Two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator and two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant production facility comprising at least one such generator

Abstract

The invention relates to a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator comprising an enclosure (2), a system for supplying pressurised gaseous fluid to the enclosure (2) which can be connected to a source for supplying pressurised gaseous fluid outside the enclosure, a fluid circulation circuit (6) housed at least partially inside the enclosure (2), and an inside volume (7) of the enclosure (2) extending inside the enclosure (2) around the fluid circulation circuit (6). The inlet (3) for supplying solidifiable aqueous composition and the outlet (4) for discharging two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant from the enclosure (2) are in fluid communication with the inside volume (7) of the enclosure (2) which forms the portion of the enclosure (2) for receiving the solidifiable aqueous composition. The or each fluid circulation circuit (6) is a coolant circulation circuit that can be connected to a cold production unit outside the enclosure in order to form a cold portion. The system for supplying pressurised gaseous fluid comprises at least one pressurised gaseous fluid outlet (10) which is arranged in the inside volume (7) of the enclosure (2) and is oriented towards the fluid circulation circuit (6).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Generator of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid and installation for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid comprising at least one such generator

[0001] The present invention relates to a generator of water-based liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition as well as a plant for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid comprising at least one such generator.

[0002] It relates, in particular, to a generator of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid comprising an enclosure with a supply inlet for solidifiable aqueous composition and an outlet for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, a system for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure connectable to a source of pressurized gaseous fluid supply outside the enclosure, at least one fluid circulation circuit housed at least partially inside the enclosure, a volume called the interior volume of the enclosure, extending inside the enclosure around the fluid circulation circuit(s), this interior volume being free from any fluid communication with the or each fluid circulation circuit, the or each fluid circulation circuit communicating with the outside of the enclosure via at least one fluid inlet orifice and one fluid outlet orifice.

[0003] The most commonly encountered water-based two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generators are ice slurry generators. Two-phase liquid / solid refrigerants are frequently used in the food industry to cool environments (cold rooms, sales cabinets, etc.) or to ensure their preservation through direct contact with food products. Other applications, particularly in the field of seawater desalination, are also being considered. To date, there are around ten types of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generators, including: scraped surface generators, brushed surface generators, contact generators, etc. direct, falling film, vacuum, supercooled, fluidized bed, hydro-scraping, heating... However, only 3 types of generators are used at an industrial level, classified in order of market importance: scraped surface exchangers, supercooled exchangers and vacuum exchangers.

[0004] Scraped surface heat exchangers operate on the following principle: The coolant circulates in an annular space between two concentric cylinders. The evaporation of the coolant absorbs the heat from the refrigerant circulating inside the smaller cylinder and a layer of solid then forms on the wall. Rotating scraper blades tear off the solid, such as ice, which is drawn into the fluid to provide a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant. This system is limited in power (several are required in parallel or in series) and the rotation of the blades requires a significant energy input. Furthermore, it is necessary to change the scraper blades regularly because they wear out over time.

[0005] Vacuum heat exchangers generate the two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant, also called ice slurry, by bringing water to its triple point (0 °C and 610 Pa), where the three phases coexist (liquid / vapor / ice). A turbine drives the water vapor and the ice formed is carried along with the liquid to form the slurry. These systems remain little deployed and are used for high power. However, the process technology remains very complex.

[0006] Supercooling heat exchangers are based on the principle of cooling water below its freezing point. A thermal or mechanical energy input to the water allows it to be transformed into ice.

[0007] Most of these solutions are energy-intensive. In addition, the design of these solutions requires frequent maintenance, and the risks of breakdown or failure of such solutions are high.

