Cryogenic Storage Enclosure With Internal Condenser Overflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryogenic separation systems face inflexibility and inefficiency due to the need for multiple dedicated units and equipment, which complicates refrigeration control and operation, particularly in cold boxes where liquid level variations affect refrigeration supplements and cycles.

Innovation Solution

A single pressure vessel serves both as a storage for cooling capacity and houses a column condenser, with cryogenic liquid overflowing around the condenser, allowing for flexible operation and standardization by regulating energy exchange through pressure adjustments, and providing a reserve for liquid level regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple dedicated units are used for refrigeration control, then refrigeration balance can be controlled, but device complexity increases and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration balance controlVSAvoidmultiple dedicated units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the refrigeration storage function and condenser function into a single pot, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated units. The pot serves dual purposes: storing liquid refrigerant and housing the condenser, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining refrigeration control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single pot is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a storage vessel for cryogenic liquid and as a housing for the condenser. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining system reliability for refrigeration balance control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If capacity is dedicated to specific functions, then function performance is optimized, but adaptability decreases and additional equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction performanceVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single pot is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different operational requirements. It serves as both storage and condenser housing, allowing the system to adapt to various operational modes without requiring additional dedicated equipment for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple pots are used for refrigeration capacity, then refrigeration control is achieved, but operational flexibility is hampered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration controlVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple refrigeration control functions into a single integrated pot system. The single pot with its internal condenser provides both storage capacity and condensation function, simplifying operation while maintaining refrigeration control through the unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances flexibility and standardization, allowing all liquid currents to pass through a single tank, enabling efficient refrigeration control and operation even when the turbine is down, while maintaining a reserve for vaporization and bottle feeding.

Implementation Method 1

the condenser is bathed in cryogenic liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

which overflows around the condenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2149021B1Storage enclosure, method and apparatus for producing carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen by means of cryogenic separation, including one such enclosure
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
  • EP2149021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2149021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2149021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a liquid storage enclosure (C) including a chamber (21), a heat exchanger (3) disposed inside the chamber and a barrier (5) dividing the chamber into two parts. The heat exchanger is located in the first part (A) and the second part (B) is disposed around the first part. The barrier is sealingly attached to the base of the chamber, but the height of the barrier is smaller than that of the chamber. The invention also includes means (15, 17, 19) for discharging liquid into the first part of the chamber, means (7, 9, 11) for releasing liquid from the second part of the chamber and means for conveying liquid to the exchanger and releasing a fluid from the exchanger.