Methods, devices and systems for extraction of thermal energy from a heat conducting metal conduit

摘要

Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.

主权项

1. A thermal transfer device for modulating thermal energy of a thermally conducting conduit containing a fluid, comprising:
a cryogen injection device for injecting a cryogen through an injector into the fluid in the conduit; and a heat exchange unit through which a fluid refrigerant flows, comprising: a first wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein:
(a) the first wall is a portion of the conduit containing the fluid; or(b) when the device is attached to the conduit, the outer surface of the first wall is in thermal contact with the conduit; a second wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is oriented toward the environment; and a space between the inner surface of the first wall and the inner surface of the second wall; wherein: the space contains or is filled with filings, turnings, shavings, pellets or beads of a thermally conductive metal, wherein at least a portion of the filings, turnings, shavings, pellets or beads of a thermally conductive metal are in thermal communication with at least a portion of the conduit; the fluid refrigerant flows across the surface of the filings, turnings, shavings, pellets or beads of thermally conductive material; and the space has a width that is between about 0.05 inches and about 500 inches; or the space has a width that is between about 10% and about 500% of the inner diameter of the heat exchange unit.