Apparatus for producing cryogenic fluids

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing a cryogenic fluid, comprising:-a first reservoir (10) for a cryogenic fluid; a circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled; -a heat exchanger group (5, 6) that exchanges heat with the circuit (2); a pre-cooling device (8) which exchanges heat with at least a first portion (5) of the exchanger group (5, 6); -a cryogenic cooling device (9) which exchanges heat with at least a second portion (6) of the exchanger group (5, 6); -a cryogenic purification device (3) arranged in the circuit (2); the pre-cooling device (8) comprises a thermosiphon (48) fluidly connected to a second reservoir (4) for pre-cooling fluid and configured to receive fluid from the second reservoir (4) such that a determined pre-cooling fluid level can be maintained in the thermosiphon (48).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for producing a cryogenic fluid, and to a method for controlling such a device.

[0002] As is known per se, a device for producing a cryogenic fluid comprises a circuit for a gas to be cooled, the circuit having an upstream end intended to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end for delivering a cryogenic fluid, for example a liquefied gas.

[0003] The gas source can be produced by renewable energy, in particular renewable energy powered by the sun and / or the wind. For example, electrolysis cells powered by electricity produced by wind or solar energy are known.

[0004] When the gas source is produced at least partly by renewable energy, the flow rate of the gas source varies frequently and significantly. It is therefore important that such a device is able to adapt to such variations. In certain cases, in particular when the flow rate of the gas source is too low, it is necessary to shut down the device. Once the flow rate of the gas source has become acceptable again, the device must be able to restart quickly.

[0005] The problem is that, in order to restart quickly, in particular to be able to perform a cold restart, certain components in the device must be maintained at a sufficiently low temperature. This problem is particularly great in the case of a device for producing a high flow rate of cryogenic fluid, that is to say a nominal flow rate of at least equal to 3 tpd (tons per day).

[0006] There is therefore a need for a device for producing a cryogenic fluid, which is able to adapt its operating mode according to the flow rate of the gas source, in particular in order to maintain certain components at a sufficiently low temperature in all cases.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks effectively by proposing a device for producing a cryogenic fluid, for example liquefied hydrogen, comprising: - a first reservoir for storing a cryogenic fluid; - a circuit for a gas to be cooled, the circuit having an upstream end intended to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end for delivering a cryogenic fluid, for example a liquefied gas, the downstream end being connected to the first reservoir for storing a cryogenic fluid; - a heat exchanger group in heat exchange with the circuit for the gas to be cooled; - a pre-cooling device in heat exchange with at least a first part of the heat exchanger group and configured to pre-cool the circuit for the gas to be cooled to a first determined temperature, the pre-cooling device comprising a refrigerator carrying out a refrigeration cycle on a pre-cooling fluid in a pre-cooling circuit, the pre-cooling circuit comprising a means for compressing the pre-cooling fluid; - a cryogenic cooling device in heat exchange with at least a second portion of the heat exchanger group and configured to cool a circuit for the gas to be cooled to a second determined temperature lower than the first temperature, the cryogenic cooling device comprising a refrigerator carrying out a refrigeration cycle on a circulating gas in a circulating circuit comprising a means for compressing the circulating gas; - a cryogenic purification device arranged in the circuit for the gas to be cooled, in particular upstream of the second portion of the exchanger group; the pre-cooling device comprising a first thermosyphon for the pre-cooling fluid comprising a first inlet and a first outlet connected to a loop of a pre-cooling circuit, the first thermosyphon being fluidically connected by a second inlet to a second reservoir for the pre-cooling fluid and being configured to receive pre-cooling fluid, in particular in liquid form, from the second reservoir so that a determined pre-cooling fluid level can be maintained in the first thermosyphon.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the pre-cooling circuit comprises a device for cooling the compressed pre-cooling fluid, a device for expanding the compressed and cooled pre-cooling fluid, and a device for heating the expanded pre-cooling fluid.

[0009] This arrangement makes it possible to maintain the fluid leaving the cryogenic purification device at a temperature lower than or equal to 100 K, for example lower than or equal to 90 K, even when the flow rate of gas to be liquefied becomes too low, that is to say when the liquefier is no longer able to produce liquefied gas.

