Uniform surface coating

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for coating a surface (110B) of a structure (110), comprising the steps of: - placing the structure (110) in a chamber in which at least one ejector (104) is positioned towards the surface (110A) of the structure to be coated; - sealing the chamber; - creating a vacuum in the chamber; and thereafter - injecting steam through the at least one ejector (104) towards the surface while causing relative movement, e.g., rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the uniform coating of a surface. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the coating of a surface with steam. The surface may be an inner or outer surface of a structure, for example, in the broader definition, a cylinder, i.e., a surface within a space defined by parallel straight lines (generatrix). [Background technology]

[0002] The challenges of the 21st century must be met with technologies that push the boundaries of current science. In particular, energy generation through nuclear fusion energy, medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging, and transportation systems such as linear motor trains all have in common that they require strong magnetic fields in specific configurations to function properly. Thus, the future world will require methods, devices, and mechanisms that can generate strong magnetic fields and meet the demands of these growing fields.

[0003] The latest development in magnetic fields utilizes high temperature superconductors (HTS). HTS are materials that exhibit superconducting properties at temperatures above 77K, which is generally the boiling point of nitrogen. HTS materials exhibit zero resistance under superconducting conditions, which is usually important to be at the right temperature. Since there is zero resistance, electric current can flow freely and with high strength through such superconducting materials. Ultimately, this makes it possible to generate high-intensity magnetic fields with specific properties depending on the application requirements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Currently, magnetic devices are constructed with large magnets that are formed into coils, which may be permanent or electrical depending on cost or application. Applications that require the magnetic field to be in a specific configuration, such as stellarators, require the coils to be twisted into complex shapes during construction. This significantly increases costs during the design phase, and stellarator designs can become very complex, requiring many tests, and therefore a lot of time and money to build many magnetic coils.

[0005] References to the construction of superconducting coils include U.S. Patent No. 9,812,233 to Sazaki, et. al., which describes the current state of the art in the construction of films of superconducting material, also referred to as tapes. The current state of the art discusses the manufacture of tapes that are stacked to form cable-like structures. The cable-like structures are then shaped according to the needs of the application. The structures may be cut and shaped, twisted, stacked, or otherwise shaped.

[0006] A method of constructing a superconducting coil is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,655,423 to Miyazaki, et al. Miyazaki describes a superconducting coil formed of multiple layers of various materials. A group of these layers are described as making up the superconducting coil portion formed of thin film superconducting wire. The coils described in Miyazaki, and coils common in the art, are constructed in the shape of a wire by placing a superconducting film, also referred to as a superconducting tape, which is then further constructed in the shape of a coil. A review of the prior art indicates that superconducting coils are formed by stacking superconducting films or layers such that current can flow in a desired direction to generate the appropriate magnetic field configuration.

[0007] To the best of the inventors' knowledge and understanding, the prior art does not teach any other manner in which superconducting films or tapes may be used to conduct electrical current.

[0008] The tape itself can be constructed by several methods described in the art. U.S. Patent No. 10,935,799 to Majkic, et al. discloses a method for producing high quality superconducting tape. The Majkic method is limited to applications requiring very thin tape structures. It is not clear from Majkic's description how the process could overcome the limitations of, for example, various tape geometries. The methods described in this prior art are limited to rectangular shapes of moderate size.

[0009] An apparatus and method for forming films on tape substrates is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,147,033 to Youm et al. This apparatus further illustrates the limitations of current methods in the state of the art. A thin film of superconducting material is deposited on a rotating cylinder, which unwinds the tape substrate to form a tape. This method does not allow for shapes other than rectangular tapes. Furthermore, if too much of the tape is left on the tape on the rotating cylinder, the entire tape can be damaged.

[0010] The superconducting tape itself is also in short supply due to high demand, and there are problems with the size and shape of the superconducting tape, which can only be constructed to widths of a few centimeters, plus the process of forming the superconducting tape into wires and then into coils is lengthy and prone to defects.

[0011] Thus, there remains a need for efficient and less expensive alternatives to coils used in magnetic applications. Additionally, there is a need for a method or device that allows for configurations of superconducting coils that can be easily replaced so that configuration changes can be accomplished quickly and at low cost. The prior art has yet to overcome the limitation of producing superconducting tapes of any shape or size, and currently shapes are limited to rectangular geometric configurations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One embodiment addresses all or some of the shortcomings of known methods or devices for constructing superconducting coils.

