EP1521933B1 - Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank, and corresponding tank - Google Patents

Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank, and corresponding tank Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1521933B1
EP1521933B1 EP03762706A EP03762706A EP1521933B1 EP 1521933 B1 EP1521933 B1 EP 1521933B1 EP 03762706 A EP03762706 A EP 03762706A EP 03762706 A EP03762706 A EP 03762706A EP 1521933 B1 EP1521933 B1 EP 1521933B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
liquid
pressure
fluid
gas
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EP03762706A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1521933A2 (en
Inventor
Alain Résidence du Moulin Saint-Martin CLOAREC
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LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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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
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • 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
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/02—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with liquefied gases
    • 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
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0107—Propulsion of the fluid by pressurising the ullage
    • 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
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F17C2250/0434—Pressure difference
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0626—Pressure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid reservoir connected to an installation consuming this fluid, which reservoir contains, under a storage pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, a cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase at the bottom of the reservoir and in the gaseous phase at the top of the tank, this tank being adapted to supply the consumer facility liquid withdrawn from the bottom of the tank, and to be supplied from the outside with fluid. It also relates to such a tank.
  • a pressure control method of a tank is described in the document US 2,850,882 .
  • the invention is particularly applicable to tanks called "low storage pressure", that is to say, the maximum pressure reached at the top of the tank is generally less than about 4 bar, the pressure indicated here and the pressures indicated thereafter being in absolute bars.
  • Such reservoirs are commonly used to store a cryogenic fluid, that is to say a fluid that at atmospheric pressure is liquid at a temperature much lower than 0 ° C. They are connected to at least one consumer installation, such as a freezing tunnel of food products.
  • the storage pressure of the tank being greater than the atmospheric pressure, the opening of a valve placed on the connection line of the tank to the consuming installation causes the liquid to move from its point of drawing to its point of use, without forced drive means and despite the pressure drops.
  • the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is conventionally regulated so that this pressure remains substantially equal to a predetermined value. fixed, generally of the order of 2 to 3 bars.
  • the pressure of the liquid at the bottom of the tank varies according to the height of the liquid inside the tank, so that as the liquid level drops, the pressure of the liquid withdrawn decreases and tends to get closer to the gas pressure at the top.
  • a liquid height of about 10 meters implies a differential of pressure of the order of 0.6 bar between the gas pressure at the top and the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank, at the drawing.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a control method which guarantees a drawing flow at the bottom of the substantially constant reservoir and which, more generally, improves the storage, supply and withdrawal performance of the cryogenic fluid reservoir.
  • the subject of the invention is a method for regulating the pressure of a cryogenic fluid reservoir as defined above, in which the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is varied according to the operating state of the this tank.
  • operating state of the reservoir must be understood to mean the different phases that it traverses during its use: drawing of liquid causing a drop in level, re-supply of the reservoir causing a rise in level , or even stand-by phases of the consumer installation where the tank is at rest.
  • a nitrogen tank 1 containing liquid nitrogen at the bottom, also called “tank”, and nitrogen gas under a pressure of about 2 bars at the top, also called “head” .
  • the level of liquid inside the tank is marked by the reference N.
  • the bottom of the tank 1 is connected to a consumer installation 2, for example a freezing tunnel, via a connecting pipe 3 provided with a closing valve 4.
  • the connection point of the pipe 3 to the tank 1, which is noted P, is commonly called "point of draw”.
  • the tank 1 comprises means 5 for pressurizing the gas at the top of the tank.
  • These means 5 comprise a line 6 connecting the bottom of the tank to its top, and is provided, upstream to downstream, of a device 7 for measuring the pressure of the liquid nitrogen, for example a manometer, a closing valve 8 (preferably a solenoid valve) and a vaporizer 9.
  • the tank 1 also comprises means 10 for venting the gas at the top of the tank.
  • These means 10 comprise a line 11 for outward evacuation, provided upstream downstream of a manometer 12, a closure valve 13 and possibly an air exhaust member, not shown, commonly called "silent".
  • a unit 15, controlling the means 5 for pressurizing the top, as well as means 10 for venting the top, is connected, for example by electrical connections, on the one hand to the pressure measuring apparatus 7 and 12, and on the other hand to the valves 8 and 13.
  • the control unit 15 is in this way adapted, on the one hand, to know, continuously or at regular intervals, the liquid nitrogen pressure at bottom of the tank 1 and nitrogen gas at the top of the tank and, secondly, to compare the value of the bottom pressure to a predetermined value selected, modifiable by the user.
  • the unit 15 is also able to control the opening, total or partial, and the closing of the valves 8 and 13 so as to regulate the pressures of the bottom and the top of the tank 1, as will be explained in detail later .
  • Means 16 for supplying nitrogen are also provided, so as to regularly, possibly continuously, supply liquid nitrogen to the tank 1.
  • these means 16 comprise a feed pipe 17 through the bottom of the tank 1 allowing a filling said "source”, and possibly a feed pipe 18 by the top of the tank for filling said "rain”.
  • the tank 1 also comprises an overflow member 19 known per se, for limiting the height of the liquid inside the tank.
  • the level of the liquid N is represented at its maximum.
  • This figure illustrates the example of a tank of 50000 liters, giving rise to a height N of about 10 meters, which creates in such a case a pressure differential between the top and the bottom of the tank. about 0.6 bar.
  • control unit 15 substantially maintains the liquid pressure at the point of drawdown P during the entire nitrogen withdrawal period.
  • the flow rate of the connection line 3 to the consumer installation 2 thus remains substantially constant, limiting the operating disturbances of this installation 2.
  • the level of liquid inside the tank 1 increases, causing a corresponding increase in the gas pressure at the top of the tank.
  • the unit 15 detects, by means of the measurements of the manometer 7, a pressure increase, and then controls the opening of the venting valve 13, which which decreases the gas pressure at the top and, consequently, that of liquid at the bottom of the tank.
  • the unit 15 maintains the opening of the valve 13 as the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank remains greater than the aforementioned predetermined value.
  • the regulation of the tank 1 is substantially similar when the supply of liquid nitrogen is made by the top.
  • Source filling is, however, preferred over filling with rain, the latter tending on the one hand to decrease more significantly the gas pressure, and on the other hand to heat the liquid.
  • control unit 15 is adapted to improve the storage capacities of the frigories of the stored liquid. To do this, when the container 1 is not biased in racking and will not be biased a priori for a period of several hours (for example at night), the unit 15 controls the total opening of the valve of setting. 13. The gas pressure at the top of the tank then changes from a storage value of about 2 bars to substantially atmospheric pressure (residual pressure of a few hundred grams). In this state, the tank 1 is no longer able to supply the installation 2, the displacement of the fluid inside the pipe 3 is no longer ensured. However, by lowering the nitrogen storage pressure in this way, the enthalpy of the latter tends to increase, which amounts to having a lower temperature fluid than when it was under pressure. The fluid thus stored during these periods of non-use of the tank 1 therefore has a lower temperature than usual, guaranteeing a better "cryogenic quality" (in terms of available frigories).
  • the unit 15 controls the pressurization of the top of the tank, via the means 5, until the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank reaches the predetermined value mentioned above.
  • the regulation method according to the invention makes it possible thus improve storage, supply and withdrawal performance.
  • the measurement of the liquid pressure is not carried out, as above, substantially at the point of drawing of the liquid, but is carried out at the highest point of altitude. along the connection line 3 between the tank 1 and the consumer installation 2.

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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 concerns a cryogenic fluid tank (1) connected to an installation consuming said fluid, containing, under a storage pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, a cryogenic fluid in liquid phase at the bottom of the tank and in gas phase at the top of the tank. The tank (1) is adapted both to feed the consuming installation (2) with liquid drawn from the tank bottom, and to be supplied with fluid from outside. The method for ensuring pressure regulation of the tank (1) consists in varying the pressure at the tank top on the basis of the operating status of said tank. The invention is applicable to liquid nitrogen storage.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé de régulation en pression d'un réservoir de fluide cryogénique raccordé à une installation consommatrice de ce fluide, lequel réservoir contient, sous une pression de stockage supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, un fluide cryogénique en phase liquide au fond du réservoir et en phase gazeuse au sommet du réservoir, ce réservoir étant adapté pour alimenter l'installation consommatrice en liquide soutiré au fond du réservoir, ainsi que pour être approvisionné depuis l'extérieur en fluide. Elle concerne également un tel réservoir. Un procédé de régulation en pression d'un réservoir est décrit dans le document US 2 850 882 .The present invention relates to a method of pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid reservoir connected to an installation consuming this fluid, which reservoir contains, under a storage pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, a cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase at the bottom of the reservoir and in the gaseous phase at the top of the tank, this tank being adapted to supply the consumer facility liquid withdrawn from the bottom of the tank, and to be supplied from the outside with fluid. It also relates to such a tank. A pressure control method of a tank is described in the document US 2,850,882 .