[0010] This makes it possible to compensate for the shutdown of the means for compressing the pre-cooling fluid resulting from a too low flow rate of gas to be liquefied, so that it is possible to maintain certain parts of the installation at a sufficiently low temperature during the period of too low flow rate of gas to be liquefied. This allows cold restarts, thus making it possible to reduce the restart time of the installation for producing cryogenic fluid.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first determined temperature is between 100 K and 70 K.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the second determined temperature is between 48 K and 18 K.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the means for compressing the pre-cooling fluid comprise a compressor and / or a pump.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the means for compressing the circulating gas comprise a compressor and / or a pump.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cryogenic purification device comprises at least one temperature-regulated adsorption unit.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second reservoir is configured to be movable and / or removable relative to the device, for example, by integration into a truck or trailer.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first thermosiphon is fluidly connected to the precooling circuit downstream of a device for expanding the compressed and cooled precooling fluid via its first inlet, particularly to allow the precooling fluid circulating in the precooling circuit to enter the first thermosiphon, for example, in liquid form.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first thermosiphon is fluidly connected to the precooling circuit upstream of the component for compressing the precooling fluid, particularly through its first outlet, in order to allow the precooling fluid to exit the first thermosiphon in gaseous form and be heated by the first part of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first thermosiphon is fluidly connected to a first thermosiphon loop via a third inlet and a second outlet, the loop exchanging heat with a first portion of the heat exchanger assembly, particularly to allow precooled fluid stored in the first thermosiphon in liquid form to leave the first thermosiphon so as to be heated by the first portion of the heat exchanger assembly, and then, particularly, to enter the first thermosiphon in gaseous form.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the device includes a first vent valve, which is particularly installed upstream of a component for compressing the precooling fluid, to allow the precooling fluid to be discharged, especially when the component for compressing the precooling fluid is shut down.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device is configured such that precooling fluid stored in a second reservoir can enter the first thermosiphon directly without passing through a precooling circuit, particularly in liquid form.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device includes a valve for controlling a determined level of precooling fluid in a first thermosiphon, the valve being fluidly inserted between the first thermosiphon and a second reservoir for the precooling fluid.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the device is configured such that when the component used to compress the precooling fluid is shut down, the precooling fluid stored in the second reservoir can enter the first thermosiphon.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cooling device includes a second thermosiphon for circulating gas, the second thermosiphon including a first inlet and a first outlet connected to a loop in the circulation loop, the second thermosiphon being fluidly connected to a first reservoir via a second inlet and configured to receive cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir such that a determined cryogenic fluid level can be maintained in the second thermosiphon.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the second thermosiphon is fluidly connected to a second thermosiphon loop via a third inlet and a second outlet, the loop exchanging heat with a second part of the heat exchanger assembly, in particular to allow fluid stored in the second thermosiphon in liquid form to be heated by the second part of the heat exchanger assembly and then, in particular, to enter the second thermosiphon in gaseous form.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the device includes a second vent valve, which is installed upstream of the component used to compress the circulating gas to allow the circulating gas to be released, particularly when the component used to compress the circulating gas is shut down.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the determined cryogenic fluid level is greater than 10% of the total capacity of the second thermosiphon, and particularly greater than 30%.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the determined precooling fluid level is greater than 10% of the total capacity of the first thermosiphon, and particularly greater than 30%.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a low-temperature purification device is disposed between a first part and a second part of the heat exchanger assembly, and is particularly configured to supply gas with a temperature between 20°C and -250°C, for example, between -100°C and -250°C.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the cryogenic purification apparatus is configured such that the gas to be cooled, which is circulating in a circuit for the gas to be cooled, passes through at least a portion of a first part of the exchanger assembly before entering the cryogenic purification apparatus.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a first portion of the exchanger assembly is disposed in a first cold box, and the first thermosiphon is particularly disposed in the first cold box.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the low-temperature purification apparatus is disposed in a first cold box.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the low-temperature purification device is located upstream of the second thermosiphon tube.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a second part of the exchanger assembly is disposed in a second cold box, and the second thermosiphon is particularly disposed in the second cold box.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the means for cooling the precooled fluid and / or the means for heating the precooled fluid include at least a first part of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the apparatus for cooling the precooled fluid includes a first portion of the heat exchanger assembly, and the apparatus for heating the precooled fluid includes the first portion of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0037] This configuration allows the same first section of the heat exchanger assembly to exchange heat with the precooling loop as the precooling fluid passes through the first section of the heat exchanger assembly, specifically heating it in one direction and cooling it in the opposite direction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the circulation loop includes components for cooling the compressed circulating gas, components for expanding the compressed and cooled circulating gas, and components for heating the expanded circulating gas.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the components for cooling the circulating gas and / or for heating the circulating gas include at least a first part and / or a second part of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the circulating gas includes at least one of the following: hydrogen, helium, and neon.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the gas to be liquefied and the circulating gas each comprise hydrogen and / or each comprise helium and / or each comprise neon.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the precooling fluid includes at least one of the following: nitrogen, a mixture of refrigerant (also referred to as "MR").

