Polyolefin Foam Cryogenic Vessel Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classic cryogenic storage vessels, such as Dewars, face issues like glass shattering during handling, high thermal mass leading to fluid loss, high cost, and mechanical fragility, while temporary polystyrene containers cause rapid boiling and are not robust.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic fluid vessel made of cross-linked, closed-cell polyolefin foam with a density of at least 2 pounds per cubic foot, providing insulation and mechanical durability, and featuring a design with a cryogenic fluid compartment and handling features like recesses for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If classic Dewar vessels with glass walls are used, then heat transfer by conduction is reduced through evacuation, but the glass is fragile and may shatter during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to cross-linked polyolefin foam, which maintains thermal insulation properties while dramatically improving mechanical strength and drop resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure with an inner polyolefin foam liner and an outer protective shell, combining the thermal insulation properties of foam with the mechanical strength of the outer shell material
2Loss of energy
If classic Dewar vessels with glass walls are used, then heat transfer is reduced, but the thermal mass of glass causes cryogenic fluid to boil off during cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal mass parameter by using low-density polyolefin foam instead of glass, reducing the heat capacity of the vessel walls and minimizing cryogenic fluid boil-off during cooling
3Ease of operation
If thin-walled polystyrene foam containers are used, then cost is reduced and handling is simplified, but the vessels are not mechanically robust and fail easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the foam material to at least 2 pounds per cubic foot, providing mechanical robustness while maintaining ease of handling and low cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite vessel with an inner polyolefin foam liner for insulation and an outer protective shell for mechanical strength, combining advantages of both materials
4Ease of manufacture
If thin-walled polystyrene foam containers are used, then cost is reduced, but heat transfer increases causing rapid boiling of cryogenic fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the foam density parameter to at least 2 pounds per cubic foot and wall thickness to at least 0.5 inches, achieving the right balance between cost-effectiveness and thermal insulation performance
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 polyolefin foam vessels effectively minimize heat transfer and withstand physical handling, reducing fluid loss and cost while maintaining mechanical robustness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The sidewall and bottom are comprised of a cross-linked, closed-cell polyolefin foam... effectively minimize heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Cryogenic storage and separator vessels made of polyolefin foams are disclosed, as are methods of storing and separating cryogenic fluids and fluid mixtures using these vessels. In one embodiment, the polyolefin foams may be cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene foams with a density of from about 2 pounds per cubic foot to a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot.