EP1443263A2 - Liquefied gas vaporizer - Google Patents

Liquefied gas vaporizer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1443263A2
EP1443263A2 EP20040001914 EP04001914A EP1443263A2 EP 1443263 A2 EP1443263 A2 EP 1443263A2 EP 20040001914 EP20040001914 EP 20040001914 EP 04001914 A EP04001914 A EP 04001914A EP 1443263 A2 EP1443263 A2 EP 1443263A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cylinder
gas
heat exchanger
vaporizer
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20040001914
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Antonio Fiorese
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fiore Impianti Srl
Original Assignee
Fiore Impianti Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fiore Impianti Srl filed Critical Fiore Impianti Srl
Publication of EP1443263A2 publication Critical patent/EP1443263A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F17C9/02—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure with change of state, e.g. vaporisation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/035—Orientation with substantially horizontal main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F17C2223/047—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/036—Very high pressure, i.e. above 80 bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F17C2227/0393—Localisation of heat exchange separate using a vaporiser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0621—Volume
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/024—Improving metering
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use

Definitions

  • the present patent regards tanks for liquefied gas and devices for the vaporization of liquid gas and its collection in gaseous form.
  • Liquefied combustible gas is used in many applications, stored in a liquid state in a suitable tank and vaporized to restore it to a gaseous state for final use.
  • tanks for storing liquefied gas are basically made to contain the gas in a liquid state, while vaporization to the gaseous state is done by a specific device positioned outside the tank, called vaporizer, connected to the tank by means of one or more conduits.
  • Current vaporizers comprise a casing with a heat exchanger.
  • the liquid gas is fed to the vaporizer through a valve and heated by the exchanger to a preset temperature, thereby rapidly changing into its gaseous state.
  • the gas in its gaseous state is drawn off through a suitable conduit located in the casing, preferably on its upper wall.
  • the heat exchanger can be an electric heating element or a fluid circuit heated by a different source.
  • the system comprising separate tank and vaporizer connected by conduits has a number of drawbacks and disadvantages.
  • the tank and vaporizer are two separate objects, each of which occupies a certain amount of space and has certain installation and servicing requirements.
  • the necessary connections have to be provided between tank and vaporizer; said connections can be a source of malfunctions or problems with the delivery of the gas in its gaseous state or with the transfer of the gas to the vaporizer when it is still in its liquid state.
  • the aim of the new vaporizer device is to avoid the disadvantages that occur when the liquid gas is fed to the vaporizer.
  • Another aim of the new vaporizer device is to enable a faster and readier flow of liquid gas to the vaporization chamber.
  • Another aim of the new vaporizer device is to enable a continuous and stable output of gas in the gaseous state.
  • the new liquefied gas vaporizer suitable for application to tanks comprising a vertical cylinder, closed at the ends, complete with an on/off valve for the gas in its liquid state, and containing a heat exchanger fitted at the top with one or more pressure reducers, fittings and connections for drawing off the gas in its gaseous state, for powering the heat exchanger and for attaching accessories such as pressure gauges, thermometers, flushing valves and so on.
  • a connection ring is located on the outside, near the top end of the cylinder, for attaching the new vaporizer to the liquefied gas tank or to a specific support alongside said tank.
  • the fittings and connections for collecting the gas in its gaseous state and the heat exchanger are fixed or attached to a removable flange fixed to the top end of the cylinder to enable access, inspection and maintenance on the various parts of the new vaporizer without having to completely remove the new device's cylinder and without having to empty the tank.
  • the heat exchanger unit can comprise a heat exchanger body (evaporator) with two separate circuits inside, one for the heated fluid and one for the gas to vaporize (direct heating) or, more simply, a coil containing the heated fluid (direct heating), a coil containing a heating element (direct heating), or a tube containing a diathermal fluid and a coil containing the heated fluid or a heating element (indirect heating).
  • a heat exchanger body evaporator
  • the heat exchanger unit can comprise a heat exchanger body (evaporator) with two separate circuits inside, one for the heated fluid and one for the gas to vaporize (direct heating) or, more simply, a coil containing the heated fluid (direct heating), a coil containing a heating element (direct heating), or a tube containing a diathermal fluid and a coil containing the heated fluid or a heating element (indirect heating).
