Patent ID: 6484516
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: F25B,F25J

Abstract:
A refrigeration system comprising in combination:a first compressor for compressing a returning warmed cryogenic fluid stream to form a compressed stream; a heat exchanger for receiving and cooling said compressed stream by heat exchange with a returning stream used to form said returning warmed cryogenic fluid stream; means in said heat exchanger to separate said compressed stream into a major stream exiting said heat exchanger and a minor stream exiting said heat exchanger; an expander for expanding said major stream together with means to return an expanded major stream to said heat exchanger; means to expand said minor stream exiting said heat exchanger to further cool said minor stream; heat exchange means to use said minor-stream to provide refrigeration to an external heat load; means to compress said minor stream after heat exchange with said external heat load and return said minor stream to said heat exchanger; and means to combine said major stream and said minor stream to form said returning warmed cryogenic fluid stream.