EP4264147A1

EP4264147A1 - Dilution refrigeration device and method

Info

Publication number: EP4264147A1
Application number: EP21823524.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier GUIA; Marc STORA
Original assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Current assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2020-12-18
Filing date: 2021-11-30
Publication date: 2023-10-25
Also published as: FR3118142A1; WO2022128434A1; CN116648577A; FR3118142B1; US20240093916A1

Abstract

Dilution refrigeration device comprising a working circuit (2) comprising a mixture of helium-3 isotope (3He) and helium-4 isotope (4He), the working circuit (2) comprising a mixing chamber (3), a boiler (5) and a transfer member (6), the circuit (2) connecting an outlet from the mixing chamber (3) to an inlet of the boiler (5) and an outlet of the boiler (5) to an inlet of the transfer member (6), and configured to connect an outlet from the transfer member (6) to an inlet of the mixing chamber (3), the device (1) further comprising at least one cooling member (4, 50) in heat exchange with the working circuit (2), the at least one cooling member (4, 50) comprising a cryogenerator (4), the device (1) comprising a support member (7, 8), a fluid-tight enclosure (9), an open end of the enclosure (9) being mechanically connected to the support member (7, 8) via a flexible fluid-tight bellows (10), an upper end of the cryogenerator (4) being secured to the support member (7, 8), the device (1) further comprising a fluid-tight sheath (90) which is received in the enclosure (9), a lower end of the cryogenerator (4) extending in the sheath (90) inside the bellows (10) so that the enclosure (9) and the sheath (90) are at least partially mechanically insulated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator (4), the working circuit (2) comprising a fluid injection conduit (12) which connects an outlet from the transfer member (6) to an inlet of the mixing chamber (3) via a fluid-tight passage in the sheath (90), the injection conduit (12) being mechanically uncoupled from the cryogenerator (4) and the support member, and the working circuit (2) connecting an outlet from the boiler (5) to an inlet of the transfer member (6) outside the enclosure (9) via a passage of the cycle gas in the sheath (90), wherein the cycle fluid flows into and circulates in the space of the sheath (90) in contact with the lower end of the cryogenerator (4).

Description

Dilution refrigeration device and method

The invention relates to a device and a method for dilution refrigeration.
The invention relates more particularly to a dilution refrigeration device comprising a looped working circuit containing a cycle fluid, the cycle fluid comprising a mixture of isotope helium 3 (3He) and isotope helium 4 (4He), the working circuit comprising, arranged in series and fluidly connected via a set of pipes, a mixing chamber, a boiler and a transfer member, the circuit being configured to connect an outlet of the mixing chamber to a inlet of the boiler and an outlet of the boiler to an inlet of the transfer member, the circuit being further configured to connect an outlet of the transfer member to an inlet of the mixing chamber, the device further comprising at least a cooling unit in heat exchange with the working circuit and configured to transfer cold temperatures to the cycle fluid, the at least one cooling unit comprising a cryogenerator, for example of the Gifford-Mc type Mahon or pulsed gas tube, the device) comprising a support, a sealed enclosure (9),
The invention relates in particular to a device and method for cryogenic refrigeration at low or very low temperature (that is to say potentially down to the temperature range of one milliKelvin to one hundred milliKelvin).
The traditional means of obtaining refrigeration power at temperatures in the milliKelvin to hundred milliKelvin range is indeed the helium-3 in helium-4 dilution refrigerator.
Document FR2914050A1 describes a cryogenerator cooling system used in a dilution refrigeration device.
The coupling (thermal and mechanical link) of a cryogenerator with a dilution refrigeration device is however likely to transmit vibrations to the dilution refrigeration device. These vibrations are harmful because they generate overconsumption of power or overheating and parasitic noises on the object cooled by a dilution cooling device.
Moreover, the known devices are relatively complex and bulky due to the numerous fluid circuits required.
An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.
To this end, the device according to the invention, moreover conforming to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that an open end of the enclosure is mechanically connected to the support via a bellows sealed hose, an upper end of the cryogenerator being fixed on the support, the device further comprising a sealed sheath housed in the enclosure, a lower end of the cryogenerator extending into the sheath inside the bellows so that the enclosure and the sheath are at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator, the working circuit comprising a fluid injection pipe connecting an outlet of the transfer member to an inlet of the mixing chamber via a sealed passage in the sheath, the injection line being mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator and the support, i.e. the injection line is at least partially insulated e mechanically from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator, and in that the working circuit comprises a set of return pipes connecting an outlet of the boiler to an inlet of the transfer member outside the enclosure via a passage of the cycle gas in the sheath into which the cycle fluid emerges and circulates in the volume of the sheath in contact with the lower end of the cryogenerator.
The device according to the invention therefore operates with a cryogenerator but without the cold dilution part being subjected or too sensitive to the vibrations of the cryogenerator.
In addition, the system is compact and can use only one and the same fluid for the working fluid and the atmosphere in the sheath.
Further, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

