Patent ID: 6199385
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: A61K,B01J,F17C,F25J,G01R,G02F,Y10S

Abstract:
A cryogenic accumulator for collecting polarized noble gases in a buffer gas mixture, comprising:a primary flow channel having opposing first and second ends configured to direct a gas mixture comprising polarized gas therethrough, said primary flow channel having an inlet flow path and an exit flow path associated therewith;an outer sleeve positioned around said primary flow channel, said outer sleeve having a closed end defining a collection chamber positioned below said primary flow channel second end; anda secondary flow channel positioned intermediate of said primary flow channel and said outer sleeve, said secondary flow channel having a fluid inlet and outlet region associated therewith, said secondary flow channel having a closed end positioned in close proximity to said primary flow channel second end, wherein said secondary flow channel is operably associated with said primary flow channel,wherein said primary flow channel inlet flow path is in fluid communication with and separate from said primary flow channel exit flow path, and wherein said primary flow channel inlet flow path terminates into said collection chamber and said exit flow path originates proximate said collection chamber so that, in operation, the polarized gas mixture travels first through said inlet flow path, then into said collection chamber such that residual gases from the polarized gas mixture are directed out of said chamber and into said exit flow path.