EP2618038B1 - Facility and method for supplying liquid xenon - Google Patents

Facility and method for supplying liquid xenon Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2618038B1
EP2618038B1 EP13151810.2A EP13151810A EP2618038B1 EP 2618038 B1 EP2618038 B1 EP 2618038B1 EP 13151810 A EP13151810 A EP 13151810A EP 2618038 B1 EP2618038 B1 EP 2618038B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
xenon
installation
bar
useful
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP13151810.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2618038A2 (en
EP2618038A3 (en
Inventor
Elena Aprile
Wan-ting CHEN
Jean-Sébastien Stutzmann
Dominique Thers
Pierre Briend
Fabien Durand
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ECOLE DES MINES DE NANTES
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite de Nantes
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Ecole des Mines de Nantes
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Universite de Nantes
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Application filed by Ecole des Mines de Nantes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Universite de Nantes, Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Ecole des Mines de Nantes
Publication of EP2618038A2 publication Critical patent/EP2618038A2/en
Publication of EP2618038A3 publication Critical patent/EP2618038A3/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C6/00—Methods and apparatus for filling vessels not under pressure with liquefied or solidified gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0005—Light or noble gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0221—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using the cold stored in an external cryogenic component in an open refrigeration loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0261—Details of cold box insulation, housing and internal structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0128—Shape spherical or elliptical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0329—Foam
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F17C2203/0643—Stainless steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F17C2205/0111—Boxes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
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    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
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    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
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    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
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    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
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    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
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    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
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    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
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    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0355—Insulation thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
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    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
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    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
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    • F17C2227/0353—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid using cryocooler
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    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
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    • F17C2227/0374—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in the liquid
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    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
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    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0376—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact
    • F17C2227/0381—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact integrated in the wall
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    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
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    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
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    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/07—Actions triggered by measured parameters
    • F17C2250/072—Action when predefined value is reached
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    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/05—Improving chemical properties
    • F17C2260/056—Improving fluid characteristics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/01—Purifying the fluid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F17C2265/032—Treating the boil-off by recovery
    • F17C2265/033—Treating the boil-off by recovery with cooling
    • F17C2265/034—Treating the boil-off by recovery with cooling with condensing the gas phase
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F17C2265/032—Treating the boil-off by recovery
    • F17C2265/036—Treating the boil-off by recovery with heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F17C2265/032—Treating the boil-off by recovery
    • F17C2265/037—Treating the boil-off by recovery with pressurising
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    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0186—Applications for fluid transport or storage in the air or in space
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use
    • F17C2270/0527—Superconductors
    • F17C2270/0536—Magnetic resonance imaging
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/42—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/90—Boil-off gas from storage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2215/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the product stream
    • F25J2215/36—Xenon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/62—Details of storing a fluid in a tank

