Low-loss, fluid helium transfer line suitable for extended lengths
First Claim
1. A fuild helium transfer line capable of transferring fluid helium between first and second terminals over extended distances with low loss, comprising in combinationa. a helium process line;
- b. radiation shielding means surrounding said process line throughout essentially the entire length of said process line and defining a first annular spacing therewith;
c. cryogenic coolant transfer line means for circulating a cryogenic coolant in indirect heat exchange with said radiation shielding means;
d. vacuum jacketing means defining an evacuatable volume around said process line, said radiation shielding means and said coolant transfer line means, said evacuatable volume including a second annular spacing between said radiation shielding means and said vacuum jacketing means;
e. expansion-contraction joint means in said radiation shielding means and said coolant transfer line means; and
f. heat-stationed bayonet connector means terminating each end of said transfer line and arranged to connect said transfer line at said first and second terminals.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A helium transfer line adapted to be constructed in extended lengths and to carry liquid helium and/or 4.2°K helium gas with minimum loss of refrigeration capacity due to heat leaks into and through the line. The transfer line, in its basic structure, comprises a fluid helium process line, radiation shielding, vacuum jacketing and a cryogenic coolant line in thermal contact with the radiation shielding and carrying a cryogenic coolant such as liquid nitrogen. Line components, comprising heat-stationed bayonets with or without LN2 bypass lines, expansion/contraction joints, and flexible sections and, if desired, valves, ell-sections and tee-sections, are designed to be integrated into the basic structure so that this structure may be carried through essentially the entire length of the line. Various combinations of these components in the transfer line make it possible to adapt the transfer line to a wide range of requirements dictated by such factors as space, and the relative positions of the two or more points of connection, i.e., a source of liquid helium and a refrigeration load to be cooled by the liquid helium.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A fuild helium transfer line capable of transferring fluid helium between first and second terminals over extended distances with low loss, comprising in combination
a. a helium process line; -
b. radiation shielding means surrounding said process line throughout essentially the entire length of said process line and defining a first annular spacing therewith; c. cryogenic coolant transfer line means for circulating a cryogenic coolant in indirect heat exchange with said radiation shielding means; d. vacuum jacketing means defining an evacuatable volume around said process line, said radiation shielding means and said coolant transfer line means, said evacuatable volume including a second annular spacing between said radiation shielding means and said vacuum jacketing means; e. expansion-contraction joint means in said radiation shielding means and said coolant transfer line means; and f. heat-stationed bayonet connector means terminating each end of said transfer line and arranged to connect said transfer line at said first and second terminals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A fluid helium transfer line capable of transferring fluid helium between first and second terminals over extended distances with low loss, comprising in combination:
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a. a helium process line; b. radiation shielding means surrounding said process line throughout essentially the entire length of said process line and defining therewith an inner evacuatable spacing; c. thermal insulation within said inner evacuatable space; d. vacuum jacketing means defining an outer evacuatable spacing in fluid communication with said inner evacuated spacing; e. thermal insulation within said outer evacuatable spacing; f. cryogenic coolant transfer line means for circulating a cryogenic coolant in indirect heat exchange with said radiation shielding means; g. expansion/contraction joint means in said radiation shielding means and said coolant transfer line means; h. heat-stationed bayonet connector means terminating each end of said transfer line and arranged to connect said transfer line at said first and second terminals; and i. flexible section means associated with at least one of said bayonet connector means terminating said line and joined to said line through a second heat-stationed bayonet connector means. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification