This paper analyzes direct current flow (DC flow) due to double-inlet, and
introduces a second orifice version pulse tube refrigerator experiment to d
iminish DC flow. Analysis based on some assumptions shows that DC flow thro
ugh the double-inlet valve in the pulse tube refrigerator is not generally
zero, and the DC flow direction may change when the pressure wave changes.
Thus, different schemes should be developed for different DC flow direction
s. In experiments, through measuring the change of temperature near the hot
end of the pulse tube, DC flow direction different from former in pulse tu
be is decided. The second orifice is arranged from the second-stage reservo
ir to high pressure of the compressor, instead of the traditional arrangeme
nt of from the reservoir to low pressure. Experiments with the newly arrang
ed second orifice show that the lowest temperature is about 4 K lower than
without the second orifice. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser
ved.