  • Figure A is a functional diagram where (Il) indicates the liquefied gas inlet conduit, (R) is the pressure reducer, (Ig) is the conduit for drawing off gas directly from the tank, (Uu) is the conduit for delivering the gas ready for use, (Ai and Au) are the heating water/glycol inlet and outlet.
  • Figure la shows a view of the new vaporizer (V) complete with a vertical cylinder (1) with two end flanges (2s, 2i), one on/off valve (3), a heat exchanger unit (4), fittings and connections (5, 6) in the design solution with the on/off valve installed at the bottom.
  • Figure 1b shows a partial view of the new vaporizer (V) complete with a vertical cylinder (1) with end flange (2s), the reducer (R), inlet and outlet conduits for the heating fluid (Ai, Au), a flange (fu) for connection to the utility point and a flange (f3) for the on/off valve (3), in the design solution with the on/off valve at the top.
  • the vertical cylinder (1) is preferably made of metal and has two rings (1.1s, 1.1i) at the ends for attaching the upper (2s) and lower (2i) flanges if the latter is not welded directly onto the cylinder (1).
  • a third ring (1.1a) is provided in the vicinity of the top end of the cylinder (1) to enable the connection and fixing of the new vaporizer (V) to the tank (S).
  • auxiliary connections (6) for accessories such as a pressure gauge, thermometer, flushing valve, etc.
  • the top and bottom ends of the cylinder (1) are closed by the upper (2s) and lower (2i) flanges.
  • the lower flange (2i) comprises a metal disc welded directly onto the lower end of the cylinder (1).
  • on/off valve (3) Whenever said on/off valve (3) is located at the lower end, it is automatically controlled by an actuator (3.1) applied to the upper flange (2s) and connected by means of a bar (3.2) positioned inside the cylinder (1), as shown in Figure 3.
  • the on/off valve (3) regulates, enables or disables the flow of liquefied gas inside the device, in order to ensure that only gas in the gaseous state generated inside the vaporizer's cylinder (1) can be drawn off, preventing any accidental delivery of gas in the liquid phase.
  • the upper flange (2s) is made of a metal disc suitable for fixing in a removable manner to the upper ring (1.1s) on the cylinder (1), where the following are attached: the heat exchanger unit (4) with its water/glycol inlet and outlet connections (Ai and Au), the fitting or connection for drawing off gas in the gaseous phase (Uu), inlets for gas in the liquid phase (Il) and in the gaseous phase (Ig) from the tank and, where applicable, the valve (3).
  • the heat exchanger unit (4) is made of linear piping or, preferably, of a vertical coil (4.1) that can be fitted inside the cylinder (1), reaching down to the lower zone.
  • Said coil (4.1) or piping of the heat exchanger unit (4) has suitable inlet and outlet fittings (4.2) on the top surface of the upper flange (2s).
  • a diathermal nonflammable fluid (typically water or a water-glycol solution) flows inside said heat exchanger coil (4.1) or linear piping at a predefined temperature of approximately 50°C.
  • the diathermal fluid is heated by an external unit connected with the inlet and outlet fittings (4.2) on the top surface of the upper flange (2s).
  • Said heat exchanger coil (4.1) or linear piping may also include an electric heating element with electrical power contacts in line with the fittings (4.2) of the coil (4.1) or linear piping on the top of the upper flange (2s).
  • Figure 2 shows an alternative design solution in which the coil (4.1) or linear piping of the heat exchanger unit (4) is enclosed in an intermediate chamber (4.3) containing a fluid that is in turn heated by the coil itself.
  • the above-described new vaporizer (V) can be attached to the liquefied gas tank (S) as shown in Figure 4, or to the side of the tank (S).
  • the above-described new vaporizer (V) can be a separate element attached to the tank (S) by means of nuts and bolts that fix the intermediate ring (2a) to an appropriate flange, or it can be welded to the tank (S) to become an integral part of a single device for containing liquefied gas and delivering gas in the gaseous state.
  • the liquefied gas is collected from the tank (S) through the open on/off valve (3).
  • the liquefied gas is fed to the device according to the demand for collection of gas in the gaseous phase and the control system governs the valve (3) to guarantee the required balance.
  • the heat exchanger unit (4) provides the amount of heat needed to vaporize the gas.
  • the overall dimensions are reduced, since the vaporizer (V) is incorporated or at least included in the overall dimensions of the tank (S).
  • the production of gas in the gaseous state is continuous and stable.
  • Heat exchange only affects the gas contained inside the vaporizer (V), without affecting the contents of the tank (S).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention is a new liquefied gas vaporizer (V) suitable for application to tanks (S), comprising a vertical cylinder (1), closed at the ends, complete with an on/off valve (3) for the gas in the liquid state, a heat exchanger unit (4), fittings and connections (5) for drawing off the gas in the gaseous state, for serving the heat exchanger unit (4) and for attaching accessories (6). The heat exchanger unit (4) transmits the amount of heat needed to vaporize the gas and, depending on the demand of gas in the gaseous phase, the actuator controls the on/off valve (3) to regulate the collection of further quantities of liquid gas. The only liquid gas that is heated is the amount collected and contained inside the cylinder (1) of the vaporizer (V).

