple KF ports is connected to a pump to facilitate adjustment of the vacuum degree of the transparent tube (2); The device is inserted into the liquid helium cavity through the liquid helium infusion port to directly observe the amount of impurities in the liquid helium and the state of the needle valve opening, thereby determining the cause of needle valve blockage and performing blockage treatment.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The connection between the KF port and the transparent tube (2) is sealed.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The temperature measuring component (4) includes a thermometer.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The thermometer is arranged on the inner wall of the copper foil (6).

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein An anti-reflective component is provided at the bottom of the transparent tube (2), and the anti-reflective component is used to prevent specular reflection of light.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The anti-reflective component is a slope formed integrally with the transparent tube (2) at the bottom end of the transparent tube (2).

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The anti-reflective component is a polarizing plate, and the polarizing plate is installed outside the lens of the imaging module (3).

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein The sealing process includes a sealant sealing process.

Images