INTEGRATED LIQUID HELIUM LOADING SYSTEM

Abstract

 An integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the present application integrates a helium liquefier, a liquid helium distribution valve box, liquid helium containers, a helium pressure boosting unit, a low-temperature helium reheating unit, a gas displacement and purification unit, and a liquid helium filling and transfer control unit, and by cooperation with a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline and liquid helium transmission pipelines, can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system. It is possible to realize a process of transferring liquid helium to other multiple containers at the same time of filling liquid helium, no significant loss and waste of liquid helium can be caused, and safety hazards such as container pressure increasing during the process of transferring liquid helium can also be avoided, thereby realizing safe and effective distribution and efficient transfer of liquid helium; at the same time, low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes returns to the helium liquefier, cold energy of the low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes can be effectively utilized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to low-temperature liquid storage, filling, and transfer technology in refrigeration and cryogenics fields, in particular to an integrated liquid helium loading system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Helium is a kind of non-renewable and rare strategic resource. Whether high-purity helium or liquid helium play extremely important roles in various fields. For example, in high-tech fields such as semiconductors and chip manufacturing, high-purity and ultra-high purity helium can be heavily used as protective gas and electronic specialty gas; in nuclear magnetic resonance equipments in the medical field, liquid helium is widely used as a coolant for superconducting coils in the nuclear magnetic resonance equipments; in large-scale scientific engineering, liquid helium and supercritical helium, as coolants for superconducting magnets or superconducting coils, are the key for achieving superconducting states. Helium gas has become an indispensable key resource for national security and the development of high-tech industries, and holds an important strategic position.

[0003] Compared with other low-temperature liquids, liquid helium has the characteristics of low latent heat, low density, good thermal conductivity, and strong diffusion. Internationally, after helium liquefiers or liquid helium factories produce liquid helium, only a single filling or transfer operation can be realized during the process of filling liquid helium into fixed liquid helium containers and transferring liquid helium from fixed liquid helium containers to UN portable liquid helium tanks or liquid helium dewars.

[0004] At present, a large amount of liquid helium is stored in UN portable liquid helium tanks and imported to domestic ports, transported to various gas distributors through UN portable liquid helium tanks, then transferred and delivered in the form of liquid helium from the UN portable liquid helium tanks to liquid helium dewars for transportation and distribution of liquid helium, or vaporized into helium gas and pressurized into helium gas cylinders or high-pressure helium pipeline bundle trucks for transportation. Since large-scale domestic helium liquefiers, fixed liquid helium containers (such as liquid helium dewars or liquid helium tanks), mobile liquid helium containers (such as UN portable liquid helium tanks), and other equipments are in development processes now, there is still a lack of a system that integrates helium liquefiers, fixed liquid helium containers, and mobile liquid helium containers effectively and realize liquid helium loading.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide an integrated liquid helium loading system and a control method that can realize intelligent adjustment and control of multiple working modes such as gas purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling and transfer, in response to the technical shortcoming existing in the prior art that there is a lack of effective combination of helium liquefiers, fixed liquid helium containers, UN portable liquid helium containers and so on.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present application adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] A purpose of the present application provides an integrated liquid helium loading system, comprising: a helium liquefier (1), a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2), a liquid helium distribution valve box (3), a first liquid helium transmission pipeline (4), a first fixed liquid helium container (5), a second liquid helium transmission pipeline (7), a second fixed liquid helium container (8), a liquid helium delivery pump (10), a helium pressure boosting unit (11), a first UN portable liquid helium tank (12), a second UN portable liquid helium tank (13), a low-temperature helium reheating unit (14), a gas displacement and purification unit (15), and a liquid helium injection and transfer control unit (16); wherein the liquid helium filling and transfer control unit (16) is electrically connected to the above components; wherein:

[0008] liquid helium generated by the helium liquefier (1) enters the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2); the liquid helium through distribution of the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) respectively fills liquid helium into the first fixed liquid helium container (5) through the first liquid helium transmission pipeline (4), and/or fills liquid helium into the second fixed liquid helium container (8) through the second liquid helium transmission pipeline (7), and/or transfers liquid helium into the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12) through the liquid helium delivery pump (10), and/or transfers liquid helium into the second UN portable liquid helium tank (13) through the helium pressure boosting unit (11);

[0009] the low-temperature helium reheating unit (14) is connected to the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through a pipeline and can realize low-temperature return helium reheating; the gas displacement and purification unit (15) is connected to the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2) through a pipeline, configured for filling and exhaust for the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2), and can perform filling and exhaust for the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through an adjustable valve.