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an installation for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or detection system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or for a cosmic particle detection system.
  • the present invention finds particular application in the field of medical imaging or in the field of astronomical observation (for example of dark matter).
  • US2010037656A1 describes an installation for recovering, storing and supplying xenon gas.
  • This installation includes a tank adapted to contain xenon in the gaseous state.
  • this installation includes components for liquefying xenon downstream of the tank.
  • treating xenon in the gaseous state requires a large treatment volume, therefore significant space and large surfaces in contact with the xenon.
  • numerous components must be used to convert the xenon from the gaseous state to the liquid state upstream of the cryostat, which complicates the installation and lengthens the processing of the xenon.
  • the present invention aims in particular to resolve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above.
  • the subject of the invention is an installation for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or detection system, the installation being as defined by claim 1.
  • liquid xenon designates xenon in the liquid state or in the supercritical fluid state.
  • the term “useful mass” designates the mass of xenon which is necessary for the intended application, for example for the operation of a cryostat for an imaging system in the medical field or in the field of observation. astronomical.
  • a useful pressure between 60 bar and 80 bar allows the use of a relatively compact tank.
  • a pressure value corresponds to an absolute pressure
  • the overpressure limiter member thus calibrated makes it possible to avoid losses of gaseous xenon when the tank is subjected to the useful pressure of between 60 bar and 80 bar. In other words, this overpressure limiting device does not trigger when the entire useful mass of xenon is contained in the tank in the gaseous state at ambient temperature.
  • the machine further comprises a supply pipe which is connected to the tank and means for connect the supply line to the cryostat, so that the supply line channels liquid xenon to the cryostat when the installation is in service.
  • the useful mass of xenon is between 10 kg and 10,000 kg, preferably between 100 kg and 5,000 kg.
  • the shape and thickness of the walls of said at least one tank are selected so that said at least one tank supports stresses of between 0 to 8 MPa.
  • the tank can withstand a pressure of between 60 bar and 80 bar.
  • said at least one tank contains a useful mass of xenon of 3000 kg, the useful pressure being equal to 65 bar, and in which said at least one tank preferably has a generally spherical or generally cylindrical with an internal diameter of 1700 mm, the walls being made of stainless steel and having a constant thickness of 35 mm.
  • the overall spherical shape is optimized for large volumes.
  • the spherical shape minimizes the internal surface of the tank walls, therefore minimizing the bulk of the tank.
  • the overall cylindrical shape is optimized for small volumes.
  • the overall cylindrical shape is particularly easy to manufacture, transport and install.
  • An internal diameter of 1700 mm makes it possible to define a relatively compact tank.
  • such a tank can contain a similar volume of liquid xenon and a similar volume of gaseous xenon.
  • said at least one reservoir has a generally spherical or generally cylindrical shape.
  • the overall spherical shape is optimized for large volumes.
  • the spherical shape minimizes the internal surface of the tank walls, therefore minimizing the bulk of the tank.
  • the overall cylindrical shape is optimized for small volumes.
  • the overall cylindrical shape is particularly easy to manufacture, transport and install.
  • the installation comprises several tanks each having a generally cylindrical shape, the tanks preferably being juxtaposed.
  • the installation comprises several tanks each having a generally cylindrical shape, the tanks being preferably juxtaposed.
  • the tanks make it possible to modulate the useful mass of xenon to be supplied to a cryostat and to vary this useful mass during the service of such a cryostat.
  • the installation further comprises a purification device connected to the respective tank and adapted to purify gaseous xenon, preferably at room temperature, so as to reinject into a respective tank xenon having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, preferably less than 1 ppb.
  • the verbs "connect”, “connect”, “connect”, “feed” and their derivatives relate to fluid communication, that is to say to the flow of fluid, between two elements remote, by means of a direct or indirect link, that is to say via none, one or more component(s) such as a pipe.
  • fluid designate a liquid, a gas or a supercritical fluid.
  • such a secondary heat exchanger allows liquid xenon to evaporate and reheat when it circulates in the heating pipe towards the purification device, while gaseous xenon cools and recondenses when it circulates in the cooling pipe coming from the purification device.
  • Such a primary heat exchanger makes it possible to liquefy and therefore recondense the gaseous xenon without risk of solidifying it, because the first coil and the cold source are separated by a guard distance.
  • thermally conductive material designates a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 100 W/m/K. Such a material makes it possible to quickly standardize the temperature of the block.
  • the cold source comprises a cryogenic machine, such as a pulsed gas tube, placed in the block or in contact with the block.
  • a cryogenic machine such as a pulsed gas tube
  • the cold head of the pulsed gas tube is arranged at the minimum distance from the liquefaction coil.
  • the cold source is a source of cryogenic fluid, which preferably contains essentially liquid dinitrogen, the primary heat exchanger further comprising a cooling coil, preferably made of stainless steel, which is arranged in the block so as to cool the block by circulation of the cryogenic fluid.
  • a cold source makes it possible to cool the block, therefore to liquefy the gaseous xenon efficiently.
  • the source of cryogenic fluid comprises a separator tank which is arranged upstream of the first coil.
  • a separator flask can remove any gaseous nitrogen at the inlet of the first coil, which makes it possible to precisely measure the quantity of cold (frigories) supplied to the xenon, in particular during a scientific experiment.
  • the primary heat exchanger further comprises control means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to the pressure prevailing in a respective tank.
  • control means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to the pressure prevailing in a respective tank.
  • control means can for example include a pressure sensor installed in the tank, a valve with variable shutter and a control member of this valve.
  • the primary heat exchanger further comprises an attenuator member adapted to reduce the flow of gaseous xenon taken from the respective tank when the temperature of the block is below a predetermined threshold.
  • an attenuator member makes it possible to prevent the solidification of the xenon in the first coil.
  • the attenuator member can be controlled by an industrial programmable controller.
  • the heating pipe and the cooling pipe are arranged so that their respective xenon flows are countercurrent.
  • the secondary heat exchanger can operate with high thermal efficiency.
  • the installation further comprises a compressor arranged downstream of the purification device and upstream of the secondary heat exchanger.
  • a compressor makes it possible to compress the gaseous xenon, therefore reducing the volume necessary for its purification.
  • the installation further comprises a valve with manually or automatically adjustable opening and arranged upstream of the cooling pipe so that the pressure prevailing in the cooling pipe is greater than the pressure in the pipe reheating.
  • a valve with adjustable opening allows the partial recondensation of the xenon in the case where liquid xenon is taken.
  • this heating device makes it possible to regulate the pressure prevailing inside the respective tank, therefore to vary the proportions of gaseous xenon and liquid xenon, for example during the transfer phases of the liquid xenon to the cryostat.
  • this heating device can be powered by the heat transfer fluid at ambient temperature, it limits or even avoids the risk of overheating the tank and therefore the risk of loss of xenon through a valve or a safety vent such as a disc. a break.
  • the heating device further comprises a gas flow meter and at least one temperature sensor arranged so as to precisely measure the quantity of heat (calories) supplied to the xenon, in particular during a scientific experiment.
  • the heating device further comprises a non-return valve disposed downstream of the heat transfer coil.
  • a non-return valve limits or even prevents the reflux of humid air into the heat transfer coil.
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises at least one layer of thermally insulating material, such as closed cell polyvinyl chloride foam, said at least one layer being arranged so as to surround at least the or each tank, said at least one layer preferably being arranged on the external surface of the or each tank.
  • thermally insulating material such as closed cell polyvinyl chloride foam
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises an envelope delimiting at least one cavity arranged around the or each tank, the cavity being placed under vacuum when the installation is in service.
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises a pump arranged to evacuate said at least one cavity.
  • a pump arranged to evacuate said at least one cavity.
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises several layers, including at least one layer reflecting infrared radiation, such as an aluminum film.
  • at least one layer reflecting infrared radiation such as an aluminum film.
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises a layer of powdered perlite placed on the external surface of the respective tank, the perlite being for example placed under vacuum or swept by a stream of nitrogen.
  • a layer of perlite makes it possible to greatly reduce the thermal losses of the tank by conduction.
  • said at least one overpressure limiting member is calibrated to limit the overpressure to a determined value exceeding said useful pressure by 2 to 10 bar, preferably by 5 bar.
  • the method further comprises a step consisting of actuating the cryogenic device so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon when the pressure in the respective tank is between 0.5 bar and 5 bar.
  • the vapors produced by the heat inputs to the tank are recondensed. This results in the pressure being controlled at the value required for use, in particular for transfer operations from the tank to the cryostat and conversely from the cryostat to the tank.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an installation 1 for supplying liquid xenon LXe to a cryostat 2 for an imaging system not shown, via a supply line 3.
  • the installation 1 comprises a tank 4 delimiting an internal volume V4 adapted to contain a so-called useful mass of xenon, in the liquid state LXe and in the gaseous state GXe.
  • the tank 4 has a generally spherical shape with an internal diameter D4 measuring approximately 1700 mm.
  • the supply line 3 is connected to the tank 4 and a connection not shown is arranged to connect the supply line 3 to the cryostat 2, so that the supply line 3 channels liquid xenon LXe towards the cryostat 2 when the Installation 1 is in service.
  • the installation 1 further comprises a cryogenic device 10 adapted to condense a flow Xe.11 of gaseous xenon.
  • the cryogenic device 10 is connected, respectively by a forward pipe 11 and a return pipe 12, to the tank 4 so as to collect gaseous xenon Xe.11 coming from the upper part of the tank 4 and to channel a flow of condensed xenon Xe. 12 towards the tank 4.
  • the outward pipe 11 and the return pipe 12 can have a diameter of approximately 1 cm (3/8").
  • the installation 1 comprises thermal insulation equipment arranged to thermally insulate the tank 4.
  • the thermal insulation equipment comprises a layer 14 of closed cell polyvinyl chloride foam, the foam forming a thermally insulating material.
  • the layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the tank 4.
  • the layer 14 is here arranged on the external surface of the tank 4.
  • the layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the supply pipe 3.
  • the tank 4 comprises walls 6.
  • the shape and thickness of the walls 6 of the tank 4 are selected so that the tank 4 supports a useful pressure developed by the useful mass of xenon in the gaseous state at a temperature of approximately 300 K.
  • this useful pressure can be between 60 bar and 80 bar.
  • the useful mass of xenon is approximately 3000 kg.
  • the useful pressure is approximately 65 bar.
  • the walls 6 of the tank 4 are made of stainless steel and have a constant thickness E6 of approximately 35 mm.
  • the shape and thickness E6 of the walls 6 of the tank 4 are selected so that the tank 4 supports stresses of between 0 to 8 MPa. Thus, the tank can support the useful pressure of 65 bar.
  • the cryogenic power of the cryogenic device 10 is selected so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon, as shown in Fig. figure 1 , when the pressure in tank 4 is between 1 bar and 2 bar.
  • This pressure corresponds to an operating pressure, that is to say when the tank delivers liquid xenon to the cryostat via a supply line 3.
  • the percentages indicated above may vary by plus or minus 15%, when the tank is initially filled before being put into service and under an operating pressure of between 1 bar and 2 bar.
  • the operating percentage of liquid xenon may vary for example between 5% to 50%, depending on the quantity of xenon transferred to the cryostat.
  • the cold source comprises a source 20 of cryogenic fluid, which essentially contains liquid dinitrogen LN2.
  • the primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises a cooling coil 21, preferably made of stainless steel, which is arranged in the block 18 so as to cool the block by circulation of the cryogenic fluid.
  • the minimum distance 21.22 between the liquefaction coil 22 and the cooling coil 21, which here represents the cold source, is greater than 50 mm.
  • the minimum distance 21.22 makes it possible to avoid the solidification of the xenon in the liquefaction coil 22.
  • the layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the block 18, the outward pipe 11 and the return pipe 12. The layer 14 thus makes it possible to limit the thermal losses through these components.
  • the primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises control means not shown for controlling the flow of liquid dinitrogen to the pressure prevailing in the tank 4. In other words, when this pressure increases, the flow of dinitrogen can be increased. liquid ; conversely, when this pressure decreases, the flow of liquid dinitrogen can be reduced.
  • the control means here comprise a pressure sensor, not shown, which is installed in the tank 4, a variable shutter valve, not shown, and a member, not shown, for controlling this valve.
  • the primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises an attenuator member, not shown, which is adapted to reduce the flow rate of the gaseous xenon flow Xe.11 when the temperature of the block 18 is below a predetermined threshold.
  • This attenuator can be controlled by an industrial programmable controller.
  • the installation 1 further comprises an overpressure limiting member 26 which is connected to the tank and which is calibrated to limit overpressure in the tank 4 to a value greater than or equal to the useful pressure.
  • the overpressure limiter member 26 can be calibrated at a setting pressure of approximately 70 bar for a useful pressure of approximately 65 bar.
  • the overpressure limiter member 26 lets the gaseous xenon GXe escape only when the pressure in the tank 4 exceeds 70 bar, which can occur when the tank is brought to a temperature above 300 K.
  • the installation 1 further comprises a purification device 30 which is connected to the tank 4 and which is adapted to purify a flow of gaseous xenon Xe.30, so as to reinject into the tank 4 a flow of ultrapure xenon Xe.31 having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, or even 1 ppb.
  • a purification device 30 which is connected to the tank 4 and which is adapted to purify a flow of gaseous xenon Xe.30, so as to reinject into the tank 4 a flow of ultrapure xenon Xe.31 having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, or even 1 ppb.
  • the purification device 30 can be formed by a device marketed under the reference Oxysorb ® and comprising a getter.
  • the heating pipe 42 extends between the tank 4 and the purification device 30 at the level of the secondary heat exchanger 40.
  • the cooling pipe 44 extends between the purification device 30 and the tank 4 at the level of the secondary heat exchanger 40. Secondary heat exchanger 40. Heating line 42 and cooling line 44 may have a diameter of approximately 1 cm (3/8").
  • the heating pipe 42 is arranged near the cooling pipe 44, so that the heating pipe 42 and the cooling pipe 44 are thermally coupled, that is to say they exchange a quantity of heat when installation 1 is in service.
  • the installation 1 further comprises a compressor, not shown, which is arranged downstream of the purification device 30 and upstream of the secondary heat exchanger 40.
  • the heating pipe 42 and the cooling pipe 44 are arranged so that their respective xenon flows are counter-current to each other, that is to say in opposite directions.
  • the installation further comprises a valve with adjustable opening 46, manually or automatically, and arranged upstream of the cooling pipe 44, so that the pressure prevailing in the cooling pipe 44 is greater than the pressure in the heating pipe 42.
  • the heating line 42 takes the xenon in the gas phase (upper part of the tank 4).
  • the xenon is then reheated in the exchanger 40.
  • the purified xenon circulating in the cooling line 44 is cooled and then returns in vapor form to the tank 4.
  • the heat transfer coil 52 is arranged in a lower region, in this case at the bottom, of the tank 4 so that the heat transfer coil 52 is placed in the liquid xenon LXe when the tank 4 is in service.
  • Installation 1 illustrated in figure 2 And 3 differs from installation 1 shown in figure 1 in particular in that its thermal insulation equipment comprises a casing or an envelope 5 delimiting a cavity arranged around the tank 4. In the example of figure 2 And 3 , this cavity is also arranged around other components of the installation 1, in particular around the cryogenic device 10.
  • This cavity is placed under vacuum when the installation 1 is in service, which makes it possible to thermally isolate all the components of the installation 1 which are located in the envelope 5, in particular the tank 4 and the cryogenic device 10.
  • thermal insulation equipment may comprise a type 5 enclosure plus a type 14 layer.
  • installation 1 illustrated in figure 2 And 3 differs from installation 1 shown in figure 1 in particular in that the reheating line 42 takes the xenon from the liquid phase LXe. The xenon is then vaporized and heated to ambient temperature in the exchanger 40. Thus, the purified xenon circulating in line 44 is cooled and liquefied, then it returns in liquid form to tank 4.
  • the pressure in tank 4 can be around 2 bar at 165 K.
  • the xenon is then 50% liquid LXe and 50% gaseous GXe.
  • the liquid xenon LXe can be led to cryostat 2.
  • the xenon used is recovered from the cryostat 2, in the gaseous or liquid state, via a pipe not shown.
  • the cryogenic device 10 continuously recondenses the gaseous xenon to maintain the balance of the proportions mentioned above and therefore maintain the tank 4 at the operating pressure of approximately 2 bar.
  • the purification device 30 purifies the xenon continuously.
  • the cryogenic device 10 is actuated so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon LXe and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon GXe when the pressure prevailing in the reservoir 4 is approximately 2 bar.
  • the transfer of liquid xenon from tank 4 to cryostat 2 is carried out with a pressure of approximately 2 bar in supply line 3; the duration of this transfer can be between 4 hours and 3 days depending on the useful mass of xenon.
  • the recovery of gaseous or liquid xenon from the cryostat 2 to the tank is carried out at a pressure of approximately 1 bar in the tank 4; the duration of this recovery can be between 4 hours and 3 days depending on the useful mass of xenon.
  • tank 4 When stopped, for example in the event of failure of a component of the installation 1 such as the cryogenic device 10, the tank 4 will slowly heat up to ambient temperature (300 K). The pressure in tank 4 will increase until it reaches the useful pressure, here 65 bar. Tank 4 can support this useful pressure until the cryogenic device 10 is restarted and the temperature of tank 4 is gradually lowered to 165 K.

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Description

La présente invention concerne une installation pour fournir du xénon liquide, en particulier à un cryostat pour système d'imagerie ou système de détection. Par ailleurs, la présente invention a pour objet un procédé, pour fournir du xénon liquide, en particulier à un cryostat pour système d'imagerie ou pour système de détection de particules cosmiques.The present invention relates to an installation for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or detection system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or for a cosmic particle detection system.