the injection pipe is in heat exchange with the cryogenerator as well as with the cycle fluid which circulates in the sheath between the boiler outlet and the transfer device inlet,
the return duct assembly includes a first return duct portion opening into the duct at a lower end of the duct to inject cycle gas thereinto, and a second return duct portion having a lower end communicating with one end upper part of the sheath to collect the cycle gas,
the lower end of the cryogenerator comprises at least one cycle gas cooling heat exchanger, the first portion of return pipe opening below said heat exchanger to direct the flow of cycle fluid injected into the sheath in contact with the least one heat exchanger,
the at least one heat exchanger comprises in its thickness one or more passages, for example orifices and/or fins oriented in the vertical direction to accommodate at least part of the flow of cycle gas emerging via the first return pipe portion ,
the set of return pipes is mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator and the support, i.e. at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator,
the injection pipe is fixed to an inner wall of the sheath and/or suspended in the sheath,
the mixing chamber and the boiler are mounted in an envelope and/or a container located in the enclosure, the transfer member being located outside the enclosure,
in the operating configuration, the lower end of the cryogenerator comprises a first portion cooled to a first temperature comprised between 4 and 100K and for example equal to 50K and a second portion cooled to a second temperature comprised between 2 and 8K and for example equal to 4K,
the at least one cooling unit comprises an additional cooling system located at the inlet upstream of the boiler, for example a Joule-Thompson type cooler,
the support comprises a first base mounted on a first set of legs, for example three legs,
the support comprises a second base located under the first base and mounted on a second set of feet, for example three feet, the two ends of the bellows (10) being connected respectively to the first and second bases,
the enclosure is mechanically connected to the second base.

