Small internal vacuum chamber of a cryopump that adsorbs the gasses released after the quench of a magnet

Abstract

A superconducting machine system includes a superconducting machine (58) including a composite structure (60). The superconducting machine system also includes a thermal shield (54) that encloses the superconducting machine (58). The superconducting machine system further includes a vacuum vessel (48) that encloses the thermal shield (54). The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum chamber (68) enclosed by the thermal shield (54), wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is configured to act as a cryopump to adsorb outgassed gas released from the superconducting machine (58) and the composite structure (60) during a quench event.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The subject matter disclosed in this article relates to using an internal small vacuum chamber as a cryogenic pump to adsorb and release gas after the magnet loses quench.

[0002] Non-invasive imaging techniques allow for the acquisition of images of a patient's or subject's internal structures or features without the need for invasive procedures. Specifically, such non-invasive imaging techniques rely on various physical principles (such as differential transmission of X-rays through a target volume, sound wave reflection within the volume, paramagnetism of different tissues and materials within the volume, and the disintegration of the target radionuclide within the body) to acquire data and construct images or otherwise represent the observed internal features of a patient or subject.

[0003] During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when material such as human tissue is subjected to a uniform magnetic field (polarization field B0), the individual magnetic moments of the spins within the tissue attempt to align with that polarization field, but precess around it in a random order at their characteristic Larmor frequencies. If the material or tissue is subjected to a magnetic field (excitation field B1) that lies in the xy-plane and is close to the Larmor frequency, the net alignment torque, or "longitudinal magnetization," M... z It can be rotated or "tilted" into the xy plane to produce a net transverse magnetic moment M. t After the excitation signal B1 is terminated, a signal is emitted by the excited spin, and this signal can be received and processed to form an image.

[0004] When these signals are used to generate images, the magnetic field gradient (G) is employed. x G y and G z Typically, the area to be imaged is scanned sequentially according to a measurement cycle, during which these gradient fields vary depending on the specific localization method used. The resulting set of received nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals is digitized and processed to reconstruct an image using one of many well-known reconstruction techniques.

[0005] Next-generation MRI magnet systems are “sealed” with coil support structures made of lightweight composite materials. “Sealed” means that these MRI systems have a reduced cryo-fuel volume of approximately 5 to 40 liters compared to “wet” systems that utilize 1500 liters or more of cryo-fuel. Sealed systems typically expose the main magnet support structure to the surrounding vacuum environment, while the magnets in “wet” systems are placed in a liquid helium bath (i.e., immersion magnets). First, the cryostat needs to be evacuated. Then, the magnet coils need to be cooled to a cryogenic temperature to allow the magnet to achieve its superconducting state. After the magnet accelerates to its full design current, the superconducting switch closes (becomes superconducting), and the superconducting magnet enters a sustained state. To maintain the magnet's cryogenic temperature, a cryocooler is used. Any cryocooler can fail for many different reasons, or the cryocooler may shut down due to a power outage. Even other events, such as a sudden loss of vacuum or any accident that requires the use of an emergency stop unit, can cause the magnet to lose its superconducting state. During such an event, the magnet may go quench and heat up to 50 Kelvin or higher, releasing deposited or embedded gases and degrading the surrounding vacuum chamber, thus worsening the vacuum. In this situation, the magnet coil will therefore heat up rapidly. Consequently, cooling back to operating temperature is impaired and takes longer. In that case, external cooling equipment is required to restart pre-cooling, which causes a significant delay in the system field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following provides an overview of some of the embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that these aspects are provided merely to give the reader a brief overview of these specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover various aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0007] In one embodiment, a superconducting machine system is provided. The superconducting machine system includes a superconducting machine comprising a composite structure. The superconducting machine system also includes a heat shield surrounding the superconducting machine. The superconducting machine system further includes a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event.

[0008] In another embodiment, a superconducting magnet system for a magnetic resonance imaging system is included. The superconducting magnet system includes a superconducting magnet coil disposed on a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a composite material. The superconducting magnet system also includes a thermal shield surrounding the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure. The superconducting magnet system also includes a vacuum container surrounding the thermal shield. The superconducting magnet system even includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the thermal shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to absorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure during a quench event.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for managing outgassing from a superconducting machine system is provided. The superconducting machine system includes a superconducting machine comprising a composite structure. The superconducting machine system also includes a heat shield surrounding the superconducting machine. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield. The superconducting machine system further includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event. The vacuum chamber includes an electric heater. The superconducting machine system also includes a plurality of adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within the heat shield to the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system further includes a first valve disposed along the first conduit. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum pump located outside the vacuum container. The superconducting machine system also includes a second conduit coupled to the vacuum pump, the first conduit, and via the first conduit to the vacuum chamber, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between the first valve and the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a second valve disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber via a second conduit. The method includes: automatically opening the first valve upon the occurrence of a quench event in the superconducting machine system to allow the vacuum chamber and multiple adsorption surfaces to adsorb the outgassing gas; closing the first valve after a predetermined temperature is reached following the quench event; heating the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which the outgassing gas is desorbed from the multiple adsorption surfaces using an electric heater after closing the first valve; and opening the second valve after closing the first valve to allow the vacuum pump to remove the outgassing gas from the vacuum chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar symbols denote similar parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of a cooling system for a magnetic resonance imaging machine according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2This is illustrated by combining various aspects of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this disclosure. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cryogenic venting management system based on various aspects of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of cryogenic venting management integrated with a superconducting machine system (e.g., a superconducting machine with a composite structure) according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of cryogenic venting management integrated with equipment having a composite structure, based on various aspects of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of the protective cover of the cryogenic venting management system in the middle;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a superconducting magnet system having a cryogenic venting management system (e.g., having a shield) according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a superconducting magnet system with a cryogenic venting management system (e.g., without a shield) according to various aspects of this disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for managing venting from a superconducting machine system, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] One or more specific implementations will be described below. To provide a concise description of these implementations, not all features of an actual implementation will be described in this specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints that may differ from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will in any case remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0021] When describing elements of various embodiments of the subject matter of this invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements among the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. Furthermore, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and therefore the additional numerical values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

[0022] While the various aspects discussed below are provided in the context of medical imaging, it should be understood that the disclosed techniques are not limited to such medical settings. In fact, the examples and explanations provided in such medical settings are merely for the purpose of facilitating explanation by providing examples of real-world implementations and applications. However, the techniques disclosed in this invention can also be used in other contexts, such as generating electricity using superconducting machinery. Generally speaking, this technology can be used in all superconducting machinery and / or devices utilizing composite structures (e.g., liquid hydrogen tanks based on composite materials).

