Variable Flow Path in Superconducting Magnet Helium Release Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting magnet devices face increased maintenance costs due to excessive helium gas release and risk of device breakage from pressure increases during quench events, as the narrow flow path for gaseous helium can lead to unbalanced pressure and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of convection-preventing members within the helium gas release tube that initially narrow the flow path to reduce helium release and concentrate helium flow, but open to maintain pressure balance during pressure increases, preventing device damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the flow path for gaseous helium in the helium gas release tube is made narrower to reduce helium release, then helium consumption is reduced, but pressure increases during quench events may not be balanced, leading to device breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow path width variable rather than fixed. The flow path for gaseous helium in the release tube is configured to change width dynamically: narrower during normal operation to reduce helium release, and wider during quench events to allow rapid pressure equalization. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reducing helium consumption and maintaining device safety.
2Temperature
If the helium gas release tube is used to release evaporated helium gas, then the superconducting coil can be cooled, but maintenance cost increases due to expensive helium loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the flow path characteristics of the release tube. By changing the flow path width parameter from fixed to variable, the system optimizes helium utilization: the narrower flow path during normal operation reduces unnecessary helium release while maintaining adequate cooling, and the wider flow path during emergencies ensures safety. This parameter modification resolves the contradiction between effective cooling and helium conservation.
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 design reduces helium consumption and maintenance costs while preventing device breakage by managing pressure increases during quench events, ensuring efficient heat exchange and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat shield configured to absorb heat transferred from the outside of the vacuum container to the inside
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer member to transfer the heat absorbed by the heat shield to the gaseous helium passing inside the release tube
Implementation Method 3
convection-preventing members that can at least partly cover inside the release tube in order to prevent the gaseous helium from passing through toward the predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting magnet device with which device breakage caused by a quench can be avoided while helium consumption is reduced. A sheet-like convection-preventing member is disposed at least either above or below a heat transfer member transferring to gaseous helium heat transferred from the outside, so as to cover a helium gas release tube for the gaseous helium, and thus heat exchange performance during transportation is improved. In the case where the quench occurs, the convection-preventing member is lifted upward in the release tube, thereby ensuring to provide a flow path for the gaseous helium and avoiding excessive increase of the internal pressure.