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Development of cryogenic liquid sensors to monitor flow and pressure

dc.contributor.authorOloriz Calvo, Sergio, author
dc.contributor.authorRocca, Jorge, advisor
dc.contributor.authorMenoni, Carmen, committee member
dc.contributor.authorYalin, Azer, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-02T15:20:11Z
dc.date.available2027-05-28
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractThis thesis presents the development and implementation of a bearing-less propeller flow meter designed for reliable cryogenic fluid flow measurement, particularly in applications requiring precise flow control and protection of liquid nitrogen cooled high-power laser systems. Traditional flow meters, such as differential pressure, turbine, variable area, and thermal flow meters, present significant limitations in cryogenic environments, including susceptibility to freezing, pressure drop-induced cavitation, and inaccuracy in two-phase flow conditions. To address these challenges, a custom flow meter was developed based on a flat propeller design with a magnetic pickup sensor, ensuring minimal friction and improved sensitivity at low flow rates. The system operates by detecting the rotational frequency of the propeller, which is converted into a proportional voltage signal. The final design includes real-time monitoring using an Arduino and a programmable display, providing flow rate readings and an interlock signal for system safety. A safety interlock mechanism was integrated into the control system of a high power laser system to protect it by automatically shutting it down if the flow rate falls below the required threshold to prevent overheating and damage of the laser gain medium, in this case Yb:YAG. Additionally, a diaphragm cryogenic pressure sensor was developed and used in combination with the flowmeter to characterize a liquid nitrogen-based cooling system. This approach ensures a reliable cryogenic flow measurement system with minimal pressure loss. The bearing-less propeller flow meter offers a robust alternative to conventional metering techniques, making it an optimal solution for applications requiring precise cryogenic fluid management. The results demonstrate that this design successfully addresses the challenges associated with cryogenic flow measurement while ensuring the protection and optimal operation of sensitive laser systems and other applications.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediummasters theses
dc.identifierOlorizCalvo_colostate_0053N_18946.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/240988
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2020-
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.rights.accessEmbargo expires: 05/28/2027.
dc.subjectflowmeter
dc.subjectlaser
dc.subjectpressure
dc.subjectimpedance
dc.subjectcryogenic
dc.subjectliquid nitrogen
dc.titleDevelopment of cryogenic liquid sensors to monitor flow and pressure
dc.typeText
dcterms.embargo.expires2027-05-28
dcterms.embargo.terms2027-05-28
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineElectrical and Computer Engineering
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science (M.S.)

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