L'invention s'applique tout particulièrement à des réservoirs dits « à basse pression de stockage », c'est-à-dire dont la pression maximale atteinte au sommet du réservoir est en général inférieure à environ 4 bars, la pression indiquée ici et les pressions indiquées par la suite étant en bars absolus.The invention is particularly applicable to tanks called "low storage pressure", that is to say, the maximum pressure reached at the top of the tank is generally less than about 4 bar, the pressure indicated here and the pressures indicated thereafter being in absolute bars.

De tels réservoirs sont couramment utilisés pour stocker un fluide cryogénique, c'est-à-dire un fluide qui, à la pression atmosphérique est liquide à une température très inférieure à 0°C. Ils sont raccordés à au moins une installation consommatrice, telle qu'un tunnel de surgélation de produits alimentaires. La pression de stockage du réservoir étant supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, l'ouverture d'une vanne placée sur la conduite de raccordement du réservoir à l'installation consommatrice provoque le déplacement du liquide de son point de puisage à son point d'utilisation, sans moyen d'entraînement forcé et malgré les pertes de charge.Such reservoirs are commonly used to store a cryogenic fluid, that is to say a fluid that at atmospheric pressure is liquid at a temperature much lower than 0 ° C. They are connected to at least one consumer installation, such as a freezing tunnel of food products. The storage pressure of the tank being greater than the atmospheric pressure, the opening of a valve placed on the connection line of the tank to the consuming installation causes the liquid to move from its point of drawing to its point of use, without forced drive means and despite the pressure drops.

Pour s'assurer que l'entraînement du liquide cryogénique est toujours effectif quel que soit le niveau de liquide dans le réservoir, on régule classiquement la pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir de façon à ce que cette pression reste sensiblement égale à une valeur prédéterminée, fixe, généralement de l'ordre de 2 à 3 bars.To ensure that the entrainment of the cryogenic liquid is always effective regardless of the liquid level in the tank, the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is conventionally regulated so that this pressure remains substantially equal to a predetermined value. fixed, generally of the order of 2 to 3 bars.

Cependant, la pression du liquide au fond du réservoir varie en fonction de la hauteur du liquide à l'intérieur du réservoir, de sorte que, au fur et à mesure que le niveau de liquide baisse, la pression du liquide soutiré baisse et tend à se rapprocher de la pression du gaz au sommet. Par exemple, pour de l'azote, une hauteur de liquide de 10 mètres environ implique un différentiel de pression de l'ordre de 0,6 bar entre la pression de gaz au sommet et la pression de liquide au fond du réservoir, au niveau du puisage.However, the pressure of the liquid at the bottom of the tank varies according to the height of the liquid inside the tank, so that as the liquid level drops, the pressure of the liquid withdrawn decreases and tends to get closer to the gas pressure at the top. For example, for nitrogen, a liquid height of about 10 meters implies a differential of pressure of the order of 0.6 bar between the gas pressure at the top and the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank, at the drawing.

Cette variation de pression du liquide au point de puisage conduit nécessairement à une variation du débit de liquide soutiré, entraînant des perturbations de fonctionnement pour l'installation consommatrice située en aval. Un effet symétrique se produit lors du re-approvisionnement du réservoir en fluide.This variation in the pressure of the liquid at the point of drawing necessarily leads to a variation in the flow rate of the liquid withdrawn, causing operating disturbances for the consumer installation downstream. A symmetrical effect occurs when the reservoir is re-supplied with fluid.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé de régulation qui garantisse un débit de puisage au fond du réservoir sensiblement constant et qui, plus généralement, améliore les performances de stockage, d'approvisionnement et de soutirage du réservoir de fluide cryogénique.The object of the present invention is to provide a control method which guarantees a drawing flow at the bottom of the substantially constant reservoir and which, more generally, improves the storage, supply and withdrawal performance of the cryogenic fluid reservoir.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un procédé de régulation en pression d'un réservoir de fluide cryogénique tel que défini ci-dessus, dans lequel on fait varier la pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir selon l'état de fonctionnement de ce réservoir.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a method for regulating the pressure of a cryogenic fluid reservoir as defined above, in which the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is varied according to the operating state of the this tank.

Comme développé plus précisément ci-dessous, on doit entendre par « état de fonctionnement » du réservoir les différentes phases qu'il traverse lors de son utilisation : tirage de liquide entraînant une baisse de niveau, ré-approvisionnement du réservoir entraînant une remontée de niveau, ou encore phases de stand-by de l'installation consommatrice où le réservoir est donc au repos.As developed more precisely below, the term "operating state" of the reservoir must be understood to mean the different phases that it traverses during its use: drawing of liquid causing a drop in level, re-supply of the reservoir causing a rise in level , or even stand-by phases of the consumer installation where the tank is at rest.