[0013] One embodiment is a method for coating a surface of a structure, comprising the steps of: - placing the structure in a chamber, with at least one ejector positioned in the chamber towards the surface of the structure to be coated; - sealing the chamber; - creating a vacuum in said chamber, thereafter - injecting steam through the at least one ejector towards the surface while causing a relative movement, e.g., rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector. The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0014] In one embodiment, the material, eg, a precursor, is evaporated to produce a vapor prior to the injecting step.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further comprises heating the surface of the structure to a first temperature, preferably an elevated temperature, for example above 500°C.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, a buffer layer is disposed on the surface and the buffer layer is heated to the first temperature.

[0017] In one embodiment, the speed of the movement, e.g., rotation, is adapted to create a laminar flow of vapor adjacent a surface within the chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises, eg consists of, a rotation of the structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the structure and / or steam is injected in an oblique direction, for example substantially radially, relative to the surface of the structure.

[0020] One embodiment is a device for coating a surface of a structure adapted to carry out the method of the embodiment, comprising: - a chamber adapted to accommodate the structure; - at least one ejector disposed within the chamber toward a surface of the structure to be coated and adapted to inject steam toward the surface; and a motion device adapted to generate a relative motion, e.g. a rotation, between said structure and said at least one ejector; The present invention provides a device comprising:

[0021] In one embodiment, the device comprises a first support and / or a second support accommodated in or forming at least part of the chamber and adapted to support the at least one ejector, the first support and / or the second support being, for example, a cylinder.

[0022] In one embodiment, the surface to be coated is an exterior surface of the structure, and the device comprises a first support adapted to accommodate the structure, and an ejector of the at least one ejector is disposed on an interior surface of the first support.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first support forms at least a portion of the chamber, e.g., the first support has at least a base adapted to be closed to seal the structure within the first support.

[0024] In one embodiment, the surface to be coated is an interior surface of the structure, and the device comprises a second support adapted to be disposed within the structure, and an ejector of the at least one ejector is disposed on an exterior surface of the second support.

[0025] In one embodiment, an ejector opening of the at least one ejector is aligned substantially parallel to a length of a surface of the structure.

[0026] In one embodiment, an ejector opening of the at least one ejector is substantially aligned with a periphery of a surface of the structure.

[0027] In one embodiment, the motion device is adapted to rotate the structure, in other words the relative motion between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises, e.g. consists of, a rotation of the structure.

[0028] In one embodiment, the exercise device is adapted to hold the structure.

[0029] In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus comprises: - at least one rotating body, preferably several rotating bodies, adapted to be coupled to another surface of the structure different from the surface to be coated, so as to rotate the structure by rotation of the at least one rotating body, and - a drive unit, such as at least a motor, adapted to be coupled to said at least one rotating body for rotating said at least one rotating body; It has.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device comprises a heating device, such as a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an inductive heating coil, adapted to heat the surface.

[0031] In one particular embodiment, the heating device comprises a heating resistor connected to the at least one rotating body.

[0032] In one embodiment, the structure is coated with various layers to form a stack of layers including at least a superconducting layer.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device is adapted to coat the structure with various layers to form a stack of layers including at least a superconducting layer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] The above and other features and advantages are explained in more detail in the following specific embodiments, given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view showing an embodiment of a device adapted for uniform coating of the outer surface of a cylinder. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a general perspective view showing another embodiment of the device adapted for uniform coating of the outer surface of a cylinder. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view showing an embodiment of a device adapted for uniform coating of the inner surface of a cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] In the various figures, similar features are indicated by similar reference numerals, and in particular, structural and / or functional features common to the various embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have the same structural, dimensional and material characteristics.

[0037] For clarity, only those acts and elements useful for understanding the embodiments described herein have been shown and described in detail.

[0038] Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to two elements connected together, this refers to a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements coupled together, this refers to the two elements being either connected or coupled through one or more other elements.

[0039] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, when reference is made to terms that qualify absolute positions, such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", or relative positions, such as "upper", "lower", "high", "low", or orientations, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., this term refers to the orientation of the drawings.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and "to the extent of" refer to within 10%, preferably within 5%, of the relevant value.