[0043] According to one embodiment, a first valve is provided downstream of the circuit for the gas to be cooled at the downstream end. The first valve is configured to regulate the pressure in a first reservoir. The first valve includes, for example, an expansion valve, especially a Joule-Thomson expansion valve.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the circuit for the gas to be cooled is fluidly connected to the second thermosiphon via a bypass downstream of the downstream end.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the circuit for the gas to be cooled is fluidly connected to the second thermosiphon via a bypass downstream of the first valve.

[0046] This allows for the redirection of cryogenic fluids in the gas phase.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the device includes a precooling fluid source, particularly a movable precooling fluid source, to allow filling of the first thermosiphon tube.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the device includes an extraction line that fluidly connects a first thermosiphon to a precooling circuit to allow precooling fluid to be transferred to the first thermosiphon.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the device as described above, the device being configured to operate in a first nominal mode, wherein the flow rate of the device delivering liquefied gas and / or a gas source is between a threshold and a determined nominal flow rate and / or the component for compressing the circulating gas is in operation and / or the component for compressing the precooling fluid is in operation; the device is further configured to operate in a second standby mode, wherein the flow rate of the gas source is below the threshold and / or the component for compressing the circulating gas is shut down and / or the component for compressing the precooling fluid is shut down; when the device is in the second mode, the method includes the step of maintaining a determined precooling fluid level in a first thermosiphon by drawing precooling fluid from a second reservoir for the precooling fluid.

[0050] This method allows the cryogenic purification unit to be kept at a temperature of 100 K or less, for example, 90 K or less, while the equipment is operating in a second mode.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the determined nominal flow rate is between 3 tpd and 300 tpd.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the threshold is between 10% and 70% of the determined nominal flow rate, particularly between 20% and 60% of the determined nominal flow rate.

[0053] According to one embodiment, when the device is in the second mode, the method includes the step of maintaining a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon by drawing cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir.

[0054] This allows for the maintenance of a gradient within the exchanger assembly and provides cryogenic temperatures to maintain a defined temperature within the exchanger assembly, the catalyst of the device, and the cryogenic purification unit. It also allows for maintaining sufficient levels in the first and / or second thermosiphons to permit faster restarts. This combination of maintaining a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon with maintaining a predetermined pre-cooling fluid level in the first thermosiphon allows for the maintenance of the pre-cooling temperature at the downstream end, as well as the temperature of the cryogenic fluid.

[0055] According to one embodiment, when the device is in the second mode, the method includes the step of drawing fluid from the downstream end of the circuit for the gas to be cooled before the fluid enters the first reservoir, in order to maintain a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a device as described above, the device being configured to operate in a first nominal mode, wherein the flow rate of a gas source is between a threshold and a determined nominal flow rate, and a component for compressing a precooling fluid is in operation; the device is further configured to operate in a second standby mode, wherein the flow rate of the gas source is below the threshold, and the component for compressing the precooling fluid is shut down; when the device is in the first nominal mode, the method includes the step of fluidly isolating a first thermosiphon from a second reservoir to prevent any transfer of precooling fluid from the second reservoir to the first thermosiphon; when the device is in the second standby mode, the method includes the step of transferring precooling fluid from the second reservoir to the first thermosiphon to maintain a determined precooling fluid level in the first thermosiphon.

[0057] This method allows the equipment to be highly efficient when the gas source flow rate is high, while keeping some of its components at low temperatures even when the gas source flow rate is low or zero.

[0058] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a second standby mode, the method includes the steps of measuring the level of precooling fluid in a first thermosiphon, comparing the measured level with a determined level, and transferring the precooling fluid from a second reservoir to the first thermosiphon whenever the measured level is lower than the determined level.