Suivant d'autres caractéristiques de ce procédé, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • lorsque le niveau du liquide varie à l'intérieur du réservoir, on maintient la pression du liquide au fond du réservoir à une valeur prédéterminée constante, en faisant varier la pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir ;
  • la pression du liquide maintenue à ladite valeur prédéterminée est mesurée au point de puisage du liquide vers l'installation consommatrice ;
  • la pression du liquide maintenue à ladite valeur prédéterminée est mesurée au point d'altitude la plus haute le long d'une ligne de raccordement du réservoir à l'installation consommatrice ;
  • lorsqu'on soutire du liquide depuis le réservoir et que le niveau de liquide baisse, on vaporise du liquide prélevé au fond du réservoir pour former du gaz envoyé au sommet dudit réservoir ;
  • lorsqu'on approvisionne le réservoir en fluide et que le niveau de liquide monte, on évacue à l'extérieur du réservoir au moins une partie du gaz situé au sommet dudit réservoir ;
  • le fluide d'approvisionnement est introduit au fond du réservoir, à l'état liquide ;
  • lorsque le réservoir n'alimente pas l'installation consommatrice, on abaisse la pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir jusqu'à sensiblement la pression atmosphérique ; et
  • la pression de stockage du réservoir est inférieure à 4 bars.
According to other characteristics of this process, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:
  • when the level of the liquid varies inside the tank, the pressure of the liquid at the bottom of the tank is maintained at a constant predetermined value, by varying the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank;
  • the pressure of the liquid maintained at said predetermined value is measured at the point of drawing of the liquid towards the consuming installation;
  • the pressure of the liquid maintained at said predetermined value is measured at the highest altitude point along a line connecting the reservoir to the consuming plant;
  • when liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir and the liquid level drops, liquid is drawn from the bottom of the reservoir to form gas sent to the top of said reservoir;
  • when supplying the fluid reservoir and the liquid level rises, discharged outside the tank at least a portion of the gas located at the top of said tank;
  • the supply fluid is introduced at the bottom of the tank, in the liquid state;
  • when the tank does not supply the consuming installation, the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is lowered to substantially atmospheric pressure; and
  • the storage pressure of the tank is less than 4 bars.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant à la figure unique qui est une vue schématique d'un réservoir suivant l'invention.The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the single figure which is a schematic view of a tank according to the invention.

Sur la figure unique est représenté un réservoir d'azote 1, contenant de l'azote liquide au fond, appelé également « cuve », et de l'azote gazeux sous une pression d'environ 2 bars au sommet, appelé également « tête ». Le niveau de liquide à l'intérieur du réservoir est repéré par la référence N.In the sole figure is shown a nitrogen tank 1, containing liquid nitrogen at the bottom, also called "tank", and nitrogen gas under a pressure of about 2 bars at the top, also called "head" . The level of liquid inside the tank is marked by the reference N.

Le fond du réservoir 1 est raccordé à une installation consommatrice 2, par exemple un tunnel de surgélation, via une conduite de raccordement 3 pourvue d'une vanne de fermeture 4. Le point de raccordement de la conduite 3 au réservoir 1, qui est noté P, est couramment appelé « point de puisage ».The bottom of the tank 1 is connected to a consumer installation 2, for example a freezing tunnel, via a connecting pipe 3 provided with a closing valve 4. The connection point of the pipe 3 to the tank 1, which is noted P, is commonly called "point of draw".

Le réservoir 1 comporte des moyens 5 de mise sous pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir. Ces moyens 5 comportent une ligne 6 reliant le fond du réservoir à son sommet, et est pourvue, d'amont en aval, d'un appareil 7 de mesure de la pression de l'azote liquide, par exemple un manomètre, d'une vanne de fermeture 8 (préférentiellement une électrovanne) et d'un vaporiseur 9.The tank 1 comprises means 5 for pressurizing the gas at the top of the tank. These means 5 comprise a line 6 connecting the bottom of the tank to its top, and is provided, upstream to downstream, of a device 7 for measuring the pressure of the liquid nitrogen, for example a manometer, a closing valve 8 (preferably a solenoid valve) and a vaporizer 9.