[0010] In some embodiments thereof, a liquefaction cycle of the helium liquefier (1) may be based on a Claude cycle, a modified Claude cycle, a two-stage turbine Collins cycle, a multi-stage (2<n≤6) turbine Collins cycle, or a combination of a multi-stage (2<n≤6) turbine modified Claude cycle and a Collins cycle.

[0011] In some embodiments thereof, the helium liquefier (1) has a 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-1), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-2), a 30K range low-temperature helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-3), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-4), a 80K range low-temperature helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-5), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-6), and a throttle valve (1-7).

[0012] In some embodiments thereof, the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2) comprises a 4.5K liquid helium pipeline (2-1), a 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), a 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and a 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4).

[0013] In some embodiments thereof, a heat insulation support (2-5) is further included, the heat insulation support (2-5) adopts G10glass fiber reinforced plastics, and the heat insulation support (2-5) is in three-point contact with the 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), the 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and the 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4).

[0014] In some embodiments thereof, outer layers of the 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), the 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and the 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4) are packaged with multiple layers insulation (2-6), the multiple layers insulation (2-6) may be composite aluminum foil or hollow glass microbead material, and the multiple layers insulation (2-6) may package with an uniform density or a variable density.

[0015] In some embodiments thereof, the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) comprises a valve box flange cover (3-1), a valve box cylinder body (3-2), a first filling and transfer control unit (3-3), and a second filling and transfer control unit (3-4); wherein:

[0016] the valve box flange cover (3-1) is placed on the valve box cylinder body (3-2), a copper pad or an O-shaped sealing ring is adopted therebetween, and screw bolts and through holes are used to fasten to form a high vacuum heat insulation cylinder body;

[0017] the first filling and transfer control unit (3-3) comprises a first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2), a first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4), and a first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6), the first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2) is provided with a first filling adjustment valve (3-3-1), the first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4) is provided with a first transfer adjustment valve (3-3-3), the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) comprises a plurality of low-temperature helium return pipelines, each of the low-temperature helium return pipelines is provided with a gas return temperature control adjustment valve, the gas return temperature control adjustment valves form a first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5); outer surfaces of the first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2), the first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4), and the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) are covered with multiple layers insulation;

[0018] the second filling and transfer control unit (3-4) comprises a second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2), a second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4), and a second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6), the second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2) is provided with a second filling adjustment valve (3-4-1), the second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4) is provided with a second transfer adjustment valve (3-4-3), the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6) comprises a plurality of low-temperature helium return pipelines, each of the low-temperature helium return pipelines is provided with a filling adjustment valve, the filling adjustment valves form a second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5); outer surfaces of the second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2), the second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4), and the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6) are covered with multiple layers insulation.

[0019] It can be understood that in practice, it is necessary that according to increasement of the number of the fixed liquid helium containers or the UN portable liquid helium tanks, the filling and transfer control units will also increase accordingly.

[0020] In some embodiments thereof, the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5) is positioned before the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) and can control the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5) to open according to a temperature of returning gas, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6); the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5) is positioned before the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) and can control the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5) to open according to a temperature of returning gas, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6).

[0021] In some embodiments thereof, the first fixed liquid helium container (5) may be a vertical liquid helium container or a horizontal liquid helium storage tank, the first fixed liquid helium container (5) is provided therein with a liquid level measuring device (5-1), a helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2), a helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (5-3), and safety accessories (5-4), the helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2) is provided thereon with the helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (5-3), liquid helium enters the first fixed liquid helium container (5) through the helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2).