La présente invention trouve notamment application dans le domaine de l'imagerie médicale ou dans le domaine de l'observation astronomique (par exemple de la matière noire).The present invention finds particular application in the field of medical imaging or in the field of astronomical observation (for example of dark matter).

US2010037656A1 décrit une installation pour récupérer, stocker et fournir du xénon gazeux. Cette installation comprend un réservoir adapté pour contenir du xénon à l'état gazeux. De plus, cette installation comprend des composants pour liquéfier le xénon en aval du réservoir. US2010037656A1 describes an installation for recovering, storing and supplying xenon gas. This installation includes a tank adapted to contain xenon in the gaseous state. In addition, this installation includes components for liquefying xenon downstream of the tank.

Cependant, traiter le xénon à l'état gazeux nécessite un grand volume de traitement, donc un encombrement important et de grandes surfaces au contact du xénon. En outre, il faut employer de nombreux composants pour passer le xénon de l'état gazeux à l'état liquide en amont du cryostat, ce qui complexifie l'installation et allonge le traitement du xénon.However, treating xenon in the gaseous state requires a large treatment volume, therefore significant space and large surfaces in contact with the xenon. In addition, numerous components must be used to convert the xenon from the gaseous state to the liquid state upstream of the cryostat, which complicates the installation and lengthens the processing of the xenon.

De plus, ces nombreux composants et ces grandes surfaces au contact du xénon gazeux forment des sources de pollution importantes, lesquelles empêchent d'atteindre un niveau de pureté requis en particulier pour les systèmes d'imagerie, en particulier dans le domaine de l'observation astronomique.In addition, these numerous components and these large surfaces in contact with gaseous xenon form significant sources of pollution, which prevent reaching a level of purity required in particular for imaging systems, particularly in the field of observation. astronomical.

Le document WO 97/46840 montre un système de récupération du boil-off. UThe document WO 97/46840 shows a boil-off recovery system. u

La présente invention vise notamment à résoudre, en tout ou partie, les problèmes mentionnés ci-avant.The present invention aims in particular to resolve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above.

À cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une installation pour fournir du xénon liquide, en particulier à un cryostat pour système d'imagerie ou système de détection, l'installation étant telle que définie par la revendication 1.To this end, the subject of the invention is an installation for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or detection system, the installation being as defined by claim 1.

Dans la présente demande, le terme « xénon liquide » désigne le xénon à l'état liquide ou à l'état de fluide supercritique.In the present application, the term “liquid xenon” designates xenon in the liquid state or in the supercritical fluid state.

Dans la présente demande, le terme « masse utile » désigne la masse de xénon qui est nécessaire à l'application visée, par exemple au fonctionnement d'un cryostat pour système d'imagerie dans le domaine médical ou dans le domaine de l'observation astronomique.In the present application, the term “useful mass” designates the mass of xenon which is necessary for the intended application, for example for the operation of a cryostat for an imaging system in the medical field or in the field of observation. astronomical.

Ainsi, une telle installation limite voire évite les pertes de xénon en phase gazeuse (usuellement désigné par le terme anglais « boil-off ») par des organes de sécurité, même en cas d'arrêt de longue durée et de défaillance du dispositif cryogénique, donc lorsque le xénon est entièrement gazeux sous pression élevée. De plus, le dispositif cryogénique permet de recondenser de manière continue les vapeurs de xénon prélevées en partie haute du réservoir. L'installation fournit donc du xénon liquide, ce qui réduit considérablement le volume de traitement en comparaison des installations de l'art antérieur.Thus, such an installation limits or even avoids losses of xenon in the gas phase (usually referred to by the English term " boil-off ") by safety devices, even in the event of long-term shutdown and failure of the cryogenic device, therefore when xenon is entirely gaseous under high pressure. In addition, the cryogenic device makes it possible to continuously recondense the xenon vapors taken from the upper part of the tank. The installation therefore supplies liquid xenon, which considerably reduces the treatment volume compared to installations of the prior art.

De plus, une pression utile entre 60 bar et 80 bar permet d'employer un réservoir relativement compact.In addition, a useful pressure between 60 bar and 80 bar allows the use of a relatively compact tank.

Dans la présente demande, sauf indication contraire, une valeur de pression correspond à une pression absolue.In the present application, unless otherwise indicated, a pressure value corresponds to an absolute pressure.

En outre, l'organe limiteur de surpression ainsi taré permet d'éviter des pertes de xénon gazeux lorsque le réservoir subit la pression utile comprise entre 60 bar et 80 bar. En d'autres termes, cet organe limiteur de surpression ne se déclenche pas lorsque toute la masse utile de xénon est contenue dans le réservoir à l'état gazeux à la température ambiante.In addition, the overpressure limiter member thus calibrated makes it possible to avoid losses of gaseous xenon when the tank is subjected to the useful pressure of between 60 bar and 80 bar. In other words, this overpressure limiting device does not trigger when the entire useful mass of xenon is contained in the tank in the gaseous state at ambient temperature.

Selon une variante de l'invention, la machine comprend en outre une conduite d'alimentation qui est reliée au réservoir et des moyens pour raccorder la conduite d'alimentation au cryostat, de sorte que la conduite d'alimentation canalise du xénon liquide vers le cryostat lorsque l'installation est en service.According to a variant of the invention, the machine further comprises a supply pipe which is connected to the tank and means for connect the supply line to the cryostat, so that the supply line channels liquid xenon to the cryostat when the installation is in service.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la masse utile de xénon est comprise entre 10 kg et 10000 kg, de préférence entre 100 kg et 5000 kg.According to one embodiment of the invention, the useful mass of xenon is between 10 kg and 10,000 kg, preferably between 100 kg and 5,000 kg.

Ainsi, une telle masse permet de fournir du xénon à un système d'imagerie de petite taille (médical) ou à un système d'imagerie de grande taille (scientifique).Thus, such a mass makes it possible to supply xenon to a small imaging system (medical) or to a large imaging system (scientific).

Selon une variante de l'invention, la forme et l'épaisseur des parois dudit au moins un réservoir sont sélectionnées de sorte que ledit au moins un réservoir supporte des contraintes comprises entre 0 à 8 MPa. Ainsi, le réservoir peut supporter une pression comprise entre 60 bar et 80 bar.According to a variant of the invention, the shape and thickness of the walls of said at least one tank are selected so that said at least one tank supports stresses of between 0 to 8 MPa. Thus, the tank can withstand a pressure of between 60 bar and 80 bar.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ledit au moins un réservoir contient une masse utile de xénon de 3000 kg, la pression utile étant égale à 65 bar, et dans laquelle ledit au moins un réservoir a de préférence une forme globalement sphérique ou globalement cylindrique avec un diamètre interne de 1700 mm, les parois étant en acier inoxydable et ayant une épaisseur constante de 35 mm.According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one tank contains a useful mass of xenon of 3000 kg, the useful pressure being equal to 65 bar, and in which said at least one tank preferably has a generally spherical or generally cylindrical with an internal diameter of 1700 mm, the walls being made of stainless steel and having a constant thickness of 35 mm.

Ainsi, une telle masse utile de xénon convient pour de nombreuses applications d'imagerie, voire pour des applications de détection. La forme globalement sphérique est optimisée pour les grands volumes. La forme sphérique minimise la surface interne des parois du réservoir, donc minimise l'encombrement du réservoir. La forme globalement cylindrique est optimisée pour les petits volumes. La forme globalement cylindrique est particulièrement facile à fabriquer, à transporter et à implanter. Un diamètre interne de 1700 mm permet de définir un réservoir relativement compact.Thus, such a useful mass of xenon is suitable for numerous imaging applications, and even for detection applications. The overall spherical shape is optimized for large volumes. The spherical shape minimizes the internal surface of the tank walls, therefore minimizing the bulk of the tank. The overall cylindrical shape is optimized for small volumes. The overall cylindrical shape is particularly easy to manufacture, transport and install. An internal diameter of 1700 mm makes it possible to define a relatively compact tank.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, un quotient ayant :

  • pour dénominateur, le volume interne du réservoir respectif ;
  • pour numérateur, le volume qu'occupe la masse utile de xénon à l'état liquide sous la pression atmosphérique ; est compris entre 0,4 et 0,6, de préférence égal à 0,5.
According to one embodiment of the invention, a quotient having:
  • as denominator, the internal volume of the respective tank;
  • for numerator, the volume occupied by the useful mass of xenon in the liquid state under atmospheric pressure; is between 0.4 and 0.6, preferably equal to 0.5.

Ainsi, un tel réservoir peut contenir un volume de xénon liquide et un volume de xénon gazeux similaires.Thus, such a tank can contain a similar volume of liquid xenon and a similar volume of gaseous xenon.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ledit au moins un réservoir a une forme globalement sphérique ou globalement cylindrique.According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one reservoir has a generally spherical or generally cylindrical shape.

Ainsi, la forme globalement sphérique est optimisée pour les grands volumes. La forme sphérique minimise la surface interne des parois du réservoir, donc minimise l'encombrement du réservoir. La forme globalement cylindrique est optimisée pour les petits volumes. La forme globalement cylindrique est particulièrement facile à fabriquer, à transporter et à implanter.Thus, the overall spherical shape is optimized for large volumes. The spherical shape minimizes the internal surface of the tank walls, therefore minimizing the bulk of the tank. The overall cylindrical shape is optimized for small volumes. The overall cylindrical shape is particularly easy to manufacture, transport and install.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'installation comprend plusieurs réservoirs ayant chacun une forme globalement cylindrique, les réservoirs étant de préférence juxtaposés.According to one embodiment of the invention, the installation comprises several tanks each having a generally cylindrical shape, the tanks preferably being juxtaposed.