[0023] This disclosure provides the use of an internal miniature vacuum chamber as a cryogenic pump to absorb venting gases after a magnet quench. Specifically, the internal miniature vacuum chamber forms part of a venting management system for a sealing system. The disclosed systems and methods are applicable to any superconducting machine (e.g., a superconducting motor) or device (e.g., a superconducting magnet for a magnetic resonance imaging system, a superconducting motor, a superconducting generator, some composite cryostats, composite liquid hydrogen tanks for aircraft, etc.) designed for lightweighting using composite materials (which are the most venting materials). The disclosed systems and methods enable the avoidance of external cooling tools during a quench event, allowing the superconducting machine (e.g., a magnet) to return to operating temperature using only one or more cryogenic coolers themselves. The disclosed systems and methods prevent softening of the vacuum chamber by enabling the capture (and release) of gases that affect (e.g., contaminate) the vacuum.

[0024] An internal miniature vacuum chamber (acting as a cryogenic pump (and an internal adsorption pump, utilizing the cryogenic adsorption effect and the vacuum difference between the vacuum vessel and the internal miniature vacuum chamber) captures outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine, which are released from the superconducting machine surface and support structure. The disclosed system and method utilize a magnet cryogenic cooler to cool the internal miniature vacuum chamber. A separate cooler (e.g., a conventional cryogenic pump) is not required. The thermal link between the internal miniature vacuum chamber and the second stage of the cryogenic cooler is correctly designed to allow the internal miniature vacuum chamber to be cooled to 5 Kelvin (K) to 15 Kelvin in equilibrium. After magnet quenching and loss of cooling, the internal miniature vacuum chamber heats up more slowly than the cryogenic cooler and thermal shield.

[0025] In some embodiments, the internal small vacuum chamber and superconducting machinery (e.g., magnets) and their supporting structures (e.g., made of composite materials) are shielded, which also allows for the capture of outgassing gases released from the surfaces of the superconducting machinery and the supporting structures. This is particularly important for any hermetically sealed MRI system, as these systems are constructed to be lightweight and rely on the use of composite materials (e.g., for coil frames used as supporting structures). Without the capture, confinement, adsorption, containment, and removal of outgassing gases that occur during a quench event, the magnet will rapidly heat up to room temperature. The disclosed systems and methods significantly reduce MRI system downtime by avoiding vacuum contamination and reducing the time required to return the MRI system's magnet to a working state in the event of an MRI magnet failure from several weeks to a day. The disclosed systems and methods improve the maintainability of hermetically sealed magnets. The disclosed systems and methods maintain a sufficient magnet vacuum level to allow for faster recooling of the magnet after a magnet quench. This is particularly important and beneficial for hermetically sealed magnets without a helium container. Removing the helium container from the hermetically sealed magnet saves costs and minimizes MGI losses.

[0026] The disclosed embodiments include a superconducting machine system comprising a superconducting machine and a composite structure. The superconducting machine system also includes a thermal shield surrounding the superconducting machine. The superconducting machine system further includes a vacuum container surrounding the thermal shield. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the thermal shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during quench events.

[0027] In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber is configured to adsorb outgassing gases using a vacuum pressure difference between the vacuum container and the vacuum chamber combined with a cryogenic adsorption effect. In some embodiments, the superconducting machine system includes a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within a thermal shield to the vacuum chamber and a first valve disposed along the first conduit. In some embodiments, the first valve is configured to close before the superconducting machine cools down and is configured to automatically open after a quench event to enable the vacuum chamber to adsorb outgassing gases. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber includes a plurality of adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber for initial adsorption of outgassing gases. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber includes a plurality of fins, and the plurality of adsorption surfaces are disposed on the inner wall surfaces of the plurality of fins and / or the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the plurality of adsorption surfaces include activated carbon or advanced zeolite. In some embodiments, the superconducting machine system includes an electric heater disposed on the vacuum chamber, wherein the first valve is configured to close after a predetermined temperature is reached following a quench event, and the electric heater is configured to heat the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which outgassing gases are desorbed from the plurality of adsorption surfaces after the first valve closes. In some embodiments, the superconducting machine system includes: a vacuum pump located outside a vacuum container; a second conduit coupled to the vacuum pump, a first conduit, and via the first conduit to a vacuum chamber, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between a first valve and the vacuum chamber; and a second valve disposed along the second conduit between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the second valve is configured to open after the first valve is closed, enabling the vacuum pump to remove outgassing gases desorbed from multiple adsorption surfaces.

[0028] In some embodiments, the superconducting machine includes superconducting magnet coils disposed on a support structure, and the support structure comprises a composite structure. In some embodiments, the superconducting machine system includes a cryocooler coupled to a vacuum chamber and a thermal shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is thermally coupled to the cryocooler via a thermal link, and the cryocooler is configured to cool the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the cryocooler is configured to cool the vacuum chamber to a temperature between 5 Kelvin and 15 Kelvin, and wherein the vacuum chamber is cooled solely by the cryocooler.

[0029] The disclosed embodiments include a superconducting magnet system for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the superconducting magnet system including a superconducting magnet coil disposed on a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a composite material. The superconducting magnet system also includes a heat shield surrounding the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure. The superconducting magnet system also includes a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield. The superconducting magnet system even includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to absorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure during quench events.

