Closed-Cycle MRI Hyperpolarization Cooling With a Sorption Pump
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperpolarization systems for MRI are inefficient and expensive due to the use of open cycle cryogen pumping systems, which consume large amounts of cryogen, generate noise, and require frequent refilling, leading to system inefficiency and environmental disruption.
Innovation Solution
A closed cyclical thermal system incorporating a sorption pump and a refrigerator to create a low-temperature environment for hyperpolarizing samples, minimizing cryogen consumption and allowing for continuous operation without the need for liquid cryogen handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an open cycle pumping system is used to provide cold cryogen to the flow cryostat, then the cryogen can be supplied to maintain low temperature, but large amounts of cryogen are evaporated and not reclaimable, leading to high operational cost and frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-cycle system where evaporated cryogen is recovered and recondensed back to liquid form. The condenser unit captures the gaseous cryogen that would otherwise be discarded and converts it back to liquid through heat exchange, allowing continuous operation without frequent refilling and eliminating cryogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-cycle system with recondensation enables continuous operation of the flow cryostat without interruption for refilling. The cryogen circulates continuously between evaporation in the pumping system and recondensation in the condenser, maintaining uninterrupted low-temperature operation.
2Ease of operation
If an open cycle pumping system is used, then cryogen can be pumped to the flow cryostat, but the system generates high levels of noise and is large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical open-cycle pumping system with a closed-cycle thermodynamic system. Instead of using mechanical pumps that generate noise, the system uses thermal expansion and contraction of the cryogen combined with a condenser to circulate and recover the cryogen, significantly reducing noise levels.
3Temperature
If an open cycle pumping system is used, then cryogen can be supplied to maintain low temperature, but the system is expensive to operate due to large cryogen consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-cycle system with recondensation eliminates the need to continuously purchase and refill expensive cryogen. By capturing and recondensing evaporated cryogen, the system recovers the substance that would otherwise be wasted, dramatically reducing operational costs while maintaining the required low temperature.
4Productivity
If an open cycle pumping system is used, then cryogen can be pumped continuously, but frequent refilling is required due to cryogen loss
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-cycle system with recondensation enables truly continuous operation without interruption for refilling. The cryogen circulates continuously between evaporation and recondensation phases, eliminating downtime and maintaining uninterrupted low-temperature operation for the flow cryostat.
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 system reduces cryogen consumption, increases operational efficiency, and allows for more continuous production of hyperpolarized imaging agents while minimizing environmental disruption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a sorption pump connected to the cooling chamber to adjust a pressure therein
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration system to cool the sorption pump and promote molecular adsorption therein
Implementation Method 3
The cooling chamber, the sorption pump, and the refrigeration system are arranged in a closed system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for polarizing a material to be used in techniques employing magnetic resonance (MR) is provided. The polarizer system includes a cooling chamber having a cryogenic refrigerant (26) therein for use in polarizing a substance (22). A sorption pump (46) is connected to' the cooling chamber to reduce a pressure therein to allow for hyperpolarizing of the sample. The sorption pump is cooled by a refrigeration system (14, 72, 90) to promote molecular adsorption in the sorption pump. The cooling chamber, sorption pump, and refrigeration system are arranged in a closed system.