Ainsi, de tels réservoirs permettent de stocker et de fournir une importante masse utile de xénon.Thus, such tanks make it possible to store and supply a large useful mass of xenon.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'installation comprend plusieurs réservoirs ayant chacun une forme globalement cylindrique, les réservoirs étant de préférence juxtaposés. Ainsi, de tels réservoirs permettent de moduler la masse utile de xénon à fournir à un cryostat et de varier cette masse utile durant le service d'un tel cryostat.According to a variant of the invention, the installation comprises several tanks each having a generally cylindrical shape, the tanks being preferably juxtaposed. Thus, such tanks make it possible to modulate the useful mass of xenon to be supplied to a cryostat and to vary this useful mass during the service of such a cryostat.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'installation comprend en outre un dispositif de purification relié au réservoir respectif et adapté pour purifier du xénon gazeux, de préférence à température ambiante, de façon à réinjecter dans un réservoir respectif du xénon ayant un degré de pureté inférieur à 2 ppb, de préférence inférieur à 1 ppb.According to one embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises a purification device connected to the respective tank and adapted to purify gaseous xenon, preferably at room temperature, so as to reinject into a respective tank xenon having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, preferably less than 1 ppb.

Ainsi, un tel dispositif de purification permet d'obtenir et d'entretenir un xénon « ultrapur », ce qui est requis pour les systèmes d'imagerie.Thus, such a purification device makes it possible to obtain and maintain “ultrapure” xenon, which is required for imaging systems.

Dans la présente demande, les verbes « relier », « connecter », « raccorder », « alimenter » et leurs dérivés se rapportent à la communication de fluide, c'est-à-dire à l'écoulement de fluide, entre deux éléments distants, au moyen d'un lien direct ou indirect, c'est-à-dire par l'intermédiaire d'aucun, d'un ou de plusieurs composant(s) tel(s) qu'une conduite.In the present application, the verbs "connect", "connect", "connect", "feed" and their derivatives relate to fluid communication, that is to say to the flow of fluid, between two elements remote, by means of a direct or indirect link, that is to say via none, one or more component(s) such as a pipe.

Dans la présente demande, le terme « fluide » et ses dérivés désigne un liquide, un gaz ou un fluide supercritique.In the present application, the term “fluid” and its derivatives designate a liquid, a gas or a supercritical fluid.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'installation comprend en outre au moins un échangeur thermique secondaire relié d'une part au réservoir respectif et d'autre part au dispositif de purification, l'échangeur thermique secondaire comprenant :

  • une conduite de réchauffage agencée en aval du réservoir respectif et en amont du dispositif de purification ; et
  • une conduite de refroidissement agencée en amont du réservoir respectif et en aval du dispositif de purification, la conduite de refroidissement étant thermiquement couplée à la conduite de réchauffage.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises at least one secondary heat exchanger connected to a part to the respective tank and on the other hand to the purification device, the secondary heat exchanger comprising:
  • a heating pipe arranged downstream of the respective tank and upstream of the purification device; And
  • a cooling pipe arranged upstream of the respective tank and downstream of the purification device, the cooling pipe being thermally coupled to the heating pipe.

Ainsi, un tel échangeur thermique secondaire permet à du xénon liquide de s'évaporer et de se réchauffer lorsqu'il circule dans la conduite de réchauffage vers le dispositif de purification, pendant que du xénon gazeux refroidit et se recondense lorsqu'il circule dans la conduite de refroidissement en provenance du dispositif de purification.Thus, such a secondary heat exchanger allows liquid xenon to evaporate and reheat when it circulates in the heating pipe towards the purification device, while gaseous xenon cools and recondenses when it circulates in the cooling pipe coming from the purification device.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif cryogénique comporte au moins un échangeur thermique primaire, l'échangeur thermique primaire comprenant au moins :

  • un bloc en matériau thermiquement conducteur, de préférence en alliage d'aluminium ;
  • une source de froid agencée de façon à refroidir le bloc à une température inférieure ou égale à la température de liquéfaction du xénon ; et
  • un serpentin de liquéfaction, de préférence en acier inoxydable, qui est relié à un réservoir respectif et qui est agencé dans le bloc de façon à liquéfier du xénon prélevé dans le réservoir respectif, la distance minimale entre le serpentin de liquéfaction et la source de froid étant supérieure à 50 mm.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the cryogenic device comprises at least one primary heat exchanger, the primary heat exchanger comprising at least:
  • a block of thermally conductive material, preferably aluminum alloy;
  • a cold source arranged so as to cool the block to a temperature less than or equal to the liquefaction temperature of the xenon; And
  • a liquefaction coil, preferably made of stainless steel, which is connected to a respective tank and which is arranged in the block so as to liquefy xenon taken from the respective tank, the minimum distance between the liquefaction coil and the cold source being greater than 50 mm.

Ainsi, un tel échangeur thermique primaire permet de liquéfier donc de recondenser le xénon gazeux sans risque de le solidifier, car le premier serpentin et la source froide sont séparés par une distance de garde.Thus, such a primary heat exchanger makes it possible to liquefy and therefore recondense the gaseous xenon without risk of solidifying it, because the first coil and the cold source are separated by a guard distance.

Dans la présente demande, le terme « matériau thermiquement conducteur » désigne un matériau présentant une conductivité thermique supérieure à 100 W/m/K. Un tel matériau permet d'uniformiser rapidement la température du bloc.In the present application, the term “thermally conductive material” designates a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 100 W/m/K. Such a material makes it possible to quickly standardize the temperature of the block.

Selon une variante de l'invention, la source de froid comprend une machine cryogénique, telle qu'un tube à gaz pulsé, disposée dans le bloc ou au contact du bloc. Dans cette variante, la tête froide du tube à gaz pulsé est disposée à la distance minimale du serpentin de liquéfaction. Ainsi, une telle machine cryogénique permet de refroidir le bloc, donc de liquéfier le xénon gazeux de manière efficace.According to a variant of the invention, the cold source comprises a cryogenic machine, such as a pulsed gas tube, placed in the block or in contact with the block. In this variant, the cold head of the pulsed gas tube is arranged at the minimum distance from the liquefaction coil. Thus, such a cryogenic machine makes it possible to cool the block, and therefore to liquefy the gaseous xenon efficiently.

Selon une variante de l'invention, la source de froid est une source de fluide cryogénique, qui contient de préférence essentiellement du diazote liquide, l'échangeur thermique primaire comprenant en outre un serpentin de refroidissement, de préférence en acier inoxydable, qui est agencé dans le bloc de façon à refroidir le bloc par circulation du fluide cryogénique. Ainsi, une telle source de froid permet de refroidir le bloc, donc de liquéfier le xénon gazeux de manière efficace.According to a variant of the invention, the cold source is a source of cryogenic fluid, which preferably contains essentially liquid dinitrogen, the primary heat exchanger further comprising a cooling coil, preferably made of stainless steel, which is arranged in the block so as to cool the block by circulation of the cryogenic fluid. Thus, such a cold source makes it possible to cool the block, therefore to liquefy the gaseous xenon efficiently.

Selon une variante de l'invention, la source de fluide cryogénique comprend un ballon séparateur qui est agencé en amont du premier serpentin. Ainsi, un tel ballon séparateur peut supprimer tout azote gazeux à l'entrée du premier serpentin, ce qui permet de mesurer précisément la quantité de froid (frigories) apportée au xénon, en particulier au cours d'une expérience scientifique.According to a variant of the invention, the source of cryogenic fluid comprises a separator tank which is arranged upstream of the first coil. Thus, such a separator flask can remove any gaseous nitrogen at the inlet of the first coil, which makes it possible to precisely measure the quantity of cold (frigories) supplied to the xenon, in particular during a scientific experiment.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'échangeur thermique primaire comprend en outre des moyens d'asservissement pour asservir le débit de fluide cryogénique à la pression régnant dans un réservoir respectif. Ainsi, de tels moyens permettent de maintenir constante la pression régnant dans le réservoir respectif, en particulier de la maintenir à la pression utile développée par la masse utile de xénon à l'état gazeux, typiquement entre la pression atmosphérique et environ 5 bar. De tels moyens d'asservissement peuvent par exemple comprendre un capteur de pression installé dans le réservoir, une vanne à obturation variable et un organe de pilotage de cette vanne.According to a variant of the invention, the primary heat exchanger further comprises control means for controlling the flow of cryogenic fluid to the pressure prevailing in a respective tank. Thus, such means make it possible to maintain the pressure prevailing in the respective tank constant, in particular to maintain it at the useful pressure developed by the useful mass of xenon in the gaseous state, typically between atmospheric pressure and approximately 5 bar. Such control means can for example include a pressure sensor installed in the tank, a valve with variable shutter and a control member of this valve.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'échangeur thermique primaire comprend en outre un organe atténuateur adapté pour réduire le débit de xénon gazeux prélevé dans le réservoir respectif lorsque la température du bloc est inférieure à un seuil prédéterminé. Ainsi, un tel organe atténuateur permet d'empêcher la solidification du xénon dans le premier serpentin. Par exemple, l'organe atténuateur peut être commandé par un automate programmable industriel.According to a variant of the invention, the primary heat exchanger further comprises an attenuator member adapted to reduce the flow of gaseous xenon taken from the respective tank when the temperature of the block is below a predetermined threshold. Thus, such an attenuator member makes it possible to prevent the solidification of the xenon in the first coil. For example, the attenuator member can be controlled by an industrial programmable controller.

