In-Line Thermal Break Structure for Cryogenic Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat migration from gas separation or vaporization processes in gas sample conditioning systems for cryogenic liquids leads to anomalous sample analysis, heat leakage, condensation, icing, and freezing, necessitating effective thermal isolation to maintain specific temperature, pressure, and velocity conditions.
Innovation Solution
An in-line thermal break comprising a thermal insulating outer shell body with an elongated insert member and a burst-resistant fluid channel liner tube, featuring integrated pipe fitting elements and a radially depending stop collar, minimizes heat energy transfer and provides a secure, leak-proof connection, even at cryogenic temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is enhanced to prevent heat migration, then heat leakage is reduced, but mechanical strength and burst resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal isolator employs a composite construction combining an outer shell made of thermally insulating material with an inner pressure-containing liner. This composite structure allows the outer shell to provide thermal insulation while the inner liner maintains burst resistance and mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between heat leakage prevention and structural integrity.
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation capacity is increased to minimize heat migration, then temperature control is improved, but mechanical sealing capability at cryogenic temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials with appropriate properties in different regions of the thermal isolator. The outer shell uses materials optimized for thermal insulation, while the inner liner and sealing components use materials selected for their mechanical properties and sealing capability at cryogenic temperatures, thus maintaining both thermal performance and sealing reliability.
3Measurement precision
If thermal isolation is strengthened to prevent heat migration, then sample analysis accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal isolator is segmented into distinct functional components including an outer insulating shell, an inner pressure-containing liner, and integrated sealing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing complexity through modular design.
4Measurement precision
If thermal insulation is enhanced to maintain temperature conditions, then pre-vaporization is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal isolator employs a nested structure where the inner pressure-containing liner is positioned within the outer insulating shell. This nesting arrangement simplifies manufacturing by allowing components to be assembled in a straightforward sequence and facilitates integration of sealing elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective thermal insulation.
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
The solution effectively prevents pre-vaporization and maintains accurate sample analysis by reducing heat migration, ensuring burst resistance and secure mechanical sealing across significant temperature gradients.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulating outer shell body of a first select length having a first end and a second end respectively defining an inlet end face and an outlet end face... said shell body being composed of a material minimizing heat energy transfer between said first and second ends
Implementation Method 2
the fluid channel liner tube having a fourth axial length less than that of said third axial length, wherein said fluid channel liner tube is composed of a material that is burst resistant and minimizes heat energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-component in-line thermal break including concentrical arranges, an outer thermally insulating body, an elongated axial insert incorporating integrated pipe fittings, and a thermally non-conductive fluid channel tube set within the elongated axial insert.