[0041] The drawings are not drawn to scale. The drawings show an embodiment of the invention for a uniform coating of a surface, sometimes simply referred to as a coating, when no ambiguity is assumed. Other embodiments may be possible, as a person with appropriate training can easily recognize. The actual size and / or shape of each of the parts of the embodiment may vary. Only the important details of the embodiment are shown, but the skilled artisan can recognize how the entire device may be constructed without undue experimentation. Some details have been omitted from the drawings, but the inventors believe that the addition of these details is not necessary for a full appreciation of the disclosed features of the invention. These omitted details include, among others, elements for holding or fixing the device or its functional parts. Some features of the embodiments may be exaggerated for ease of understanding. The disclosed embodiments and the alternatives described should not be considered as limiting the invention in any manner.

[0042] In the drawings, the surface to be coated is the inner or outer surface of a right cylinder. In other words, the structure is a right cylinder (first cylinder 110). Other shapes of structures having a surface to be coated are possible. In other examples, the surface to be coated can be the inner or outer surface of a non-cylinder and / or a non-right cylinder or any other suitable structure.

[0043] For uniform coating of the surface of the first cylinder 110, a chamber adapted to accommodate the first cylinder is necessary.

[0044] In Fig. 1, a device 100 is shown adapted to coat the outer surface 110B of a first cylinder 110. The device 100 comprises a second cylinder 102 (first support) having a diameter larger than that of the first cylinder 110, the first cylinder being placed inside the second cylinder during coating. The bases of both cylinders may be aligned through their respective centers. For example, the cylinders may be concentric.

[0045] The second cylinder 102 is hollow and has an inner surface 102A facing the first cylinder 110. An ejector, such as a jet or nozzle 104, is disposed on the inner surface 102A of the second cylinder 102 so as to face the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110. The nozzle 104 has an opening, hole or nozzle head 106 for ejecting material at a constant rate. The nozzle head 106 of the nozzle 104 is aligned parallel to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110.

[0046] When referring to an ejector, the ejector may include a spout or a nozzle depending on the technology used. When referring to a nozzle head, the nozzle head also refers more generally to the opening or hole of the ejector.

[0047] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the head 106 of the nozzle 104 is aligned along the length of the outer surface 110B of the first barrel 110 and may be oriented to eject steam in a substantially radial direction.

[0048] Another embodiment of the device 200 is shown in Fig. 2, adapted to coat the outer surface 110B of the first barrel 110. In this other embodiment, the nozzle 204 is also disposed on the inner surface 102A of the second barrel 102, but the head 206 of the nozzle 204 is substantially aligned with the outer periphery of the first barrel 110 and may be oriented to eject steam in a substantially longitudinal direction. The two embodiments may be combined, i.e., one or more nozzles may be aligned with the length of the first barrel and another or other nozzles may be aligned with the outer periphery of the first barrel.

[0049] The first barrel 110 is held in place by a baton or rod 112. The rod 112 rotates, causing the first barrel 110 to rotate as well. At least the base of the rod 112 may be configured with a heating resistor 114 that heats the rod 112, which in turn heats the first barrel 110. Besides the heating resistor 114, other heating means may also be used, and in other embodiments, effects such as direct ohmic heating or induction heating, and appropriate coils or devices therefor may be used. The rod 112 may act as an electrode that is used to pass a current through the first barrel 110 to heat it.

[0050] In the device 100 of Fig. 1 or the device 200 of Fig. 2 adapted to coat the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110, the rod 112 is preferably arranged on the inner surface 110A of said first cylinder or on a surface that may coat the outer surface of the first cylinder. Another embodiment of a device adapted to coat the inner surface of a first cylinder, in which the rod is arranged on the outer surface of the first cylinder, is shown in Fig. 3 and described below.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one base of the second cylinder 102 (if the other base is already closed), or both bases, may be closed such that the first cylinder 110 may be sealed inside the second cylinder 102. This arrangement may be referred to as an enclosure, vault, or chamber. The second cylinder may form a chamber. In another embodiment, the first cylinder and the second cylinder may be located in a different chamber than the second cylinder.

