Low pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system
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Publication Number
US-12055465-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system includes a cryogenic sample handle assembly; a transfer and vaporization tubular loop; and a sample vessel. The sample handle assembly connects to a cryogenic storage vessel containing a cryogenic fluid. The tubular loop connects to the cryogenic sample handle assembly. The sample vessel removably connects to the transfer and vaporization tubular loop and accommodates a gaseous sample having a pressure lower than about 200 kPa. A method of collecting a gaseous sample with the sampling system includes purging the sample vessel; actuating the handle to purge and refrigerate the tubular loop; extracting a volume of a cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel into the loop to vaporize the cryogenic fluid and produce a gaseous sample; and transferring the sample from the tubular loop into the sample vessel. The sampling system is safer, maintains stoichiometric quantities in the cryogenic liquid, and reduces cross contamination.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system that directly vaporizes cryogenic fluid into a gaseous sample prior to entry into a removable sample vessel. The system includes a cryogenic sample handle assembly configured to couple with a cryogenic storage vessel, a transfer and vaporization tubular loop in fluid communication with the cryogenic sample handle assembly, and a sample vessel removably connected to and in fluid communication with the transfer and vaporization tubular loop.
The sample vessel is configured to accommodate a gaseous sample having a pressure lower than about 200 kPa. The transfer and vaporization tubular loop is operative to vaporize a cryogenic sample to the gaseous sample prior to its entry into the sample vessel, and the cryogenic sample handle assembly is further described with structural elements including an interior cavity, adaptive fluid transfer fittings, an insulating handle, and a taper-fit long-stemmed valve.
The disclosed approach also includes a method of collecting a gaseous sample from a cryogenic fluid system. The method comprises purging the sample vessel through an outlet vent valve, actuating the cryogenic sample handle assembly to purge and refrigerate the transfer and vaporization tubular loop, extracting a volume of cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic storage vessel into the transfer and vaporization tubular loop at a predetermined velocity operative to vaporize the cryogenic fluid, and transferring the cryogenic gaseous sample from the transfer and vaporization tubular loop into the sample vessel at a pressure lower than about 200 kPa.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims, one directed to a low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system and one directed to a method for collecting a gaseous sample. Across these independent claims, the coverage centers on direct vaporization in a transfer and vaporization tubular loop before entry into a removable low-pressure sample vessel, together with a purging, refrigerating, and transfer sequence that delivers vaporized cryogenic sample into the sample vessel below about 200 kPa.
Transfer and vaporization tubular loop for vaporization before sample vessel entry
A transfer and vaporization tubular loop in fluid communication with the cryogenic sample handle assembly, where the transfer and vaporization tubular loop is operative to vaporize a cryogenic sample to the gaseous sample prior to its entry into the sample vessel.
Removably connected low-pressure sample vessel accommodating gas below about 200 kPa
A sample vessel removably connected to and in fluid communication with the transfer and vaporization tubular loop and configured to accommodate a gaseous sample having a pressure lower than about 200 kPa.
Purging sample vessel via outlet vent valve
Purging the sample vessel through an outlet vent valve.
Actuating cryogenic sample handle assembly to purge and refrigerate the transfer and vaporization tubular loop
Actuating the cryogenic sample handle assembly to purge and refrigerate the transfer and vaporization tubular loop.
Extracting cryogenic fluid at predetermined velocity operative to vaporize
Extracting a volume of a cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic storage vessel into the transfer and vaporization tubular loop at a predetermined velocity operative to vaporize the cryogenic fluid, producing a cryogenic gaseous sample.
Transferring cryogenic gaseous sample into sample vessel at pressure lower than about 200 kPa
Transferring the cryogenic gaseous sample from the transfer and vaporization tubular loop into the sample vessel at a pressure lower than about 200 kPa.
The independent claim coverage is focused on delivering a cryogenic gaseous sample to a removable sample vessel at a pressure lower than about 200 kPa, using a transfer and vaporization tubular loop that vaporizes the cryogenic sample prior to entry. The method claim further specifies purging and refrigerating the loop, extracting cryogenic fluid at a predetermined velocity to vaporize it, and transferring the resulting gaseous sample into the low-pressure sample vessel.
Stated Advantages
Reduces user hazard by providing a purging/filling method.
Reduces atmospheric contamination.
Reduces cross contamination.
Maintains stoichiometric quantities of analytes.
Operable potentially without electricity input.
Documented Applications
Low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling that directly vaporizes cryogenic liquid into a gas for collecting a cryogenic gaseous sample in a sample vessel at pressure lower than about 200 kPa.
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