[0030] The disclosed embodiments include a method for managing outgassing from a superconducting machine system. The superconducting machine system includes a superconducting machine comprising a composite structure. The superconducting machine system also includes a heat shield surrounding the superconducting machine. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield. The superconducting machine system further includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event. The vacuum chamber includes an electric heater. The superconducting machine system also includes a plurality of adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within the heat shield to the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system further includes a first valve disposed along the first conduit. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum pump located outside the vacuum container. The superconducting machine system also includes a second conduit coupled to the vacuum pump, the first conduit, and via the first conduit to the vacuum chamber, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between the first valve and the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a second valve disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber via a second conduit. The method includes: automatically opening the first valve upon the occurrence of a quench event in the superconducting machine system to allow the vacuum chamber and multiple adsorption surfaces to adsorb the outgassing gas; closing the first valve after a predetermined temperature is reached following the quench event; heating the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which the outgassing gas is desorbed from the multiple adsorption surfaces using an electric heater after closing the first valve; and opening the second valve after closing the first valve to allow the vacuum pump to remove the outgassing gas from the vacuum chamber.

[0031] See now Figure 1This illustration depicts a cooling system 10 for a superconducting magnet (e.g., a superconducting machine or superconducting machine system) used in an MRI machine (e.g., an MRI system). As shown, the cooling system 10 includes multiple cooling tubes 12 or other suitable cooling paths, in which liquid helium circulates. The cooling tubes 12 define a main cooling circuit 14. The cooling tubes 12 are thermally coupled to a main coil holder or support housing 16, and in one embodiment, the cooling tubes may also be thermally coupled to a shielding coil holder or support housing 18 surrounding the main coil holder 16. The main coil holder 16 and the shielding coil holder 18 support or maintain the position of the main MRI magnet coil 20 and the shielding MRI magnet coil 22 (also referred to as the antimagnetic coil), respectively, in a manner known in the art. For example, the main magnet coil 20 may be thermally shrunk and bonded within the main coil holder 16 (which may be a cylindrical composite coil holder), thereby providing thermal contact between them. Similarly, the shielded magnet coil 22 can be heat-shrinkably assembled and bonded within the shielded coil frame 18 (which may be a cylindrical composite coil frame), thereby providing thermal contact between them. Other types of coils (e.g., epoxy coils) may be provided. In one embodiment, the main magnet coil 20 and the magnet shielded coil 22 may be formed of any material capable of producing a superconducting magnet, such as niobium-titanium (NbTi), niobium-tin (Nb3Sn), or magnesium diboride (MgB2) or any other type of high-temperature superconductor.

[0032] like Figure 2 As further shown, various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as part of an MRI magnet system 30, such as those known in the art, wherein cooling can be provided via a two-stage cooling arrangement.

[0033] Coil frames 16 and 18, formed of thermally conductive composite material, provide cold block support structures that maintain the position of magnetic coils 20 and 22 or support these magnetic coils, respectively. Figure 2 (Shielded magnet coil 22 is not shown). The coil frames 16, 18 may also be made of composite materials to make the structure lighter. Cooling pipe 12, which may be formed of any suitable metal (e.g., copper, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), is in fluid communication with a main liquid refrigerant tank or a first liquid refrigerant tank 24. The refrigerant tank 24 includes a first liquid refrigerant for use in the closed-loop cooling system 10 to cool the cold block 55 including the magnet coils 20, 22. In one embodiment, the refrigerant is liquid helium. Fluid communication between the cooling pipe 12 and the liquid refrigerant tank (e.g., a liquid helium tank) 24 may be provided by one or more fluid channels 26 (e.g., fluid pipes, conduits, etc.). Thus, the tank 24 provides liquid helium that flows through the cooling pipe 12 to cool the magnet coils 20, 22.

[0034] Commonly, the magnet coils 20 and / or 22, the coil frame / support structures 16 and / or 18, and the refrigerant reservoir 24 form a cold block 55. As discussed in detail below, this cold block 55 is cooled to a target temperature. As used herein, "target temperature" refers to a cryogenic temperature sufficient to achieve superconducting operation. In one embodiment, the target temperature is approximately 4K. As used herein, "cold block" refers to any structure cooled to the target temperature via the main cooling circuit 14 during normal operation.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the main cooling circuit 14 does not include an exhaust port. However, in some embodiments, exhaust can be provided, for example, using an exhaust port 28 with a very high exhaust pressure level. For example, in some embodiments, exhaust port 28 is configured to provide exhaust at the highest pressure that the system can handle without failure (or within its predefined range). However, different pressure levels can be provided in embodiments that include exhaust port 28, which may be based on system requirements, regulatory requirements, etc.

[0036] like Figure 2 As a best example, in one embodiment, cooling pipe 12 may be in fluid communication with a vapor return manifold or channel 32, which may be in fluid communication with a helium storage system having a decoupled gaseous helium tank 34 via a recondenser 36. The helium storage system, which may be formed by one or more helium tanks 34, includes helium received as helium vapor from cooling pipe 12, which removes heat from magnet coils 20, 22 and forms part of a closed-loop cooling system. Fluid communication between the recondenser 36 and the helium storage system 34 may be provided via one or more channels 38. In some embodiments, cooling may be performed using a different refrigerant than helium.

[0037] The helium storage tank 34 is in fluid communication with a cryogenic refrigerator 40, including a recondenser 36, which can be provided via one or more fluid channels 38. In various embodiments, the recondenser 36 may draw helium from a helium storage system 34, which operates to form a free convection circulation loop to cool the magnet coils 20, 22 and the coil support housings 16, 18 to cryogenic temperatures, and fill the storage tank 24 with liquid helium via one or more channels 44.

[0038] The cryogenic cooler 40 may be a cold head or other suitable cryogenic cooler extending through the cryostat and / or vacuum container 48, which includes the MRI magnet system 30 and cooling components for various embodiments. The cryogenic cooler 40 may extend within a sleeve or housing referred to as a cold head sleeve 41. The cold end of the cryogenic cooler 40 may be positioned within the sleeve 41 without affecting the vacuum within the vacuum container. The cryogenic cooler 40 is inserted into (or received) and secured within the sleeve using any suitable means, such as one or more flanges and bolts, or other suitable means. Furthermore, the motor 50 of the cryogenic cooler 40 is located externally to the vacuum container and / or cryostat 48.

[0039] like Figure 2 As illustrated, the cryogenic refrigerator 40 in various embodiments includes a recondenser 36 at its lower end, which recondenses vaporized helium received from a vapor return manifold / channel 32 connected in parallel with the helium storage system 34. The recondenser 36 allows the vaporized helium to be transferred from the helium storage system 34 to the liquid helium storage tank 24.

[0040] In various embodiments, a main superconducting magnet 52 is formed for the magnet coil 20 of the cast coil, as is known in the art. This main superconducting magnet is controlled during operation of the MRI system to acquire MRI image data. Additionally, during operation of the MRI system, liquid helium traveling through a thermally coupled cooling tube 12 cools the superconducting magnet 52. The superconducting magnet 52 can be cooled to, for example, a superconducting temperature, such as 4.2 Kelvin (K). The cooling process may include recondensing vaporized helium into a liquid by a recondenser 36 and returning it to the liquid helium tank 24, as well as cooling the vaporized helium.

[0041] Various implementations also provide a heat shield 54 that can come into thermal contact with the helium storage system 34. The heat shield 54 can be, for example, a heat-insulating radiation shield.

[0042] In one embodiment, as known in the art, cooling can be provided by immersing the superconducting magnet coil in a liquid helium bath, rather than via cooling pipes that circulate liquid helium through a thermally connected cooling tube to the magnet or support shell. In various embodiments, once cooled to the operating temperature, the magnet coil can be cooled by thermal conduction and / or by thermosiphon cooling. However, as will be readily understood, whether cooling is achieved by circulating liquid refrigerant through a cooling loop thermally connected to the magnet or by immersing the magnet coil in a liquid refrigerant bath, the coil holder / support structure, the magnet coil, and / or the liquid refrigerant reservoir form a cold block 55 with a temperature of approximately 4.2 K, which provides superconducting operation. As described in more detail below, a cryogenic venting management system can be provided that can be used to minimize venting of the lightweight composite coil holder (and magnet) in response to a quench event, thus minimizing the cooling time following a quench. In some embodiments, venting management occurs in a sealed, non-bath-cooling system.

[0043] Although described in the context of superconducting magnets for MRI systems, the superconducting machine system (with the cryogenic venting management system used in this superconducting machine system) is a superconducting generator or superconducting motor, or other types of superconducting systems, such as those used in superconducting RF cavities in accelerator magnet technology, or others. The cryogenic venting management system can also be used in conjunction with composite cryostats, composite liquid hydrogen tanks, and other devices utilizing composite structures. The disclosed systems and methods can also be used where a cryogenic cooler is directly mounted to a superconducting coil without involving the application of helium for cooling (i.e., a conductive cooling system, a sealed system, or a completely dry system).

[0044] It should be noted that while some implementation schemes can be described in conjunction with superconducting magnets used in MRI systems, various implementation schemes can be achieved by combining any type of system with a superconducting magnet. Superconducting magnets can be implemented in other types of medical imaging devices as well as non-medical imaging devices.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cryogenic venting management system 56. The cryogenic venting management system 56 is configured to collect gases from sources such as... Figure 4 The superconducting machine 58 of the composite structure 60 shown (e.g., a superconducting magnet, a superconducting generator, etc.) or having such Figure 5 The outgassing gas (e.g., N2, O2, H2, Ar, long hydrocarbon chains, etc.) released by the device 62 (e.g., composite cryostat, composite liquid hydrogen tank) of the composite structure 60 shown.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 includes a shroud 66 and a heat shield 54, the shroud being configured to be disposed within a vacuum container 48. The shroud 66 is configured to surround the superconducting machine 58 and, as... Figure 4The composite structure 60 shown or having the following characteristics Figure 5 The composite structure 60 shown is part of the device 62. A shield 66 is configured to prevent (e.g., during a quench event) outgassing gases from contaminating or poisoning the vacuum within the vacuum container 48. The shield 66 is a housing configured to prevent outgassing gases from flowing from outside the shield 66 into the vacuum container 48.

[0047] The cryogenic venting management system 56 also includes a vacuum chamber 68 (e.g., an internal miniature vacuum chamber). In some embodiments, the internal vacuum chamber 68 is defined by a wall. The wall may be made of copper, stainless steel, or other low-venting metal. Multiple fins (e.g., metal fins) are surrounded by the wall of the vacuum chamber 68. The fins may be coupled (e.g., fastened, welded, or glued) to the wall. The fins increase the surface area for adsorbing venting gases. Multiple adsorption layers 70 may be disposed within the vacuum chamber 68 (e.g., on the inner surfaces of the fins and / or the wall). In some embodiments, the adsorption layers 70 comprise activated carbon or advanced zeolite.

[0048] Vacuum chamber 68 is disposed within (surrounded by) heat shield 54. In some embodiments, vacuum chamber 68 is disposed within (surrounded by) shroud 66. Vacuum chamber 68 is configured to act as a cryogenic pump (via cryogenic adsorption effect and the vacuum difference between vacuum container 48 and vacuum chamber 68) to draw out gas (e.g., generated via a quench event) from heat shield 54 and / or shroud 66 into vacuum chamber 68, where adsorption layer 70 initially adsorbs the out gas. An electric heater 71 coupled to or integrated with the wall of vacuum chamber 68 increases the temperature of vacuum chamber 68 to release (or desorb) the out gas from adsorption layer 70, thereby removing the out gas from vacuum chamber 68 (and maintaining or increasing the vacuum level within vacuum chamber 68) before recooling of superconducting machine 58.

[0049] Vacuum chamber 68 is loosely thermally coupled to a cryogenic cooler (e.g., the second stage of the cryogenic cooler) via a thermal link (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 A cryogenic cooler (only) cools the vacuum chamber 68. No separate cooler (e.g., a conventional cryogenic pump) is used to cool the vacuum chamber 68. Thermal links are configured to cool the vacuum chamber 68 to between 5K and 15K. The vacuum chamber 68 is thermally isolated from the superconducting machine 58. Therefore, the temperature of the vacuum chamber 68 should not increase significantly after a quench event. Specifically, the temperature rise of the vacuum chamber 68 is slower than that of the cryogenic cooler and thermal shield 54 after a quench event and loss of cooling. The vacuum chamber 68 is mechanically supported on the superconducting machine 58 by G10 or other non-thermally conductive structural materials.