Selon une variante de l'invention, la conduite de réchauffage et la conduite de refroidissement sont agencées de sorte que leurs écoulements respectifs de xénon se font à contre-courant. Ainsi, l'échangeur thermique secondaire peut fonctionner avec une haute efficacité thermique.According to a variant of the invention, the heating pipe and the cooling pipe are arranged so that their respective xenon flows are countercurrent. Thus, the secondary heat exchanger can operate with high thermal efficiency.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'installation comprend en outre un compresseur agencé en aval du dispositif de purification et en amont de l'échangeur thermique secondaire. Ainsi, un tel compresseur permet de comprimer le xénon gazeux, donc de réduire le volume nécessaire à sa purification.According to a variant of the invention, the installation further comprises a compressor arranged downstream of the purification device and upstream of the secondary heat exchanger. Thus, such a compressor makes it possible to compress the gaseous xenon, therefore reducing the volume necessary for its purification.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'installation comprend en outre une vanne à ouverture réglable manuellement ou automatiquement et agencée en amont de la conduite de refroidissement de sorte que la pression régnant dans la conduite de refroidissement est supérieure à la pression dans la conduite de réchauffage. Ainsi, une telle vanne à ouverture réglable permet la recondensation partielle du Xénon dans le cas où on prélève du xénon liquide.According to a variant of the invention, the installation further comprises a valve with manually or automatically adjustable opening and arranged upstream of the cooling pipe so that the pressure prevailing in the cooling pipe is greater than the pressure in the pipe reheating. Thus, such a valve with adjustable opening allows the partial recondensation of the xenon in the case where liquid xenon is taken.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'installation comprend en outre un dispositif de réchauffage comprenant au moins :

  • un serpentin caloporteur adapté pour la circulation d'un fluide caloporteur, tel que du diazote gazeux à température ambiante, le serpentin caloporteur étant agencé dans une région basse d'un réservoir respectif de sorte que le serpentin caloporteur est disposé dans le xénon liquide lorsque le réservoir respectif est en service ; et
  • une vanne à ouverture variable, agencée de préférence en aval du serpentin caloporteur, de façon à réguler le débit de fluide caloporteur.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises a heating device comprising at least:
  • a heat transfer coil suitable for circulating a heat transfer fluid, such as gaseous dinitrogen at room temperature, the heat transfer coil being arranged in a lower region of a respective tank so that the heat transfer coil is disposed in the liquid xenon when the respective tank is in service; And
  • a valve with variable opening, preferably arranged downstream of the heat transfer coil, so as to regulate the flow of heat transfer fluid.

Ainsi, ce dispositif de réchauffage permet de réguler la pression régnant à l'intérieur du réservoir respectif, donc de varier les proportions de xénon gazeux et de xénon liquide, par exemple pendant les phases de transfert du xénon liquide vers le cryostat. De plus, comme ce dispositif de réchauffage peut être alimenté par le fluide caloporteur à température ambiante, il limite voire évite le risque de surchauffe du réservoir et donc le risque de pertes de xénon par une soupape ou un évent de sécurité tel qu'un disque de rupture.Thus, this heating device makes it possible to regulate the pressure prevailing inside the respective tank, therefore to vary the proportions of gaseous xenon and liquid xenon, for example during the transfer phases of the liquid xenon to the cryostat. In addition, as this heating device can be powered by the heat transfer fluid at ambient temperature, it limits or even avoids the risk of overheating the tank and therefore the risk of loss of xenon through a valve or a safety vent such as a disc. a break.

Selon une variante de l'invention, le dispositif de réchauffage comprend en outre un débitmètre à gaz et au moins un capteur de température agencés de façon à mesurer précisément la quantité de chaleur (calories) apportée au xénon, en particulier au cours d'une expérience scientifique.According to a variant of the invention, the heating device further comprises a gas flow meter and at least one temperature sensor arranged so as to precisely measure the quantity of heat (calories) supplied to the xenon, in particular during a scientific experiment.

Selon une variante de l'invention, le dispositif de réchauffage comprend en outre un clapet anti-retour disposé en aval du serpentin caloporteur. Ainsi, un tel clapet anti-retour limite voire évite le reflux d'air humide dans le serpentin caloporteur.According to a variant of the invention, the heating device further comprises a non-return valve disposed downstream of the heat transfer coil. Thus, such a non-return valve limits or even prevents the reflux of humid air into the heat transfer coil.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend au moins une couche en matériau thermiquement isolant, tel qu'une mousse à cellules fermée en polyvinyle de chlorure, ladite au moins une couche étant agencée de façon à entourer au moins le ou chaque réservoir, ladite au moins une couche étant de préférence disposée sur la surface externe du ou de chaque réservoir.According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation equipment comprises at least one layer of thermally insulating material, such as closed cell polyvinyl chloride foam, said at least one layer being arranged so as to surround at least the or each tank, said at least one layer preferably being arranged on the external surface of the or each tank.

Ainsi, une telle couche réduit fortement les pertes thermiques du réservoir par conduction.Thus, such a layer greatly reduces the thermal losses of the tank by conduction.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend une enveloppe délimitant au moins une cavité agencée autour du ou de chaque réservoir, la cavité étant mise sous vide lorsque l'installation est en service.According to one embodiment of the invention, the thermal insulation equipment comprises an envelope delimiting at least one cavity arranged around the or each tank, the cavity being placed under vacuum when the installation is in service.

Ainsi, une telle cavité permet de réaliser un vide statique autour du réservoir, ce qui réduit fortement les pertes thermiques du réservoir par convection.Thus, such a cavity makes it possible to create a static vacuum around the tank, which greatly reduces the thermal losses of the tank by convection.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend une pompe agencée pour mettre sous vide ladite au moins une cavité. Ainsi, une telle pompe permet de réaliser un vide dynamique autour du réservoir, ce qui réduit considérablement les pertes thermiques du réservoir par convection.According to a variant of the invention, the thermal insulation equipment comprises a pump arranged to evacuate said at least one cavity. Thus, such a pump makes it possible to create a dynamic vacuum around the tank, which considerably reduces the thermal losses of the tank by convection.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend plusieurs couches, dont au moins une couche réfléchissant le rayonnement infrarouge, tel qu'un film d'aluminium. Ainsi, de telles couches forment une isolation multicouches qui est compacte et qui réduit fortement les pertes thermiques du réservoir par conduction et par rayonnement.According to a variant of the invention, the thermal insulation equipment comprises several layers, including at least one layer reflecting infrared radiation, such as an aluminum film. Thus, such layers form a multilayer insulation which is compact and which greatly reduces the thermal losses of the tank by conduction and by radiation.

Selon une variante de l'invention, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend une couche de perlite en poudre disposée sur la surface externe du réservoir respectif, la perlite étant par exemple mise sous vide ou balayée par un courant d'azote. Ainsi, une telle couche de perlite permet de réduire fortement les pertes thermiques du réservoir par conduction.According to a variant of the invention, the thermal insulation equipment comprises a layer of powdered perlite placed on the external surface of the respective tank, the perlite being for example placed under vacuum or swept by a stream of nitrogen. Thus, such a layer of perlite makes it possible to greatly reduce the thermal losses of the tank by conduction.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ledit au moins un organe limiteur de surpression est taré pour limiter la surpression à une valeur déterminée excédant de 2 à 10 bar, de préférence de 5 bar ladite pression utile.According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one overpressure limiting member is calibrated to limit the overpressure to a determined value exceeding said useful pressure by 2 to 10 bar, preferably by 5 bar.

Ainsi, un tel tarage permet d'assurer la sécurité et la fiabiilité de l'installation et de ses composants.Thus, such calibration ensures the safety and reliability of the installation and its components.

Par ailleurs, la présente invention a pour objet un procédé, pour fournir du xénon liquide, en particulier à un cryostat pour système d'imagerie ou système de détection, le procédé comprenant les étapes :

  • mettre en oeuvre une installation selon l'invention ;
  • actionner le dispositif cryogénique de façon à maintenir dans ledit au moins un réservoir une pression de service comprise entre 0,5 bar et 5 bar ; et
  • canaliser du xénon liquide depuis ledit au moins un réservoir vers le cryostat par une conduite d'alimentation.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for supplying liquid xenon, in particular to a cryostat for an imaging system or detection system, the method comprising the steps:
  • implement an installation according to the invention;
  • activate the cryogenic device so as to maintain in said at least one tank an operating pressure of between 0.5 bar and 5 bar; And
  • channeling liquid xenon from said at least one reservoir to the cryostat via a supply line.

Ainsi, un tel procédé permet de faire fonctionner l'installation en mode normal pour fournir du xénon liquide à un cryostat.Thus, such a method makes it possible to operate the installation in normal mode to supply liquid xenon to a cryostat.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le procédé comprend en outre une étape consistant à actionner le dispositif cryogénique de sorte que la masse utile de xénon comprend environ 50% en volume de xénon liquide et environ 50% en volume de xénon gazeux lorsque la pression régnant dans le réservoir respectif est comprise entre 0,5 bar et 5 bar.According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step consisting of actuating the cryogenic device so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon when the pressure in the respective tank is between 0.5 bar and 5 bar.

Ainsi, les vapeurs produites par les entrées de chaleur subies par le réservoir sont recondensées. Il en résulte que la pression est contrôlée à la valeur requise pour l'utilisation, en particulier pour les opérations de transfert du réservoir vers le cryostat et à l'inverse du cryostat vers le réservoir.Thus, the vapors produced by the heat inputs to the tank are recondensed. This results in the pressure being controlled at the value required for use, in particular for transfer operations from the tank to the cryostat and conversely from the cryostat to the tank.

La présente invention sera bien comprise et ses avantages ressortiront aussi à la lumière de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une installation conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention et fonctionnant suivant un procédé conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une partie d'une installation conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention et fonctionnant suivant un procédé conforme à l'invention ; et
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une partie complémentaire de l'installation de la figure 2.
The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • there figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention and operating according to a method according to the invention;
  • there figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of part of an installation conforming to a second embodiment of the invention and operating according to a method conforming to the invention; And
  • there Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a complementary part of the installation of the figure 2 .

La figure 1 illustre une installation 1 pour fournir du xénon liquide LXe à un cryostat 2 pour un système d'imagerie non représenté, via une conduite d'alimentation 3.There figure 1 illustrates an installation 1 for supplying liquid xenon LXe to a cryostat 2 for an imaging system not shown, via a supply line 3.

L'installation 1 comprend un réservoir 4 délimitant un volume interne V4 adapté pour contenir une masse dite utile de xénon, à l'état liquide LXe et à l'état gazeux GXe. Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, le réservoir 4 a une forme globalement sphérique de diamètre interne D4 mesurant environ 1700 mm.The installation 1 comprises a tank 4 delimiting an internal volume V4 adapted to contain a so-called useful mass of xenon, in the liquid state LXe and in the gaseous state GXe. In the example of the figure 1 , the tank 4 has a generally spherical shape with an internal diameter D4 measuring approximately 1700 mm.

La conduite d'alimentation 3 est reliée au réservoir 4 et un raccord non représentée est agencé pour raccorder la conduite d'alimentation 3 au cryostat 2, de sorte que la conduite d'alimentation 3 canalise du xénon liquide LXe vers le cryostat 2 lorsque l'installation 1 est en service.The supply line 3 is connected to the tank 4 and a connection not shown is arranged to connect the supply line 3 to the cryostat 2, so that the supply line 3 channels liquid xenon LXe towards the cryostat 2 when the Installation 1 is in service.

