Portable Cryogenic Gas Filling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring cryogenic fluids to high-pressure gas cylinders are inefficient, requiring frequent transportation of high-pressure cylinders and resulting in significant costs, with associated venting of product during operation.
Innovation Solution
A portable gas filling system with a movable platform, cryogenic fluid pump, vacuum pump, vaporizer, gas accumulator, and control panel, allowing for low-pressure cryogenic fluid transfer to high-pressure cylinders with minimal venting and efficient operation, utilizing a closed system design and ambient air vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If current systems transfer cryogenic fluids using stationary bulk tanks and transport high-pressure cylinders, then product can be supplied to locations, but transportation costs increase significantly and frequent cylinder transport is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the stationary bulk tank concept into a mobile platform that can be transported to various locations. The portable filling system with wheels allows the cryogenic fluid storage and filling operation to move dynamically to different sites, eliminating the need to transport individual high-pressure cylinders to multiple locations while maintaining the ability to supply many locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable filling system acts as an intermediary between the cryogenic fluid source and the final dispensing points. Instead of directly transporting high-pressure cylinders to each location, the system uses a mobile intermediate storage and filling platform that can service multiple locations sequentially, reducing overall transportation requirements.
2Reliability
If current systems vent product during operation to atmosphere, then pressure can be managed, but product loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a controlled atmospheric environment using nitrogen gas to maintain pressure and displace oxygen, preventing product venting to the atmosphere. The nitrogen atmosphere allows pressure management while keeping the cryogenic fluid contained and preventing unwanted chemical reactions or evaporation losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful venting of cryogenic products into a beneficial nitrogen atmosphere. By using nitrogen for pressure management instead of venting to atmosphere, the system transforms what would be a loss into a protective environment that prevents product loss and ensures safe operation.
3Ease of operation
If a portable system is made compact to pass through standard doors, then mobility is improved, but space for components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The portable filling system employs nested arrangements where components are positioned within each other or arranged in concentric configurations. The mobile platform integrates the cryogenic fluid storage, vacuum insulation, filling mechanisms, and control systems in a nested or space-efficient layout that reduces the overall footprint while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement to maximize component density within the compact footprint. By arranging components in multiple dimensions rather than simple linear or planar layouts, the system achieves portability through standard doors while accommodating all necessary equipment for cryogenic fluid storage and filling operations.
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 transportation costs by allowing multiple locations to be supplied with fewer high-pressure cylinders, minimizes product venting, and achieves high flow capability while being compact enough for indoor/outdoor use through standard doors.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump being oxygen compatible for high purity gas applications is also disposed on the platform. The vacuum pump also provides for purging of interconnecting system lines and the gas cylinders.
Implementation Method 2
Preferably, the vaporizer is an ambient air vaporizer which eliminates the need for additional heating.
Implementation Method 3
the vaporizer is an ambient air vaporizer which eliminates the need for additional heating
Implementation Method 4
A gas accumulator, disposed on the platform, is interconnected to the system lines for storage of gas and to enable the pressurizing of the Dewar.
Implementation Method 5
A cryogenic fluid pump is disposed in the platform for connection to an off platform cryogenic Dewar
Data Source
AI summary
A portable gas filling system for transfer of cryogenic fluids to high pressure gas cylinders includes a moveable platform, a cryogenic fluid pump for connection to an off platform cryogenic fluid Dewar, and a vaporizer for connection between the fluid pump and gas cylinders. A vacuum pump is provided for purging of interconnecting system lines and a gas accumulator interconnected to the system lines enables storage of gas to pressurize the Dewar.