Method and apparatus for producing a pressurized high purity liquid carbon dioxide stream

An apparatus for producing a pressurized liquid carbon dioxide stream comprising:

• a purifying filter for purifying a feed stream composed of carbon dioxide vapor;
• a condenser having sump for condensing said feed stream;
• first and second pressure accumulation chambers;
• heaters for heating said first and second pressure accumulation chambers and thereby pressurizing liquid contained therein to a delivery pressure;
• and
• a flow network having conduits connecting said condenser to said first and second pressure accumulation vessels and for discharging said pressurized liquid carbon dioxide stream therefrom;
• said flow network having valves associated with said conduits to allow for an intermediate liquid stream to be alternately introduced from said condenser into said first and second pressure accumulation chambers and said pressurized liquid carbon dioxide stream to be alternately delivered from said first and second pressure accumulation chambers such that:
• prior to one of said first and second pressure accumulation chambers becoming empty, the intermediate liquid stream is introduced into the other of said first and second pressure accumulation chambers, thereby to ensure continual delivery of said pressurized liquid carbon dioxide;
• the conduits of said flow network including a vent line from said first and second pressure accumulation chambers to said condenser to allow each of said first and second pressure accumulation chambers to be vented prior to introduction of said intermediate liquid stream therein.