[0008] Chinese document CN 107906816 describes a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator from an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition. This two-phase refrigerant generator comprises, as mentioned above, a housing with an inlet supply of solidifiable aqueous composition and an outlet for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, a system for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure connectable to a source of pressurized gaseous fluid supply outside the enclosure, at least one fluid circulation circuit housed at least partially inside the enclosure, a volume called the interior volume of the enclosure, extending inside the enclosure around the fluid circulation circuit(s), this interior volume being free from any fluid communication with the or each fluid circulation circuit, the or each fluid circulation circuit communicating with the outside of the enclosure by at least one fluid inlet orifice and one fluid outlet orifice.The solidifiable aqueous composition circulates inside the or each fluid circulation circuit that can be immersed at least partially in the interior volume of the enclosure. The interior volume of the enclosure is formed by a cooling fluid, this volume being connectable to a cold production unit external to the enclosure. Compressed air is injected into the circulation circuit of the solidifiable aqueous composition coaxially with said circuit. Because the solidifiable aqueous composition circulates inside a fluid circulation circuit, there is a high risk of the circuit becoming clogged by the ice formed and the injection of compressed air proves to be ineffective on part of the circuit in ensuring detachment of the ice formed.

[0009] JPH09021579 similarly describes a circulation circuit for solidifiable aqueous composition that can be immersed at least partially inside an enclosure filled with a fluid for cooling the solidifiable aqueous composition.

[0010] An aim of the invention is to propose a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator and an installation integrating such a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator, the simplified designs of which make it possible to reduce maintenance and the risks of breakdown without harming the quality of the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant produced.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a generator of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition, said generator comprising an enclosure with a an inlet for supplying at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition and an outlet for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, a system for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure connectable to a source of pressurized gaseous fluid supply outside the enclosure, at least one fluid circulation circuit housed at least partially inside the enclosure, a volume, called the interior volume of the enclosure, extending inside the enclosure around the fluid circulation circuit(s), this interior volume being free from any fluid communication with the or each fluid circulation circuit, the or each fluid circulation circuit communicating with the outside of the enclosure by at least one fluid inlet orifice and one fluid outlet orifice,characterized in that the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition supply inlet and the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid discharge outlet of the enclosure are in fluid communication with the interior volume of the enclosure which forms the part of the enclosure used to receive the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition, in that the or each fluid circulation circuit is a cooling fluid circulation circuit connectable to a cold production unit external to the enclosure to form a cold part, and in that the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system comprises at least one pressurized gaseous fluid outlet arranged in the interior volume of the enclosure and configured to project at least a portion of a pressurized gaseous fluid flow at least onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits.,

[0012] Thus, the or each fluid circulation circuit is a cooling fluid circulation circuit connectable to a cold production unit external to the enclosure to form a cold part capable of allowing, by contact with the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition contained in the interior volume of the enclosure, at least partial solidification of said aqueous composition. Thanks to the fact that the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition is received in the interior volume of the enclosure formed by the volume of the interior of the enclosure arranged around the fluid circulation circuit(s), this results in a possibility of a large exchange surface with the fluid circulation circuit(s) with a reduced risk of taking into account mass of the entire solidifiable aqueous composition. The flow of pressurized gaseous fluid projected onto the outer surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits by the or at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets arranged in the interior volume of the enclosure allows detachment of the solidified fluid composition upon contact with the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits. This results in reduced maintenance. This design also makes it possible to avoid clogging or plugging of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits. The or each fluid circulation circuit is therefore, inside the enclosure, at least partially immersible in the solidifiable aqueous composition.This solidifiable aqueous composition solidifies upon contact with the or each fluid circulation circuit and this solidified part is detachable from the fluid circulation conduit(s) by simply spraying a stream of pressurized gaseous fluid. This design can also easily allow a so-called homogeneous two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid to be obtained. A homogeneous two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid is understood to mean a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid whose solid concentration can be kept substantially constant in the slurry. Obviously, the cooling fluid of the or each fluid circulation circuit has a freezing temperature lower than the solidification temperature of the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits is, inside the enclosure, defined by one or more parallel plates, each plate being a hollow plate inside which the fluid is able to circulate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits is present, inside the enclosure, in the form of one or more tubular windings.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits is a textured surface or a surface treated with a coating, preferably non-stick such as Teflon. (registered trademark) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a textured coating.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets of the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system is a nozzle oriented towards the outer surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets is configured so that at least a portion of the flow of pressurized gaseous fluid capable of being projected onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits forms with the normal to the surface taken at the point where the flow meets said surface an angle of between 0° and 90°, preferably less than 88°. Preferably, the angle is between 5° and 88°.