[0052] Example of operation In order to coat the first cylinder 110 uniformly using a vapor deposition method, the first cylinder shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 must be sealed in a chamber as described above, and preferably a vacuum must be created so that there is no air or other gas around the first cylinder 110. If the material or precursor is not already present in vapor form, the material or precursor to be deposited must be evaporated and injected through the nozzle 104, 204. The vapor is then ejected through the nozzle head 106, 206 at an appropriate velocity and in a substantially parallel or oblique direction or substantially radial direction relative to the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110. For example, for advanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) coatings, a substantially parallel ejection is desired, while for conventional MOCVD coatings or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), an oblique ejection or a substantially radial ejection may be sufficient.

[0053] With the vapor discharge, the first cylinder 110 is rotated using the rod 112. The second cylinder 102 is not moving, so the first cylinder 110 is moving relative to the second cylinder. Thus, a phenomenon known as Couette flow may be observed, and a specific velocity profile can exist between the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 and the inner surface 102A of the second cylinder 102. By varying the relative speed of the cylinders, this profile can be configured to produce a laminar flow, which is highly desirable in some chemical vapor deposition applications. The laminar flow ensures a uniform coating of the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder 110.

[0054] In some applications, it may be necessary for the exterior surface 110B of the first cylinder 110 to be at a constant temperature so that material can be ensured to be deposited accurately across the surface of the cylinder 110. In an embodiment, a buffer layer 116 may be disposed on the exterior surface 110B of the first cylinder 110, which must be heated to an elevated temperature, for example above 500° C., for example in the range of 500° C. to 900° C., to accommodate deposition.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates another device 300 adapted to coat the inner surface 110A of the first barrel 110.

[0056] The device 300 comprises a third cylinder 302 (second support) adapted to be placed inside the first cylinder 110. The third cylinder thus has a diameter smaller than that of the first cylinder. The bases of the first and third cylinders may be aligned to pass through their respective centers. For example, the first and third cylinders may be concentric.

[0057] An ejector, such as a jet or nozzle 304, is disposed on the outer surface 302B of the third cylinder 302 facing the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110. The nozzle 304 has an opening, hole or nozzle head 306 for ejecting material at a constant rate. The nozzle head 306 of the nozzle 304 is aligned parallel to the inner surface 110A of the first cylinder 110.

[0058] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the head 306 of the nozzle 304 may be substantially aligned with the length of the inner surface 110A of the first barrel 110 and oriented to discharge steam in a substantially radial direction. In another embodiment similar to that of Figure 2, the head of the nozzle may be substantially aligned with the inner circumference of the first barrel and oriented to discharge steam in a substantially longitudinal direction. The two embodiments may be combined, i.e., one or more nozzles may be aligned with the length of the first barrel and another or other nozzles may be aligned with the inner circumference of the first barrel.

[0059] The first barrel 110 is held in place by a baton or rod 312. The rod 312 rotates, causing the smaller first barrel 110 to rotate as well. At least the base of the rod 312 may be configured with a heating resistor 314 that heats the rod 312, which in turn heats the first barrel 110. Besides the heating resistor 314, other heating means may also be used, and in other embodiments, effects such as direct ohmic heating or inductive heating, and appropriate coils or devices therefor may be used. The rod 312 may act as an electrode that is used to pass a current through the first barrel 110 to heat it.

[0060] In the device 300 of FIG. 3, rods 312 are preferably disposed on the outer surface 110B of the first cylinder, or may be disposed on another surface that may coat the inner surface of the first cylinder.

[0061] The second cylinder 102 may not be provided in the device 300. For example, the first cylinder and the third cylinder may be disposed within a chamber that may not necessarily be a right cylinder, or may not even be a cylinder. As another example, the first cylinder may be closed to form a chamber prior to coating.

[0062] The third cylinder may be any cylinder in the broader definition, ie, it may not necessarily be a right cylinder, or may have a shape other than a cylinder.

[0063] Other features shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be applied to the device shown in FIG.

[0064] The operational examples described above may be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 3 and may require some adaptations available to those skilled in the art.

[0065] An application of the embodiment is the manufacture of superconducting coils, particularly modular coils. To form a superconducting coil, for example as described in European Patent Application No. 22305437, filed on April 4, 2022 by the same applicant "Renaissance Fusion" entitled "METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUPERCONDUCTING COILS AND DEVICE", which is incorporated by reference to the fullest extent permitted by law, a structure, for example a cylinder, may be coated with various suitable layers using various techniques to form a stack of layers and at least a superconducting layer. In addition, a step of removing material from the layers may be provided to form a pattern constituting grooves in the coated cylinder. The pattern may be determined depending on the application. To remove the material, techniques such as laser patterning may be used, or other techniques such as mechanical techniques or photolithography may be used. The grooves may be filled with a metal, for example silver.

