EP2665979B1 - Installation et procédé de production d'hélium liquide - Google Patents

Installation et procédé de production d'hélium liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2665979B1
EP2665979B1 EP12704863.5A EP12704863A EP2665979B1 EP 2665979 B1 EP2665979 B1 EP 2665979B1 EP 12704863 A EP12704863 A EP 12704863A EP 2665979 B1 EP2665979 B1 EP 2665979B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
working
circuit
helium
tanks
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.)
Active
Application number
EP12704863.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2665979A2 (fr
Inventor
Jean-Marc Bernhardt
David Grillot
Véronique GRABIE
Eric Fauve
Michel Bonneton
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.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Publication of EP2665979A2 publication Critical patent/EP2665979A2/fr
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Publication of EP2665979B1 publication Critical patent/EP2665979B1/fr
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0005—Light or noble gases
    • F25J1/0007—Helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F25J1/0037—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work of a return stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/004—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0201—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using only internal refrigeration means, i.e. without external refrigeration
    • F25J1/0202—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using only internal refrigeration means, i.e. without external refrigeration in a quasi-closed internal refrigeration loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
    • F25J1/0245—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control
    • F25J1/0247—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control start-up of the process
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0269—Arrangement of liquefaction units or equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple "trains" concept
    • F25J1/0271—Inter-connecting multiple cold equipments within or downstream of the cold box
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0275—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines adapted for special use of the liquefaction unit, e.g. portable or transportable devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/02—Multiple feed streams, e.g. originating from different sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
    • F25J2220/02—Separating impurities in general from the feed stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/90—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being boil-off gas from storage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/04—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/06—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with multiple gas expansion loops
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/60—Details about pipelines, i.e. network, for feed or product distribution
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/62—Details of storing a fluid in a tank