[0018] The pressurized gaseous fluid supply system comprises at least one pressurized gaseous fluid outlet arranged in the lower volume of the enclosure and oriented towards the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets of the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system is an adjustable nozzle.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the system for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure comprises a closable connection capable of allowing the connection of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlet(s) to the source of supply of pressurized gaseous fluid outside the enclosure, this closable connection protruding at least partially from the enclosure.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closable connection capable of allowing the connection of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlet(s) comprises at least one member for closing the connection and the generator comprises a control unit configured to control the closing member in the direction of opening and / or closing the connection. The fact that the control unit is configured to control the closing member in the sense of opening and / or closing the connection can allow the outlets to be supplied with pressurized gaseous fluid continuously or discontinuously. This results in the possibility of obtaining a homogeneous two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid more easily.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressurized gaseous fluid of the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system of the enclosure is compressed air. The choice of such a gaseous fluid allows a lower cost of the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator.

[0023] The invention also relates to an installation for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from a solidifiable aqueous composition, said installation comprising a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid generator, a source of supply of pressurized gaseous fluid and a cold production unit to which the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid generator can be connected, characterized in that the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid generator conforms to that described above.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cold production unit is a refrigeration installation comprising at least one primary cooling fluid circuit comprising at least one compressor, one expansion valve and one condenser arranged on said primary circuit, the or at least one of the primary circuits being connectable directly or via at least one heat exchanger to the or at least one of the cooling fluid circulation circuits housed at least partially inside the enclosure of the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator.

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The invention will be clearly understood upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] represents a schematic perspective view of an installation in accordance with the invention;

[0028] [Fig. 2] represents a partial transparent view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of plates;

[0029] [Fig. 3] represents a partial sectional view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of plates;

[0030] [Fig. 4] represents a sectional view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of plates;

[0031] [Fig. 5] represents a schematic perspective view of an installation according to the invention with a generator whose fluid circulation circuit is in the form of a winding;

[0032] [Fig. 6] represents a partial transparent view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of a winding;

[0033] [Fig. 7] represents a partial sectional view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of a winding;

[0034] [Fig. 8] represents a partial sectional view of a two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant generator with a fluid circulation circuit in the form of a winding;

[0035] [Fig. 9] represents a schematic view of a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant production installation with a fluid circulation circuit integrated into the primary cooling fluid circuit of the refrigeration installation of the cold production unit;

[0036] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic view of a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant production plant with a fluid circulation circuit connected via a heat exchanger to the primary cooling fluid circuit of the refrigeration plant of the cold production unit.

[0037] As mentioned above, the invention relates to a generator 1 of a water-based liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant of the type partially shown in Figures 2 to 4 or 6 to 8, this generator 1 of a liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant being able to be integrated into an installation 20, as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 5. The liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant is a water-based liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant. This liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant is produced by the solidification of an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition. The at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition can be diverse and varied. Generally, this composition comprises water and, preferably, an antifreeze. Thus, this composition can be in the form of a water / alcohol mixture, such as water / ethanol or water / glycol, a water / salt mixture, a water / urea mixture, etc.Alternatively, this solidifiable aqueous composition can be pure water. We can then speak of an ice slurry generator.

[0038] In the example shown, the composition is a water / ethanol mixture with 10% by weight of ethanol in the mixture. The two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant produced is, by misuse of language, called ice slurry.

