Michael W Batchelor

US Patent:

51521555, Oct 6, 1992

Filed:

Apr 5, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/505059

Inventors:

Ronald D. Shea - Tenino WA
Michael G. Batchelor - Olympia WA

International Classification:

F25D 312

US Classification:

62385

Abstract:

An apparatus for cooling refrigeration containers using pressurized liquid carbon dioxide is disclosed. The container has upper and lower compartments with a longitudinal distribution pipe located in the upper compartment which extends substantially the length of the container. The pressurized, liquid carbon dioxide is distributed through the distribution pipe in the upper compartment through a plurality of apertures located in the longitudinal distribution pipe which causes an accumulation of carbon dioxide snow in the upper compartment. The refrigerated gas cools the sidewalls of the lower compartment by passing through serpentine passages contained within those sidewalls. There are also switchable cooling vents which, when opened, allow refrigerated gas to pass from the upper compartment directly into the lower comparment. If the material to be refrigerated is intolerant of a carbon dioxide environment and cannot be frozen, the switchable cooling vents can be closed and the refrigerated gas will only pass through the sidewalls. An exhaust means is disclosed which maintains a certain pressure within the container thereby allowing the container to be refrigerated for a longer period of time from a single charge of pressurized, liquid carbon dioxide.