[0022] In some embodiments thereof, the second fixed liquid helium container (8) may be a vertical liquid helium dewar or a vertical or horizontal liquid helium storage tank, the second fixed liquid helium container (8) is provided therein with a liquid level measuring device (8-1), a helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2), a helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (8-3), and safety accessories (8-4), the helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2) is provided thereon with the helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (8-3), liquid helium enters the second fixed liquid helium container (8) through the helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2).

[0023] It can be understood that the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and the second fixed liquid helium container (8) can adopt two vertical liquid helium containers, two large-capacity horizontal liquid helium storage tanks, and can also adopt a combination manner of a vertical liquid helium container and a large-capacity horizontal liquid helium storage tank for use.

[0024] In some embodiments thereof, the helium pressure boosting unit (11) comprises an external helium buffer tank interface valve (11-1) or high-pressure gas cylinder (group) interface valve (11-2) configured to realize internal pressure boosting of the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) during a transfer process.

[0025] In some embodiments thereof, the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12) may be a portable liquid helium dewar, a UN portable liquid helium tank, or a liquid helium tank truck configured to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) to the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12).

[0026] In some embodiments thereof, the second UN portable liquid helium tank (13) may be a portable liquid helium dewar, a UN portable liquid helium tank, or a liquid helium tank truck configured to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) to the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12).

[0027] It can be understood that the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12) and the second UN portable liquid helium tank (13) can adopt two portable liquid helium dewars, two UN portable liquid helium tanks, or two liquid helium tank trucks, and can also adopt a combination of any two of a portable liquid helium dewar, a UN portable liquid helium tanks, and a liquid helium tank truck for use.

[0028] In some embodiments thereof, the low-temperature helium reheating unit (14) comprises a vacuum heater (14-1), a vaporizer (14-2), or a combination of both, the vacuum heater (14-1) and the vaporizer (14-2) are connected to the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through pipelines and can realize low-temperature gas return and reheat can realize low-temperature gas return and reheat functions.

[0029] In some embodiments thereof, the gas displacement and purification unit (15) comprises a high-purity nitrogen displacement unit (15-1), a high-purity helium displacement unit (15-2), a vacuum pump group (15-3), and an external purifier (15-4), the vacuum pump group (15-3) is configured to drive the high-purity nitrogen displacement unit (15-1), the high-purity helium displacement unit (15-2), and the external purifier (15-4).

[0030] In some embodiments thereof, the liquid helium filling and transfer control unit (16) comprises a liquid helium filling control unit (16-1), a liquid helium transfer control unit (16-2), a pressure boosting control unit (16-3), and a low-temperature gas return and reheat control unit (16-4) and can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system.

[0031] The present application adopts the aforesaid technical solutions, and its advantageous effect is as follows:
The integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the present application integrates the helium liquefier, the liquid helium distribution valve box, the liquid helium containers, the helium pressure boosting unit, the low-temperature helium reheating unit, the gas displacement and purification unit, and the liquid helium injection and transfer control unit, and by cooperation with the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline and the liquid helium transmission pipelines, can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system. It is possible to realize a process of transferring liquid helium to other multiple containers at the same time of filling liquid helium, no significant loss and waste of liquid helium can be caused, and safety hazards such as container pressure increasing during the process of transferring liquid helium can also be avoided, thereby realizing safe and effective distribution and efficient transfer of liquid helium; at the same time, low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes returns to the helium liquefier, cold energy of the low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes can be effectively utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to explain technical solutions of embodiments of the present application more clearly, drawings required to be used in description of the embodiments of the present application or of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For one of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be further obtained according to these drawings on the premise of paying no creative work.

FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated liquid helium loading system provided by an Embodiment 1 of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated liquid helium loading system provided by an Embodiment 2 of the present application.

FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated liquid helium loading system provided by an Embodiment 3 of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numbers throughout represent the same or similar components or components with the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present application, but cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0034] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientations or position relationships indicated by the terms "up", "down", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", and the like are orientations or position relationships based on the shown in the accompany drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as any limitation to the present application.

[0035] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the quantity of technical features indicated. Therefore, features limited by "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of these features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise specified.

[0036] In order to make the purposes, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application be clearer and more understandable, the present application is further illustrated in detail below in combination with the accompany drawings and embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the embodiment 1 includes a helium liquefier 1, a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, a liquid helium distribution valve box 3,a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4 a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, a first fixed liquid helium container 5 a first fixed liquid helium container 5, a first low-temperature helium return pipeline 6, a second liquid helium transmission pipeline 7, a second fixed liquid helium container 8, a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 9,a liquid helium delivery pump 10, a helium pressure boosting unit 11, a first mobile liquid helium container a first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, a second UN portable liquid helium tank 13, a low-temperature helium reheating unit14, a gas displacement and purification unit 15, and a liquid helium filling and transfer control unit 16.

[0038] The working principle is as follows: internal valves of the loading system are opened, the gas displacement and purification unit15 is activated, the high-purity nitrogen displacement unit 15-1 is turned on and performs charge and exhaust displacement three times; the high-purity nitrogen displacement unit 15-1 is turned off, and the vacuum pump group 15-3 is turned on and vacuums to reach the level of 10Pa; the vacuum pump group is turned off, and the high-purity helium displacement unit 15-2 is turned on and performs charge and exhaust displacement three times, thereby completing gas placement of the loading system. Then the external purifier 15-4 is turned on to perform purification for the loading system, when the total content of gas purity N₂, H₂O, and C_xH_y in the loading system is less than 5vpm, the system purification working mode is completed.

[0039] The helium liquefier 1 is turned on and started, the system is self-tested and interlock reset. The helium liquefier 1 gradually cools down and reaches the liquefaction temperature of helium. The first filling adjustment valve first filling adjustment valve 3-3-1 in the liquid helium distribution valve box 3 is opened, low-temperature helium sequentially passes through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, the first liquid helium filling pipeline first liquid helium filling pipeline 3-3-2, and the first liquid helium transmission pipeline first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, and enters the first fixed liquid helium container first fixed liquid helium container5 to pre-cool the pipeline and the container for reducing the temperature, thereby gradually completing the pre-cooling work mode. After the throttle valve 1-7, the temperature reaches the temperature of liquid helium, and continuous liquid accumulation starts. When the liquid level in the first fixed liquid helium container first fixed liquid helium container5 accumulates to a certain liquid level height, the filling working mode for liquid helium accumulation liquid is completed.

[0040] In the transfer working mode, it is possible to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container first fixed liquid helium container5 or the second fixed liquid helium container second fixed liquid helium container8 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank first mobile liquid helium container12 or the second UN portable liquid helium tank 13. This process can realize quick transfer by cooperation among pumps and valves. When transferring from the first fixed liquid helium container first fixed liquid helium container5 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank first mobile liquid helium container12, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the second fixed liquid helium container second fixed liquid helium container8 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank first mobile liquid helium container12, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the second transfer adjustment valve second transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-4-5 is opened according to the internal temperature, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system second low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-4-6 and complete the transfer process.

[0041] When transferring liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to the second UN portable liquid helium tank second mobile liquid helium container 13, this process can realize quick transfer by cooperation among pumps and valves. The liquid helium transmission pump 10-2 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring liquid helium from the second fixed liquid helium container 8 to the second UN portable liquid helium tank 13, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-2 is turned on, the second transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-4-5 is opened according to the internal temperature, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-4-6 and complete the transfer process. In this way, various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the integrated liquid helium loading system are realized.

