CONTROLLED-POROSITY TRAPPING PLUGS FOR SPAGE CRYOGEN SYSTEM PHASE SEPARATORS

Abstract

A trapping plug with unique characteristics provides phase separators for cryogenic storage systems for space applications. The plug has a body of high-thermal conductivity metal such as OFHC copper and a multiplicity of holes of uniform, extremely small diameter and uniformly spaced extending through the body. The hole diameters and their uniformity in size and spacing enable precise design of an operating system using disclosed criteria. Hole diameters at the range of interest for systems for long-term storage of cryogenics such as liquid hydrogen, that is, 0.1 to 5.0 microns, may be provided in the plugs. Multiple plugs or clusters of plugs disposed in a plate may be used as required. A storage system making use of the trapping plugs also includes external vent lines and a flow regulator that controls flow of vapor through the vent lines.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1JOHN B. HENDRICKS

Sensitive facility: Huntsville AL (NASA/Army)