Le réservoir 1 comporte également des moyens 10 de mise à l'air du gaz au sommet du réservoir. Ces moyens 10 comportent une ligne 11 d'évacuation vers l'extérieur, pourvue d'amont en aval d'un manomètre 12, d'une vanne de fermeture 13 et éventuellement d'un organe d'échappement à l'air non représenté, couramment appelé « silencieux ».The tank 1 also comprises means 10 for venting the gas at the top of the tank. These means 10 comprise a line 11 for outward evacuation, provided upstream downstream of a manometer 12, a closure valve 13 and possibly an air exhaust member, not shown, commonly called "silent".

Une unité 15, assurant la commande des moyens 5 de mise sous pression du sommet, ainsi que des moyens 10 de mise à l'air du sommet est reliée, par exemple par des liaisons électriques, d'une part aux appareils de mesure de pression 7 et 12, et d'autre part aux vannes 8 et 13. L'unité de commande 15 est de la sorte adaptée, d'une part, pour connaître, de façon continue ou à intervalles réguliers, la pression d'azote liquide au fond du réservoir 1 et d'azote gazeux au sommet de ce réservoir et, d'autre part, pour comparer la valeur de la pression au fond à une valeur prédéterminée choisie, modifiable par l'utilisateur. L'unité 15 est également à même de commander l'ouverture, totale ou partielle, ainsi que la fermeture des vannes 8 et 13 de façon à réguler les pressions du fond et du sommet du réservoir 1, comme il sera expliqué en détail plus loin.A unit 15, controlling the means 5 for pressurizing the top, as well as means 10 for venting the top, is connected, for example by electrical connections, on the one hand to the pressure measuring apparatus 7 and 12, and on the other hand to the valves 8 and 13. The control unit 15 is in this way adapted, on the one hand, to know, continuously or at regular intervals, the liquid nitrogen pressure at bottom of the tank 1 and nitrogen gas at the top of the tank and, secondly, to compare the value of the bottom pressure to a predetermined value selected, modifiable by the user. The unit 15 is also able to control the opening, total or partial, and the closing of the valves 8 and 13 so as to regulate the pressures of the bottom and the top of the tank 1, as will be explained in detail later .

Des moyens 16 d'approvisionnement en azote sont également prévus, de façon à régulièrement, éventuellement continûment, alimenter en azote liquide le réservoir 1. De façon classique, ces moyens 16 comportent une conduite 17 d'alimentation par le fond du réservoir 1 permettant un remplissage dit « en source », et éventuellement une conduite 18 d'alimentation par le sommet du réservoir permettant un remplissage dit « en pluie ».Means 16 for supplying nitrogen are also provided, so as to regularly, possibly continuously, supply liquid nitrogen to the tank 1. In a conventional manner, these means 16 comprise a feed pipe 17 through the bottom of the tank 1 allowing a filling said "source", and possibly a feed pipe 18 by the top of the tank for filling said "rain".

Le réservoir 1 comporte également un organe de trop-plein 19 connu en soi, destiné à limiter la hauteur du liquide à l'intérieur du réservoir. Sur la figure unique, le niveau du liquide N est représenté à son maximum.The tank 1 also comprises an overflow member 19 known per se, for limiting the height of the liquid inside the tank. In the single figure, the level of the liquid N is represented at its maximum.

On a illustré sur cette figure l'exemple d'un réservoir de 50000 litres, donnant lieu à une hauteur N d'environ 10 mètres, ce qui crée dans un tel cas un différentiel de pression entre le sommet et le fond du réservoir d'environ 0,6 bar.This figure illustrates the example of a tank of 50000 liters, giving rise to a height N of about 10 meters, which creates in such a case a pressure differential between the top and the bottom of the tank. about 0.6 bar.

Le fonctionnement du réservoir 1, dont la pression est régulée suivant l'invention, est le suivant :

  • On considère qu'à l'instant initial du fonctionnement du réservoir 1, ce dernier est dans l'état décrit ci-dessus, c'est-à-dire que la pression de gaz au sommet vaut sensiblement 2 bars et que la pression de liquide au niveau du point de puisage P vaut environ 2,6 bars. De plus, la valeur prédéterminée de pression mémorisée dans l'unité de commande 15 est choisie sensiblement égale à 2,6 bars.
The operation of the tank 1, whose pressure is regulated according to the invention, is as follows:
  • It is considered that at the initial moment of the operation of the tank 1, the latter is in the state described above, that is to say that the gas pressure at the peak is substantially 2 bar and that the pressure of liquid at the point of drawing P is about 2.6 bars. In addition, the predetermined value of pressure stored in the control unit 15 is chosen substantially equal to 2.6 bars.

