CryoIMS® Technology

CryoIMS® = IDP-LT® + Pressure Sensor + Temperature Sensors in a single flange

CryoIMS®
:
Cryogenic Integrated Monitoring System
IDP-LT®
:
Internal Differential Pressure Level Transmitter

What is CryoIMS®?

CryoIMS® integrates Level, Pressure, and Temperature measurement through a single 2-inch flange connection — eliminating multiple tank penetrations for extreme cryogenic environments.

CryoIMS® tank configuration — pressure (P), differential pressure (DP), and temperature (T) sensors integrated in a single flange
Level, pressure, and temperature measured through a single flange connection

Level Transmitter

Differential pressure-based level measurement for cryogenic fluids

  • METHOD Internal Differential Pressure (IDP)
  • FEATURE Minimized influence from fluid property changes
  • ADVANTAGE Stable measurement even in boiling and turbulent conditions

Temperature Transmitter

Multi-point thermocouple temperature measurement

  • METHOD Thermocouple (TC)
  • FEATURE Wide temperature range coverage, routed through main housing pipe
  • ADVANTAGE Reliable across the full 4K to 300K range

Pressure Transmitter

Cryogenic-rated pressure transmitter for tank monitoring

  • METHOD Cryogenic Pressure Transducer
  • FEATURE Fast response characteristics for rapid pressure changes
  • ADVANTAGE Early detection of abnormal pressure conditions

IDP-LT® — Core Component

IDP-LT® is the heart of CryoIMS®. Its Internal Differential Pressure method delivers stable level readings even during boiling, turbulence, and phase transition — no external power required.

DP DP Sensor Flange Body Column ½ in. OD Vapor Space Conductive Heater Shell Wall Vapor Heater

Body Column

Main structural body with vacuum-insulated outer shell

Conductive Heater

Conducts ambient heat inward to vaporize liquid — not an electrical heater, requires no external power

Vapor Space

Space between heater and vacuum insulation where gas phase forms

DP Sensor

Measures pressure difference between tank top and vapor space for level calculation

Flange

Top-mounted connection that secures the body column to the tank

Operating Principle

a

Pressure Equilibrium

Open the manifold valve to equalize internal tank pressure with vapor column pressure. Liquid levels in both regions become identical.

b

Vaporization Begins

Close the valve. The conductive heater vaporizes liquid inside the vapor column using ambient heat conduction — no electrical power required.

c

Vapor Space Formation

The liquid level inside the column drops as vapor space forms. The tiny volume enables completion within seconds, aided by the copper rod's high thermal conductivity.

d

Differential Pressure Measurement

The pressure difference between the top and bottom of the column is measured by the DP sensor and converted to a precise liquid level reading.

The small vapor column volume allows vaporization to complete within seconds.

Performance Validation

Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) Tests

Horizontal cylindrical LN₂ tank — static and dynamic conditions

  • IDP-LT performance was validated in a horizontal cylindrical LN₂ tank under both static and dynamic conditions.
  • A ruler served as the reference measurement for liquid level.
  • Under static conditions, IDP-LT measurements showed good agreement with the ruler measurements.
  • Even under continuous ±10° cylinder oscillation, IDP-LT maintained stable measurements.

Liquid Helium (LHe) Tests

Vertical cylindrical liquid helium tank — mass-based reference validation

  • IDP-LT performance was validated in a vertical cylindrical liquid helium tank.
  • A platform scale served as the reference measurement for the tank mass.
  • IDP-LT measurements showed good agreement with the reference mass measurements.

Liquid Hydrogen (LH₂) Tests

Vertical cylindrical LH₂ tank — filling, steady-state, and insulation failure tests

  • CryoIMS performance was validated in a vertical cylindrical liquid hydrogen tank.
  • The CryoIMS included one IDP-LT, one pressure sensor, and four temperature sensors installed at different heights.
  • A platform scale served as the reference measurement for the tank mass.
  • Three tests were conducted: an initial filling test, a steady-state test, and an insulation failure test.
  • Significant boil-off gas generation occurred during the initial filling and insulation failure tests.
  • CryoIMS provided reliable simultaneous measurements of liquid level, pressure, and temperature.
  • IDP-LT measurements showed good agreement with the reference mass measurements in all tests.