L'installation 1 comprend en outre un dispositif cryogénique 10 adapté pour condenser un flux Xe.11 de xénon gazeux. Le dispositif cryogénique 10 est relié, respectivement par une conduite aller 11 et une conduite retour 12, au réservoir 4 de façon à collecter du xénon gazeux Xe.11 provenant de la partie haute du réservoir 4 et à canaliser un flux de xénon condensé Xe.12 vers le réservoir 4. La conduite aller 11 et la conduite retour 12 peuvent avoir un diamètre d'environ 1 cm (3/8").The installation 1 further comprises a cryogenic device 10 adapted to condense a flow Xe.11 of gaseous xenon. The cryogenic device 10 is connected, respectively by a forward pipe 11 and a return pipe 12, to the tank 4 so as to collect gaseous xenon Xe.11 coming from the upper part of the tank 4 and to channel a flow of condensed xenon Xe. 12 towards the tank 4. The outward pipe 11 and the return pipe 12 can have a diameter of approximately 1 cm (3/8").

De plus, l'installation 1 comprend un équipement d'isolation thermique agencé pour isoler thermiquement le réservoir 4. Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, l'équipement d'isolation thermique comprend une couche 14 en une mousse à cellules fermée en polyvinyle de chlorure, la mousse formant un matériau thermiquement isolant.In addition, the installation 1 comprises thermal insulation equipment arranged to thermally insulate the tank 4. In the example of the figure 1 , the thermal insulation equipment comprises a layer 14 of closed cell polyvinyl chloride foam, the foam forming a thermally insulating material.

La couche 14 est agencée de façon à entourer le réservoir 4. La couche 14 est ici disposée sur la surface externe du réservoir 4. De plus, la couche 14 est agencée de façon à entourer la conduite d'alimentation 3.The layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the tank 4. The layer 14 is here arranged on the external surface of the tank 4. In addition, the layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the supply pipe 3.

Le réservoir 4 comprend des parois 6. La forme et l'épaisseur des parois 6 du réservoir 4 sont sélectionnées de sorte que le réservoir 4 supporte une pression utile développée par la masse utile de xénon à l'état gazeux à une température d'environ 300 K. Typiquement, cette pression utile peut être comprise entre 60 bar et 80 bar.The tank 4 comprises walls 6. The shape and thickness of the walls 6 of the tank 4 are selected so that the tank 4 supports a useful pressure developed by the useful mass of xenon in the gaseous state at a temperature of approximately 300 K. Typically, this useful pressure can be between 60 bar and 80 bar.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, la masse utile de xénon est d'environ 3000 kg. Pour stocker le xénon dans des conditions de température variant entre 300 K et 165 K, la pression utile est d'environ 65 bar. Pour le diamètre interne D4 d'environ 1700 mm, les parois 6 du réservoir 4 sont en acier inoxydable et ont une épaisseur E6 constante d'environ 35 mm.In the example of the figure 1 , the useful mass of xenon is approximately 3000 kg. To store xenon in temperature conditions varying between 300 K and 165 K, the useful pressure is approximately 65 bar. For the internal diameter D4 of approximately 1700 mm, the walls 6 of the tank 4 are made of stainless steel and have a constant thickness E6 of approximately 35 mm.

La forme et l'épaisseur E6 des parois 6 du réservoir 4 sont sélectionnées de sorte que le réservoir 4 supporte des contraintes comprises entre 0 à 8 MPa. Ainsi, le réservoir peut supporter la pression utile de 65 bar.The shape and thickness E6 of the walls 6 of the tank 4 are selected so that the tank 4 supports stresses of between 0 to 8 MPa. Thus, the tank can support the useful pressure of 65 bar.

Pour déterminer le diamètre interne D4 en fonction de la masse utile de xénon, un quotient ayant :

  • pour dénominateur, le volume interne V4 du réservoir 4 ;
  • pour numérateur, le volume qu'occupe la masse utile de xénon à l'état liquide sous la pression atmosphérique (visible à la figure 1) ;
est environ égal à 0,5.To determine the internal diameter D4 as a function of the useful mass of xenon, a quotient having:
  • as denominator, the internal volume V4 of tank 4;
  • for numerator, the volume occupied by the useful mass of xenon in the liquid state under atmospheric pressure (visible at figure 1 ) ;
is approximately equal to 0.5.

La puissance cryogénique du dispositif cryogénique 10 est sélectionnée de sorte que la masse utile de xénon comprend environ 50% en volume de xénon liquide et environ 50% en volume de xénon gazeux, comme représenté à la figure 1, lorsque la pression régnant dans le réservoir 4 est comprise entre 1 bar et 2 bar.The cryogenic power of the cryogenic device 10 is selected so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon, as shown in Fig. figure 1 , when the pressure in tank 4 is between 1 bar and 2 bar.

Cette pression correspond à une pression de service, c'est-à-dire lorsque le réservoir débite du xénon liquide vers le cryostat via une conduite d'alimentation 3. En fonction de l'application (système d'imagerie médicale ou astronomique), les pourcentages indiqués ci-avant peuvent varier de plus ou moins 15%, lorsque le réservoir est initialement rempli avant sa mise en service et sous une pression de service comprise entre 1 bar et 2 bar. Au cours du service, le pourcentage opératoire de xénon liquide peut varier par exemple entre 5% à 50%, en fonction de la quantité de xénon transférée vers le cryostat.This pressure corresponds to an operating pressure, that is to say when the tank delivers liquid xenon to the cryostat via a supply line 3. Depending on the application (medical or astronomical imaging system), the percentages indicated above may vary by plus or minus 15%, when the tank is initially filled before being put into service and under an operating pressure of between 1 bar and 2 bar. During service, the operating percentage of liquid xenon may vary for example between 5% to 50%, depending on the quantity of xenon transferred to the cryostat.

Le dispositif cryogénique 10 comporte un échangeur thermique primaire 16, lequel comprend :

  • un bloc 18 en alliage d'aluminium de nuance AS07G06 ;
  • une source de froid agencée de façon à refroidir le bloc 18 à une température inférieure ou égale à la température de liquéfaction du xénon ;
  • un serpentin de liquéfaction 22 en acier inoxydable, qui est relié au réservoir 4 et qui est agencé dans le bloc 18 de façon à liquéfier le flux de xénon gazeux Xe.11 prélevé dans le réservoir 4.
The cryogenic device 10 comprises a primary heat exchanger 16, which comprises:
  • a block 18 in aluminum alloy of AS07G06 grade;
  • a cold source arranged so as to cool the block 18 to a temperature less than or equal to the liquefaction temperature of the xenon;
  • a liquefaction coil 22 made of stainless steel, which is connected to tank 4 and which is arranged in block 18 so as to liquefy the flow of gaseous xenon Xe.11 taken from tank 4.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, la source de froid comprend une source 20 de fluide cryogénique, qui contient essentiellement du diazote liquide LN2. L'échangeur thermique primaire 16 comprend en outre un serpentin de refroidissement 21, de préférence en acier inoxydable, qui est agencé dans le bloc 18 de façon à refroidir le bloc par circulation du fluide cryogénique.In the example of the figure 1 , the cold source comprises a source 20 of cryogenic fluid, which essentially contains liquid dinitrogen LN2. The primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises a cooling coil 21, preferably made of stainless steel, which is arranged in the block 18 so as to cool the block by circulation of the cryogenic fluid.

La distance minimale 21.22 entre le serpentin de liquéfaction 22 et le serpentin de refroidissement 21, qui représente ici la source de froid, est supérieure à 50 mm. La distance minimale 21.22 permet d'éviter la solidification du xénon dans le serpentin de liquéfaction 22.Comme le montre la figure 1, la couche 14 est agencée de façon à entourer le bloc 18, la conduite aller 11 et la conduite retour 12. La couche 14 permet ainsi de limiter les pertes thermiques par ces composants.The minimum distance 21.22 between the liquefaction coil 22 and the cooling coil 21, which here represents the cold source, is greater than 50 mm. The minimum distance 21.22 makes it possible to avoid the solidification of the xenon in the liquefaction coil 22. As shown in figure 1 , the layer 14 is arranged so as to surround the block 18, the outward pipe 11 and the return pipe 12. The layer 14 thus makes it possible to limit the thermal losses through these components.

L'échangeur thermique primaire 16 comprend en outre des moyens d'asservissement non représentés pour asservir le débit de diazote liquide à la pression régnant dans le réservoir 4. En d'autres termes, lorsque cette pression augmente, on peut augmenter le débit de diazote liquide ; inversement, lorsque cette pression diminue, on peut diminuer le débit de diazote liquide.The primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises control means not shown for controlling the flow of liquid dinitrogen to the pressure prevailing in the tank 4. In other words, when this pressure increases, the flow of dinitrogen can be increased. liquid ; conversely, when this pressure decreases, the flow of liquid dinitrogen can be reduced.

Cette pression peut ainsi être maintenue constante. Les moyens d'asservissement comprennent ici un capteur de pression non représentée qui est installé dans le réservoir 4, une vanne à obturation variable non représentée et un organe, non représenté, de pilotage de cette vanne.This pressure can thus be kept constant. The control means here comprise a pressure sensor, not shown, which is installed in the tank 4, a variable shutter valve, not shown, and a member, not shown, for controlling this valve.

L'échangeur thermique primaire 16 comprend en outre un organe atténuateur non représenté qui est adapté pour réduire le débit du flux de xénon gazeux Xe.11 lorsque la température du bloc 18 est inférieure à un seuil prédéterminé. Cet organe atténuateur peut être commandé par un automate programmable industriel.The primary heat exchanger 16 further comprises an attenuator member, not shown, which is adapted to reduce the flow rate of the gaseous xenon flow Xe.11 when the temperature of the block 18 is below a predetermined threshold. This attenuator can be controlled by an industrial programmable controller.