Lorsque l'installation 2 est alimentée en azote liquide par le réservoir 1, le niveau de liquide N à l'intérieur du réservoir baisse, entraînant une diminution de la hauteur d'azote liquide au-dessus du point de puisage P, et donc une diminution de la pression de liquide correspondante. Mesurée par l'appareil 7, cette pression de liquide devient inférieure à la valeur prédéterminée mémorisée dans l'unité 15 qui commande alors l'ouverture de la vanne 8 et ainsi l'alimentation en azote liquide du vaporiseur 9. L'azote liquide vaporisé forme un gaz acheminé au sommet du réservoir 1, augmentant alors sa pression. Cette augmentation de pression de gaz au sommet se répercute sur la pression de liquide au fond du réservoir, jusqu'à ce que cette pression atteigne la valeur prédéterminée précitée.When the plant 2 is supplied with liquid nitrogen by the tank 1, the level of liquid N inside the tank drops, causing a decrease in the liquid nitrogen height above the point of drawdown P, and therefore a decrease in the corresponding liquid pressure. Measured by the apparatus 7, this liquid pressure becomes lower than the predetermined value stored in the unit 15 which then controls the opening of the valve 8 and thus the supply of liquid nitrogen to the vaporizer 9. The vaporized liquid nitrogen forms a gas conveyed to the top of the tank 1, then increasing its pressure. This increase in gas pressure at the top affects the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank, until this pressure reaches the predetermined value mentioned above.

De la sorte, l'unité de commande 15 maintient sensiblement constante la pression de liquide au point de puisage P, pendant toute la période de soutirage d'azote. Le débit de la ligne 3 de raccordement à l'installation consommatrice 2 reste ainsi sensiblement constant, limitant les perturbations de fonctionnement de cette installation 2.In this way, the control unit 15 substantially maintains the liquid pressure at the point of drawdown P during the entire nitrogen withdrawal period. The flow rate of the connection line 3 to the consumer installation 2 thus remains substantially constant, limiting the operating disturbances of this installation 2.

Lorsque le réservoir 1 est approvisionné (ou réapprovisionné) en azote liquide, par exemple par un remplissage en source, le niveau de liquide à l'intérieur du réservoir 1 augmente, entraînant une augmentation correspondante de la pression de gaz au sommet du réservoir. L'unité 15 détecte, par l'intermédiaire des mesures du manomètre 7, une augmentation de pression, et commande alors l'ouverture de la vanne de mise à l'air 13, ce qui fait diminuer la pression de gaz au sommet et, par conséquent, celle de liquide au fond du réservoir. L'unité 15 maintient l'ouverture de la vanne 13 tant que la pression de liquide au fond du réservoir reste supérieure à la valeur prédéterminée précitée.When the tank 1 is supplied (or replenished) with liquid nitrogen, for example by a source filling, the level of liquid inside the tank 1 increases, causing a corresponding increase in the gas pressure at the top of the tank. The unit 15 detects, by means of the measurements of the manometer 7, a pressure increase, and then controls the opening of the venting valve 13, which which decreases the gas pressure at the top and, consequently, that of liquid at the bottom of the tank. The unit 15 maintains the opening of the valve 13 as the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank remains greater than the aforementioned predetermined value.

La régulation du réservoir 1 est sensiblement analogue lorsque l'approvisionnement en azote liquide est effectuée par le sommet. Le remplissage en source est cependant préféré au remplissage en pluie, ce dernier tendant d'une part à diminuer de manière plus importante la pression de gaz, et d'autre part à échauffer le liquide.The regulation of the tank 1 is substantially similar when the supply of liquid nitrogen is made by the top. Source filling is, however, preferred over filling with rain, the latter tending on the one hand to decrease more significantly the gas pressure, and on the other hand to heat the liquid.