Description

  • The present patent regards tanks for liquefied gas and devices for the vaporization of liquid gas and its collection in gaseous form.
  • Liquefied combustible gas is used in many applications, stored in a liquid state in a suitable tank and vaporized to restore it to a gaseous state for final use.
  • At present, tanks for storing liquefied gas are basically made to contain the gas in a liquid state, while vaporization to the gaseous state is done by a specific device positioned outside the tank, called vaporizer, connected to the tank by means of one or more conduits.
  • Current vaporizers comprise a casing with a heat exchanger. The liquid gas is fed to the vaporizer through a valve and heated by the exchanger to a preset temperature, thereby rapidly changing into its gaseous state. The gas in its gaseous state is drawn off through a suitable conduit located in the casing, preferably on its upper wall.
  • The heat exchanger can be an electric heating element or a fluid circuit heated by a different source.
  • The system comprising separate tank and vaporizer connected by conduits has a number of drawbacks and disadvantages.
  • The tank and vaporizer are two separate objects, each of which occupies a certain amount of space and has certain installation and servicing requirements.
  • The necessary connections have to be provided between tank and vaporizer; said connections can be a source of malfunctions or problems with the delivery of the gas in its gaseous state or with the transfer of the gas to the vaporizer when it is still in its liquid state.
  • To avoid all the above disadvantages, a new liquefied gas vaporizer device suitable for application to tanks has been designed and developed.
  • The aim of the new vaporizer device is to avoid the disadvantages that occur when the liquid gas is fed to the vaporizer.
  • Another aim of the new vaporizer device is to enable a faster and readier flow of liquid gas to the vaporization chamber.
  • Another aim of the new vaporizer device is to enable a continuous and stable output of gas in the gaseous state.
  • These and other direct and complementary aims are achieved by the new liquefied gas vaporizer suitable for application to tanks, comprising a vertical cylinder, closed at the ends, complete with an on/off valve for the gas in its liquid state, and containing a heat exchanger fitted at the top with one or more pressure reducers, fittings and connections for drawing off the gas in its gaseous state, for powering the heat exchanger and for attaching accessories such as pressure gauges, thermometers, flushing valves and so on.
  • A connection ring is located on the outside, near the top end of the cylinder, for attaching the new vaporizer to the liquefied gas tank or to a specific support alongside said tank.
  • The fittings and connections for collecting the gas in its gaseous state and the heat exchanger are fixed or attached to a removable flange fixed to the top end of the cylinder to enable access, inspection and maintenance on the various parts of the new vaporizer without having to completely remove the new device's cylinder and without having to empty the tank.
  • The heat exchanger unit can comprise a heat exchanger body (evaporator) with two separate circuits inside, one for the heated fluid and one for the gas to vaporize (direct heating) or, more simply, a coil containing the heated fluid (direct heating), a coil containing a heating element (direct heating), or a tube containing a diathermal fluid and a coil containing the heated fluid or a heating element (indirect heating).
  • The characteristics of the new vaporizer suitable for application to liquefied gas tanks will be better clarified by the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, provided only as an illustrative and not restrictive example.
  • Figure A is a functional diagram where (Il) indicates the liquefied gas inlet conduit, (R) is the pressure reducer, (Ig) is the conduit for drawing off gas directly from the tank, (Uu) is the conduit for delivering the gas ready for use, (Ai and Au) are the heating water/glycol inlet and outlet.
  • Figure la shows a view of the new vaporizer (V) complete with a vertical cylinder (1) with two end flanges (2s, 2i), one on/off valve (3), a heat exchanger unit (4), fittings and connections (5, 6) in the design solution with the on/off valve installed at the bottom.
  • Figure 1b shows a partial view of the new vaporizer (V) complete with a vertical cylinder (1) with end flange (2s), the reducer (R), inlet and outlet conduits for the heating fluid (Ai, Au), a flange (fu) for connection to the utility point and a flange (f3) for the on/off valve (3), in the design solution with the on/off valve at the top.
  • The vertical cylinder (1) is preferably made of metal and has two rings (1.1s, 1.1i) at the ends for attaching the upper (2s) and lower (2i) flanges if the latter is not welded directly onto the cylinder (1).
