Cryogenic fluid injection system for processing products in bulk and method of cooling implementing said system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid injection devices face blockages due to the solidification of CO2 in pipes when pressure falls below a certain threshold, leading to operational interruptions and limitations in cooling various product types based on their physical state.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic fluid injection device with a spring-loaded valve calibrated to maintain operation above a threshold pressure, preventing blockages and allowing cooling of products in any physical state, along with a thermal bridge to mitigate icing issues and a quick-disassembly design for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common control valve is used for all injection devices, then device complexity is reduced, but blockages occur in pipes when pressure falls below threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the injection devices into groups, with each group having its own dedicated control valve. This segmentation prevents blockages from affecting the entire system and allows independent control of each injection group, resolving the contradiction between simplified configuration and blockage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
A Y-shaped distribution manifold is introduced as an intermediary component between the control valve and injection devices. This manifold distributes cryogenic fluid to multiple injection devices while preventing direct connection that would cause blockage propagation, serving as a buffer that maintains system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If flexible pipes are used for connection, then disassembly is enabled for restart, but disassembly operation is long and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, with the flexible portion being detachable. This allows the rigid main body to remain fixed while only the flexible connection needs to be detached for restart, significantly reducing disassembly time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with detachable flexible connections that are easily accessible and designed for quick release. This preliminary design consideration enables rapid disassembly and reassembly operations without requiring complex tools or procedures, reducing downtime during restarts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent valves with flexible conduits are used for each injection device, then control flexibility is improved, but blockages occur in flexible conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control valves at the group level rather than at each individual injection device, while using a Y-shaped manifold to provide flexible distribution. This segmentation maintains sufficient control flexibility while preventing blockages in the flexible conduits by reducing the number of flexible connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y-shaped distribution manifold acts as an intermediary that provides flexible fluid distribution to multiple injection devices while being a rigid, blockage-resistant structure. This intermediary component maintains adaptability in fluid distribution without suffering from the blockage issues of flexible conduits.
4Loss of energy
If super-insulated storage containers are used, then heat loss is limited, but pressure drops below threshold causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts valve operation based on real-time pressure monitoring. When pressure approaches the blockage threshold, the system modulates valve opening degree or injection timing to maintain pressure above the critical level, preventing blockages while still benefiting from reduced heat loss in super-insulated containers.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control mechanism is implemented that continuously monitors pressure in the distribution system and adjusts valve operation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures pressure remains above the blockage threshold while minimizing unnecessary valve operations that would increase heat loss, optimizing both energy efficiency and reliability.
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
Ensures continuous operation by preventing blockages and allowing cooling of products in any state, with enhanced cooling efficiency due to immediate formation of cryogenic solids and easy maintenance, suitable for a wide range of products including liquids, pastes, and solids.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (17) forced by a spring (19)
Implementation Method 2
The spring (19) is calibrated so that the valve (17) cannot slide without being subjected to a cryogenic fluid pressure at least equal to a threshold pressure
Implementation Method 3
The liquid CO2, introduced under pressure via an injection nozzle, is transformed, upon expansion in the nozzle, into a solid (dry ice) and a cold gas
Implementation Method 4
a thermal bridge (16) surrounding the central element (16)
Implementation Method 5
a thermal bridge to mitigate icing issues
Implementation Method 6
as soon as the cryogenic fluid pressure is lower than a determined threshold, the pressure necessary to slide the valve will no longer be reached and the valve seat will reposition itself tightly against the support wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The injection device (3) according to the invention, intended to be attached to the wall of the bottom of a container containing a product to be cooled in bulk, comprises a hollow cylindrical body in which a valve (17) forced by a spring (19) is inserted, a through-channel (18) appreciably parallel to said valve intended to be fed by pressurized cryogenic fluid, one end of said through-channel being connected to the cryogenic fluid feed system and the opposite end opening into the seat (13) of the valve.