EP4647644A1 - Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids - Google Patents

Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids

Info

Publication number
EP4647644A1
EP4647644A1 EP24020138.4A EP24020138A EP4647644A1 EP 4647644 A1 EP4647644 A1 EP 4647644A1 EP 24020138 A EP24020138 A EP 24020138A EP 4647644 A1 EP4647644 A1 EP 4647644A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vessel
boot
tank
cavity
cryogenic liquid
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP24020138.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jakob Fochler
Daniela Lauchner
René Quist
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.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
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 Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Priority to EP24020138.4A priority Critical patent/EP4647644A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2025/061370 priority patent/WO2025233138A1/en
Publication of EP4647644A1 publication Critical patent/EP4647644A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/005—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for medium-size and small storage vessels not under pressure
    • 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
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0123—Shape cylindrical with variable thickness or diameter
    • 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
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • 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
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/018—Supporting feet
    • 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
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0302—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating
    • F17C2227/0309—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating using another fluid
    • F17C2227/0311—Air heating
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0376—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact
    • F17C2227/0383—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact outside the vessel
    • F17C2227/0386—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact outside the vessel with a jacket
    • 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
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/035—Dealing with losses of fluid
    • F17C2260/036—Avoiding leaks
    • 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
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids using a heating medium as a heating source.
  • Vaporization of cryogenic liquids in large storage vessels is typically realised by inserting an electrically or steam heated bundle into the bottom of the vessel.
  • This approach is disadvantageous for a number of reasons.
  • a flange connection is required, which affects the mechanical integrity of the vessel, and could possibly give rise to leakage of potentially dangerous substances contained in the vessel, especially when opening the flange.
  • the inserted bundles require a sufficiently large clearing to the bottom of the vessel, such that, at low filling levels of the cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid is not in contact with the heat source and vaporization becomes ineffective. Further, in case of steam heating, liquid steam condensate may freeze in the tubes of the bundle, which may lead to the rupture of any of these tubes.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids, e.g. liquid ammonia, using a heating medium, e.g. a condensable vapor.
  • the apparatus consists of a tank containing the cryogenic liquid, which can be a horizontal storage vessel for instance, but also any other vessel in which cryogenic liquids can be stored could be implemented.
  • a particularly smaller vessel which can also be referred to as “boot” or “boot-vessel” is attached, such that the inside of the tank is connected to the inside of this vessel or boot-vessel, in particular allowing a fluid connection between the tank and the boot-vessel.
  • the minimum with respect to the ground level of the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel is located within the boot-vessel, such that the cryogenic liquid accumulates within the boot-vessel upon emptying the tank, or the boot-vessel respectively.
  • the inside of the boot-vessel is thermally connected to its outer side, so that heat can be transferred between the outside of the boot-vessel and its inner side, in particular, a heat transfer necessary for the intended vaporization of cryogenic liquid is provided.
  • a jacketing element which can also be referred to as "jacket" is arranged at least partially around the boot-vessel, such that a cavity is formed between the boot-vessel and the jacketing element.
  • the jacketing element limits the distribution of the heating medium to the cavity, but can also prevent heat transfer from outside the jacketing element to its inside, so that no unintended heating of the cryogenic liquid takes place.
  • An inlet to the cavity enables the heating medium to enter the cavity, thus allowing a heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid via the thermally conducting boot-vessel.
  • the cryogenic liquid vaporizes, in particular close to the inner wall of the boot-vessel, where the heat transfer takes place.
  • the thermosyphon effect Based on the thermosyphon effect, the vaporized cryogenic liquid flows upwards, in particular towards the tank, while cryogenic liquid flows downwards through the centre of the boot-vessel, due to a pressure difference within the cryogenic liquid.
  • the energy transferred to the cryogenic liquid is distributed upwards due to the thermosyphon effect, giving rise to an increase of the heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid via the boot-vessel.
  • an outlet of the cavity is present, through which the heating medium can exit the cavity after the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid, such that no cooled-down heating medium accumulates within the cavity.
  • the boot-vessel is configured as a protrusion or protuberance of the tank. In particular, this gives rise to a large cross-sectional area of the connection between the tank and the boot-vessel through which the cryogenic liquid can enter the boot-vessel. Thus, when filling the tank with the cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid can easily enter the boot-vessel.