[0066] The superconducting coil cylinder may be machined to have a particular shape, and the superconducting coil may be assembled to other superconducting coils of similar or different shapes to form an assembly, such as multiple modular coils, e.g., multiple superconducting coils may be assembled to form a stellarator.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are summarized below: Other embodiments may be further understood from the entire specification and claims of this application.

[0068] Example 1. A method for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), comprising: - placing the structure (110) in a chamber in which at least one ejector (104; 204; 304) is arranged towards the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110) to be coated, - sealing the chamber; - creating a vacuum in the chamber, thereafter - injecting steam through at least one ejector (104; 204; 304) towards the surface while inducing a relative movement, e.g. a rotation, between the structure and the at least one ejector; The method comprising:

[0069] Example 2. The method of Example 1, wherein the material, e.g., the precursor, is evaporated to produce a vapor prior to the injection step.

[0070] Example 3. The method according to example 1 or 2, wherein the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110) is heated to a first temperature, preferably an elevated temperature, for example higher than 500°C.

[0071] Example 4. The method of example 3, further comprising disposing a buffer layer (116) on the surface (110B; 110A) and heating the buffer layer to a first temperature.

[0072] Example 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the speed of the movement, e.g., rotation, is adapted to generate a laminar flow of vapor adjacent the surface (110B; 110A) within the chamber.

[0073] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the relative movement between the structure and at least one ejector comprises, for example consists of, a rotation of said structure.

[0074] Example 7. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110) and / or the steam is injected in an oblique direction, e.g. substantially radially, relative to the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

[0075] Example 8. A device (100; 200; 300) for coating a surface (110B; 110A) of a structure (110), adapted to carry out the method according to any one of examples 1 to 7, comprising: - a chamber adapted to accommodate the structure; at least one ejector (104; 204; 304) arranged in the chamber towards the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure to be coated and adapted to inject steam towards said surface; and a motion device adapted to generate a relative motion, e.g. a rotation, between said structure and at least one ejector; A device comprising:

[0076] Example 9. A device (100; 200; 300) according to example 8, comprising a first support and / or a second support (102; 302) accommodated in or forming at least part of a chamber and adapted to support at least one ejector (104; 204; 304), the first support and / or the second support being, for example, a cylinder.

[0077] Example 10. A device (100; 200) according to example 9, wherein the surface to be coated is the outer surface (110B) of a structure (110), the device comprises a first support (102) adapted to accommodate the structure, and an ejector (104; 204) of the at least one ejector is disposed on the inner surface (102A) of the first support (102).

[0078] Example 11. A device as described in Example 10, wherein the first support (102) forms at least a portion of a chamber, e.g., the first support (102) has at least a base adapted to be closed to seal the structure (110) within the first support.

[0079] Example 12. A device (300) as described in Example 9, wherein the surface to be coated is an inner surface (110A) of a structure (110), the device comprises a second support (302) adapted to be placed within the structure, and an ejector (304) of the at least one ejector is disposed on an outer surface (302B) of the second support.

[0080] Example 13. A device (100) according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein the opening (106; 304) of at least one of the ejectors (104; 304) is aligned substantially parallel to the length of the surface (110B; 110A) of the structure (110).

[0081] Example 14. A device (200) according to any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the opening (206) of the ejector (204) of at least one of the ejectors is substantially aligned with the periphery of the surface (110B) of the structure (110).

[0082] Example 15. A device according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the exercise apparatus is adapted to rotate the structure (110) and / or to hold the structure.

[0083] Example 16. Exercise device - at least one rotating body (112; 312), preferably several rotating bodies, adapted to be coupled to another surface (110A; 110B) of the structure different from the surface to be coated (110B; 110A) so as to rotate said structure by rotation of the at least one rotating body, and - a drive unit, such as at least a motor, adapted to be coupled to the at least one rotating body for rotating the at least one rotating body; The device of Example 15, comprising:

[0084] Example 17. A device according to example 16, wherein at least one rotating body (112; 312) is a baton, rod, disk, cylinder or wheel.