  • A third ring (1.1a) is provided in the vicinity of the top end of the cylinder (1) to enable the connection and fixing of the new vaporizer (V) to the tank (S).
  • In the top part of the cylinder (1), between the upper ring (1.1s) and the intermediate ring (1.1a), there will be auxiliary connections (6) for accessories such as a pressure gauge, thermometer, flushing valve, etc.
  • The top and bottom ends of the cylinder (1) are closed by the upper (2s) and lower (2i) flanges.
  • In the design solution with the on/off valve at the top, the lower flange (2i) comprises a metal disc welded directly onto the lower end of the cylinder (1).
  • Whenever said on/off valve (3) is located at the lower end, it is automatically controlled by an actuator (3.1) applied to the upper flange (2s) and connected by means of a bar (3.2) positioned inside the cylinder (1), as shown in Figure 3.
  • The on/off valve (3) regulates, enables or disables the flow of liquefied gas inside the device, in order to ensure that only gas in the gaseous state generated inside the vaporizer's cylinder (1) can be drawn off, preventing any accidental delivery of gas in the liquid phase.
  • The upper flange (2s) is made of a metal disc suitable for fixing in a removable manner to the upper ring (1.1s) on the cylinder (1), where the following are attached: the heat exchanger unit (4) with its water/glycol inlet and outlet connections (Ai and Au), the fitting or connection for drawing off gas in the gaseous phase (Uu), inlets for gas in the liquid phase (Il) and in the gaseous phase (Ig) from the tank and, where applicable, the valve (3).
  • The heat exchanger unit (4) is made of linear piping or, preferably, of a vertical coil (4.1) that can be fitted inside the cylinder (1), reaching down to the lower zone.
  • Said coil (4.1) or piping of the heat exchanger unit (4) has suitable inlet and outlet fittings (4.2) on the top surface of the upper flange (2s).
  • A diathermal nonflammable fluid (typically water or a water-glycol solution) flows inside said heat exchanger coil (4.1) or linear piping at a predefined temperature of approximately 50°C.
  • The diathermal fluid is heated by an external unit connected with the inlet and outlet fittings (4.2) on the top surface of the upper flange (2s).
  • Said heat exchanger coil (4.1) or linear piping may also include an electric heating element with electrical power contacts in line with the fittings (4.2) of the coil (4.1) or linear piping on the top of the upper flange (2s).
  • Figure 2 shows an alternative design solution in which the coil (4.1) or linear piping of the heat exchanger unit (4) is enclosed in an intermediate chamber (4.3) containing a fluid that is in turn heated by the coil itself.
  • The above-described new vaporizer (V) can be attached to the liquefied gas tank (S) as shown in Figure 4, or to the side of the tank (S).
  • The above-described new vaporizer (V) can be a separate element attached to the tank (S) by means of nuts and bolts that fix the intermediate ring (2a) to an appropriate flange, or it can be welded to the tank (S) to become an integral part of a single device for containing liquefied gas and delivering gas in the gaseous state.
  • When the above-described new vaporizer (V) is in operation, the liquefied gas is collected from the tank (S) through the open on/off valve (3). The liquefied gas is fed to the device according to the demand for collection of gas in the gaseous phase and the control system governs the valve (3) to guarantee the required balance.
  • The heat exchanger unit (4) provides the amount of heat needed to vaporize the gas.
  • Only the liquid gas collected and contained inside the cylinder (1) of the vaporizer (V) is heated.
  • The above-described new vaporizer (V) offers numerous advantages.
  • The overall dimensions are reduced, since the vaporizer (V) is incorporated or at least included in the overall dimensions of the tank (S).
  • In the event of the pressure in the tank exceeding the threshold value set in the valve (Ig), the gas is delivered directly through this valve, drawing it in the gaseous phase directly from the tank and thereby excluding the heat exchanger.
  • The flow of gas in the liquid state to the vaporizer (V) is quick and immediate.
  • The production of gas in the gaseous state is continuous and stable.
  • Heat exchange only affects the gas contained inside the vaporizer (V), without affecting the contents of the tank (S).
  • This is just a schematic outline sufficient for an expert to construct the device, therefore in its practical implementation variants may be developed without interfering with the fundamental contents of the innovative concept.
  • Therefore, with reference to the above description and to the attached drawings, the following claims are expressed.

