Systems and methods for preventing ice deposition on a gas venting outlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryogenic systems experience ice deposition on vent outlets due to gas cooling below the dewpoint, leading to ice ball formation that can block the vent and pose safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a vacuum jacketed pipe with a spirally wrapped heating cable to raise atmospheric temperature above the dewpoint, using self-regulating heating cables to maintain a temperature range of 339 to 347 degrees Kelvin, preventing ice deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cryogenic gas is vented to atmosphere, then the venting function is achieved, but ice deposition occurs on the vent outlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidice deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating cable is applied to the vent outlet before ice deposition occurs, pre-heating the surface to prevent water vapor condensation and freezing. This preliminary counter-action eliminates the harmful effect before it can manifest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter of the vent outlet surface is changed from cryogenic levels to above freezing point by applying electrical heating, thereby preventing the phase change of water vapor to ice that causes deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If heating cable is applied to prevent ice deposition, then ice formation is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice deposition preventionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating cable system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting its power consumption based on the thermal conditions at the vent outlet. The system only consumes energy when needed to maintain temperature above the dew point, rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system incorporates temperature sensing that provides feedback to control the heating power, ensuring energy is only consumed when the temperature drops below the required threshold for preventing ice deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively prevents ice formation on vent outlets by maintaining the atmospheric temperature above the dewpoint, thereby avoiding vent blockage and safety risks.

Implementation Method 1

raising an atmospheric temperature at the gas venting outlet above a dewpoint by electrically powering a first heating cable that is spirally wrapped around the vent pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250362072A1Systems and methods for preventing ice deposition on a gas venting outlet

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 FERMI FORWARD DISCOVERY GROUP LLC

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for preventing ice deposition on a vent comprising a vacuum jacketed pipe that has an inlet end configured to flow a gas having a gas temperature lower than 228 degrees Kelvin to an outlet end of the vacuum jacketed pipe, a gas venting outlet that includes a vent pipe connected axially to the outlet end of the vacuum jacketed pipe and configured to vent the gas to an atmosphere, and a first heating cable that is spirally wrapped around the vent pipe and configured to prevent ice deposition on the gas venting outlet.