The invention also relates to a dilution refrigeration method using a device according to any one of the characteristics above or below, comprising a step for generating cold by the cryogenerator, a step for circulating the cycle fluid in the working circuit, the method further comprising at least one step from among: regulating the quantity of gas in the sheath, regulating the pressure in the sheath to a determined value, for example close to atmospheric pressure and in particular between 0 and 2 bar, regulation of the pressure in the sheath to a pressure corresponding to the pressure of the liquefaction of the helium isotope 4 at the coldest temperature of the cryogenerator.
The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the characteristics above or below within the scope of the claims.
Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which:
represents a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of structure and possible operation of a device according to the invention,
represents a simplified, schematic and partial view illustrating another example of a support structure of such a device.
represents a simplified, schematic and partial top view, illustrating an example of structure of a heat exchanger of the device.
The dilution refrigeration device 1 illustrated in comprises a working circuit 2 in a loop containing a cycle fluid. This cycle fluid comprises a mixture of isotope helium 3 (3He) and isotope helium 4 (4He).
This working circuit 2 forms, for example, a closed loop and comprises, arranged in series and fluidly connected via a set of pipes 12, 13, 130, a mixing chamber 3, a boiler 5 and a transfer device 6 (for example a pump Or other). The set of pipes of the working circuit 2 is in particular configured to connect an outlet of the mixing chamber 3 to an inlet of the boiler 5 and an outlet of the boiler 5 to an inlet of the transfer member 6.
In addition, the set of pipes of the circuit 2 is further configured to connect an output of the transfer member 6 to an inlet of the mixing chamber 3. Conventionally, a heat exchange portion (not shown for the sake of simplification) can be provided between the counter-current pipes between the mixing chamber 3 and the boiler 5.
The device 1 further comprises at least one cooling member in heat exchange with the working circuit 2 and configured to transfer cold temperatures to the cycle fluid (that is to say to cool it by supplying it with cold power) .
Such a dilution system makes it possible to generate very low temperatures at the mixing chamber 3 . This can be used conventionally to cool an application (schematized by the reference 22) and which can in particular have a power to be dissipated which varies over time.
Temperatures in the range between one milliKelvin and one hundred milliKelvin can in particular be reached.
The cooling unit comprises a cryogenerator 4, for example of the Gifford-McMahon or pulsed gas tube type (but any other suitable cryogenic cold production device can be envisaged).
The device 1 comprising a support 7, 8 and a sealed enclosure 9.
The enclosure 9 comprises for example a sealed tank (typically made of stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material) having an open end connected mechanically and in a sealed manner to the support 7, 8 via a sealed flexible bellows 10. The hose is for example formed of hydroformed stainless steel corrugations. Of course, any other type of vibration damping and/or filtering connection could replace or supplement the aforementioned bellows 10, for example, a bellows with welded cups or an elastomer sleeve. For example, the support comprises a horizontal base 8 in the position of use which is mounted on a first set of legs 7, for example three legs 7.
The cryogenerator 4 is fixed on the support 7, 8, for example by screwing.
As illustrated, an upper end of the cryogenerator 4 can be mounted on the base 8 of the support (in a sealed manner through the base 8 in particular).
Device 1 further comprises a sealed sheath 90 housed in enclosure 9 and also forming a sealed closed volume.
For example, the internal volume of enclosure 9 is under vacuum (at a pressure lower than the external pressure).
For example, the sheath 90 comprises or is made up of a metal leaktight tank or casing. The sheath 90 is for example fixed to an upper end of the enclosure 9. For example, an open upper end of the sheath 90 is suspended or connected to an upper end of the enclosure 9 (if necessary via a connection or a vibration damping element). A lower end of the cryogenerator 4 extends into the sheath 90 inside the bellows 10 (and therefore into the enclosure 9 which houses them).
According to this arrangement, the enclosure 9 and the sheath 90 (and the components they contain) are at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator 4 (thanks in particular to the bellows 10).
The mixing chamber 3 and the boiler 5 can be housed/mounted in a sealed envelope 900 located in the enclosure 9 and in particular in a container 300 housed in this envelope 900.
The transfer member 6 is located outside the enclosure 9. For example, the volume of the envelope 900 forms a volume which communicates or not with the volume of the sheath 90.
Preferably, the volumes of the enclosure 9, of the casing 900 and of the container 300 are under vacuum and communicate with each other but do not communicate with the volume of the sheath 90 which is under an independent atmosphere (the volume of the sheath 90 contains for example at least one of: He3, He4).
The working circuit 2 comprises a pipe 12 for injecting the cycle fluid (which may be a cupronickel or copper capillary for example) connecting an outlet of the transfer member 6 to an inlet of the mixing chamber 3 via a passage (sealed) in the sheath 90 and in the enclosure 9. The injection line 12 is in heat exchange with the cryogenerator 4 (which cools it). For example, the cryogenerator 4 comprises plates and/or cooling exchangers 16, 17 in contact with cold parts of the cryogenerator 4.
For example, in the operating configuration, the lower end of the cryogenerator 4 in the sheath 90 comprises a first portion 16 (first stage) cooled to a first temperature comprised for example between 4 and 100K (and for example equal to 50K) and a second portion 17 (second stage) cooled to a second temperature between 2 and 8K (and for example equal to 4K).
In addition, said injection pipe 12 is mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator 4 and from the support 7, 8, that is to say that the injection pipe 12 is at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator 4.