[0039] The generator 1 of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid comprises an enclosure 2 with an inlet 3 for supplying at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition and an outlet 4 for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid.

[0040] This enclosure 2 generally comprises a body and a cover. In the example of the figures, the enclosure 2 is cylindrical and the body is provided with portholes to view the interior of the enclosure 2. Generally, the outlet 4 for discharging the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid is connected to a tank 14 for storing the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid produced as illustrated in figures 1 and 5. The connection, between the outlet 4 for discharging the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from the enclosure 2 and the tank 14 for storing the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, shown at 15 in the figures, is a closable connection equipped with a closing member 16, such as a solenoid valve, to allow continuous and / or discontinuous emptying of the enclosure 2. This storage tank 14 can be connected via a pump, shown at 25 in figures 8 and 9, to a consumption unit of said two-phase refrigerant fluid.

[0041] The inlet 3 for supplying at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition to the enclosure 2 can be connected to this consumption unit or to any source of at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition.

[0042] The generator 1 of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid also comprises a system 5 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure 2. To avoid overpressure of the enclosure 2, the enclosure 2 is equipped with a relief valve shown at 17 in FIG. 1. This relief valve 17 connects the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2, which will be described below, with the exterior of the enclosure 2. This system 5 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure can be connected to a source 21 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid arranged outside the enclosure 2 and visible in FIG. 1.

[0043] The pressurized gaseous fluid can be of various types. Thus, this pressurized gaseous fluid can be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, air, or a mixture of these gases. Ideally, the pressurized gaseous fluid in the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system of enclosure 2 is compressed air. The pressure of the pressurized gaseous fluid is generally between 4.10 5 Pa and 5.10 5 Pa in the case of compressed air.

[0044] The generator 1 of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid also comprises at least one fluid circulation circuit 6 housed at least partially inside the enclosure 2, and a volume extending inside the enclosure 2 around the fluid circulation circuit(s).

[0045] This volume, called the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2 and corresponding to the space left free inside the enclosure 2 between the peripheral wall of the enclosure 2 and the fluid circulation conduit(s), is free from any fluid communication with the or each fluid circulation circuit 6.

[0046] Thus, the enclosure 2 comprises, inside the enclosure 2, a part of its space occupied by the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6. The or each fluid circulation circuit 6 communicates with the outside of the enclosure 2 via a fluid inlet orifice 8 and a fluid outlet orifice 9. The or each fluid circulation circuit 6 is a cooling fluid circulation circuit connectable to a cold production unit 22 outside the enclosure to form a cold part capable of allowing, by contact with the solidifiable aqueous composition contained in the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2, at least partial solidification of said aqueous composition.

[0047] The cold production unit 22 can have a large number of forms. This production unit 22 can be formed by at least one part of a refrigeration installation, at least one Peltier effect module or other.

[0048] In the example of Figure 9, the cold production unit 22 arranged outside the enclosure 2 is a refrigeration installation comprising a primary circuit 23 of cooling fluid comprising at least one compressor 231, an expansion valve 232 and a condenser 233 arranged on said primary circuit 23.

[0049] This primary circuit 23 can be connected directly to the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6 housed, at least partially, inside the enclosure 2 of the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant generator 1. In this case, the primary circuit is extended inside the enclosure 2 by the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6.

[0050] The fluid inlet orifice 8 and the fluid outlet orifice 9 of the fluid circulation circuit 6 in the enclosure 2 are therefore arranged on the primary circuit described above.

[0051] Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figure 10, the cold production unit 22 may comprise a primary cooling fluid circuit 23 comprising at least one compressor 231, an expansion valve 232 and a condenser 233 arranged on said primary circuit 23.

[0052] This primary circuit can be connected via at least one heat exchanger 24 to the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 housed at least partially inside the enclosure 2 of the generator 1.