  • the boot-vessel which is configured as a protrusion of the tank, is of cylindrical shape.
  • the cylindrical cross-section of the boot-vessel provides a number of advantages compared to other shapes, like a reduced risk of pressure build-up due to a more even distribution of internal stresses.
  • At least a part of one end face of the cylindrical shaped boot-vessel forms the fluid connection to the tank, such that there is no bottleneck in the fluid connection between the tank and the boot-vessel.
  • the cryogenic fluid can easily enter the boot-vessel, especially when the filling level of the cryogenic liquid within the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel is reduced.
  • the outlet of the cavity for the heating medium is located at the bottom side of the jacketing element.
  • the outlet is located at the spatial minimum with respect to the ground level, with no local minima being present, such that the condensed or liquid heating medium which accumulates at the bottom of the cavity can drain off ideally.
  • no residues of the heating medium remain within the cavity after the heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid.
  • the radial dimensions of the cavity are configured to allow ice formation on the outer wall of the boot-vessel during vaporization of the cryogenic liquid.
  • the cavity is required to be large enough, such that a flow of the heating medium through the cavity, or a heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid respectively, is possible despite the reduction of the cross-sectional area of the cavity due to the formation of ice. Ice formation within the cavity can be due to freezing of constituents of the air, like nitrogen or moisture, or freezing of the heating medium itself, for instance.
  • the apparatus is used for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids.
  • this usage allows an advantageous removal of cryogenic liquids from the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel by vaporization, which can be necessary if the cryogenic liquid is needed outside the tank for scientific or medical applications, for instance, or for reasons of maintenance of the tank.
  • a condensable vapor is used as a heating medium.
  • An advantage of using vapor instead of the liquid form is the higher heat capacity of the vapor, such that heat transfer can be more efficient. Also, the control of the temperature of the heating medium is increased when using vapor, as both vapor pressure and flow rate can be adjusted.
  • a steam at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius and pressure of 17 bar is used as a condensable vapor.
  • the provided apparatus, and its corresponding usage enable the vaporization of cryogenic liquids using a heating medium as a heating source.
  • the apparatus and its corresponding usage have a number of advantages, especially compared to prior art.
  • the tank and the boot-vessel may either be integrally formed or be permanently connected, e.g. by a welded connection, such that the mechanical integrity of the apparatus is not compromised, or may be detachably connected to each other e.g. via a flange connection, which connection may particularly be outside of (especially above) the jacketing element such that the connection, especially in case of a flange connection, is thermally separated from the (steam) heated area to avoid thermal stresses in the connection area.
  • Another advantage of using the described apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids is the possibility of a complete removal of the cryogenic liquid from the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel. In particular, this is possible, if the absolute spatial minimum of the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel is within the boot-vessel. Thus, provided that there are no local spatial minima within the combined volume, the cryogenic liquid accumulates within the bottom of the boot-vessel, especially when emptying the tank, or the boot-vessel respectively. As the boot-vessel, and in particular its lowest point, are heated by the surrounding heating medium, the cryogenic liquid within the boot-vessel can be vaporized without residues remaining.
  • the described apparatus is not damaged, nor is there a restriction of its functionality, by the formation of ice within the cavity, which can be due to freezing of the heating medium for instance.
  • the radial dimension of the cavity can be configured large enough, such that the flow of the heating medium, and therefore also the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid, is not prevented, even if the formation of ice within the cavity reduces its volume. Contrary, in apparatus with a steam heated bundle, ice formation within the tubes of the bundle could lead to a rupture of these tubes.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement for explaining the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an arrangement for explaining the present invention.
  • the exemplary arrangement comprises an apparatus 100 according to the present invention.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a tank 101, which contains a cryogenic liquid 102, and a particularly smaller vessel or boot-vessel 103, also referred to as "boot".
  • the tank 101 can be configured as a horizontal storage vessel for cryogenic liquids 102, which is mounted on two poles 101a and 101b, which are connected to the tank 101 by corresponding connection elements 101c and 101d.
  • the boot-vessel 103 can be of cylindrical shape, such that one of its end faces forms the connection to the tank 101.
  • the cross-sectional area of the connection between the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is large enough, so that unrestricted flow of the cryogenic liquid 102 between the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is possible.