Avantageusement, l'unité de commande 15 est adaptée pour améliorer les capacités de conservation des frigories du liquide stocké. Pour ce faire, lorsque le récipient 1 n'est pas sollicité en soutirage et ne le sera pas a priori pendant une durée de plusieurs heures (par exemple la nuit), l'unité 15 commande l'ouverture totale de la vanne de mise à l'air 13. La pression de gaz au sommet du réservoir passe alors d'une valeur de stockage d'environ 2 bars à sensiblement la pression atmosphérique (pression résiduelle de quelques centaines de grammes). Dans cet état, le réservoir 1 n'est plus à même d'alimenter l'installation 2, le déplacement du fluide à l'intérieur de la conduite 3 n'étant plus assuré. Cependant, en abaissant de la sorte la pression de stockage de l'azote, l'enthalpie de ce dernier tend à augmenter, ce qui revient à disposer d'un fluide de température plus basse que lorsqu'il était sous pression. Le fluide ainsi stocké durant ces périodes de non-utilisation du réservoir 1 présente donc une température plus basse qu'à l'ordinaire, garantissant une meilleure « qualité cryogénique » (en terme de frigories disponibles).Advantageously, the control unit 15 is adapted to improve the storage capacities of the frigories of the stored liquid. To do this, when the container 1 is not biased in racking and will not be biased a priori for a period of several hours (for example at night), the unit 15 controls the total opening of the valve of setting. 13. The gas pressure at the top of the tank then changes from a storage value of about 2 bars to substantially atmospheric pressure (residual pressure of a few hundred grams). In this state, the tank 1 is no longer able to supply the installation 2, the displacement of the fluid inside the pipe 3 is no longer ensured. However, by lowering the nitrogen storage pressure in this way, the enthalpy of the latter tends to increase, which amounts to having a lower temperature fluid than when it was under pressure. The fluid thus stored during these periods of non-use of the tank 1 therefore has a lower temperature than usual, guaranteeing a better "cryogenic quality" (in terms of available frigories).

Lorsque la période de non-utilisation du réservoir se termine, l'unité 15 commande la remise sous pression du sommet du réservoir, via les moyens 5, jusqu'à ce que la pression de liquide au fond du réservoir atteigne la valeur prédéterminée précitée.When the period of non-use of the tank ends, the unit 15 controls the pressurization of the top of the tank, via the means 5, until the liquid pressure at the bottom of the tank reaches the predetermined value mentioned above.

En faisant varier la pression du gaz au sommet du réservoir selon l'état de fonctionnement de ce réservoir, c'est-à-dire notamment selon que du liquide soit effectivement soutiré ou non et/ou selon que le réservoir est en cours d'approvisionnement, le procédé de régulation selon l'invention permet ainsi d'améliorer les performances de stockage, d'approvisionnement et de soutirage.By varying the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank according to the operating state of this reservoir, that is to say in particular whether or not liquid is actually withdrawn and / or depending on whether the reservoir is in the process of supply, the regulation method according to the invention makes it possible thus improve storage, supply and withdrawal performance.

En variante au procédé de régulation selon l'invention, la mesure de la pression de liquide n'est pas effectuée, comme précédemment, sensiblement au niveau du point de puisage du liquide, mais est réalisée au niveau du point d'altitude la plus haute le long de la ligne 3 de raccordement entre le réservoir 1 et l'installation consommatrice 2.As an alternative to the control method according to the invention, the measurement of the liquid pressure is not carried out, as above, substantially at the point of drawing of the liquid, but is carried out at the highest point of altitude. along the connection line 3 between the tank 1 and the consumer installation 2.

Claims (9)

  1. Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank (1) connected to an installation (2) consuming this fluid, this tank containing, at a storage pressure above atmospheric pressure, a cryogenic fluid in liquid phase at the bottom of the tank and in gaseous phase at the top of the tank, said tank (1) being adapted to feed the consuming installation (2) with liquid drawn from the bottom of the tank, and also to be supplied with fluid from the outside, characterized in that the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank (1) is varied according to the operational state of this tank:
    - a phase of withdrawal of liquid by said consuming installation;
    - a phase of replenishment of the tank with cryogenic fluid; and
    - stand-by phases for the consuming installation when the tank is at rest.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when the level (N) of the liquid varies inside the tank (1), the pressure of the liquid at the bottom of the tank is kept at a constant predetermined value, by varying the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank.
  3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pressure of the liquid maintained at said predetermined value is measured at the point (P) where the liquid is drawn off to the consuming installation (2).
  4. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pressure of the liquid maintained at said predetermined value is measured at the point of highest altitude along a line (3) connecting the tank (1) to the consuming installation (2).
  5. Method according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, when liquid is withdrawn from the tank (1) and the liquid level (N) falls, liquid drawn from the bottom of the tank is vaporized so as to form gas conveyed to the top of said tank.
  6. Method according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, when the tank (1) is fed with fluid and the liquid level (N) rises, at least part of the gas at the top of the tank is vented to the outside of said tank.
  7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the feed fluid is introduced at the bottom of the tank (1), in the liquid state.
  8. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when the tank (1) is not feeding the consuming installation (2), the pressure of the gas at the top of the tank is reduced substantially to atmospheric pressure.
  9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage pressure of the tank (1) is below 4 bar.
EP03762706A 2002-07-05 2003-06-24 Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank, and corresponding tank Expired - Lifetime EP1521933B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0208449 2002-07-05
FR0208449A FR2841963B1 (en) 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 PRESSURE REGULATION METHOD OF A CRYOGENIC FLUID RESERVOIR, AND CORRESPONDING RESERVOIR
PCT/FR2003/001938 WO2004005791A2 (en) 2002-07-05 2003-06-24 Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank, and corresponding tank