L'installation 1 comprend en outre un organe limiteur de surpression 26 qui est relié au réservoir et qui est taré pour limiter une surpression dans le réservoir 4 à une valeur supérieure ou égale à la pression utile. Par exemple, l'organe limiteur de surpression 26 peut être taré à une pression de tarage d'environ 70 bar pour une pression utile d'environ 65 bar.The installation 1 further comprises an overpressure limiting member 26 which is connected to the tank and which is calibrated to limit overpressure in the tank 4 to a value greater than or equal to the useful pressure. For example, the overpressure limiter member 26 can be calibrated at a setting pressure of approximately 70 bar for a useful pressure of approximately 65 bar.

En d'autres termes, l'organe limiteur de surpression 26 laisse échapper le xénon gazeux GXe seulement quand la pression dans le réservoir 4 dépasse 70 bar, ce qui peut survenir lorsque le réservoir est porté à une température supérieure à 300 K.In other words, the overpressure limiter member 26 lets the gaseous xenon GXe escape only when the pressure in the tank 4 exceeds 70 bar, which can occur when the tank is brought to a temperature above 300 K.

L'installation 1 comprend en outre un dispositif de purification 30 qui est relié au réservoir 4 et qui est adapté pour purifier un flux de xénon gazeux Xe.30, de façon à réinjecter dans le réservoir 4 un flux de xénon ultrapur Xe.31 ayant un degré de pureté inférieur à 2 ppb, voire à 1 ppb.The installation 1 further comprises a purification device 30 which is connected to the tank 4 and which is adapted to purify a flow of gaseous xenon Xe.30, so as to reinject into the tank 4 a flow of ultrapure xenon Xe.31 having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, or even 1 ppb.

Le dispositif de purification 30 peut être formé par un dispositif commercialisé sous la référence Oxysorb® et comprenant un getter.The purification device 30 can be formed by a device marketed under the reference Oxysorb ® and comprising a getter.

Comme le montre la figure 1, l'installation 1 comprend en outre un échangeur thermique secondaire 40 qui est relié d'une part au réservoir 4 et d'autre part au dispositif de purification 30. L'échangeur thermique secondaire 40 comprend :

  • une conduite de réchauffage 42 agencée en aval du réservoir 4 et en amont du dispositif de purification 30 ; et
  • une conduite de refroidissement 44 agencée en amont du réservoir 4 et en aval du dispositif de purification 30, la conduite de refroidissement 44 étant thermiquement couplée à la conduite de réchauffage 42.
As shown in the figure 1 , the installation 1 further comprises a secondary heat exchanger 40 which is connected on the one hand to the tank 4 and on the other hand to the purification device 30. The secondary heat exchanger 40 comprises:
  • a heating pipe 42 arranged downstream of the tank 4 and upstream of the purification device 30; And
  • a cooling pipe 44 arranged upstream of the tank 4 and downstream of the purification device 30, the cooling pipe 44 being thermally coupled to the heating pipe 42.

La conduite de réchauffage 42 s'étend entre le réservoir 4 et le dispositif de purification 30 au niveau de l'échangeur thermique secondaire 40. La conduite de refroidissement 44 s'étend entre le dispositif de purification 30 et le réservoir 4 au niveau de l'échangeur thermique secondaire 40. La conduite de réchauffage 42 et la conduite de refroidissement 44 peuvent avoir un diamètre d'environ 1 cm (3/8").The heating pipe 42 extends between the tank 4 and the purification device 30 at the level of the secondary heat exchanger 40. The cooling pipe 44 extends between the purification device 30 and the tank 4 at the level of the secondary heat exchanger 40. secondary heat exchanger 40. Heating line 42 and cooling line 44 may have a diameter of approximately 1 cm (3/8").

Dans l'échangeur thermique secondaire 40, la conduite de réchauffage 42 est agencée près de la conduite de refroidissement 44, de sorte que la conduite de réchauffage 42 et la conduite de refroidissement 44 sont thermiquement couplées, c'est-à-dire échangent une quantité de chaleur lorsque l'installation 1 est en service.In the secondary heat exchanger 40, the heating pipe 42 is arranged near the cooling pipe 44, so that the heating pipe 42 and the cooling pipe 44 are thermally coupled, that is to say they exchange a quantity of heat when installation 1 is in service.

L'installation 1 comprend en outre un compresseur non représenté qui est agencé en aval du dispositif de purification 30 et en amont de l'échangeur thermique secondaire 40.The installation 1 further comprises a compressor, not shown, which is arranged downstream of the purification device 30 and upstream of the secondary heat exchanger 40.

La conduite de réchauffage 42 et la conduite de refroidissement 44 sont agencées de sorte que leurs écoulements respectifs de xénon se font à contre-courant l'un de l'autre, c'est-à-dire dans des sens opposés.The heating pipe 42 and the cooling pipe 44 are arranged so that their respective xenon flows are counter-current to each other, that is to say in opposite directions.

L'installation comprend en outre une vanne à ouverture réglable 46, manuellement ou automatiquement, et agencée en amont de la conduite de refroidissement 44, de sorte que la pression régnant dans la conduite de refroidissement 44 est supérieure à la pression dans la conduite de réchauffage 42.The installation further comprises a valve with adjustable opening 46, manually or automatically, and arranged upstream of the cooling pipe 44, so that the pressure prevailing in the cooling pipe 44 is greater than the pressure in the heating pipe 42.

Comme le montre la figure 1, la conduite de réchauffage 42 prélève le xénon en phase gazeuse (partie haute du réservoir 4). Le xénon est ensuite réchauffé dans l'échangeur 40. Ainsi, le xénon purifié circulant dans la conduite de refroidissement 44 est refroidi puis retourne sous forme vapeur dans le réservoir 4.As shown in the figure 1 , the heating line 42 takes the xenon in the gas phase (upper part of the tank 4). The xenon is then reheated in the exchanger 40. Thus, the purified xenon circulating in the cooling line 44 is cooled and then returns in vapor form to the tank 4.

Comme le montre la figure 1, en outre, l'installation 1 comprend un dispositif de réchauffage 50 qui comprend :

  • un serpentin caloporteur 52 adapté pour la circulation de diazote gazeux GN2 à température ambiante ; et
  • une vanne à ouverture variable 54, agencée de préférence en aval du serpentin caloporteur 52, de façon à réguler le débit de diazote gazeux GN2 qui circule dans le serpentin caloporteur 52.
As shown in the figure 1 , in addition, the installation 1 comprises a heating device 50 which comprises:
  • a heat transfer coil 52 adapted for the circulation of gaseous dinitrogen GN2 at ambient temperature; And
  • a valve with variable opening 54, preferably arranged downstream of the heat transfer coil 52, so as to regulate the flow rate of gaseous dinitrogen GN2 which circulates in the heat transfer coil 52.

Le serpentin caloporteur 52 est agencé dans une région basse, en l'occurrence au fond, du réservoir 4 de sorte que le serpentin caloporteur 52 est disposé dans le xénon liquide LXe lorsque le réservoir 4 est en service.The heat transfer coil 52 is arranged in a lower region, in this case at the bottom, of the tank 4 so that the heat transfer coil 52 is placed in the liquid xenon LXe when the tank 4 is in service.

L'installation 1 illustrée aux figures 2 et 3 diffère de l'installation 1 illustrée à la figure 1 notamment en ce que son équipement d'isolation thermique comprend un carter ou une enveloppe 5 délimitant une cavité agencée autour du réservoir 4. Dans l'exemple des figures 2 et 3, cette cavité est aussi agencée autour d'autres composants de l'installation 1, en particulier autour du dispositif cryogénique 10.Installation 1 illustrated in figure 2 And 3 differs from installation 1 shown in figure 1 in particular in that its thermal insulation equipment comprises a casing or an envelope 5 delimiting a cavity arranged around the tank 4. In the example of figure 2 And 3 , this cavity is also arranged around other components of the installation 1, in particular around the cryogenic device 10.

Cette cavité est mise sous vide lorsque l'installation 1 est en service, ce qui permet d'isoler thermiquement tous les composants de l'installation 1 qui se trouvent dans l'enveloppe 5, en particulier le réservoir 4 et le dispositif cryogénique 10.This cavity is placed under vacuum when the installation 1 is in service, which makes it possible to thermally isolate all the components of the installation 1 which are located in the envelope 5, in particular the tank 4 and the cryogenic device 10.

Dans l'exemple des figures 2 et 3, l'enceinte 5 remplit la fonction d'isolation thermique que la couche 14 remplit dans l'exemple de la figure 1. Néanmoins, selon un autre mode de réalisation, équipement d'isolation thermique peut comprendre une enceinte de type 5 plus une couche de type 14.In the example of figure 2 And 3 , the enclosure 5 fulfills the thermal insulation function that the layer 14 fulfills in the example of the figure 1 . However, according to another embodiment, thermal insulation equipment may comprise a type 5 enclosure plus a type 14 layer.

De plus, comme l'illustrent en détail les figures 2 et 3 :

  • La source 20 comprend un ballon séparateur agencé en amont du premier serpentin 21. Ce ballon séparateur supprime tout diazote gazeux à l'entrée du premier serpentin 21, ce qui permet de mesurer précisément la quantité de froid (frigories) apportée au xénon.
  • Le dispositif de réchauffage 50 comprend en outre un débitmètre à gaz 56 et au moins un capteur de température 58 agencés de façon à mesurer précisément la quantité de chaleur (calories) apportée au xénon par le diazote gaeux GN2.
  • Le dispositif de réchauffage 50 comprend en outre un clapet anti-retour 59 disposé en aval du serpentin caloporteur 52.
Furthermore, as illustrated in detail by figures 2 And 3 :
  • The source 20 comprises a separator tank arranged upstream of the first coil 21. This separator tank removes any gaseous nitrogen at the inlet of the first coil 21, which makes it possible to precisely measure the quantity of cold (frigories) supplied to the xenon.
  • The heating device 50 further comprises a gas flow meter 56 and at least one temperature sensor 58 arranged so as to precisely measure the quantity of heat (calories) supplied to the xenon by the gaseous dinitrogen GN2.
  • The heating device 50 further comprises a non-return valve 59 disposed downstream of the heat transfer coil 52.

