Christopher Chad Redmon

US Patent:

20190211970, Jul 11, 2019

Filed:

Dec 19, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/225396

Inventors:

- Oak Ridge TN, US
Saad R Elorfi - Lafollette TN, US
Christopher M Redmon - Rockwood TN, US
Ryan J Morgan - Lancing TN, US

International Classification:

F17C 5/06
F17C 13/02

Abstract:

An improved system and method for the automated refilling of cryogenic helium is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a dewar in fluid communication with a liquid helium cryostat through a cryogen transfer line. A controller regulates operation of a three-way valve to pre-cool the transfer line and to cause gaseous helium to flow to the dewar and force liquid helium through the transfer line into the cryostat. The controller is coupled to the output of a cryogenic level sensor, such that the controller regulates the helium liquid level within the cryostat. During filling cycles, the dewar liquid level is also monitored by the cryogenic level sensor and an alarm sounds if the dewar liquid level is undesirably low. Between filling cycles, the controller is operable to ventilate the dewar through a solenoid vent valve in fixed time intervals to ensure the dewar pressure is sufficiently low so as to not bleed liquid helium into the cryostat.