[0050] The cryogenic venting management system 56 also includes a first conduit 72 (e.g., a pipe) that couples the internal atmosphere within the heat shield 54 and / or shroud 66 to the vacuum chamber 68. A portion of the first conduit 72 extends through and out of the vacuum container 48 and the heat shield 54 (e.g., from the heat shield 54 and / or shroud 66), while another portion of the first conduit 72 extends from the outside of the vacuum container 48 and into and through the vacuum container 48 and the heat shield 54 (e.g., to the vacuum chamber 68). A first valve 74 is disposed outside the vacuum container 48 along the first conduit 72. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 includes a vacuum pump 76 located outside the vacuum container 48. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 also includes a second conduit 78 coupled to the vacuum pump 76, the first conduit 72, and via the first conduit 72 to the vacuum chamber 68. The second conduit 78 is coupled to the first conduit 72 between the first valve 74 and the vacuum chamber 68. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 further includes a second valve 80 disposed along a second conduit 78 between the vacuum pump 76 and the vacuum chamber 68. In some embodiments, a vacuum gauge 82 may be disposed along the first conduit 72 and / or the second conduit 78 to monitor the vacuum level (e.g., within the vacuum chamber 68).

[0051] Controller 84 is communicatively coupled to sensor 86, which monitors the corresponding temperature within thermal shield 54 and / or vacuum chamber 68. Controller 84 is also communicatively coupled to vacuum gauge 82, electric heater 71, and vacuum pump 76. Controller 84 is communicatively coupled to first valve 74 and second valve 80. Controller 84 is configured to provide control signals to actuators of first valve 74, second valve 80, electric heater 71, and / or vacuum pump 76 based on feedback (e.g., temperature measurements received from one or more sensors 86) and / or vacuum gauge 82. Controller 84, associated with the various sensors and valves 74, 80, acts as a vacuum detection system and / or a vacuum valve control / actuation system.

[0052] For example, during superconducting machine pumping (e.g., magnet pumping), the first valve 74 is opened. The vacuum chamber 68 can also be pumped via the vacuum pump 76. The first valve 74 is closed before cooling of the superconducting machine (e.g., the magnet) begins.

[0053] After the magnet quenches (in response to reaching a predetermined temperature (e.g., 50 K) and / or a predetermined vacuum level (e.g., 10⁻⁴ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr)), the first valve 74 automatically opens, and the vacuum chamber 68 acts as a cryogenic pump to draw out the outgassing gas from within the heat shield 54 and / or the shroud 66 (via the first conduit 72) into the vacuum chamber 68, where the vacuum chamber 68 collects the outgassing gas and the adsorption layer 70 initially adsorbs the outgassing gas. After the vacuum chamber 68 has been heated to the predetermined temperature (e.g., 30 K or higher), the first valve 74 is closed. After the first valve 74 is closed in response to reaching the predetermined temperature, the electric heater 71 is activated to raise the temperature (e.g., up to 70 K), thereby desorbing the outgassing gas from the adsorption surface. Furthermore, after the first valve 74 is closed in response to reaching the predetermined temperature, the second valve 80 is opened and the vacuum pump 76 is activated to extract the outgassing gas from within the vacuum chamber 68.

[0054] Controller 84 may include memory 88 and processor 90. Memory 88 may store processor-executable software code or instructions (e.g., firmware or software) tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Additionally or alternatively, memory 88 may store data. As an example, memory 88 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium or combinations thereof. Furthermore, processor 90 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, processor 90 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) or Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors. Processor 90 executes software code or instructions stored in memory 88. Processor 90 may include multiple processors and / or memory 88 may include multiple memory devices.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the enclosure 66 of the cryogenic venting management system 56. The enclosure 66 includes an enclosure body 92. The enclosure body 92 may be made of a cryogenic flexible material. In some embodiments, the enclosure body 92 may be made of a thin plastic or a flexible polymer. The enclosure body 92 includes an enclosure cover 94. The enclosure cover 94 acts as a vacuum shell, preventing venting gases from flowing into the external vacuum.

[0056] Figure 7 It has Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the superconducting magnet system 96 within a cryogenic venting management system 56 (e.g., having a shield 66). In some embodiments, the superconducting magnet system 96 may be part of an MRI system. The superconducting magnet system 96, having an annular cylindrical shape, extends in the circumferential direction 98 about a central axis 100.

[0057] The superconducting magnet system 96 includes a cold block 102 having a superconducting magnet coil disposed on a coil composite support structure (e.g., a coil frame) (see [link]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cryogenic venting management system 56 has a shield 66 that surrounds the cold block 102. In some embodiments, the shield 66 is made of a cryogenic flexible material (e.g., thin plastic or flexible polymer). The shield 66 is configured to prevent venting gases (e.g., generated during a quench event) from contaminating or poisoning the vacuum within the vacuum container 48. The shield 66 is a vacuum shell configured to prevent venting gases from flowing from outside the shield 66 into the vacuum container 48. A thermal shield 54 surrounds the cold block 102. The vacuum container 48 surrounds the thermal shield 54 and the cold block 102.

[0058] The cryogenic venting management system 56 includes a vacuum chamber 68 (e.g., an internal miniature vacuum chamber) disposed within (surrounded by) a shroud 66. The vacuum chamber 68 is defined by a wall 104. The wall 104 may be made of copper, stainless steel, or other low-venting metal. A plurality of fins 106 (e.g., metal fins) are surrounded by the wall 104 of the vacuum chamber 68. The fins 106 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, welded, or glued) to the wall 104. The fins 106 increase the surface area for adsorbing venting gases. The number of fins 106 may vary. A plurality of adsorption layers 70 may be disposed within the vacuum chamber 68 (e.g., on the inner surface 108 of the fins 106 and / or the wall 104). In some embodiments, the adsorption layers 70 comprise activated carbon or advanced zeolite.

[0059] Vacuum chamber 68 is configured to act as a cryogenic pump (via cryogenic adsorption effect and the vacuum difference between vacuum container 48 and vacuum chamber 68) to draw out gas (e.g., generated via a quench event) from inside shroud 66 into vacuum chamber 68, where adsorption layer 70 initially adsorbs the out gas. A wall 104 coupled to vacuum chamber 68, or an electric heater 71 integrated with that wall, increases the temperature of vacuum chamber 68 to release (or desorb) the out gas from adsorption layer 70, thereby removing the out gas from vacuum chamber 68 before recooling of cold block 102 (and maintaining or increasing the vacuum level within vacuum chamber 68).