Comme le montre la figure 2, l'installation 1 illustrée aux figures 2 et 3 diffère de l'installation 1 illustrée à la figure 1 notamment en ce que la conduite de réchauffage 42 prélève le xénon dans la phase liquide LXe. Le xénon est ensuite vaporisé et réchauffé à température ambiante dans l'échangeur 40. Ainsi, le xénon purifié circulant dans la conduite 44 est refroidi et liquéfié, puis il retourne sous forme liquide dans le réservoir 4.As shown in the figure 2 , installation 1 illustrated in figure 2 And 3 differs from installation 1 shown in figure 1 in particular in that the reheating line 42 takes the xenon from the liquid phase LXe. The xenon is then vaporized and heated to ambient temperature in the exchanger 40. Thus, the purified xenon circulating in line 44 is cooled and liquefied, then it returns in liquid form to tank 4.

En service, la pression dans le réservoir 4 peut être d'environ 2 bar à 165 K. Le xénon se trouve alors à 50% liquide LXe et à 50% gazeux GXe. Le xénon liquide LXe peut être conduit vers le cryostat 2. Le xénon utilisé est récupéré depuis le cryostat 2, à l'état gazeux ou liquide, par une canalisation non représentée.In service, the pressure in tank 4 can be around 2 bar at 165 K. The xenon is then 50% liquid LXe and 50% gaseous GXe. The liquid xenon LXe can be led to cryostat 2. The xenon used is recovered from the cryostat 2, in the gaseous or liquid state, via a pipe not shown.

Un procédé conforme à l'invention, pour fournir du xénon liquide LXe au cryostat 2, comprend les étapes :

  • mettre en oeuvre l'installation 1 ;
  • actionner le dispositif cryogénique 10 de façon à maintenir dans le réservoir 4 une pression de service d'environ 2 bar ; et
  • canaliser du xénon liquide LXe depuis le réservoir 4 vers le cryostat 2 par la conduite d'alimentation 3.
A method according to the invention, for supplying liquid xenon LXe to the cryostat 2, comprises the steps:
  • implement installation 1;
  • activate the cryogenic device 10 so as to maintain a working pressure of approximately 2 bar in the tank 4; And
  • pipe liquid xenon LXe from tank 4 to cryostat 2 via supply line 3.

Le dispositif cryogénique 10 recondense de manière continue le xénon gazeux pour entretenir l'équilibre des proportions mentionnées ci-avant et donc maintenir le réservoir 4 à la pression de service d'environ 2 bar. En d'autres termes, le dispositif de purification 30 purifie le xénon de manière continue.The cryogenic device 10 continuously recondenses the gaseous xenon to maintain the balance of the proportions mentioned above and therefore maintain the tank 4 at the operating pressure of approximately 2 bar. In other words, the purification device 30 purifies the xenon continuously.

Suivant un procédé conforme à l'invention, le dispositif cryogénique 10 est actionné de sorte que la masse utile de xénon comprend environ 50% en volume de xénon liquide LXe et environ 50% en volume de xénon gazeux GXe lorsque la pression régnant dans le réservoir 4 est d'environ 2 bar.According to a method according to the invention, the cryogenic device 10 is actuated so that the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon LXe and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon GXe when the pressure prevailing in the reservoir 4 is approximately 2 bar.

Généralement, le transfert de xénon liquide depuis le réservoir 4 vers le cryostat 2 est effectuée avec une pression d'environ 2 bar dans la conduite d'alimentation 3 ; la durée de ce transfert peut être comprise entre 4 h et 3 jours selon la masse utile de xénon.Generally, the transfer of liquid xenon from tank 4 to cryostat 2 is carried out with a pressure of approximately 2 bar in supply line 3; the duration of this transfer can be between 4 hours and 3 days depending on the useful mass of xenon.

Généralement, la récupération de xénon gazeux ou liquide depuis le cryostat 2 vers le réservoir est effectuée à une pression d'environ 1 bar dans le réservoir 4 ; la durée de cette récupération peut être comprise entre 4 h et 3 jours selon la masse utile de xénon.Generally, the recovery of gaseous or liquid xenon from the cryostat 2 to the tank is carried out at a pressure of approximately 1 bar in the tank 4; the duration of this recovery can be between 4 hours and 3 days depending on the useful mass of xenon.

À l'arrêt, par exemple en cas de défaillance d'un composant de l'installation 1 tel que le dispositif cryogénique 10, le réservoir 4 va lentement se réchauffer jusqu'à la température ambiante (300 K). La pression dans le réservoir 4 va augmenter jusqu'à atteindre la pression utile, ici 65 bar. Le réservoir 4 peut supporter cette pression utile jusqu'au redémarrage du dispositif cryogénique 10 et à l'abaissement progressif de la température du réservoir 4 jusqu'à 165 K.When stopped, for example in the event of failure of a component of the installation 1 such as the cryogenic device 10, the tank 4 will slowly heat up to ambient temperature (300 K). The pressure in tank 4 will increase until it reaches the useful pressure, here 65 bar. Tank 4 can support this useful pressure until the cryogenic device 10 is restarted and the temperature of tank 4 is gradually lowered to 165 K.

Claims (9)

  1. An installation (1) for supplying liquid xenon (LXe), to a cryostat (2) of an imaging system or a cryostat of a detection system, the installation (1) comprising at least:
    - a tank (4) comprising at least one wall (6) delimiting an internal volume (V4) intended to contain a useful mass of xenon;
    - a cryogenic device (10) fluidly connected to the tank (4), said cryogenic device (10) being configured to collect gaseous xenon (GXe) coming from the tank (4), condense the gaseous xenon (GXe), channel the condensed xenon to the tank (4)
    - a thermal insulation equipment arranged to thermally insulate at least said at least one tank (4);
    - the at least one wall (6) of the tank has a generally cylindrical or spherical shape configured to support a useful pressure developed by the useful mass of xenon in the gaseous state at a temperature substantially equal to 300 K, the useful pressure being comprised between 60 bar and 80 bar;
    the installation further comprising at least:
    - an overpressure limiting member connected to the tank (4), said at least one overpressure member being calibrated to limit an overpressure to a value greater than or equal to said useful pressure;
    - at least one primary heat exchanger (16), the primary heat exchanger (16) comprising at least one block (18) made of thermally conductive material, preferably made of aluminum alloy, a cold source arranged so as to cool the block (18) at a temperature less than or equal to the liquefaction temperature of xenon; and a liquefaction coil (22), preferably made of stainless steel, which is connected to a respective tank (4) and which is arranged in the block (18) so as to liquefy xenon taken from the respective tank (4), the installation being characterized in that
    - the wall of the tank has an internal diameter of 1700 mm and has a constant thickness of 35 mm, and in that
    - in the primary heat exchanger, the minimum distance (21.22) between the liquefaction coil (22) and the cold source (21) is greater than 50 mm; and in that
    - at least one secondary heat exchanger (40) is connected on the one hand to the respective tank (4) and on the other hand to a purification device (30) connected to the respective tank (4), the secondary heat exchanger (40) comprising a heating conduit (42) arranged downstream of the respective tank (4) and upstream of the purification device (30), and a cooling conduit (44) arranged upstream of the respective tank (4) and downstream of the purification device (30), the cooling conduit (44) being thermally coupled to the heating conduit (42).
  2. The installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the useful mass of xenon is comprised between 10 kg and 10000 kg, preferably between 100 kg and 5000 kg.
  3. The installation (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one tank (4) contains a useful mass of xenon of 3000 kg, the useful pressure being equal to 65 bar, the walls (6) being made of stainless steel.
  4. The installation (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one tank (4) has a generally spherical or generally cylindrical shape.
  5. The installation according to claim 4, comprising several tanks each having a generally cylindrical shape, the tanks being preferably juxtaposed.
  6. The installation (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the purification device (30) connected to the respective tank (4) is adapted to purify gaseous xenon (GXe), preferably at room temperature, so as to reinjecting into a respective tank (4) xenon having a degree of purity less than 2 ppb, preferably less than 1 ppb.
  7. The installation according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one overpressure limiting member is calibrated to limit the overpressure to a determined value exceeding said useful pressure by 2 to 10 bar, preferably by 5 bar.
  8. A method for supplying liquid xenon (LXe) to a cryostat (2) for an imaging system or a detection system, the method comprising the steps:
    - implementing an installation according to any of the preceding claims;
    - activating the cryogenic device (10) so as to maintain in said at least one tank (4) an operating pressure comprised between 0.5 bar and 5 bar; and
    - channeling liquid xenon (LXe) from said at least one tank (4) to the cryostat (2) by a supply conduit (3).
  9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, when the pressure prevailing in the respective tank (4) is comprised between 0.5 bar and 5 bar, the useful mass of xenon comprises approximately 50% by volume of liquid xenon (LXe) and approximately 50% by volume of gaseous xenon (GXe).
EP13151810.2A 2012-01-19 2013-01-18 Facility and method for supplying liquid xenon Active EP2618038B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1250559A FR2986061B1 (en) 2012-01-19 2012-01-19 INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING LIQUID XENON

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EP2618038A3 EP2618038A3 (en) 2018-04-11
EP2618038B1 true EP2618038B1 (en) 2023-11-22

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FR3041061B1 (en) 2015-09-15 2019-05-10 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude LIQUEFIED FLUID STORAGE TANK
NO20201157A1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-04-25 Ic Tech As Improved cryogenic storage tank with an integrated closed cooling system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2954797A (en) * 1996-05-30 1998-01-05 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Process and device for liquefying natural gas and re-liquefying boil-off gas
FR2757421B1 (en) * 1996-12-24 1999-01-15 Air Liquide PROCESS FOR PURIFYING CRYOGENIC FLUID BY FILTRATION AND / OR ADSORPTION
TW359736B (en) * 1997-06-20 1999-06-01 Exxon Production Research Co Systems for vehicular, land-based distribution of liquefied natural gas
FR2792707B1 (en) * 1999-04-20 2001-07-06 Gaz De France METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE COLD HOLDING OF TANKS FOR STORING OR TRANSPORTING LIQUEFIED GAS
US6336331B1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-01-08 Praxair Technology, Inc. System for operating cryogenic liquid tankage
US8973398B2 (en) * 2008-02-27 2015-03-10 Kellogg Brown & Root Llc Apparatus and method for regasification of liquefied natural gas
DE102009019275A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Refueling vehicles with pressurized gaseous media

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FR2986061A1 (en) 2013-07-26
EP2618038A3 (en) 2018-04-11
FR2986061B1 (en) 2019-12-06

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