[0042] The integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the above Embodiment 1 of the present application integrates the helium liquefier, the liquid helium distribution valve box, the liquid helium containers, the helium pressure boosting unit, the low-temperature helium reheating unit, the gas displacement and purification unit, and the liquid helium injection and transfer control unit, and by cooperation with the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline and the liquid helium transmission pipelines, can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system. It is possible to realize a process of transferring liquid helium to other multiple containers at the same time of filling liquid helium, no significant loss and waste of liquid helium can be caused, and safety hazards such as container pressure increasing during the process of transferring liquid helium can also be avoided, thereby realizing safe and effective distribution and efficient transfer of liquid helium; at the same time, low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes returns to the helium liquefier, cold energy of the low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes can be effectively utilized.

Embodiment 2

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, which is a specific embodiment of another kind of simplified integrated liquid helium loading system provided by an Embodiment 2 of the present application. The simplified integrated liquid helium loading system includes a helium liquefier 1, a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, a liquid helium distribution valve box 3, a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, a first fixed liquid helium container 5, a first low-temperature helium return pipeline 6, a liquid helium delivery pump 10, a helium pressure boosting unit 11, a first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, a low-temperature helium reheating unit14, a system gas displacement and purification unit 15, and a liquid helium filling and transfer control unit 16.

[0044] The working principle is as follows: internal valves of the loading system are opened, the gas displacement and purification unit15 is activated, gas displacement and purification in the loading system are completed by displacement; when the total content of gas purity N₂, H₂O, and C_xH_y in the loading system is less than 5vpm, the system purification working mode is completed.

[0045] Then the helium liquefier 1 is turned on, the system is self-tested and interlock reset. The helium liquefier 1 gradually cools down and reaches the liquefaction temperature of helium. The first filling adjustment valve 3-3-1 in the liquid helium distribution valve box 3 is opened, low-temperature helium sequentially passes through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, the first liquid helium filling pipeline 3-3-2, and the first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, and enters the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to pre-cool the pipeline and the container for reducing the temperature, thereby gradually completing the pre-cooling work mode. After the throttle valve 1-7, the temperature reaches the temperature of liquid helium, and continuous liquid accumulation starts. When the liquid level in the first fixed liquid helium container 5 accumulates to a certain liquid level height, the filling working mode for liquid helium accumulation liquid is completed.

[0046] In the transfer working mode, it is possible to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank 12. This process can realize quick transfer by cooperation among pumps and valves. At first, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process.

[0047] In this way, various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the simplified integrated liquid helium loading system are realized.

[0048] The integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the above Embodiment 2 of the present application integrates the helium liquefier, the liquid helium distribution valve box, the liquid helium containers, the helium pressure boosting unit, the low-temperature helium reheating unit, the gas displacement and purification unit, and the liquid helium injection and transfer control unit, and by cooperation with the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline and the liquid helium transmission pipelines, can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system. It is possible to realize a process of transferring liquid helium to other multiple containers at the same time of filling liquid helium, no significant loss and waste of liquid helium can be caused, and safety hazards such as container pressure increasing during the process of transferring liquid helium can also be avoided, thereby realizing safe and effective distribution and efficient transfer of liquid helium; at the same time, low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes returns to the helium liquefier, cold energy of the low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes can be effectively utilized.

Embodiment 3

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, which is a structural schematic diagram of an integrated liquid helium loading system provided by an Embodiment 3 of the present application, which is a specific embodiment that can realize three or more sets of liquid helium loading systems.

[0050] In this embodiment, the liquid helium loading system includes a helium liquefier 1, a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, a liquid helium distribution valve box 3, a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, a first fixed liquid helium container 5, a first low-temperature helium return pipeline 6, a second liquid helium transmission pipeline 7, a second fixed liquid helium container 8, a first liquid helium transmission pipeline 9, a third fixed liquid helium container 17, a third low-temperature helium return pipeline 18, a liquid helium delivery pump 10, a helium pressure boosting unit 11, a first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, a second UN portable liquid helium tank 13, a third portable liquid helium container 19,a low-temperature helium reheating unit14, a gas displacement and purification unit 15, and a liquid helium filling and transfer control unit 16.