[0060] Cryocooler 110 is coupled to the wall of vacuum container 48 and thermal shield 54. Second stage 112 of cryocooler 110 is thermally coupled to cold block 102 via thermal link 114. Vacuum chamber 68 is loosely thermally coupled to cryocooler 110 (e.g., second stage 112 of cryocooler 100) via thermal link 116. Thermal link 114 is more thermally conductive than thermal link 116. Cryocooler 110 cools vacuum chamber 68 (only). No separate cooler (e.g., a conventional cryogenic pump) is used to cool vacuum chamber 68. Thermal link 116 is configured to cool vacuum chamber 68 to between 5K and 15K. Vacuum chamber 68 is thermally isolated from cold block 102. Therefore, the temperature of vacuum chamber 68 should not increase significantly after a quench event. Specifically, the temperature rise of vacuum chamber 68 is slower than that of cryocooler 110 and thermal shield 54 after a quench event and loss of cooling. The vacuum chamber 68 is mechanically supported on the cold block 102 by G10 or other non-thermally conductive structural materials.

[0061] The cryogenic venting management system 56 also includes a first conduit 72 (e.g., a pipe) that couples the internal atmosphere within the shroud 66 to the vacuum chamber 68. A portion of the first conduit 72 extends through and out of the vacuum container 48 and the heat shield 54 (e.g., from the heat shield 54 and / or the shroud 66), while another portion of the first conduit 72 extends from the outside of the vacuum container 48 and into and through the vacuum container 48 and the heat shield 54 (e.g., to the vacuum chamber 68). The first conduit 72 includes a funnel 118 coupled to the shroud 66 for collecting vented gas. A first valve 74 is disposed outside the vacuum container 48 along the first conduit 72. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 includes a vacuum pump 76 located outside the vacuum container 48. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 also includes a second conduit 78 coupled to the vacuum pump 76, the first conduit 72, and via the first conduit 72 to the vacuum chamber 68. The second conduit 78 is coupled to the first conduit 72 between the first valve 74 and the vacuum chamber 68. In some embodiments, the cryogenic venting management system 56 further includes a second valve 80 disposed along a second conduit 78 between the vacuum pump 76 and the vacuum chamber 68. In some embodiments, a vacuum gauge 82 may be disposed along the first conduit 72 and / or the second conduit 78 to monitor the vacuum level (e.g., within the vacuum chamber 68).

[0062] Controller 84 is communicatively coupled to sensor 86, which monitors the corresponding temperature within thermal shield 54 and / or vacuum chamber 68. Controller 84 is also communicatively coupled to vacuum gauge 82, electric heater 71, and vacuum pump 76. Controller 84 is communicatively coupled to first valve 74 and second valve 80. Controller 84 is configured to provide control signals to actuators of first valve 74, second valve 80, electric heater 71, and / or vacuum pump 76 based on feedback (e.g., temperature measurements received from one or more sensors 86) and / or vacuum gauge 82. Controller 84, associated with the various sensors and valves 74, 80, acts as a vacuum detection system and / or a vacuum valve control / actuation system.

[0063] For example, during magnet pumping, the first valve 74 is opened. The vacuum chamber 68 can also be pumped via the vacuum pump 76. The first valve 74 is closed before cooling of the superconducting machine (e.g., the magnet) begins.

[0064] After the magnet quenches (in response to reaching a predetermined temperature (e.g., 50 K) and / or a predetermined vacuum level (e.g., 10⁻⁴ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr)), the first valve 74 automatically opens, and the vacuum chamber 68 acts as a cryogenic pump to draw out the outgassing gas from inside the shroud 66 (via the first conduit 72) into the vacuum chamber 68, where the vacuum chamber 68 collects the outgassing gas and the adsorption layer 70 initially adsorbs the outgassing gas. After the vacuum chamber 68 has been heated to the predetermined temperature (e.g., 20 K or 30 K), the first valve 74 is closed. After the first valve 74 is closed in response to reaching the predetermined temperature, the electric heater 71 is activated to raise the temperature (e.g., up to 70 K), thereby desorbing the outgassing gas from the adsorption surface. Furthermore, after the first valve 74 is closed in response to reaching the predetermined temperature, the second valve 80 is opened and the vacuum pump 76 is activated to extract the outgassing gas from the vacuum chamber 68.

[0065] Controller 84 may include memory 88 and processor 90. Memory 88 may store processor-executable software code or instructions (e.g., firmware or software) tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Additionally or alternatively, memory 88 may store data. As an example, memory 88 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium or combinations thereof. Furthermore, processor 90 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, processor 90 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) or Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors. Processor 90 executes software code or instructions stored in memory 88. Processor 90 may include multiple processors and / or memory 88 may include multiple memory devices.

[0066] Figure 8 It has Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the superconducting magnet system 96 within the cryogenic venting management system 56 (e.g., without a shield). The superconducting magnet system 96 and the cryogenic venting management system 56 are as follows: Figure 7 As described herein, but with some exceptions. For example, vacuum chamber 68 is configured to act as a cryogenic pump (via cryogenic adsorption effect and the vacuum difference between vacuum container 48 and vacuum chamber 68) to draw out outgassing gas (e.g., generated via a quench event) from within heat shield 54 into vacuum chamber 68, where adsorption layer 70 initially adsorbs the outgassing gas. Cryogenic outgassing management system 56 also includes a first conduit 72 (e.g., a pipe) coupling the internal atmosphere within heat shield 54 to vacuum chamber 68. Funnel 118 collects outgassing gas from within heat shield 54.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of method 120 for managing venting from a superconducting machine system (or vacuum management in a cryogenic composite environment or maintaining the vacuum integrity of a cryostat using composite superconducting coils). The superconducting machine system includes superconducting machines with composite materials (e.g., superconducting machines such as superconducting magnets in magnetic resonance imaging systems, superconducting motors, superconducting generators, etc.). Methods similar to method 120 can be used in conjunction with devices utilizing composite materials (e.g., some composite cryostats, composite liquid hydrogen tanks for aircraft, etc.).

