Cryogenic expansion joint for large superconducting magnet structures

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:862985

Brown, Robert L ^[1]

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1. Kingston, TN

An expansion joint is provided that accommodates dimensional changes occurring during the cooldown and warm-up of large cryogenic devices such as superconducting magnet coils. Flattened tubes containing a refrigerant such as gaseous nitrogen (N.sub.2) are inserted into expansion spaces in the structure. The gaseous N.sub.2 is circulated under pressure and aids in the cooldown process while providing its primary function of accommodating differential thermal contraction and expansion in the structure. After lower temperatures are reached and the greater part of the contraction has occured, the N.sub.2 liquefies then solidifies to provide a completely rigid structure at the cryogenic operating temperatures of the device.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4066496
• OSTI ID: 862985
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

cryogenic
expansion
joint
superconducting
magnet
structures
provided
accommodates
dimensional
changes
occurring
cooldown
warm-up
devices
coils
flattened
tubes
containing
refrigerant
gaseous
nitrogen
inserted
spaces
structure
circulated
pressure
aids
process
providing
primary
function
accommodating
differential
thermal
contraction
temperatures
reached
occured
liquefies
solidifies
provide
completely
rigid
operating
device
magnet coils
differential thermal
superconducting magnet
operating temperature
operating temperatures
gaseous nitrogen
thermal contraction
tubes containing
accommodating differential
rigid structure
expansion joint
dimensional changes
changes occurring
magnet structure
dimensional change
cryogenic expansion
changes occur
tubes contain
magnet structures
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