  • the boot-vessel 103 is permanently connected to the bottom side of the tank 101, e.g. by a welded connection, or is detachably connected to the bottom side of the tank 101, e.g. by a flange connection. In this configuration the spatial minimum of the combined volume of the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is located at the bottom of the boot-vessel 103.
  • the boot-vessel 103 is configured such that a heat transfer between its inside, which is connected to the inside of the tank 101, to its outside is possible, i.e. there is a thermal connection adapted to effect vaporization of cryogenic liquid as explained below.
  • the boot-vessel 103 is, at least partially, surrounded by a jacketing element 104, which is also referred to as "jacket", such that there is a cavity 105 between the jacketing element and the boot-vessel 103.
  • An inlet 106 to the cavity 105 allows a heating medium to enter the cavity 105.
  • This heating medium can transfer its heat, at least partially, to the cryogenic liquid 102 via the thermally conducting boot-vessel 103.
  • This heat transfer causes the cryogenic liquid 102 to vaporize, which is especially pronounced close to the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103, where the heat transfer takes place. Due to the thermosyphon effect, the vaporized cryogenic liquid 102 generated on the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103, rises up towards and into the tank 101, while cryogenic liquid 102 flows down through the centre of the boot-vessel 103 towards the bottom of the boot-vessel 103.
  • the heat transfer at the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103 is increased, as the energy input into the boot-vessel 103 is distributed upwards towards the tank 101 by the flow of vaporized cryogenic liquid 102.
  • This process, or the related flow of the cryogenic liquid respectively, is indicated in Fig. 1 by the arrows.
  • the cryogenic liquid 102 can be completely vaporized, provided a sufficient thermal energy input.
  • the heating medium can drain from the cavity 105 via an outlet 107, which can be located at the lowest point of the jacketing element 104, as show in Fig. 1 .
  • the heating medium is a condensable vapor
  • the condensed vapor 108 can thus be removed from the cavity 105.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for vaporization of cryogenic liquids (102) using a heating medium as a heating source comprising: a tank (101) containing the cryogenic liquid, a boot-vessel (103) attached to the lower side of the tank (101), configured to establish a fluid connection between the tank (101) and the boot-vessel (103), and configured to establish a thermal connection between the inside and the outside of the boot-vessel (103), a jacketing element (104) arranged at least partly around the boot-vessel (103) such that a cavity (105) between the boot-vessel (103) and the jacketing element (104) is formed, an inlet (106) to the cavity (105), configured to allow the heating medium to enter the cavity (105) and to transfer heat to the cryogenic liquid (102), and an outlet (107) of the cavity, configured to allow the heating medium to exit the cavity (105) after the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid (102).

Description

  • The present invention relates to an apparatus for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids using a heating medium as a heating source.
    • Background of the invention
  • Vaporization of cryogenic liquids in large storage vessels (or tanks) is typically realised by inserting an electrically or steam heated bundle into the bottom of the vessel. This approach is disadvantageous for a number of reasons. First of all, a flange connection is required, which affects the mechanical integrity of the vessel, and could possibly give rise to leakage of potentially dangerous substances contained in the vessel, especially when opening the flange.
  • Moreover, the inserted bundles require a sufficiently large clearing to the bottom of the vessel, such that, at low filling levels of the cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid is not in contact with the heat source and vaporization becomes ineffective. Further, in case of steam heating, liquid steam condensate may freeze in the tubes of the bundle, which may lead to the rupture of any of these tubes.
  • However, since it is indispensable that the mechanical integrity of the vessel remains intact, and that ice formation, or any damage caused thereby, is to be avoided, another approach for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids has to be found.
    • Disclosure of the invention
  • According to the invention, an apparatus and its use for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids using a heating medium as a heating source having the features of the independent claims is proposed. Advantageous embodiments are subject of the dependent claims and the following description.
  • The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids, e.g. liquid ammonia, using a heating medium, e.g. a condensable vapor. The apparatus consists of a tank containing the cryogenic liquid, which can be a horizontal storage vessel for instance, but also any other vessel in which cryogenic liquids can be stored could be implemented.
  • On the lower side of the tank, a particularly smaller vessel, which can also be referred to as "boot" or "boot-vessel", is attached, such that the inside of the tank is connected to the inside of this vessel or boot-vessel, in particular allowing a fluid connection between the tank and the boot-vessel. Ideally, the minimum with respect to the ground level of the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel, is located within the boot-vessel, such that the cryogenic liquid accumulates within the boot-vessel upon emptying the tank, or the boot-vessel respectively. Ideally, there are also no other local minima within the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel.
