Fill Connector - CAIRE COMPANION 1000 Technical Manual

2.1.2
2-2 Theory of Operation
Limiting the number of contact points the inner container has with the outer container
keeps conductive heat transfer to a minimum. In addition, the inner container is
orbitally wrapped with multiple, alternating layers of aluminum foil and fiberglass
paper. This insulation wrap reflects radiant heat from the outer container. Finally, to
minimize the effects of convective heat transfer between the two containers, a vacuum is
created in the annular space between the outer and inner containers. The vacuum,
drawn through the evacuation port, removes most of the gas molecules in the annular
space. Since no vacuum created on earth is perfect, a molecular sieve material is located
in the annular space in the bottom of the inner container. When liquid oxygen in the
inner container cools the molecular sieve to cryogenic temperatures, stray gas molecules
are removed from the vacuum by adsorption into the sieve, thus improving the vacuum
between the containers.

Fill Connector

The female fill connector (Figure 2-2) is a fluid coupling on the Companion 1000/T that
mates with the male fill connector on a Companion Stationary. The fill connectors allow
liquid oxygen to transfer from the Stationary unit into the Companion 1000/T Portable.
Within the female fill connector is a cartridge assembly made up of a spring and a
poppet. When the fill connector disengages, the spring holds the poppet closed and
maintains a leak-tight seal.
When the female fill connector is engaged with the male fill connector to begin a fill,
both fill connector poppets move back off of their seats (Figure 2-3), opening a path for
liquid oxygen transfer to the Companion 1000/T. A lip seal in the female fill connector
assembly prevents liquid oxygen leakage between the female and male fill connector
during liquid oxygen transfer.
Figure 2-3: Male/Female Connectors Fully Engaged
Companion 1000/T Liquid Oxygen System Technical Manual
Cartridge
Assembly
Lip Seal
Figure 2-2: Female Fill Connector
emale ill
Connector
Male ill
Connector
am Nut
Female Adapter
Retainer Sleeve
B-701964-00 Rev. C