[0053] Thus, such a heat exchanger has two contiguous circuits for heat exchange between the two circuits, one of the circuits being formed by the primary circuit, the other circuit by the cooling fluid circulation circuit 6. The fluid, called cooling, of the fluid circulation circuit 6 can be of various nature depending on the design of the cold production unit 22. Thus, this cooling fluid can be a liquid or a gas. This fluid can be a cooling fluid, such as glycolated water, ethanol or a fluid that can be in the liquid state at a temperature below - 20°C, when the fluid circulation circuit and the primary circuit of the refrigeration installation are common.

[0054] When this fluid circulation circuit 6 is different from the primary circuit, the cooling fluid may be of the same nature as that described above but at a higher mass concentration. In the example shown, the fluid of the fluid circulation circuit 6 is glycolated water.

[0055] Depending on the desired heat exchange mode between the cooling fluid circulation circuit 6 and the at least partially solidifiable composition contained inside the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2, the fluid circulation circuit 6 can take different forms. Thus, in the example shown in Figure 2, at least a part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 is, inside the enclosure 2, defined by one or more parallel plates 61, each plate 61 being a hollow plate inside which the fluid is able to circulate. The detail of the circulation of the cooling fluid inside a plate 61 is visible in Figure 4.

[0056] Alternatively, at least part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 is present, inside the enclosure 2, in the form of one or more tubular windings 62 as illustrated in figure 6. Again, the detail of the circulation of the cooling fluid inside the winding 62 is visible in figure 8.

[0057] In practice, the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition enters the interior volume of the enclosure through the inlet 3 for supplying aqueous composition to the interior volume 7. Inside the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2, the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition solidifies at least partially in contact with the cooling fluid circulation circuit 6 which forms a cold part. Solidification takes place on the outer surface of the cooling fluid circulation circuit 6. The solid layer, for example of ice, formed may be of variable thickness.

[0058] To improve the formation of this solid such as ice, the outer surface of the cooling fluid circulation circuit 6 may be a textured surface or a surface treated with a coating, preferably non-stick such as Teflon (registered trademark) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a textured coating. Similarly, the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition contained in the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2 and in which the fluid circulation circuit 6 is immersed may be static or flowing, in an ascending or descending manner. All these parameters make it possible to influence the solid layer, such as the layer of ice formed and consequently the quality of the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant.

[0059] The pressurized gaseous fluid supply system 5 comprises at least one pressurized gaseous fluid outlet 10 arranged in the interior volume 7 of the enclosure 2 and oriented towards the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 to project a flow of pressurized gaseous fluid onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 to allow detachment of the at least partially solidifiable composition at least partially solidified in contact with the or one of the fluid circulation circuits 6.

[0060] This system 5 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure 2 comprises a closable connection 11 capable of allowing the connection of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlet(s) 10 to the source 21 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid outside the enclosure 2.

[0061] This closable connection 11 projects at least partially from the enclosure 2. This closable connection 11 is capable of allowing the connection of the source 21 for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the pressurized gaseous fluid outlet(s) 10 comprises at least one member 12 for closing the connection. The generator 1 of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid comprises at least one control unit 13 configured to control the closing member 12 in the direction of opening and / or closing the connection 11 to allow the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 to be supplied continuously or discontinuously.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 1, the member 12 for closing the closable connection 11 between the source 21 of supply of pressurized gaseous fluid and the outlets 10 of pressurized gaseous fluid is a solenoid valve.

[0063] The control unit 13 is in the form of an electronic and computer system which comprises, for example, a microprocessor and a working memory. In a particular aspect, the control unit may be in the form of a programmable controller. In other words, the functions and steps described may be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays).In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules may be performed by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or may be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the programmable logic circuit type (or FPGA which is the acronym for field-programmable gate array, which literally corresponds to in-situ programmable gate array) or of the application-specific integrated circuit type (or ASIC which is the acronym for application-specific integrated circuit, which literally corresponds to application-specific integrated circuit). It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.Where it is specified that the unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to carry out a given operation, this means that the unit comprises computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which enable said operation to be carried out and / or that the unit comprises corresponding electronic components.