  • Additionally, the inside of the boot-vessel is thermally connected to its outer side, so that heat can be transferred between the outside of the boot-vessel and its inner side, in particular, a heat transfer necessary for the intended vaporization of cryogenic liquid is provided.
  • A jacketing element, which can also be referred to as "jacket", is arranged at least partially around the boot-vessel, such that a cavity is formed between the boot-vessel and the jacketing element. The jacketing element limits the distribution of the heating medium to the cavity, but can also prevent heat transfer from outside the jacketing element to its inside, so that no unintended heating of the cryogenic liquid takes place.
  • An inlet to the cavity enables the heating medium to enter the cavity, thus allowing a heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid via the thermally conducting boot-vessel. Due to the heat transfer, the cryogenic liquid vaporizes, in particular close to the inner wall of the boot-vessel, where the heat transfer takes place. Based on the thermosyphon effect, the vaporized cryogenic liquid flows upwards, in particular towards the tank, while cryogenic liquid flows downwards through the centre of the boot-vessel, due to a pressure difference within the cryogenic liquid. Thus, the energy transferred to the cryogenic liquid is distributed upwards due to the thermosyphon effect, giving rise to an increase of the heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid via the boot-vessel.
  • Also, an outlet of the cavity is present, through which the heating medium can exit the cavity after the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid, such that no cooled-down heating medium accumulates within the cavity.
  • In an embodiment, the boot-vessel is configured as a protrusion or protuberance of the tank. In particular, this gives rise to a large cross-sectional area of the connection between the tank and the boot-vessel through which the cryogenic liquid can enter the boot-vessel. Thus, when filling the tank with the cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid can easily enter the boot-vessel.
  • In an embodiment, the boot-vessel, which is configured as a protrusion of the tank, is of cylindrical shape. The cylindrical cross-section of the boot-vessel provides a number of advantages compared to other shapes, like a reduced risk of pressure build-up due to a more even distribution of internal stresses.
  • In an embodiment, at least a part of one end face of the cylindrical shaped boot-vessel forms the fluid connection to the tank, such that there is no bottleneck in the fluid connection between the tank and the boot-vessel. Thus, the cryogenic fluid can easily enter the boot-vessel, especially when the filling level of the cryogenic liquid within the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel is reduced.
  • In an embodiment, the outlet of the cavity for the heating medium is located at the bottom side of the jacketing element. In particular, the outlet is located at the spatial minimum with respect to the ground level, with no local minima being present, such that the condensed or liquid heating medium which accumulates at the bottom of the cavity can drain off ideally. Thus, no residues of the heating medium remain within the cavity after the heat transfer from the heating medium to the cryogenic liquid.
  • In an embodiment, the radial dimensions of the cavity are configured to allow ice formation on the outer wall of the boot-vessel during vaporization of the cryogenic liquid. In particular, the cavity is required to be large enough, such that a flow of the heating medium through the cavity, or a heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid respectively, is possible despite the reduction of the cross-sectional area of the cavity due to the formation of ice. Ice formation within the cavity can be due to freezing of constituents of the air, like nitrogen or moisture, or freezing of the heating medium itself, for instance.
  • In an embodiment, the apparatus is used for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids. In particular, this usage allows an advantageous removal of cryogenic liquids from the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel by vaporization, which can be necessary if the cryogenic liquid is needed outside the tank for scientific or medical applications, for instance, or for reasons of maintenance of the tank.
  • In an embodiment, a condensable vapor is used as a heating medium. An advantage of using vapor instead of the liquid form is the higher heat capacity of the vapor, such that heat transfer can be more efficient. Also, the control of the temperature of the heating medium is increased when using vapor, as both vapor pressure and flow rate can be adjusted.
  • In an embodiment, a steam at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius and pressure of 17 bar is used as a condensable vapor.
  • The provided apparatus, and its corresponding usage, enable the vaporization of cryogenic liquids using a heating medium as a heating source. The apparatus and its corresponding usage have a number of advantages, especially compared to prior art.