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an installation and a method for producing helium, in accordance with the preambles of claims 1 and 7 respectively and known from document JP-A-2 056 213 .
  • the invention relates more particularly to an installation for the production of liquid helium comprising a refrigeration / liquefaction device, the refrigeration / liquefaction device comprising a working circuit subjecting a working fluid enriched in helium to a thermodynamic cycle in order to produce water.
  • liquid helium the circuit comprising at least one working fluid compression member and several heat exchangers for cooling / heating the fluid to temperature levels determined during the cycle
  • the installation comprising several fluid recovery pipes having respective upstream ends intended to be selectively connected to respective reservoirs for transferring fluid from the reservoirs to the refrigeration / liquefaction device
  • the installation comprising a first collecting pipe having an upstream end connected to the recovery pipes and a downstream end connected to a susceptible receptor organ to supply the working circuit with working fluid.
  • the invention relates in particular to the production and distribution of liquid helium.
  • Helium a noble gas
  • the distribution of helium generally requires cooling the helium to a temperature below 4.5 K (liquid state), then its transport and distribution in mobile tanks, for example on semi-trailers. These tanks, which can be insulated with nitrogen, should generally be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 50 to 60 K. For this reason, it is not recommended to completely empty these tanks of their helium.
  • the cooling of the tanks is usually achieved in filling stations by circulating (in a loop) helium from the station through the tank to be cooled, thereby lowering the temperature.
  • gaseous helium which may be produced during the cooling may exceed the capacity of the helium liquefaction installations equipping the installation.
  • the "hot" gas returns from the tanks are returned to the refrigerator / liquefier at different levels in the refrigerator / liquefier.
  • these recovered hot gases are reinjected at determined locations in the working circuit of the refrigeration / liquefaction device between the “cold” and “hot” ends, that is to say at determined temperature levels of the liquefaction. helium in the working circuit.
  • the fluid from the various reservoirs is either sent to the installation's recovery and purification system (when it has impurities), or is collected in a common collector before being injected into the working circuit of the installation. liquefier / refrigerator (when the fluid is relatively pure).
  • This mixture of pure fluids collected in the various reservoirs concerned is sent into the working circuit at a pressure / temperature level corresponding to the temperature level of the mixture of fluids.
  • An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.
  • the installation according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least a second and a third collecting pipes each having an upstream end connected to the recovery pipes and a downstream end connected to the working circuit, the downstream ends of the second and third manifold pipes being connected to determined distinct positions of the working circuit corresponding respectively to distinct temperature levels of the working fluid in the working circuit.
  • the vapors which return from the various reservoirs are not necessarily at the same temperatures and their mixture results in an average temperature.
  • the differentiated recovery of “clean” (pure) vapors according to their temperature allows the best use of the cold energy conveyed by the recovered fluid.
  • the liquid helium production installation shown in the figure conventionally comprises a refrigeration / liquefaction device 1, that is to say an apparatus capable of refrigerating and / or liquefying helium at very low temperature, by example up to 4 to 5 K or below.
  • a refrigeration / liquefaction device 1 that is to say an apparatus capable of refrigerating and / or liquefying helium at very low temperature, by example up to 4 to 5 K or below.
  • the refrigeration / liquefaction device 1 thus comprising a working circuit 2 subjecting a working fluid enriched in helium to a thermodynamic cycle to produce liquid helium.
  • the working circuit 2 comprises at least one member 3 for compressing the working fluid, such as compressors and several heat exchangers 4 for cooling / heating the fluid to temperature levels determined during the cycle.
  • the working circuit 2 can also conventionally include one or more fluid expansion members such as turbines (not shown for the sake of simplification).
  • the working fluid (generally helium) thus undergoes a cycle in the working circuit between a hot end (compression) and a cold end where it is liquefied (by expansion and cooling).
  • the installation comprises several pipes 5 for recovering the fluid.
  • Each fluid recovery pipe 5 has an upstream end intended to be selectively connected to a mobile reservoir 6.
  • the installation also comprises a first fluid collecting pipe 7 having an upstream end connected to the recovery pipes 5 and a downstream end connected to a receiving member 8 capable of storing gas with a view to supplying the working circuit 2 with working fluid. job.
  • the installation comprises a second collecting pipe 9 and a third collecting pipe 10 each having an upstream end connected to the recovery pipes 5.
  • the downstream end of the second collecting pipe 9 is connected to a determined position of the working circuit 2 corresponding respectively to a first determined temperature level of the working fluid in the working circuit 2.
  • the downstream end of the third collecting pipe 10 is connected to a determined position of the working circuit 2 corresponding respectively to a second determined temperature level of the working fluid in the working circuit 2.
  • downstream end of the third collecting pipe 10 is connected to the working circuit 2 at a relatively warmer place of the working circuit 2 than the downstream end of the second collecting pipe 9.
  • the second 9 and third collecting conduits 10 are fluidly connected to places distinct from the working cycle, that is to say to places of the working circuit 2 where the working fluid presents conditions different thermodynamics, especially in terms of temperature.
  • each reservoir 6 can be selectively connected either to the receiving member 8, or to the second collecting pipe 9 or to the third collecting pipe 10.
  • each reservoir 6 can be connected, independently of the other reservoirs 6, to separate levels of the working circuit 2 and in particular to a cycle temperature level adapted to the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir 6. This is that is to say that when the fluid from the reservoir 6 is more or less "hot”, it is reinjected at more or less hot levels of the working circuit 2 in order to disturb the efficiency of said working circuit 2 as little as possible.
  • the downstream end of the second and third collecting conduits 9, 10 may include branches 110, 109 so that each collecting conduit 9, 10 concerned is selectively connectable to several determined distinct positions of the working circuit 2.
  • the installation makes it possible to multiply the possibilities of injection into the working circuit 2 (and therefore to multiply the temperature levels of the cycle).
  • the second and third manifold pipes 9, 10 may include respective distribution valves 20.
  • the recovery pipes 5 each have an upstream end which can be connected to a reservoir 6 and a plurality of downstream ends connected in parallel to the upstream end.
  • the downstream ends of each recovery pipe 5 are connected respectively to the various collecting pipes 7, 9, 10, for example via respective valves 11.
  • the working circuit 2 can be supplied with a working fluid enriched in helium via a working fluid supply line 13 having an upstream end connected to at least one source 8, 14 of fluid and a downstream end connected. to working circuit 2.
  • the supply line 13 may comprise at least one purification member 12 for enriching the fluid coming from the source or sources 8, 14 in helium.
  • a source 14 may comprise, for example, a supply. in treated natural gas.
  • Another source 8 can for example store the impure gas recovered from the reservoirs 6 via the first collecting pipe 7.
  • the gas coming from one or both sources 8, 14 can be compressed (compressors 21) then purified in the purification member 12 (for example of the adsorption type) in order to supply the working circuit 2 with helium.
  • the installation can include a buffer reservoir 17 selectively connected to the working circuit 2 to store the working fluid coming from the compression station (hot end of the working circuit 2 ).
  • This buffer tank 17 is connected to a purge pipe 117 selectively connectable to at least one reservoir 6 (in the figure the first reservoir on the left being in a purge situation).
  • the installation can also include a pipe 16 for supplying liquid helium having an upstream end connected to the end. cold of the working circuit 2 and at least one downstream end selectively connected to at least one storage 15.
  • the liquid storage 15 is intended to supply liquid helium to the reservoir or reservoirs 6.
  • the third tank 6 (from left to right) is shown schematically in a cooling situation: a circulation of helium is carried out from a storage 15 to the tank 6 then this helium is reinjected into the working circuit via the third collecting pipes 10 ( at a relatively “hot” temperature level, see arrows with solid lines).
  • the fourth tank 6 (from left to right) is shown schematically in a filling situation: a helium circulation loop is produced from the working circuit 2 to the storage 15 then to the tank 6 (see arrows). with solid lines). The excess helium from the reservoir 6 is reinjected into the working circuit via the second collecting pipes 9 (at a relatively “cold” temperature level).
  • the second reservoir 6 (from left to right) is shown schematically in a situation of gas transfer from the reservoir 6 to the source 8 via the first collecting pipe 7 (cf. the arrows with solid lines).
  • This distribution of the vapors is carried out as a function of the nature and in particular of the temperature of the vapors contained in each of the reservoirs 6.
  • the Applicant has observed that by independently treating the various contents of the reservoirs 6 (without mixing between the contents of the reservoirs 6 at different temperatures before injection into the working circuit 2), it is possible to optimize the recoveries of frigories from the vapors in the refrigeration / liquefaction device. This improves the efficiency of the latter and in particular its efficiency with regard to its energy consumption.
  • the invention is not limited to the example described above.
  • the number of recovery pipes 5 which can be connected to tanks 6 is not limited to four but may be less or greater than four.
  • the number of collecting pipes may be greater than the number of pipes 7, 9, 10 described above.
  • the number of collecting pipes may be less than the number of pipes 7, 9, 10 described above.
  • the vapors recovered from the tanks can come from stationary applications which use liquid helium for cooling (for example for the cooling of superconducting cables).
  • one or more mobile reservoirs 6 in the figure are replaced by a fluidic connection which brings back helium which has been exchanged thermally with an application to be cooled.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
EP12704863.5A 2011-01-19 2012-01-12 Installation et procédé de production d'hélium liquide Active EP2665979B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1150416A FR2970563B1 (fr) 2011-01-19 2011-01-19 Installation et procede de production d'helium liquide
PCT/FR2012/050079 WO2012098326A2 (fr) 2011-01-19 2012-01-12 Installation et procédé de production d'hélium liquide