[0064] The number of pressurized gas fluid outlets 10 and their arrangement inside the enclosure 2 may be variable depending in particular on the design of the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6. Preferably, the or at least one, preferably each, pressurized gas fluid outlet 10 is an orientable nozzle. The orientation of the nozzle is chosen so as to optimize the detachment of the solid formed by the solidifiable aqueous composition.

[0065] In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 6, each outlet 10 of pressurized gaseous fluid is a nozzle oriented towards the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 with which it is associated.

[0066] In the example of Figure 3, the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 are organized into two series of similar design. The pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 of the same series are arranged in parallel along the part of the closable connection 11 arranged inside the enclosure 2, this portion of the connection being in the form of a conduit along which each pressurized gaseous fluid outlet 10 is positioned. The fluid circulation circuit 6 is in the form of parallel plates with an upper edge, a lower edge and two so-called longitudinal edges connecting the upper and lower edges, and the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 of the same series are arranged, for example, each along the upper edge of said plates, on either side of said plates.

[0067] Ideally, at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 is configured so that the flow of pressurized gaseous fluid, capable of being projected onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits, forms with the normal to the surface taken at the point where the flow meets said surface, an angle of between 0° and 90°, preferably less than 88°.

[0068] In the example of Figure 7, where the part of the or each fluid circulation circuit 6 arranged inside the enclosure 2 is in the form of a tubular winding, the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 of the same series can be arranged at a distance along said winding. Some of the fluid outlets 10 can be arranged inside the volume delimited by the winding and the other can be arranged outside the overall volume of the winding.

[0069] Again, the or at least one of the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10 can be configured so that the flow of pressurized gaseous fluid capable of being projected onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits 6 forms with the normal to the surface, taken at the point where the flow meets said surface, an angle of between 0° and 90°, preferably less than 88°, more preferably between 5° and 88°.

[0070] Obviously, the same enclosure 2 can comprise several series of outlets 10 for pressurized gaseous fluid and each closable connection 11 supplies pressurized gaseous fluid to at least one series of outlets 10 for pressurized gaseous fluid.

[0071] In practice, the operation of an installation 20 for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid integrating such a generator 1 is as follows.

[0072] It is assumed that the source 21 of supply of pressurized gaseous fluid, such as a compressed air tank, is connected by the closable connection(s) 11 to the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10, and that the primary cooling fluid circuit 23 of the cold production unit 22 is connected directly, or via a heat exchanger 24, to each cooling fluid circulation circuit 6.

[0073] The liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid storage tank 14 is connected to the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid discharge outlet 4 of the enclosure 2 and an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition is introduced into the enclosure 2 via the aqueous composition supply inlet 3 of the enclosure 2. This storage tank 14 comprises a drain outlet.

[0074] A portion of this aqueous composition solidifies upon contact with the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6 to form a solid material, in particular a layer of ice on the surface of the or each fluid circulation circuit 6. This layer of solid material is detached from the outer surface of the or each fluid circulation circuit 6 under the action of the pressurized gas flows, in this case compressed air, projected towards the fluid circulation circuit(s) 6 by the pressurized gaseous fluid outlets 10.

[0075] The detached pieces of solid matter, in particular ice, mix with the solidifiable aqueous composition, still in liquid form, to form the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid which can be discharged into the two-phase refrigerant fluid storage tank 14 in the open state of the connection 15 connecting the outlet 4 for discharging the liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from the enclosure 2 to the storage tank 14.

[0076] The opening of this connection can take place at regular or irregular time intervals, or continuously.

[0077] In the example illustrated, the operating conditions are as follows: the solidifiable aqueous composition is a 10% water / ethanol mixture. The compressed air is injected at a pressure between 4 and 5.10 5 Pa. The two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant, called ice slurry, is discharged discontinuously.

Claims

Claims

1. Generator (1) of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from an at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition, said generator (1) comprising an enclosure (2) with an inlet (3) for supplying at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition and an outlet (4) for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, a system (5) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure (2) connectable to a source (21) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid outside the enclosure, at least one fluid circulation circuit (6) housed at least partially inside the enclosure (2), a volume called the interior volume (7) of the enclosure (2), extending inside the enclosure (2) around the fluid circulation circuit(s) (6), this interior volume (7) being free from any fluid communication with the or each fluid circulation circuit (6),the or each fluid circulation circuit (6) communicating with the exterior of the enclosure (2) by at least one fluid inlet orifice (8) and one fluid outlet orifice (9), characterized in that the inlet (3) for supplying at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition and the outlet (4) for discharging liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from the enclosure (2) are in fluid communication with the interior volume (7) of the enclosure (2) which forms the part of the enclosure (2) used to receive the at least partially solidifiable aqueous composition, in that the or each fluid circulation circuit (6) is a cooling fluid circulation circuit connectable to a cold production unit (22) outside the enclosure (2) to form a cold part,and in that the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system (5) comprises at least one pressurized gaseous fluid outlet (10) arranged in the interior volume (7) of the enclosure (2) and configured to project at least part of a pressurized gaseous fluid flow at least to the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits (6).,

2. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits (6) is, inside the enclosure (2), defined by one or more parallel plates (61), each plate (61) being a hollow plate inside which the fluid is able to circulate.

3. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least part of the or one of the fluid circulation circuits (6) is present, inside the enclosure (2) in the form of one or more tubular windings (62).

4. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits (6) is a textured surface or a surface treated with a coating, preferably non-stick such as Teflon (registered trademark) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a textured coating.

5. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the or at least one of the outlets (10) of pressurized gaseous fluid of the system (5) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid is a nozzle oriented towards the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits (6).

6. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the or at least one of the outlets (10) of pressurized gaseous fluid is configured so that at least a portion of the flow of pressurized gaseous fluid capable of being projected onto the surface of the or at least one of the fluid circulation circuits (6) forms with the normal to the surface taken at the point where the flow meets said surface an angle of between 0° and 90°, preferably less than 88°.

7. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the or at least one of the outlets (10) of pressurized gaseous fluid of the system (5) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid is an adjustable nozzle.

8. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the system (5) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid to the enclosure (2) comprises a closable connection (11) capable of allowing the connection of the outlet(s) (10) of pressurized gaseous fluid to the source (21) of supplying pressurized gaseous fluid outside the enclosure (2), this closable connection (11) projecting at least partially from the enclosure (2).

9. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to claim 8, characterized in that the closable connection (11) capable of allowing the connection of the outlet(s) (10) of pressurized gaseous fluid comprises at least one member (12) for closing the connection (11) and in that the generator (1) comprises a control unit (13) configured to control the closing member (12) in the direction of opening and / or closing the connection (11).

10. Generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pressurized gaseous fluid of the pressurized gaseous fluid supply system of the enclosure (2) is compressed air.

11. Installation (20) for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid from a solidifiable aqueous composition, said installation (20) comprising a generator (1) of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid, a source (21) for supplying pressurized gaseous fluid and a cold production unit (22) to which the generator (1) of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid is connectable, characterized in that the generator (1) of liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid conforms to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Installation (20) for producing liquid / solid two-phase refrigerant fluid according to claim 10, characterized in that the cold production unit (22) is a refrigeration installation comprising at least one primary circuit (23) of refrigerant fluid comprising at least one compressor (231), an expansion valve (232) and a condenser (233) arranged on said primary circuit (23), the or at least one of the primary circuits (23) being connectable directly or via at least one exchanger (24) of heat to the or at least one of the circuits (6) for circulating cooling fluid housed at least partially inside the enclosure (2) of the generator (1) of two-phase liquid / solid refrigerant fluid.

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