[0051] The working principle is as follows: internal valves of the loading system are opened, the gas displacement and purification unit15 is activated, gas displacement and purification in the loading system are completed by displacement; when the total content of gas purity N₂, H₂O, and C_xH_y in the loading system is less than 5vpm, the system purification working mode is completed.

[0052] Then the helium liquefier 1 is turned on, the system is self-tested and interlock reset. The helium liquefier 1 gradually cools down and reaches the liquefaction temperature of helium. The first filling adjustment valve 3-3-1 in the liquid helium distribution valve box 3 is opened, low-temperature helium sequentially passes through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, the first liquid helium filling pipeline 3-3-2, and the first liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, and enters the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to pre-cool the pipeline and the container for reducing the temperature. Afterwards, the above valve and flow channel are closed, the second filling adjustment valve 3-4-1 in the liquid helium distribution valve box 3 is opened, low-temperature helium sequentially passes through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 2, 2# liquid helium filling pipeline 3-4-2, and the second liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, and enters the second fixed liquid helium container 8. Then the above valve and flow channel are closed, the third filling adjustment valve 3-5-1 in the liquid helium distribution valve box 3 is opened, low-temperature helium sequentially passes through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline 3, 3# liquid helium filling pipeline 3-5-2, and the third liquid helium transmission pipeline 4, and enters the third fixed liquid helium container 17, thereby gradually completing the pre-cooling work mode. After the throttle valve 1-7, the temperature reaches the temperature of liquid helium, and continuous liquid accumulation starts. When the liquid level in the first fixed liquid helium container 5, the second fixed liquid helium container 8, and the third fixed liquid helium container 17 accumulates to a certain liquid level height, the filling working mode for liquid helium accumulation liquid is completed.

[0053] In the transfer working mode, it is possible to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container 5, the second fixed liquid helium container 8, and the third fixed liquid helium container 17 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, the 2# UN portable liquid helium tank 13, and the third portable liquid helium container 19 respectively. This process can realize quick transfer by cooperation among pumps and valves. During this period, it is possible to realize quick transfer by cooperation among pumps and valves. When transferring from the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to the second UN portable liquid helium tank 13, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-2 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the first fixed liquid helium container 5 to the third portable liquid helium container 19, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-3 is turned on, the first transfer adjustment valve 3-3-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-3-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-3-6 and complete the transfer process.

[0054] When transferring from the second fixed liquid helium container 8 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the second transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-4-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-4-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the second fixed liquid helium container 8 to the 2#UN portable liquid helium tank 13, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-2 is turned on, the second transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-4-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-4-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the second fixed liquid helium container 8 to the third portable liquid helium container 19, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-3 is turned on, the second transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-4-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-4-6 and complete the transfer process.

[0055] When transferring from the third fixed liquid helium container 17 to the first UN portable liquid helium tank 12, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-1 is turned on, the 3# transfer adjustment valve 3-5-3 is opened, and the third gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-5-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the 3# low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-5-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the third fixed liquid helium container 17 to the second UN portable liquid helium tank 13, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-2 is turned on, the 3# transfer adjustment valve 3-5-3 is opened, and the 3# gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-5-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the 3# low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-5-6 and complete the transfer process. When transferring from the third fixed liquid helium container 17 to the third portable liquid helium container 19, the liquid helium transmission pump 10-3 is turned on, the 3# transfer adjustment valve 3-4-3 is opened, and the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group 3-5-5 is opened according to the internal temperature situation, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the third low-temperature helium return pipeline system 3-5-6 and complete the transfer process. In this way, various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in three or more sets of liquid helium loading systems are realized.