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2665979A2 EP2665979A2 (fr) 2013-11-27
EP2665979B1 true EP2665979B1 (fr) 2020-08-12

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12704863.5A Active EP2665979B1 (fr) 2011-01-19 2012-01-12 Installation et procédé de production d'hélium liquide

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US9657986B2 (ru)
EP (1) EP2665979B1 (ru)
AU (1) AU2012208462B2 (ru)
FR (1) FR2970563B1 (ru)
RU (1) RU2578508C2 (ru)
WO (1) WO2012098326A2 (ru)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3014543B1 (fr) * 2013-12-06 2018-11-09 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Dispositif et procede de refroidissement et/ou de liquefaction a basse temperature
DE102020204186B4 (de) 2020-03-31 2022-06-09 Bruker Switzerland Ag Mobile Verflüssigungsanlage zum Verflüssigen von Helium, zugehöriges System und zugehörige Verwendung des Systems
EP4202338A1 (en) 2021-12-24 2023-06-28 L'Air Liquide, société anonyme pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des procédés Georges Claude Process and apparatus for the recovery of boil-off gas from the liquefaction of hydrogen

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2578508C2 (ru) 2016-03-27
RU2013138460A (ru) 2015-02-27
AU2012208462A1 (en) 2013-08-01
WO2012098326A3 (fr) 2013-08-29
EP2665979A2 (fr) 2013-11-27
AU2012208462B2 (en) 2016-11-10
WO2012098326A2 (fr) 2012-07-26
US20130291585A1 (en) 2013-11-07
US9657986B2 (en) 2017-05-23
FR2970563B1 (fr) 2017-06-02
FR2970563A1 (fr) 2012-07-20

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