Claims (14)

  1. Liquefied gas vaporizer suitable for application to tanks, characterized in that it comprises a vertical cylinder (1), closed at the ends, complete with an on/off valve (3) to regulate the flow of gas in the liquid phase to the vaporizer (V), complete with fittings and connections (5) at the top for drawing off the gas in the gaseous state, and complete with a heat exchanger unit (4) inside, and wherein said vertical cylinder (1) is suitable for being inserted inside liquefied gas tanks.
  2. Vaporizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow of gas leaving the reducer is obtained from the vaporization of the liquid phase coming from the conduit (Il) by means of a heat exchanger, or directly from the vapor phase coming from the conduit (Ig), depending on the pressure existing inside the tank.
  3. Vaporizer according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said on/off valve (3) is located on a top flange (2s) positioned on said vertical cylinder (1), and wherein said on/off valve (3) is connected to a conduit with an outlet in the vicinity of the bottom of said tank.
  4. Vaporizer according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that both the couplings for delivering the liquid and gaseous phases coming from the storage tank are inserted in the vaporizer.
  5. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger unit comprises a heat exchanger body in which the heated fluid and the gas to vaporize flow in two separate circuits.
  6. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the vertical cylinder (1) is such that said on/off valve (3) is situated near the bottom of the tank (S) and that the fittings and connections (5) for drawing off the gas in the gaseous state are on the outside at the top of the tank (S).
  7. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger unit (4) is made of practically vertical and linear piping, or of a vertical coil (4.1) located inside the cylinder (1) and complete with inlet and outlet fittings (4.2) at the top end of the cylinder (1) and on the outside of the tank (S), and wherein a diathermal and nonflammable fluid heated to the appropriate temperature circulates inside said coil (4.1) or linear piping.
  8. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger unit (4) is made of practically vertical and linear piping, or of a vertical coil (4.1) located inside the cylinder (1), and wherein inside said coil (4.1) or linear piping there is an electric heating element with the electrical contacts on the top end of the cylinder (1), on the outside of the tank (S).
  9. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that said coil (4.1) is also in the lower part of the cylinder (1).
  10. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that said coil (4.1) or linear piping of the heat exchanger unit (4) is enclosed in an intermediate chamber (4.3) containing a fluid that in turn is heated by said coil (4.1).
  11. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the top end of the cylinder (1) is closed by a removable upper flange (2s), and wherein the heat exchanger unit (4) is fixed or at least connected to said removable upper flange (2s).
  12. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the bottom end of the cylinder (1) is closed by a lower flange (2i), and wherein the on/off valve (3) is attached to said removable lower flange (2i).
  13. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that said on/off valve (3) is automatically controlled by a pneumatic-thermostatic actuator (3.1) attached to the upper flange (2s) and connected to said valve (3) by means of a bar (3.2) inside the cylinder (1), and wherein said on/off valve (3) is preferably of the electronic, thermostatic, mechanical type.
  14. Vaporizer according to the previous claims, characterized in that the top end of the cylinder (1) on the outside of the tank (S) and/or the removable upper flange (2s) have auxiliary connections (6) for accessories, such as pressure gauges, thermometers, flushing valves etc.
EP20040001914 2003-01-30 2004-01-29 Liquefied gas vaporizer Withdrawn EP1443263A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITPD20030018 2003-01-30
ITPD20030018 ITPD20030018A1 (en) 2003-01-30 2003-01-30 LIQUEFIED GAS VAPORIZER DEVICE APPLICABLE TO TANKS

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1443263A2 true EP1443263A2 (en) 2004-08-04

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20040001914 Withdrawn EP1443263A2 (en) 2003-01-30 2004-01-29 Liquefied gas vaporizer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1443263A2 (en)
IT (1) ITPD20030018A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004061026A1 (en) * 2004-12-18 2006-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Container e.g. cryogenic tank for motor vehicles to store condensed gas has removal unit which removes gas from gas pipe
DE102004061025A1 (en) * 2004-12-18 2006-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Cryotank for motor vehicle, has container including inlet aperture and gas pipe and formed by partition separating lower region of tank from other portion of tank, and gas removal unit to withdraw gas directly from gas pipe

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004061026A1 (en) * 2004-12-18 2006-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Container e.g. cryogenic tank for motor vehicles to store condensed gas has removal unit which removes gas from gas pipe
DE102004061025A1 (en) * 2004-12-18 2006-06-22 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Cryotank for motor vehicle, has container including inlet aperture and gas pipe and formed by partition separating lower region of tank from other portion of tank, and gas removal unit to withdraw gas directly from gas pipe

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITPD20030018A1 (en) 2004-07-31

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