Liquefier with pressure-controlled liquefaction chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas liquefaction systems are limited by inefficient liquefaction efficiency, as they require high-pressure storage of cryogenic liquids, result in cryogen loss when pressure is lowered for extraction, and cannot simultaneously continue liquefaction at optimal pressure during liquid removal.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-controlled liquefaction system with a hermetically sealed chamber dynamically regulates pressure and temperature using sensors and a CPU to liquefy gases at elevated pressures, allowing for efficient liquefaction and storage at ambient pressure, enabling continuous liquefaction during liquid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is liquefied at elevated pressure to improve liquefaction efficiency, then cooling power utilization is improved, but storage and extraction become more complex and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the Dewar into two separate portions: a first portion for pressurized liquefaction and a second portion for ambient pressure storage. This segmentation allows each portion to operate at its optimal pressure independently, resolving the contradiction between efficient pressurized liquefaction and safe ambient pressure storage.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pressurized first portion and ambient pressure second portion. This intermediary enables controlled transfer of liquefied gas while maintaining pressure differential, allowing efficient liquefaction to continue in the first portion while safe storage occurs in the second portion.
2Ease of operation
If pressure is lowered in the storage portion to extract liquid cryogen, then liquid removal is enabled, but cryogen is lost during pressure equalization
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the storage system into pressurized and ambient pressure portions, liquid can be extracted from the ambient pressure second portion without affecting the pressurized first portion. This eliminates cryogen loss during pressure equalization since the first portion maintains its pressure and continues liquefaction uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily separates the liquefaction and storage functions into different pressure zones. This preliminary action allows continuous operation of the liquefaction portion while the storage portion undergoes extraction operations without cryogen loss.
3Productivity
If the entire Dewar is held at elevated pressure for efficient liquefaction, then liquefaction efficiency is improved, but safety requirements and Dewar cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Dewar is segmented into a pressurized first portion for efficient liquefaction and an ambient pressure second portion for safe storage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high liquefaction efficiency where needed while maintaining safety by storing liquid at ambient pressure, thereby reducing safety risks and associated costs.
4Ease of operation
If pressure is lowered to ambient before removing liquid, then liquid extraction is simplified, but liquefaction process must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows liquid removal from the ambient pressure second portion while the pressurized first portion continues liquefaction uninterrupted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling simultaneous liquid removal and continuous liquefaction operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized first portion maintains continuous liquefaction operation while the second portion handles extraction. This continuity of useful action ensures that liquefaction is never interrupted, even during liquid removal 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
This approach enhances liquefaction efficiency by utilizing higher cooling power, eliminates cryogen loss, and allows for simultaneous liquefaction and liquid removal, potentially reducing the size and power consumption of liquefiers while maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure within the hermetically sealed chamber is dynamically regulated near a critical liquefaction pressure for the selected gas
Implementation Method 2
The temperature within the hermetically sealed chamber is dynamically regulated near a critical liquefaction temperature for the selected gas
Implementation Method 3
a cryocooler for liquefying gas
Implementation Method 4
liquefying a selected cryogen gas within the hermetically sealed chamber at conditions near the critical point for the gas
Data Source
AI summary
A liquefier includes a Dewar having a storage portion and a neck portion extending therefrom. A hermetically isolated liquefaction chamber is disposed within the neck of the Dewar. One or more control components including a temperature and pressure sensor are coupled to a CPU and disposed within the liquefaction chamber for dynamic control of liquefaction conditions. A gas flow control is coupled to the CPU for regulating an input gas flow into the liquefaction chamber. A volume surrounding the liquefaction chamber may be adapted to provide a counter-flow heat exchange. These and other features provide improved liquefaction efficiency among other benefits.