Cryogenic Pump Nesting in Vacuum Insulation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid storage systems face challenges such as difficult access to the pump for movement transmission, prolonged shutdowns during maintenance, and inefficient cooling methods that result in refrigeration losses and increased floor space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The cryogenic storage device incorporates a working volume for the pumping member located within the vacuum insulation space, utilizing a thermosyphon fluid distribution system with inclined pipes and valves to maintain continuous fluid communication and allow for immediate pump starting, while enabling easy maintenance and reducing refrigeration losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump is immersed in the liquid within the internal storage envelope, then the pump remains cold and can start instantly without prior cooling, but access to the pump for movement transmission becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is nested within the vacuum insulation space between the internal and external envelopes, rather than being immersed in the liquid. This positioning allows the pump to be accessible through the vacuum space while still being in close proximity to the liquid for efficient cooling and operation.
2Extent of automation
If the pump is immersed in the reservoir via an orifice in the upper part, then the system operates automatically, but any intervention on the pump causes prolonged shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is extracted from the liquid reservoir and positioned in the vacuum insulation space, connected via conduits. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to access and service the pump without draining the reservoir or causing prolonged shutdowns, while the automatic operation is maintained through the fluid communication system.
3Ease of operation
If the reservoir is horizontal to accommodate the pump, then the pump is accessible, but the floor area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the horizontal orientation of the reservoir to access the pump, the solution moves the pump to a different spatial dimension - the vacuum insulation space between envelopes. This vertical/three-dimensional arrangement maintains compact floor footprint while providing pump accessibility.
4Temperature
If the pump is cooled by supplying liquid from the reservoir, then the pump reaches operating temperature, but refrigeration losses increase due to vaporization or reheating
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is pre-cooled by the ambient cold environment of the vacuum insulation space before operation begins. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the need for extensive liquid cooling that would cause vaporization and refrigeration losses, allowing the pump to reach operating temperature efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for rapid and efficient operation of the cryogenic pump, minimizes refrigeration losses, and facilitates easy maintenance, while also accommodating high-pressure pumps and reducing the footprint of the storage assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosyphon comprising a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid return pipe each connected to the inner envelope and to the working volume
Implementation Method 2
the connections of the inlet and return pipes in the volume working are located at different altitudes to create a determined liquid fill level in the working volume
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum insulation space between the internal and external envelopes
Implementation Method 4
vacuum insulation space
Implementation Method 5
the working volume has a generally oblong shape disposed inclined relative to the vertical axis of the tank at an angle of between 25 and 70 degrees
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device has a vertical container (100) with inner casing (2) containing cryogenic liquid, and an outer casing (22) separated from the casing (2) by a vacuum isolation space (15). A distribution system distributes the liquid from the casing (2) towards a work volume (1) i.e. thimble, of a pumping unit i.e. cylinder (6) of a cryogenic pump, where the volume is partially located in the space. The system has a thermosiphon system, whose fluid arrived and fluid return conduits (3, 4) communicate with the liquid in the casing (2) and the volume and are connected to the casing (2) and the volume. An independent claim is also included for a method for storing a cryogenic liquid.