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a second standby mode, the method includes the steps of opening a first vent valve and fluidly isolating the component for compressing the precooling fluid to allow the precooling fluid to circulate from a first thermosiphon to the precooling circuit and to discharge it through the first vent valve before the precooling fluid can enter the component for compressing the precooling fluid.

[0060] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a first nominal mode, the component for compressing the circulating gas is in operation.

[0061] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a second standby mode, the component used to compress the circulating gas stops.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a first nominal mode, the method includes the step of fluidly isolating the second thermosiphon from the first reservoir and / or from the circuit for the gas to be cooled to prevent any transfer of cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir or from the circuit for the gas to be cooled to the second thermosiphon.

[0063] According to one embodiment, when the device is in a second standby mode, the method includes the step of transferring cryogenic fluid from a first reservoir and / or from a circuit for the gas to be cooled to the second thermosiphon to maintain a defined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon.

[0064] The present invention may also relate to any alternative apparatus or method that includes any combination of the above or below features.

[0065] The invention will become clearer from the following description and from the accompanying drawings. These drawings are given by way of illustration only and do not limit the invention in any way.

[0066] [ Figure 1 [Illustrated diagram of the device according to the present invention;]

[0067] [ Figure 2 [A] is a schematic illustration of the steps of the method according to the present invention; and

[0068] [ Figure 3 [Illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention]

[0069] Identical, similar, or analogous elements shall retain the same reference numerals across the various figures.

[0070] Figure 1 An apparatus 1 for producing cryogenic fluids (e.g., liquefied hydrogen) is shown.

[0071] The device 1 includes a first reservoir 10 for storing cryogenic fluids.

[0072] The device 1 includes a circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled, the circuit having an upstream end 21 intended to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end 22 for conveying a cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquefied gas), the downstream end 22 being connected to a first reservoir 10 for storing the cryogenic fluid.

[0073] The device 1 further includes heat exchanger groups 5 and 6, which exchange heat with the circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled.

[0074] The device 1 includes a precooling device 8 that exchanges heat with at least a first portion 5 of the heat exchanger group 5, 6 and is configured to precool a circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled to a first predetermined temperature. The precooling device 8 includes a refrigerator that refrigerates a precooling fluid in a precooling circuit 18, which includes a component 28 for compressing the precooling fluid.

[0075] exist Figure 1 In the example, the first determined temperature is between 100 K and 70 K.

[0076] The device 1 includes a cryogenic cooling device 9 that exchanges heat with at least a second portion 6 of the heat exchanger group 5, 6 and is configured to cool the circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled to a second determined temperature lower than a first temperature. The cryogenic cooling device 9 includes a refrigerator for cooling the circulating gas in the circulation circuit 19, which includes a component 29 for compressing the circulating gas.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the example, the second determined temperature is between 48 K and 18 K.

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, device 1 includes a cryogenic purification device 3 disposed in the circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled, particularly upstream of the second part 6 of the exchanger group 5, 6; the precooling device 8 includes a first thermosiphon 48 for precooling fluid, the first thermosiphon including a first inlet 41 and a first outlet 42 connected to the loop of the precooling circuit 18, the first thermosiphon 48 being fluidly connected to a second reservoir 4 for precooling fluid via a second inlet 43, and being configured to receive precooling fluid, particularly in liquid form, from the second reservoir 4, so that a defined level of precooling fluid can be maintained in the first thermosiphon 48.

[0079] In the example shown, the low-temperature purification device includes at least one temperature-controlled adsorption unit, which is also known as a temperature-switching adsorption (TSA) unit.

[0080] In the example shown, the second reservoir 4 is configured to be fixed relative to the device. In a variant, the second reservoir 4 is configured to be movable and / or removable relative to the device, for example, by being integrated into a truck or semi-trailer.

[0081] The cooling device 9 includes a second thermosiphon 49 for circulating gas, the second thermosiphon having a first inlet and a first outlet connected to the loop 19, the second thermosiphon 49 being fluidly connected to the first reservoir 10 via a second inlet, and being configured to receive cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir 10 such that a determined cryogenic fluid level can be maintained in the second thermosiphon 49, the determined cryogenic fluid level being, for example, greater than 10% of the total capacity of the second thermosiphon 49, particularly greater than 30%.

[0082] The determined level of the precooling fluid is greater than 10% of the total capacity of the first thermosiphon 48, and especially greater than 30%.