Thus, the injection pipe 12 is not directly connected or mechanically fixed to the cryogenerator 4 or to an element connected to the cryogenerator 4 without damping the vibrations of the latter. For example, the injection pipe 12 is fixed to the enclosure 9, without contact with the support 7, 8. Alternatively or cumulatively, the injection pipe 12 is fixed to an element in the sheath 90 which is mechanically isolated from the vibrations of the cryogenerator 4. For example, the injection line 12 passes through the support 8 without touching it and/or the enclosure 9 and/or the sheath 90 via an insulated passage with one or more vibration isolation systems (seals, shock absorbers…). In the sheath 90, the injection pipe 12 can be fixed to an inner wall of the sheath 90 (for example by welding and/or gluing) and/or can be suspended in the sheath 90. In particular, the pipe 12 d injection is not in mechanical contact at the level of the plates 16, 17 (cold stage(s) or exchangers) of the cryogenerator 4.
The injection pipe 12 is thermally coupled to the cryogenerator 4 thanks to the gas present in the enclosure 90 which houses the cryogenerator 4. A continuous heat exchanger is thus obtained allowing the effective pre-cooling of the mixture constituting the cycle gas, while avoiding transmitting the vibrations to the lower stages of the device 1.
As illustrated, the at least one cycle gas cooling unit may further comprise an additional cooling system located upstream of the inlet of the boiler 5, for example a Joule-Thompson type cooler 50 (or any other appropriate system , for example a 1K-pot in English).
The working circuit 2 further comprises comprises a set of return pipes 13, 130 connecting an outlet of the boiler 5 to an inlet of the transfer member 6 outside the cold box via a cycle gas passage in the sheath 90, the cycle fluid emerging and circulating in the volume of the sheath 90 in contact (directly) with the lower end of the cryogenerator 4.
For example, the set of return pipes comprises a first return pipe portion 13 opening into the sheath 90 at a lower end of the sheath 90 to inject cycle gas therein, and a second return pipe portion 130 having a lower end communicating with an upper end of the sheath 90 to collect the cycle gas.
The set of return pipes 13, 130 is also mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator 4 and from the support 7, 8, that is to say at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator 4.
Thus, the cycle fluid (mixture of H3-He4 gases) circulates from bottom to top and exchanges directly with the injection line 2 and the heat exchangers 16, 17 of the cryogenerator 4. The heat exchangers 16, 17 are of preferably thermalized (that is to say cooled) on the intermediate stages at 4K and at 50K and can thus recover the negative calories of the working gas returning from the boiler 5 and thus optimize the pre-cooling of the working fluid circulating in the opposite direction from top to bottom. Thus, the atmosphere in the sheath 90 surrounding the heat exchangers 16, 17 is therefore not composed of a static gas. This promotes heat exchange. This makes it possible to use less gas and to be able to go down to lower temperatures more easily (below 4K, and for example equal to 2.8K). This is obtained by maintaining a gaseous atmosphere in the volume of the sheath 90 around the cold part of the cryogenerator4.
Alternatively, gas from this atmosphere can be liquefied and can form a bath at the bottom of the sheath 90.
This structure contributes to having no or little mechanical link with the cryogenerator 4 on the cold parts and therefore no transmission of vibrations.
Furthermore, one and the same type of gas can be used for the working gas and for this gas atmosphere in the sheath 90.
The lower end of the cryogenerator 4 may comprise at least one cycle gas cooling heat exchanger 17, in particular from the atmosphere in the volume of the sheath 90. The first return pipe portion 13 may advantageously open out below said exchanger 17 of heat to direct the flow of cycle fluid rising in contact with this exchanger 17 of heat.
This heat exchanger 17 may comprise a structure provided with passage(s), for example orifices 170 and/or fins oriented in the vertical direction to accommodate at least part of the flow of cycle gas emerging through the first portion 13 of conduit back cf. . This increases the efficiency of heat exchange between the different parts (fluid in particular).
For example, the device 1 can be configured to maintain the pressure in the sheath 90 at a determined value, for example close to atmospheric pressure and in particular between 0 and 2 bar. For example, the target pressure is the helium liquefaction pressure at the coldest temperature of the cryogenerator 4 (for example 5K, 4K, 2.5K, etc.).
The support may comprise a first base 8 mounted horizontally on a first set of feet 7, for example three feet (isostatic system).
As schematized in , the support may comprise a second base 20 located under the first base 8 and mounted on a second set of feet 21, for example three feet. The two ends of the bellows 10 can be connected respectively to the first 8 and second 20 bases. The second base 20 is for example connected to the first base 8 by the bellows 10, the enclosure 9 being for example mechanically connected to the second base (20).
This structure with double isostatic frames makes it possible to better decouple the force absorption and vibrations in the device 1.
The sets 7, 8 and 20, 21 can be fixed to the same reference surface or to two different respective reference surfaces.
Posts or pillars, for example three, can also be provided in parallel with the bellows 10 to avoid any potential damage to the bellows 10 and the other components both during transport and during installation, maintenance and operation of the device 1 It is possible to use a horizontal gap (in the XY plane) between each pillar and a respective flange to check the correct alignment of the installation.
Vertical clearance (in Z) can be eliminated or authorized (“transport” mode or “operating” mode, for example). In "operation" mode, the vertical play can make it possible to release/optimize the work of the bellows 10 while maintaining a safety function which prevents the crushing of the bellows 10 in the event of failure.
The device has other advantages over the prior art. Thus, for example, improved ease of maintenance. Indeed, it suffices to disassemble (screw or other) at 300K to be able to intervene on the cryogenerator 4 on the support, thanks to the absence of mechanical contact between it and the other cold elements of the device 1.
The device may comprise a pump or a cryogenic compressor for circulating the flow of working fluid, for example at the level of the first cold stage of the circuit (temperature for example at 77K or 50K or 4K) in addition to or replacing a pump external, to increase the pressure in the working circuit 2 and maintain a more efficient heat exchange regime.