[0085] Example 18. A device according to any one of Examples 8 to 17, comprising a heating device (114; 314), such as a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an inductive heating coil, adapted to heat the surface (110B; 110A).

[0086] Example 19. The device according to example 18 in combination with example 16 or 17, wherein the heating device comprises a heating resistor (114; 314) connected to at least one rotating body (112; 312).

[0087] Example 20. The device according to any one of Examples 8 to 19 or the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the structure (110) is a cylinder.

[0088] Various embodiments and variations have been described, and those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these embodiments can be combined, and other variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0089] Finally, the actual implementation of the embodiments and variations described herein is within the skill of those of ordinary skill in the art based on the functional representations provided above.

[0090] List of acronyms HTS High Temperature Superconductor MOCVD Metal-organic chemical vapor deposition CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition

[0091] This application is based on and claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22305449, filed April 4, 2022, entitled "UNIFORM COATING OF A SURFACE," and European Patent Application No. 22305437, filed April 4, 2022, entitled "METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUPERCONDUCTING COILS AND DEVICE," which are incorporated by reference to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Claims

1. 1. A method for coating a surface of a structure, comprising: - placing the structure in a chamber in which at least one ejector is positioned towards the surface of the structure to be coated; - sealing the chamber; creating a vacuum in the chamber, then - injecting steam through said at least one ejector towards said surface while causing relative movement between said structure and said at least one ejector; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the material, e.g., precursor, is evaporated to produce a vapor prior to the injecting step.

3. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of the structure is heated to a first temperature, preferably a high temperature, for example above 500°C.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising disposing a buffer layer on the surface and heating the buffer layer to the first temperature.

5. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the speed of the movement, e.g., rotation, is adapted to create a laminar flow of vapor near a surface within the chamber.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relative movement between the structure and the at least one ejector comprises, for example consists of, a rotation of the structure.

7. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the steam is injected in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the structure and / or the steam is injected in a direction oblique to the surface of the structure, for example substantially radially.

8. A device for coating the surfaces of structures, adapted to carry out the method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a chamber adapted to accommodate the structure; at least one ejector positioned in the chamber towards the surface of the structure to be coated and adapted to inject steam towards said surface; a movement device adapted to generate a relative movement between said structure and said at least one ejector; A device comprising:

9. 9. The device according to claim 8, comprising a first support and / or a second support accommodated in or forming at least part of the chamber and adapted to support the at least one ejector, the first support and / or the second support being, for example, a cylinder.

10. the surface to be coated is the exterior surface of the structure; the device comprises a first support adapted to receive the structure; The device of claim 9 , wherein an ejector of the at least one ejector is disposed on an inner surface of the first support.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first support forms at least a portion of the chamber, e.g., the first support has at least a base adapted to be closed to seal the structure within the first support.

12. the surface to be coated is the interior surface of the structure; the device includes a second support adapted to be disposed within the structure; The device of claim 9 , wherein an ejector of the at least one ejector is disposed on an outer surface of the second support.

13. The device of claim 8 , wherein an ejector opening of the at least one ejector is aligned substantially parallel to a length of a surface of the structure.

14. The device of claim 8 , wherein an ejector opening of the at least one ejector is substantially aligned with a periphery of a surface of the structure.

15. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the exercise apparatus is adapted to rotate the structure and / or to hold the structure.

16. The exercise device includes: at least one rotating body, preferably several rotating bodies, adapted to be coupled to another surface of the structure different from the surface to be coated, so as to rotate the structure by rotation of the at least one rotating body; and a drive unit, such as at least a motor, adapted to be coupled to said at least one rotating body in order to rotate said at least one rotating body; 16. The device of claim 15, comprising:

17. 9. The device of claim 8, comprising a heating device, such as a heating resistor, an ohmic heating coil or an induction heating coil, adapted to heat the surface.

18. The exercise device has at least one rotating body, preferably a plurality of rotating bodies, the at least one rotating body adapted to be coupled to another surface of the structure different from the surface to be coated so as to rotate the structure by rotation of the at least one rotating body; 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the heating device comprises a heating resistor connected to the at least one rotating body.

19. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure is coated with various layers to form a stack of layers including at least a superconducting layer.

20. The device of claim 8, wherein the structure is coated with various layers to form a stack of layers including at least a superconducting layer.

Images