Methods and apparatus for liquid densification
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
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Sep 24, 2002
Grant Date -
Aug 29, 2002
app pub date -
Jan 8, 2001
filing date -
Jan 10, 2000
priority date (Note) -
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Abstract
An improved and simplified system for densifying a cryogenic liquid for space vehicles is provided, which includes a heat exchanger having heat exchange tubes therein for receiving a flow of liquid from a storage tank, for example a liquid propellant in a vehicle storage tank. The heat exchanger is filled around the exchange tubes with a two-component bath, the volume of a primary component substantially exceeding the volume of a secondary component. The secondary component has a boiling temperature that is lower than the boiling temperature of the primary component, and both are lower than the boiling temperature of the cryogenic liquid. In one example, the liquid to be densified is oxygen, the primary component is liquid nitrogen, and a secondary component is liquid hydrogen. The secondary component is preferably injected into the heat exchanger in separate flows to prevent localized freezing of the first component. A manifold having a plurality of injectors may be used for introducing the second component to the heat exchanger. A control system receives inputs from one or more sensors within the heat exchanger and operates valves that control the flow of the first and second components of the heat exchange bath.
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