REDUCTION OF BLOCKAGES IN A CRYOGENIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM SUCH AS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEMS

摘要

A cryogenic refrigeration system is provided having particular application in cooling a Magnetic Resonance Imaging system. The cryogenic refrigeration system comprises a conduit arranged as a cooling circuit through which a coolant fluid is pumped, the conduit being in thermal communication with a least one cooled stage for cooling the coolant fluid to a first temperature, and wherein the conduit comprises a cryotrap in communication with the coolant fluid, the cryotrap being operable to remove contaminants from the coolant fluid by cryogenic pumping. The conduit further comprises a flow impedance for cooling the coolant fluid to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a hydrogen filter upstream of the flow impedance and in communication with the coolant fluid, the hydrogen filter being cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of hydrogen in the coolant fluid and operable to remove contaminant hydrogen from the coolant fluid.

主权项

1. A cryogenic refrigeration system comprising a conduit arranged as a cooling circuit through which a coolant fluid is pumped, the conduit being in thermal communication with a least one cooled stage for cooling the coolant fluid to a first temperature,
wherein the conduit comprises a cryotrap in communication with the coolant fluid, the cryotrap being operable to remove contaminants from the coolant fluid by cryogenic pumping, and wherein the conduit further comprises a flow impedance for cooling the coolant fluid to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a hydrogen filter upstream of the flow impedance and in communication with the coolant fluid, the hydrogen filter being cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of hydrogen in the coolant fluid and operable to remove contaminant hydrogen from the coolant fluid.