[0083] The low-temperature purification device 3 is disposed between the first part 5 and the second part 6 of the heat exchanger group 5, 6, and is particularly configured to supply gas with a temperature between 20°C and -250°C, for example, between -100°C and -250°C.

[0084] As shown, the cryogenic purification apparatus is configured such that the gas to be cooled, which is circulating in the circuit for the gas to be cooled, passes through at least a portion of the first part of the exchanger assembly before entering the cryogenic purification apparatus.

[0085] The first part 5 of the exchanger group 5, 6 is disposed in the first cold box (not shown), and the first thermosiphon 48 is disposed in the first cold box.

[0086] The low-temperature purification device is located in the first cold box.

[0087] As shown, the low-temperature purification device 3 is located upstream of the second thermosiphon tube 49.

[0088] The second part 6 of the exchanger group 5, 6 is disposed in the second cold box (not shown), and the second thermosiphon is disposed in particular in the second cold box.

[0089] The precooling circuit 18 includes means for cooling the compressed precooling fluid, means 38 for expanding the compressed and cooled precooling fluid, and means for heating the expanded precooling fluid.

[0090] The circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled has a first valve 11 located downstream of the downstream end 22. The first valve is configured to regulate the pressure in the first reservoir 10. The first valve 11 includes, for example, an expansion valve, especially a Joule-Thomson expansion valve.

[0091] The circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled is fluidly connected to the second thermosiphon 49, in particular via a bypass downstream of the downstream end 22.

[0092] In the example shown, the circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled is fluidly connected to the second thermosiphon 49 via a bypass downstream of the first valve 11.

[0093] The device includes an extraction line that fluidly connects the first thermosiphon 48 to the precooling circuit 18 to allow precooling fluid to be transferred to the first thermosiphon 48.

[0094] Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 A similar type of device is shown in detail with a first thermosiphon tube 48. (See example...) Figure 3As can be seen, the first thermosiphon 48 is fluidly connected to the first thermosiphon circuit 46 via the third inlet 44 and the second outlet 45. The first thermosiphon circuit 46 exchanges heat with the first part 5 of the heat exchanger assembly 5, 6, allowing the pre-cooled fluid stored in the first thermosiphon 48 in liquid form to leave the first thermosiphon 48 so as to be heated by the first part 5 of the heat exchanger assembly, and then enter the first thermosiphon 48 in gaseous form.

[0095] Figure 2 The steps for controlling the device 1 as described above are shown. The device 1 is configured to operate in a first nominal mode in which the flow rate of the liquefied gas and / or the gas source is between a threshold and a determined nominal flow rate and / or the component 29 for compressing the circulating gas is in operation and / or the component 28 for compressing the precooling fluid is in operation. The device 1 is also configured to operate in a second standby mode M2 ​​in which the flow rate of the gas source is below the threshold and / or the component 29 for compressing the circulating gas is shut down and / or the component 28 for compressing the precooling fluid is shut down.

[0096] In the examples considered, the determined nominal flow rate is between 3 tpd and 300 tpd.

[0097] The threshold is between 10% and 70% of the determined nominal flow rate, especially between 20% and 60% of the determined nominal flow rate.

[0098] When the device 1 is in the second mode M2, the method includes step E1 of maintaining a determined level of precooling fluid in the first thermosiphon 48 by drawing precooling fluid from the second reservoir 4 for precooling fluid.

[0099] With this method, when the device is running in the second mode, the low-temperature purification unit is maintained at a temperature of 100K or less, for example, 90K or less.

[0100] When the device 1 is in the second mode M2, the method includes step E2 of maintaining a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon 49 by drawing cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir 10.

[0101] When the device 1 is in the second mode, the method includes step E3, which involves drawing fluid from the downstream end 22 of the circuit 2 for the gas to be cooled before the fluid enters the first reservoir 10, in order to maintain a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon 49.

