Heat-stationed bayonet connector for cryogenic fluid lines
First Claim
1. In a heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for joining cryogenic fluid transfer lines including male and female sections engageable to form a continuous cryogenic liquid process line with a radiation shielding means therearound for shielding radiation therefrom, the improvement comprising:
- a support means for supporting the connector outside the radiation shielding means;
a heat station means for intercepting heat flow, said heat station means being positioned on said radiation shielding means and bonded thereto;
a first tubular means located between and concentric with said process line and said radiation shielding means for inter-connecting said process line and said radiation shielding means, a first end of said first tubular means being attached to said heat station and a second end thereof being attached to said process line at a position offset from said heat station along said process line; and
a second tubular means located outside and concentric with said radiation shielding means for interconnecting said radiation shielding means to said support means, a first end of said second tubular means being attached to said heat station and a second end thereof being adapted for attaching to said support means, at a position offset from said heat station along said process line, whereby when said radiation shielding means are cooled said heat station means is cooled to intercept heat flow from said support means to said process line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for connecting liquid cryogen sources and refrigeration loads to a cryogenic fluid transfer line or for connecting components such as flexible sections, etc., into the transfer line. The incorporation of a cold heat station in the bayonet connector and its thermal connection to a coolant makes it possible to intercept heat flow along the length of the bayonet and thereby to minimize heat losses associated with the connector. The use of a cryogenic coolant transfer line in the form of a flexible bypass connecting the male and female sections of the bayonet makes it possible to use the bayonet connector in a transfer line which incorporates a cooled radiation shield along essentially its entire length.
48 Citations
24 Claims
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1. In a heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for joining cryogenic fluid transfer lines including male and female sections engageable to form a continuous cryogenic liquid process line with a radiation shielding means therearound for shielding radiation therefrom, the improvement comprising:
- a support means for supporting the connector outside the radiation shielding means;
a heat station means for intercepting heat flow, said heat station means being positioned on said radiation shielding means and bonded thereto;
a first tubular means located between and concentric with said process line and said radiation shielding means for inter-connecting said process line and said radiation shielding means, a first end of said first tubular means being attached to said heat station and a second end thereof being attached to said process line at a position offset from said heat station along said process line; and
a second tubular means located outside and concentric with said radiation shielding means for interconnecting said radiation shielding means to said support means, a first end of said second tubular means being attached to said heat station and a second end thereof being adapted for attaching to said support means, at a position offset from said heat station along said process line, whereby when said radiation shielding means are cooled said heat station means is cooled to intercept heat flow from said support means to said process line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- a support means for supporting the connector outside the radiation shielding means;
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8. A heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for joining sections of a cryogenic fluid transfer line, comprising in combination
a. a female section comprisinga mating flange defining a female mating surface, a first extension tube affixed at one end to and extending from said female mating flange,a first annular heat station affixed to the other end of said first extension tube, and bonded thereto,a first radiation shield bonded to said heat station,a second extension tube affixed at one end to said first heat station, extending from it within said first radiation shield and defining therewith a first annular evacuatable spacing, said second tube terminating in a mating seat having affixed thereto a short length of a process line tubing;- and
b. a male section comprising 1. a mating flange having a male mating surface engageable with said female mating surface, 2. a third extension tube affixed at one end to said male mating surface, extending therefrom and sized to define when engaged with said female section a first narrow annular spacing with the internal wall of said first entension tube of said female section, 3. a second annular heat station terminating said third extension tube, 4. a second radiation shield bonded to said second heat station, extending therefrom through said male mating flange and defining with the internal wall of said third extension tube a second annular evacuatable spacing, - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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9. a fourth extension tube affixed to said second heat station, extending therefrom and sized to define when engaged with said female section a second narrow annular spacing with the internal wall of said second extension tube,a nose piece terminating said fourth extension tube and having a sealing ring sized to make a liquid-tight seal within said mating seat, anda cryogenic fluid process line extending from said nose piece to beyond the end of said second radiation shield and defining with the internal walls of said second radiation shield and said fourth extension tube a third annular evacuatable spacing.
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18. A heat-stationed bayonet connector suitable for joining sections of a cryogen fluid transfer line, comprising in combination
a. male and female sections engageable to form a continuous fluid helium process line; -
b. a first annular heat station in said female section intermediate its length; c. a second annular heat station in said male section intermediate its length; d. a first radiation shield thermally bonded to said first annular heat station; e. a second radiation shield thermally bonded to said second annular heat station.
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Specification