Cryogenic expansion joint for large superconducting magnet structures

Patent · 01 January 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
• 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

/376/174/
accommodates
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accommodating differential
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gaseous
gaseous nitrogen
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liquefies
magnet
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nitrogen
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rigid
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tubes
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