Claims

Dilution refrigeration device comprising a working circuit (2) in a loop containing a cycle fluid, the cycle fluid comprising a mixture of isotope helium 3 (3He) and isotope helium 4 (4He), the working circuit (2) comprising, arranged in series and fluidly connected via a set of pipes, a mixing chamber (3), a boiler (5) and a transfer member (6), the circuit (2) being configured to connect an outlet of the mixing chamber (3) to an inlet of the boiler (5) and an outlet of the boiler (5) to an inlet of the transfer unit (6), the circuit (2) being further configured to connect an outlet of the transfer member (6) to an inlet of the mixing chamber (3), the device (1) further comprising at least one cooling member (4, 50) in heat exchange with the circuit (2) working and configured to transfer cold temperatures to the cycle fluid, the at least one cooling member (4, 50) comprising a cryogenerator (4) for example of the Gifford-McMahon or pulsed gas tube type, the device (1) comprising a support (7, 8), a sealed enclosure (9), an open end of the enclosure (9) being connected mechanically to the support (7, 8) via a leaktight flexible bellows (10), an upper end of the cryogenerator (4) being fixed to the support (7, 8), the device (1) further comprising a leaktight sheath (90) housed in the enclosure (9), a lower end of the cryogenerator (4) extending into the sheath (90) inside the bellows (10) so that the enclosure (9) and the sheath (90) are at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator (4), the working circuit (2) comprising a fluid injection pipe (12) connecting an outlet of the transfer member (6) to an inlet of the mixing chamber (3) via a sealed passage in the sheath (90), the injection line (12) being mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator (4) and from the support, i.e. ire that the injection pipe (12) is at least partially mechanically insulated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator (4) and in that the working circuit (2) comprises a set of return pipes (13, 130) connecting a outlet of the boiler (5) to an inlet of the transfer member (6) outside the enclosure (9) via a cycle gas passage in the sheath (90) into which the cycle fluid emerges and circulates in the volume of the sheath (90) in contact with the lower end of the cryogenerator (4).
Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the injection pipe (12) is in heat exchange with the cryogenerator (4) as well as with the cycle fluid which circulates in the sheath (90) between the outlet of the boiler ( 5) and the entrance to the transfer member (6).
Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the set of return pipes (13, 130) comprises a first portion of return pipe (13) opening into the sheath (90) at a lower end of the sheath ( 90) for injecting cycle gas thereinto, and a second return pipe portion (130) having a lower end communicating with an upper end of the sheath (90) for collecting cycle gas.
Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the lower end of the cryogenerator (4) comprises at least one cycle gas cooling heat exchanger (17), the first return pipe portion (13) opening below the said heat exchanger (17) for directing the flow of cycle fluid injected into the sheath (90) in contact with the at least one heat exchanger (17).
Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one heat exchanger (17) comprises in its thickness one or more passages (170), for example orifices and/or fins oriented in the vertical direction to accommodate at least one part of the cycle gas flow emerging via the first return line portion (13).
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the set of return pipes (13, 130) is mechanically decoupled from the cryogenerator (4) and from the support (7, 8), i.e. say at least partially mechanically isolated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator (4).
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the injection pipe (12) is fixed to an internal wall of the sheath (90) and/or suspended in the sheath (90).
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mixing chamber (3) and the boiler (5) are mounted in a casing (900) and/or a container (300) located in the enclosure (9), the transfer member (6), being located outside the enclosure (9).
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the operating configuration, the lower end of the cryogenerator (4) comprises a first portion (16) cooled to a first temperature comprised between 4 and 100K and by example equal to 50K and a second portion (17) cooled to a second temperature between 2 and 8K and for example equal to 4K.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one cooling member comprises an additional cooling system located at the inlet upstream of the boiler (5), for example a cooler (50) of the Joule-Thompson type.
Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support comprises a first base (8) mounted on a first set of legs (7), for example three legs.
Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the support comprises a second base (20) located under the first base (8) and mounted on a second set of feet (21), for example three feet, the two ends of the bellows ( 10) being respectively connected to the first (8) and second (20) bases.
Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the enclosure (9) is mechanically connected to the second base (20).
Dilution refrigeration method using a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a step of generating cold by the cryogenerator (4), a step of circulating the cycle fluid in the circuit (2) of work, the method further comprising at least one step from among: regulating the quantity of gas in the sheath (90), regulating the pressure in the sheath (90) to a determined value, for example close to atmospheric pressure and in particular between 0 and 2 bar, regulation of the pressure in the sheath (90) to a pressure corresponding to the pressure of the liquefaction of the helium isotope 4 at the coldest temperature of the cryogenerator (4).