[0068] As described above, the superconducting machine system includes a superconducting machine comprising a composite structure. The superconducting machine system also includes a heat shield surrounding the superconducting machine. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum container wall surrounding the heat shield. The superconducting machine system even includes a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event. In some embodiments, the superconducting machine system even includes a shroud surrounding both the vacuum chamber and the superconducting machine, wherein the heat shield surrounds the shroud. The vacuum chamber includes an electric heater. The superconducting machine system also includes multiple adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within the heat shield to the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system even includes a first valve disposed along the first conduit. The superconducting machine system also includes a vacuum pump located outside the vacuum container. The superconducting machine system also includes a second conduit coupled to a vacuum pump, a first conduit, and a vacuum chamber via the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between a first valve and the vacuum chamber. The superconducting machine system also includes a second valve disposed along the second conduit between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber.

[0069] Method 120 includes (in the event of a quench event in the superconducting machine system) automatically opening a first valve to allow the vacuum chamber and multiple adsorption surfaces to adsorb outgassing gas (from outgassing gas drawn from the heat shield and / or shroud) (box 122). Automatic opening of the first valve may be triggered by a control signal (from a controller) provided to the actuator of the first valve in response to reaching a predetermined temperature (e.g., 50 K) within the heat shield and / or a predetermined vacuum level (e.g., 10⁻⁴ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr) within the vacuum chamber. Method 120 also includes closing the first valve after reaching a predetermined temperature following the quench event (box 124). Closing of the first valve may be triggered by a control signal (from a controller) provided to the actuator of the first valve in response to reaching a predetermined temperature (60 K to 70 K) within the vacuum chamber. Method 120 further includes, after closing the first valve, heating the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which outgassing gas is desorbed from the multiple adsorption surfaces using an electric heater (activated via a control signal from the controller) (box 126). Method 120 even includes opening a second valve after closing the first valve to enable a vacuum pump (started via a control signal from the controller) to remove vent gas from the vacuum chamber (box 128). Method 120 also includes cooling the superconducting machine to the operating temperature using a cryogenic cooler (box 130).

[0070] The technical effects of the disclosed subject matter include the utilization of an internal small vacuum chamber as a cryogenic pump (as part of a venting management system) to absorb venting gases after a magnet quench. The technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include enabling the avoidance of external cooling tools during a quench event, allowing the superconducting machine (e.g., the magnet) to be cooled back to operating temperature by one or more cryogenic coolers themselves. The technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include preventing softening of the vacuum chamber by enabling the capture (and release) of gases that affect (e.g., contaminate) the vacuum. The technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include improved maintainability of the hermetically sealed magnet. The technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include maintaining a sufficient magnet vacuum level to allow for more rapid recooling of the magnet after a magnet quench. This is particularly important and beneficial for hermetically sealed magnets without a helium container. Removing the helium container from the hermetically sealed magnet saves costs and minimizes the heat load from magnet gradient interaction (MGI).

[0071] This disclosure also provides support for a superconducting machine system comprising: a superconducting machine including a composite structure; a thermal shield surrounding the superconducting machine; a vacuum container surrounding the thermal shield; and a vacuum chamber surrounded by the thermal shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event. In a first example of the superconducting machine system, the vacuum chamber is configured to adsorb outgassing gases by utilizing a vacuum pressure difference between the vacuum container and the vacuum chamber combined with a cryogenic adsorption effect. In a second example of the superconducting machine system (optionally including the first example), the superconducting machine system further includes: a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within the thermal shield to the vacuum chamber; and a first valve disposed along the first conduit. In a third example of the superconducting machine system (optionally including one or both of the first and second examples), the first valve is configured to close before the superconducting machine cools down and is configured to automatically open after a quench event to enable the vacuum chamber to adsorb outgassing gases. In a fourth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples), the vacuum chamber includes a plurality of adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber for initial adsorption of outgassing gases. In a fifth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples), the vacuum chamber includes a plurality of fins, and the plurality of adsorption surfaces are disposed on the plurality of fins and / or inner wall surfaces of the vacuum chamber. In a sixth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples), the plurality of adsorption surfaces comprise activated carbon or advanced zeolite. In a seventh example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth examples), the superconducting machine system further includes an electric heater disposed on the vacuum chamber, wherein a first valve is configured to close after a predetermined temperature is reached following a quench event, and the electric heater is configured to heat the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which outgassing gases are desorbed from the plurality of adsorption surfaces after the first valve closes. In an eighth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to seventh examples), the superconducting machine system further includes: a vacuum pump located outside a vacuum container; a second conduit coupled to the vacuum pump, the first conduit, and via the first conduit to a vacuum chamber, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between a first valve and the vacuum chamber; and a second valve disposed along the second conduit between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber. In a ninth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to eighth examples), the second valve is configured to open after the first valve is closed, enabling the vacuum pump to remove outgassing gases desorbed from multiple adsorption surfaces.In a tenth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to ninth examples), the superconducting machine system further includes a shroud surrounding the superconducting machine, wherein a heat shield surrounds the shroud, and the shroud surrounds a vacuum chamber, wherein the shroud is configured to prevent outgassing gases from flowing to the outside of the shroud. In an eleventh example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to tenth examples), the superconducting machine includes a superconducting magnet coil disposed on a support structure, and the support structure includes a composite structure. In a twelfth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to eleventh examples), the vacuum chamber is thermally isolated from the heat shield and the superconducting machine. In a thirteenth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to twelfth examples), the superconducting machine system further includes a cryogenic cooler coupled to the vacuum chamber and the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is thermally coupled to the cryogenic cooler via a thermal link, and the cryogenic cooler is configured to cool the vacuum chamber. In the fourteenth example of a superconducting machine system (optionally including one or more or each of the first to thirteenth examples), a cryogenic cooler is configured to cool the vacuum chamber to a temperature between 5 Kelvin and 15 Kelvin, and wherein the vacuum chamber is cooled solely by the cryogenic cooler.