[0102] The combination of this step of maintaining a predetermined cryogenic fluid level in the second thermosiphon and the step of maintaining a predetermined precooling fluid level in the first thermosiphon makes it possible to maintain the precooling temperature at the downstream end as well as the temperature of the cryogenic fluid.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for producing cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied hydrogen, comprising: - First reservoir (10), which is used to store the cryogenic fluid; - A circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled, having an upstream end (21) intended to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end (22) for conveying the cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied gas, connected to a first reservoir (10) for storing the cryogenic fluid. - Heat exchanger assembly (5, 6), which exchanges heat with the circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled; - A precooling device (8) that exchanges heat with at least a first portion (5) of the heat exchanger assembly (5, 6) and is configured to precool the circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled to a first determined temperature. The precooling device (8) includes a refrigerator that refrigerates the precooling fluid in the precooling circuit (18). The precooling circuit (18) includes a component (28) for compressing the precooling fluid, a means for cooling the compressed precooling fluid, a means (38) for expanding the compressed and cooled precooling fluid, and a means for heating the expanded precooling fluid. - A cryogenic cooling device (9) that exchanges heat with at least a second portion (6) of the heat exchanger assembly (5, 6) and is configured to cool the circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled to a second determined temperature lower than the first temperature. The cryogenic cooling device (9) includes a refrigerator for cooling the circulating gas in the circulation circuit (19), which includes a component (29) for compressing the circulating gas. - A cryogenic purification device (3) is disposed in the circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled, particularly upstream of the second part (6) of the exchanger group (5, 6); the precooling device (8) includes a first thermosiphon (48) for the precooling fluid, the first thermosiphon including a first inlet (41) and a first outlet (42) connected to the loop of the precooling circuit (18), the first thermosiphon (48) being fluidly connected to a second reservoir (4) for the precooling fluid via a second inlet (43), and being configured to receive the precooling fluid, particularly in liquid form, from the second reservoir (4) so ​​that a defined level of precooling fluid can be maintained in the first thermosiphon (48).

2. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first thermosiphon (48) is fluidly connected to the precooling circuit (18) downstream of the device (38) for expanding the compressed and cooled precooling fluid, particularly in order to allow the precooling fluid circulating in the precooling circuit (18) to enter the first thermosiphon (48) in liquid form, for example.

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for cooling the precooled fluid and / or the means for heating the precooled fluid comprises at least a first part (5) of the heat exchanger assembly (5, 6).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device (9) includes a second thermosiphon (49) for the circulating gas, the second thermosiphon including a first inlet and a first outlet of the loop connected to the circulation loop (19), the second thermosiphon (49) being fluidly connected to the first reservoir (10) through a second inlet, and being configured to receive cryogenic fluid from the first reservoir (10) such that a defined cryogenic fluid level can be maintained in the second thermosiphon (49), the defined cryogenic fluid level being, for example, greater than 10% of the total capacity of the second thermosiphon (49), particularly greater than 30%.

5. In the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the determined precooling fluid level is greater than 10% of the total capacity of the first thermosiphon (48), for example, greater than 30%.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cryogenic purification device (3) is disposed between the first part (5) of the heat exchanger assembly (5, 6) and the second part (6) of the heat exchanger assembly (5, 6), and is particularly configured to supply gas with a temperature between 20°C and -250°C, for example between -100°C and -250°C.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (5) of the exchanger group (5, 6) is disposed in the first cold box, and the first thermosiphon (48) is disposed in particular in the first cold box.

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation loop (19) includes a component for cooling the compressed circulating gas, a component (39) for expanding the compressed and cooled circulating gas, and a component for heating the expanded circulating gas.

9. In the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the circuit (2) for the gas to be cooled is fluidly connected to the second thermosiphon (49) in particular via a bypass downstream of the downstream end (22).

10. A method for controlling the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) being configured to operate in a first nominal mode, wherein the flow rate of the gas source is between a threshold and a determined nominal flow rate and the component (28) for compressing the precooling fluid is in operation; the device (1) is further configured to operate in a second standby mode (M2), wherein the flow rate of the gas source is below the threshold and the component (28) for compressing the precooling fluid is shut down. When the device (1) is in the first nominal mode, the method includes the step of fluidly isolating the first thermosiphon (48) from the second reservoir (4) to prevent any transfer of precooling fluid from the second reservoir (4) to the first thermosiphon (48); when the device (1) is in the second standby mode (M2), the method includes the step of transferring precooling fluid from the second reservoir (4) to the first thermosiphon (48) to maintain a defined level of precooling fluid in the first thermosiphon (48).

11. The method according to the preceding claim, when the device (1) is in the second standby mode (M2), the method includes the steps of measuring the level of precooling fluid in the first thermosiphon (48), comparing the measured level with a determined level, and transferring the precooling fluid from the second reservoir (4) to the first thermosiphon (48) whenever the measured level is lower than the determined level.

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