A system delivers carbon dioxide to a facility having photosynthetic organisms, such as crops, plants, and trees. The system has a containment structure which houses a volume of liquid or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice). The containment structure has a containment structure inlet and a containment structure outlet. A gas source provides a fluid to the containment structure through the containment structure inlet. Upon entry into the containment structure, the gas or a saturated liquid encounters the solid or liquid carbon dioxide causing sublimation or evaporation, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide gas or liquid which flows out of the containment structure through the containment structure outlet. The gas entering the containment structure may also have subcooled CO2 liquid or solid (snow), which replenishes the solid or liquid within the containment structure. To supplement evaporation or sublimation of the subcooled liquid or solid, heating means are used. A distribution line connected to the containment structure outlet delivers carbon dioxide gas or liquid which is flashed to gas upon release by CO2 emitters to the photosynthetic organisms.

A dry ice receptacle is described. The dry ice receptacle includes a first portion defining a first opening, a second portion defining a second opening, and a curved exterior sidewall extending between the first portion and the second portion, and connecting the first portion and second portion, to define a receiving chamber arranged to contain a volume of dry ice. The dry ice receptacle also includes a curved interior sidewall extending between the first opening and the second opening. The interior sidewall is radially inward of the exterior sidewall and defines a straw channel, which may at least partially taper between the first opening and the second opening, and which is configured to receive a drinking straw. A fluid reservoir may also be included to allow accumulation of liquid under the straw channel.

A methane transportation system is provided. The system may include a methane source configured to dispense methane at a first location, and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle may include a propulsion system configured to transport the underwater vehicle underwater from the first location to a second location and a vessel defining a storage chamber configured to receive water and the methane from the methane source. The storage chamber of the vessel may have a pressure exceeding one atmosphere and a temperature during transport from the first location to the second location sufficient to form methane clathrate in the storage chamber. The system may further include a methane receiver configured to receive the methane released from the storage chamber at the second location. Related methods are also provided.

A hydrogen storage device includes a storage container having an accommodation space in an interior thereof, a first metal hydride material provided in the interior of the storage container and that stores hydrogen, and a second metal hydride material provided in the interior of the storage container and that stores the hydrogen at a pressure that is different from that of the first metal hydride material. An advantageous effect of restraining an excessive rise of a pressure of the storage container and enhancing safety and reliability may be obtained.

A methane transportation system is provided. The system may include a methane source configured to dispense methane at a first location, and an underwater vehicle. The underwater vehicle may include a propulsion system configured to transport the underwater vehicle underwater from the first location to a second location and a vessel defining a storage chamber configured to receive water and the methane from the methane source. The storage chamber of the vessel may have a pressure exceeding one atmosphere and a temperature during transport from the first location to the second location sufficient to form methane clathrate in the storage chamber. The system may further include a methane receiver configured to receive the methane released from the storage chamber at the second location. Related methods are also provided.

Provided a multi-layered pressurized gas container, for example one containing carbon dioxide for use in a device or system for the preparation of a carbonated drink, and processes for its manufacture.

A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.

Devices, systems, and methods for pressure-regulated melting are disclosed. A vessel includes a solids inlet, a fluids outlet, a cavity, and a melting device. Solids enter the vessel through the solids inlet. The cavity has an internal pressure. The solids inlet has a reducer that produces a first back pressure on the solids in the solids inlet. The melting device heats the vessel, the contents of the vessel, or a combination thereof. The heating rate of the melting device is matched to the feed rate of the solids such that the solids are melted directly to a product liquid at the internal pressure. The product liquid passes through the fluids outlet through a restriction that maintains the internal pressure in the cavity.

Devices, systems, and methods for pressure-regulated melting are disclosed. A vessel includes a solids inlet, a fluids outlet, a cavity, and an energy source. Solids enter the vessel through the solids inlet. The cavity has an internal pressure. A backpressure is induced in the solids inlet. The energy source heats the vessel, the contents of the vessel, or a combination thereof. The rate of heating of the energy source is matched to a feed rate of the solids such that the solids are melted directly to a product liquid at the internal pressure. The product liquid passes through the fluids outlet through a restriction that maintains the internal pressure in the cavity.

Devices, systems, and methods for pressure-regulated melting are disclosed. A vessel includes a solids inlet, a fluids outlet, a cavity, and a warm fluids inlet. Solids enter the vessel through the solids inlet. The cavity has an internal pressure. Warm fluids enter the vessel through the warm fluids inlet. The warm liquid being directed into the vessel provides an inlet pressure that produces a backpressure in the solids inlet. A feed rate of the warm liquid is matched to a feed rate of the solids such that the solids are melted directly to a product liquid at the internal pressure. The product liquid is passed out of the vessel through a restriction that maintains the internal pressure in the cavity.