[0056] The integrated liquid helium loading system provided by the above Embodiment 3 of the present application integrates the helium liquefier, the liquid helium distribution valve box, the liquid helium containers, the helium pressure boosting unit, the low-temperature helium reheating unit, the gas displacement and purification unit, and the liquid helium injection and transfer control unit, and by cooperation with the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline and the liquid helium transmission pipelines, can realize intelligent adjustment and control of various working modes of gas displacement and purification, pre-cooling, liquid helium filling, and transfer in the loading system. It is possible to realize a process of transferring liquid helium to other multiple containers at the same time of filling liquid helium, no significant loss and waste of liquid helium can be caused, and safety hazards such as container pressure increasing during the process of transferring liquid helium can also be avoided, thereby realizing safe and effective distribution and efficient transfer of liquid helium; at the same time, low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes returns to the helium liquefier, cold energy of the low-temperature helium gas in the filling and transfer processes can be effectively utilized.

[0057] It can be understood that the various technical features of the above described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description be concise, all possible combinations of the various technical feature in the above embodiments have not been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered as the description scope of this specification.

[0058] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and only specifically describe the technical principles of the present application. These descriptions are only intended to explain the principles of the present application and cannot be interpreted in any way as limiting the protection scope of the present application. Based on this explanation, any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvement made within the spirit and principles of the present application, as well as other specific implementations of the present application that can be associated without the need for creative labor by technical personnel in this field, shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An integrated liquid helium loading system, comprising: a helium liquefier (1), a multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2), a liquid helium distribution valve box (3), a first liquid helium transmission pipeline (4), a first fixed liquid helium container (5), a second liquid helium transmission pipeline (7), a second fixed liquid helium container (8), a liquid helium delivery pump (10), a helium pressure boosting unit (11), a first UN portable liquid helium tank (12), a second UN portable liquid helium tank (13), a low-temperature helium reheating unit (14), a gas displacement and purification unit (15), and a liquid helium injection and transfer control unit (16); wherein the liquid helium filling and transfer control unit (16) is electrically connected to the above components; wherein:

liquid helium generated by the helium liquefier (1) enters the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2); the liquid helium through distribution of the liquid helium distribution valve box (3)respectively fills liquid helium into the first fixed liquid helium container (5) through the first liquid helium transmission pipeline (4), and/or fills liquid helium into the second fixed liquid helium container (8) through the second liquid helium transmission pipeline (7), and/or transfers liquid helium into the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12) through the liquid helium delivery pump (10), and/or transfers liquid helium into the second UN portable liquid helium tank (13) through the helium pressure boosting unit (11);

the low-temperature helium reheating unit (14) is connected to the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through a pipeline and can realize low-temperature return air reheating; the gas displacement and purification unit (15) is connected to the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2)through a pipeline, configured for filling and exhaust for the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2), and filling and exhaust for the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through an adjustment valve.

2. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein a liquefaction cycle of the helium liquefier (1) may be based on a Claude cycle, a modified Claude cycle, a two-stage turbine Collins cycle, a multi-stage turbine Collins cycle, or a combination of a multi-stage turbine modified Claude cycle and a Collins cycle, the number of the multi-stage is larger than 2 while less than or equal to 6.

3. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the helium liquefier (1) has a 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-1), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-2), a 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-3), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-4), a 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline Boyonet (1-5), a low-temperature electromagnetic valve (1-6), and a throttle valve (1-7).

4. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-channel composite low-temperature transmission pipeline (2) comprises a 4.5K liquid helium pipeline (2-1), a 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), a 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and a 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4).

5. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 4, further comprising a heat insulation support (2-5), wherein the heat insulation support (2-5) adopts G10glass fiber reinforced plastics, and the heat insulation support (2-5) is in three-point contact with the 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), the 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and the 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4).

6. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 4, wherein outer layers of the 4.5K saturated helium return pipeline (2-2), the 30K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-3), and the 80K temperature range low-temperature helium return pipeline (2-4) are packaged with multiple layers insulation (2-6), the multiple layers insulation (2-6) may be composite aluminum foil or hollow glass microbead material, and the multiple layers insulation (2-6) may package with an uniform density or a variable density.

7. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) comprises a valve box flange cover (3-1), a valve box cylinder body (3-2), a first filling and transfer control unit (3-3), and a second filling and transfer control unit (3-4); wherein:

the valve box flange cover (3-1) is placed on the valve box cylinder body (3-2), a copper pad or an O-shaped sealing ring is adopted therebetween, and screw bolts and through holes are used to fasten to form a high vacuum heat insulation cylinder body;

the first filling and transfer control unit (3-3) comprises a first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2), a first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4), and a first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6), the first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2) is provided with a first filling adjustment valve (3-3-1), the first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4) is provided with a first transfer adjustment valve (3-3-3), the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) comprises a plurality of low-temperature helium return pipelines, each of the low-temperature helium return pipelines is provided with a gas return temperature control adjustment valve, the gas return temperature control adjustment valves form a first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5); outer surfaces of the first liquid helium filling pipeline (3-3-2), the first liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-3-4), and the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) are covered with multiple layers insulation;

the second filling and transfer control unit (3-4) comprises a second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2), a second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4), and a second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6), the second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2) is provided with a second filling adjustment valve (3-4-1), the second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4) is provided with a second transfer adjustment valve (3-4-3), the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6) comprises a plurality of low-temperature helium return pipelines, each of the low-temperature helium return pipelines is provided with a filling adjustment valve, the filling adjustment valves form a second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5); outer surfaces of the second liquid helium filling pipeline (3-4-2), the second liquid helium transfer pipeline (3-4-4), and the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6) are covered with multiple layers insulation.

8. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 7, wherein the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5) is positioned before the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) and can control the first gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-3-5) to open according to a temperature of returning gas, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the first low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6); the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5) is positioned before the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-3-6) and can control the second gas return temperature control adjustment valve group (3-4-5) to open according to a temperature of returning gas, so as to realize gas return of low-temperature helium in different temperature ranges about 30K, 80K, and 300K in the second low-temperature helium return pipeline system (3-4-6).

9. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed liquid helium container (5)may be a vertical liquid helium container or a horizontal liquid helium storage tank, the first fixed liquid helium container (5) is provided therein with a liquid level measuring device (5-1), a helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2), a helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (5-3), and safety accessories (5-4), the helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2) is provided thereon with the helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (5-3), liquid helium enters the first fixed liquid helium container (5)through the helium pressure boosting pipeline (5-2).

10. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the second fixed liquid helium container (8)may be a vertical liquid helium dewar or a vertical or horizontal liquid helium storage tank, the second fixed liquid helium container (8) is provided therein with a liquid level measuring device (8-1), a helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2), a helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (8-3), and safety accessories (8-4), the helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2) is provided thereon with the helium pressure boosting pipeline valve (8-3), liquid helium enters the second fixed liquid helium container (8)through the helium pressure boosting pipeline (8-2).

11. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the helium pressure boosting unit (11) comprises an external helium buffer tank interface valve (11-1) or high-pressure gas cylinder (group) interface valve (11-2) configured to realize internal boosting of the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) during a transfer process.

12. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12) may be a portable liquid helium dewar, a UN portable liquid helium tank, or a liquid helium tank truck configured to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) to the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12).

13. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the second UN portable liquid helium tank (13) may be a portable liquid helium dewar, a UN portable liquid helium tank, or a liquid helium tank truck configured to transfer liquid helium from the first fixed liquid helium container (5) and/or the second fixed liquid helium container (8) to the first UN portable liquid helium tank (12).

14. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the low-temperature helium reheating unit (14) comprises a vacuum heater (14-1), a vaporizer (14-2), or a combination of both, the vacuum heater (14-1) and the vaporizer (14-2) are connected to the liquid helium distribution valve box (3) through pipelines and can realize low-temperature gas return and reheat can realize low-temperature gas return and reheat functions.

15. The integrated liquid helium loading system according to claim 1, wherein the gas displacement and purification unit (15) comprises a high-purity nitrogen displacement unit (15-1), a high-purity helium displacement unit (15-2), a vacuum pump group (15-3), and an external purifier (15-4), the vacuum pump group (15-3) is configured to drive the high-purity nitrogen displacement unit (15-1), the high-purity helium displacement unit (15-2), and the external purifier (15-4).

Drawing