Cryogenic Tank Filling Control With Pressure-Driven Line Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual adjustment and monitoring are required to maintain a desired cryogenic tank pressure during filling, which demands skilled operators and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pressure comparison cylinder, piston, and pressure regulator that automatically diverts fluid flow to top-fill or bottom-fill lines based on setpoint pressure, eliminating the need for manual monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment and monitoring of fill valves is used, then cryogenic tank pressure can be maintained, but skilled operators are required and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pressure-sensitive float mechanism that automatically responds to pressure changes in the cryogenic tank. When pressure exceeds the setpoint, the float rises and closes the fill valve; when pressure drops below the setpoint, the float descends and opens the valve. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and skilled operators while maintaining reliable pressure control.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment and monitoring of fill valves is used, then cryogenic tank pressure can be maintained, but filling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pressure-sensitive float mechanism continuously regulates pressure without human intervention, enabling uninterrupted filling operations. The system responds immediately to pressure changes, optimizing the filling process and eliminating delays associated with manual monitoring and adjustment, thereby significantly improving filling efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If automatic pressure control mechanism is implemented, then operator skill requirement is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a pressure-sensitive float mechanism that leverages the natural physical principle of buoyancy and pressure sensitivity. The float automatically rises or falls in response to pressure changes, directly actuating the fill valve without requiring complex electronic sensors, control systems, or power sources. This simple mechanical approach reduces operator skill requirements while minimizing device complexity.
4Reliability
If continuous manual monitoring is performed, then pressure consistency is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive float mechanism provides continuous automatic monitoring and regulation of tank pressure. The float responds instantaneously to any pressure deviation from the setpoint, continuously maintaining pressure consistency without requiring human monitoring time. This eliminates the opportunity cost of operator time while ensuring reliable pressure control throughout the filling process.
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
Automatically maintains a consistent cryogenic tank pressure during filling, reducing the need for skilled operators and improving filling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure regulator that automatically adjusts the fluid flow to the cryogenic tank based on a comparison between the tank pressure and a setpoint pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A body structure has an inlet port that receives fluid, a first outlet port that connects to a top-fill line of a cryogenic tank, a second outlet port that connects to a bottom-fill line of a cryogenic tank and a slider tube cylinder. A cylinder housing connects to the body structure and has a pressure comparison cylinder with upper and lower volumes, with the latter in fluid communication with a cryogenic tank. A piston having a piston shaft slides within the pressure comparison cylinder. A pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the upper volume and the slider tube cylinder. A slider tube is connected to the piston shaft and slides within the slider tube cylinder. The slider tube cylinder selectively directs fluid to a top-fill line through the first outlet port or to a bottom-fill line through the second outlet port.