Showing papers on "Ullage published in 1996"

Fluid delivery device with bolus injection site

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus (10) for accurately infusing fluids into a patient at specific rates over an extended period of time. The apparatus (10) is of a low profile, laminate or layered construction having a stored energy source in the form of a distended membrane (28), which in cooperation with the base (12) of the apparatus (10), defines one or more fluid reservoirs (20), each having a fluid inlet (22) and a fluid outlet (32). The apparatus further includes a novel conformable ullage made of yielding materials which uniquely conform to the shape of the elastomeric membrane (28) as the membrane (28) returns to its less distended configuration. This arrangement will satisfy even the most stringent medicament delivery tolerance requirements, and will elegantly overcome the limitations of materials selection encountered in devices embodying solely a rigid ullage construction. Additionally, in one form of the invention, the apparatus includes a novel fill assembly (302) for controllably filling the reservoirs of the device in the field.

Fluid delivery device with conformable ullage and fill assembly

Abstract: This invention is a fluid delivery apparatus for continuous basal infusion, together with controlled bolus infusion of injectable medicaments, which embodies a stored energy source (66), such as distensible elastomeric membrane, which cooperates with a base and a conformable ullage to define a fluid reservoir.

Fuel tank ullage pressure reduction

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the pressure in a fuel tank ullage includes a conduit adapted to be connected to the fuel tank ullage and equipped with a controllable valve. A pressure sensor is adapted for mounting to detect the pressure in the fuel tank ullage, and a catalyst module has an inlet connected to the conduit, a catalyst in the module, an outlet separated from the inlet by the catalyst, a heater disposed to heat the catalyst, and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the catalyst. A controller is adapted to receive inputs from the pressure sensor and the temperature detector and output control signals to the heater to heat the catalyst when the pressure sensor indicates the pressure in the ullage exceeds a threshold and to open the controllable valve after the temperature sensor indicates the catalyst has reached a temperature at which it catalyzes volatile hydrocarbons to permit movement of vapor and air from the ullage to the catalyst for oxidation of the vapor and discharge of the oxidation products and air to the atmosphere, thereby reducing the pressure in the ullage.

Effects of an elliptic end-cap on the ullage bubble stability in the Gravity Probe-B satellite

Abstract: An axisymmetric ullage bubble in the Gravity Probe-B main helium tank places the center of mass of the liquid on the spin axis of the vehicle. An off-axis center of mass from an asymmetric bubble will cause wobble and could degrade the extreme low-g environment created for the experiment. The radial acceleration field generated by the rotating tank causes the ullage bubble to rest upon the post located at the center of the tank. The post houses the relativity experiment and causes the vapor bubble to exist in either spherical or toroidal topologies. Simulations of 3D equilibrium free surface shapes are performed to determine the bubble topology at different spin rates. This is performed for a bubble which is in contact with the center post and one of the tank end-caps. (Author)

Refrigeration of superconducting magnet systems

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dewar and a refrigerator/liquefier which meets the variable demands of a superconducting magnet within the dewar. The system is sized to meet average loads over a defined duty cycle, and is variably operable to meed demands. In the preferred embodiment, a first supply of fluid circulates through a "condenser" element positioned in a dewar ullage to liquefy a separate supply of fluid in the dewar, and to refrigerate a pulsed cryogenic load therein, such as a superconducting magnet. A portion of the first supply of fluid may be diverted to refrigerate a second pulsed cryogenic load, such as magnet current leads permanently connected to the magnet. The dewar includes a cold gas vapor storage chamber separate from the dewar ullage, and the chamber is preferably located within the inner core of a solenoid superconducting magnet for compact and thermally efficient design. Responsive, independent adjustment of refrigeration to pulsed cryogenic loads is made possible.

Numerical Simulation of Thermal Stratification in Liquid Hydrogen

Abstract: This paper presents the results of numerical simulations of thermal stratification in liquid hydrogen as a cryogenic fluid. We used the vorticity-stream function method and correlated the surface temperature with the heat flux, fluid level and time. In addition, the simulation results are compared with experimental data. Key words: cryogenic, thermal stratification, ullage volume

Apparatus and method for reducing the pressure in a volatile organic chemical tank ullage

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for reducing the pressure in a volatile organic chemical (VOC) tank ullage (11) whilst minimising emissions of VOC vapours into the atmosphere. The apparatus comprises a separation module (44) having an inlet (48) for receiving vapours from the tank, an outlet (42) connected to vent pipe (21) for depleted/retentate and an outlet (46) for permeate separated from inlet (48) and outlet (42) by a membrane (18) permeable to VOC's. A pump (19) draws VOC's through the membrane whilst a vapour extractor (17) causes vapour from the ullage (11) to flow across the membrane (18). The flow of vapour across the membrane is controlled by controller (45) in dependance, at least in part, on the pressure sensed in the underground tank by sensor (23), and the concentration of VOC's in vent pipe (21) detected by VOC detector (24). The vapour flow is controlled such as to act to minimise emissions by maximising residence time in proximity to the membrane (18).

Apparatus and method for improving fuel efficiency of gasoline engines

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying air-and-gasoline vapor mixture from the ullage space in a gas tank above the gasoline therein through a safety cannister and a shut-off valve to two "gang" valve assemblies that divide the vapor into individual flows that are delivered directly to the intake valves of the individual cylinders of a piston-and-cylinder engine, by-passing the carburetor and the intake manifold. The gas tank is aerated through a vent pipe having on one end an air filter open to outside air and on the other end an aerator submerged in the gasoline, and the fuel-vapor mixture is directed into the intake ports of the intake valves by heat-resistant nozzle tubes.