[0072] This disclosure also provides support for a superconducting magnet system for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the superconducting magnet system comprising: a superconducting magnet coil disposed on a support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a composite material; a heat shield surrounding the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure; a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield; and a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to absorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting magnet coil and the support structure during a quench event. In a first example of the superconducting magnet system, the vacuum chamber is thermally isolated from the heat shield and the superconducting machine. In a second example of the superconducting magnet system (optionally including the first example), the superconducting magnet system further includes a cryogenic cooler coupled to the vacuum container and the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is thermally coupled to the cryogenic cooler via a thermal link, and the cryogenic cooler is configured to cool the vacuum chamber. In a third example of a superconducting magnet system (optionally including one or both of the first and second examples), the superconducting magnet system further includes a shroud surrounding the superconducting machine, wherein a thermal shield surrounds the shroud and the shroud surrounds the vacuum chamber, wherein the shroud is configured to prevent venting gases from flowing to the outside of the shroud.

[0073] This disclosure also provides support for a method for managing outgassing from a superconducting machine system, the method comprising: for the superconducting machine system, the superconducting machine system including: a superconducting machine, the superconducting machine including a composite structure; a heat shield surrounding the superconducting machine; a vacuum container surrounding the heat shield; a vacuum chamber surrounded by the heat shield, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine and the composite structure during a quench event; and the vacuum chamber including an electric heater; a plurality of adsorption surfaces disposed within the vacuum chamber; a first conduit coupling an internal atmosphere within the heat shield to the vacuum chamber; a first valve disposed along the first conduit; and a vacuum pump, the vacuum... The pump is located outside the vacuum container; and a second conduit coupled to the vacuum pump, the first conduit, and via the first conduit to the vacuum chamber, wherein the second conduit is coupled to the first conduit between the first valve and the vacuum chamber; and a second valve disposed along the second conduit between the vacuum pump and the vacuum chamber; the method includes: automatically opening the first valve in the event of a quench event in the superconducting machine system to allow the vacuum chamber and multiple adsorption surfaces to adsorb outgassing gas; closing the first valve after a predetermined temperature is reached following the quench event; heating the vacuum chamber to a temperature at which outgassing gas is desorbed from the multiple adsorption surfaces using an electric heater after closing the first valve; and opening the second valve after closing the first valve to allow the vacuum pump to remove outgassing gas from the vacuum chamber.

[0074] Referring to the technology presented herein and protected by the claims, and applying it to physical objects and specific embodiments with practical properties, said practical properties explicitly improve the present art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as “means for [performing]…the function” or “steps for [performing]…the function,” such elements are intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 USC 112(f).

[0075] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter of the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any device or system and performing any included methods. The patent scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A superconducting machine system, the superconducting machine system comprising: A superconducting machine (58), the superconducting machine comprising a composite structure (60); A heat shield (54) surrounds the superconducting machine (58). Vacuum container (48), the vacuum container surrounding the heat shield (54); and A vacuum chamber (68) surrounded by the thermal shield (54), wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is configured to act as a cryogenic pump to adsorb outgassing gases released from the superconducting machine (58) and the composite structure (60) during a quench event.

2. The superconducting machine system according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is configured to adsorb the outgassing gas by utilizing the vacuum pressure difference between the vacuum container (48) and the vacuum chamber (68) in combination with a cryogenic adsorption effect.

3. The superconducting machine system according to claim 1, further comprising: The first conduit (72) couples the internal atmosphere within the heat shield (54) to the vacuum chamber (68). as well as A first valve (74) is disposed along the first conduit (72).

4. The superconducting machine system of claim 3, wherein the first valve (74) is configured to close before the superconducting machine (58) cools down, and the first valve (74) is configured to open automatically after a quench event so that the vacuum chamber (68) can adsorb the vented gas.

5. The superconducting machine system according to claim 4, wherein the vacuum chamber (68) includes a plurality of adsorption surfaces (70) disposed within the vacuum chamber (68) to initially adsorb the outgassing gas.

6. The superconducting machine system according to claim 5, wherein the vacuum chamber (68) comprises a plurality of fins (106), and the plurality of adsorption surfaces (70) are disposed on the plurality of fins (106) and / or the inner wall surface (108) of the vacuum chamber (68).

7. The superconducting machine system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of adsorption surfaces (70) comprise activated carbon or advanced zeolite.

8. The superconducting machine system according to claim 5, further comprising an electric heater (71) disposed on the vacuum chamber (68), wherein the first valve (74) is configured to close after a predetermined temperature is reached following the quench event, and the electric heater (71) is configured to heat the vacuum chamber (68) to a temperature at which the outgassing gas is desorbed from the plurality of adsorption surfaces (70) after the first valve (74) is closed.

9. The superconducting machine system according to claim 8, further comprising: A vacuum pump (76) is located outside the vacuum container (48); A second conduit (78) is coupled to the vacuum pump (76), the first conduit (72), and via the first conduit (72) to the vacuum chamber (68), wherein the second conduit (78) is coupled to the first conduit (72) between the first valve (74) and the vacuum chamber (68); and A second valve (80) is disposed between the vacuum pump (76) and the vacuum chamber (68) along the second conduit (78).

10. The superconducting machine system of claim 9, wherein the second valve (80) is configured to open after the first valve (74) is closed, so that the vacuum pump (76) can remove the outgassing gas desorbed from the plurality of adsorption surfaces (70).

11. The superconducting machine system of claim 3, further comprising a shield (66) surrounding the superconducting machine (58), wherein the heat shield (540) surrounds the shield (66), and the shield (66) surrounds the vacuum chamber (68), wherein the shield (66) is configured to prevent the venting gas from flowing to the outside of the shield (66).

12. The superconducting machine system according to claim 1, wherein the superconducting machine (58) includes a superconducting magnet coil (20) disposed on a support structure (60), and the support structure (60) includes the composite structure (60).

13. The superconducting machine system according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is thermally isolated from the heat shield (54) and the superconducting machine (58).

14. The superconducting machine system of claim 13, further comprising a cryogenic cooler (110) coupled to the vacuum chamber (48) and the thermal shield (54), wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is thermally coupled to the cryogenic cooler via a thermal link (116), and the cryogenic cooler (110) is configured to cool the vacuum chamber (68).

15. The superconducting machine system of claim 14, wherein the cryogenic cooler (110) is configured to cool the vacuum chamber (68) to a temperature between 5 Kelvin and 15 Kelvin, and wherein the vacuum chamber (68) is cooled solely by the cryogenic cooler (110).

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