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1521933A2 EP1521933A2 (en) 2005-04-13
EP1521933B1 true EP1521933B1 (en) 2009-12-30

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EP03762706A Expired - Lifetime EP1521933B1 (en) 2002-07-05 2003-06-24 Method for pressure regulation of a cryogenic fluid tank, and corresponding tank

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EP (1) EP1521933B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE453829T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003260622B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2491022C (en)
DE (1) DE60330777D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2841963B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004005791A2 (en)

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FR3121731A1 (en) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-14 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Fluid storage and supply device and vehicle, vehicle and method comprising such a device

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EP1813855A1 (en) * 2006-01-27 2007-08-01 L'AIR LIQUIDE, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Process and arrangement for filling a high pressure gas container with liquefied gas under hydrostatic pressure
FR2922991B1 (en) 2007-10-26 2015-06-26 Air Liquide METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CHARACTERISTIC PARAMETERS OF A CRYOGENIC RESERVOIR AND IN PARTICULAR OF GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF THE RESERVOIR
FR2922992B1 (en) 2007-10-26 2010-04-30 Air Liquide METHOD FOR REAL-TIME DETERMINATION OF THE FILLING LEVEL OF A CRYOGENIC RESERVOIR
FR2924788B1 (en) * 2007-12-11 2015-04-03 Air Liquide METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE FLUID MASS IN A CRYOGENIC RESERVOIR AND MASS FLUID FLOW CONSUMED.
FR2953370B1 (en) 2009-12-08 2012-08-03 Air Liquide METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR COOLING AND / OR FREEZING PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR FOOD PRODUCTS, USING THE INJECTION OF TWO CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS
FR2959295B1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2013-05-03 Air Liquide METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID FILLING OF A CRYOGENIC LIQUID DOWNSTREAM RESERVOIR FROM UPSTREAM STORAGE
US9869429B2 (en) 2010-08-25 2018-01-16 Chart Industries, Inc. Bulk cryogenic liquid pressurized dispensing system and method
EP2453160A3 (en) 2010-08-25 2014-01-15 Chart Industries, Inc. Bulk liquid cooling and pressurized dispensing system and method
JP6434762B2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2018-12-05 川崎重工業株式会社 Hydrogen fuel supply system
GB2537913B (en) * 2015-04-30 2019-12-18 Spirax Sarco Ltd Apparatus and method for determining an amount of non-condensable gas
FR3060708B1 (en) * 2016-12-21 2019-10-25 Engie DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE REGULATION FOR LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS STORAGE TANK
AT520862B1 (en) * 2018-01-16 2019-12-15 Sasu Energiesysteme Gmbh Method and device for filling a container with a cryogenic liquid
DE102018108214A1 (en) * 2018-04-06 2019-10-10 Samson Ag Tank arrangement and method for level control
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FR3089599B1 (en) * 2018-12-06 2020-11-13 Air Liquide Cryogenic fluid storage tank
FR3114765B1 (en) 2020-10-05 2022-08-19 Air Liquide "Process for supplying cryogenic fluid to a user station, in particular a machining machine"

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US5121609A (en) * 1991-05-17 1992-06-16 Minnesota Valley Engineering No loss fueling station for liquid natural gas vehicles
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FR3121732A1 (en) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-14 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Fluid storage and supply device and vehicle, vehicle and method comprising such a device
FR3121731A1 (en) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-14 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Fluid storage and supply device and vehicle, vehicle and method comprising such a device
EP4075048A1 (en) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-19 L'Air Liquide - Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Device for storing and supplying fluid, vehicle and method comprising such a device
WO2022218704A1 (en) * 2021-04-13 2022-10-20 L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Fluid storage and supply device, and vehicle and method comprising such a device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003260622B2 (en) 2008-08-14
WO2004005791A3 (en) 2004-04-08
FR2841963B1 (en) 2005-07-01
WO2004005791A2 (en) 2004-01-15
ATE453829T1 (en) 2010-01-15
CA2491022C (en) 2011-08-09
AU2003260622A1 (en) 2004-01-23
FR2841963A1 (en) 2004-01-09
CA2491022A1 (en) 2004-01-15
EP1521933A2 (en) 2005-04-13
DE60330777D1 (en) 2010-02-11

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