  • In particular, the tank and the boot-vessel may either be integrally formed or be permanently connected, e.g. by a welded connection, such that the mechanical integrity of the apparatus is not compromised, or may be detachably connected to each other e.g. via a flange connection, which connection may particularly be outside of (especially above) the jacketing element such that the connection, especially in case of a flange connection, is thermally separated from the (steam) heated area to avoid thermal stresses in the connection area.
  • Another advantage of using the described apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids, is the possibility of a complete removal of the cryogenic liquid from the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel. In particular, this is possible, if the absolute spatial minimum of the combined volume of the tank and the boot-vessel is within the boot-vessel. Thus, provided that there are no local spatial minima within the combined volume, the cryogenic liquid accumulates within the bottom of the boot-vessel, especially when emptying the tank, or the boot-vessel respectively. As the boot-vessel, and in particular its lowest point, are heated by the surrounding heating medium, the cryogenic liquid within the boot-vessel can be vaporized without residues remaining.
  • For conventual applications, according to prior art, electrically or steam heated bundles are used for heating a cryogenic liquid. In this case, however, a clearance between the bundle and the bottom of the vessel is required, such that cryogenic liquid which is located below the bundle is not heated, and therefore also not vaporized, effectively.
  • Additionally, the described apparatus is not damaged, nor is there a restriction of its functionality, by the formation of ice within the cavity, which can be due to freezing of the heating medium for instance. The radial dimension of the cavity can be configured large enough, such that the flow of the heating medium, and therefore also the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid, is not prevented, even if the formation of ice within the cavity reduces its volume. Contrary, in apparatus with a steam heated bundle, ice formation within the tubes of the bundle could lead to a rupture of these tubes.
  • Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing.
  • The invention is shown schematically in the drawing by means of an example of an embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing.
    • Short description of the figures
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement for explaining the present invention.
    • Embodiment(s) of the invention
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an arrangement for explaining the present invention. The exemplary arrangement comprises an apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a tank 101, which contains a cryogenic liquid 102, and a particularly smaller vessel or boot-vessel 103, also referred to as "boot".
  • The tank 101 can be configured as a horizontal storage vessel for cryogenic liquids 102, which is mounted on two poles 101a and 101b, which are connected to the tank 101 by corresponding connection elements 101c and 101d.
  • The boot-vessel 103 can be of cylindrical shape, such that one of its end faces forms the connection to the tank 101. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the connection between the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is large enough, so that unrestricted flow of the cryogenic liquid 102 between the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is possible. In particular the boot-vessel 103 is permanently connected to the bottom side of the tank 101, e.g. by a welded connection, or is detachably connected to the bottom side of the tank 101, e.g. by a flange connection. In this configuration the spatial minimum of the combined volume of the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103 is located at the bottom of the boot-vessel 103.
  • The boot-vessel 103 is configured such that a heat transfer between its inside, which is connected to the inside of the tank 101, to its outside is possible, i.e. there is a thermal connection adapted to effect vaporization of cryogenic liquid as explained below.
  • The boot-vessel 103 is, at least partially, surrounded by a jacketing element 104, which is also referred to as "jacket", such that there is a cavity 105 between the jacketing element and the boot-vessel 103.
  • An inlet 106 to the cavity 105, allows a heating medium to enter the cavity 105. This heating medium can transfer its heat, at least partially, to the cryogenic liquid 102 via the thermally conducting boot-vessel 103. This heat transfer causes the cryogenic liquid 102 to vaporize, which is especially pronounced close to the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103, where the heat transfer takes place. Due to the thermosyphon effect, the vaporized cryogenic liquid 102 generated on the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103, rises up towards and into the tank 101, while cryogenic liquid 102 flows down through the centre of the boot-vessel 103 towards the bottom of the boot-vessel 103. Thus, the heat transfer at the inner wall of the boot-vessel 103 is increased, as the energy input into the boot-vessel 103 is distributed upwards towards the tank 101 by the flow of vaporized cryogenic liquid 102. This process, or the related flow of the cryogenic liquid respectively, is indicated in Fig. 1 by the arrows.
  • As, in particular, the bottom of the boot-vessel 103, which is the lowest point of the combined volume of the tank 101 and the boot-vessel 103, is in thermal contact with the heating medium, the cryogenic liquid 102 can be completely vaporized, provided a sufficient thermal energy input.
  • After the heat transfer, the heating medium can drain from the cavity 105 via an outlet 107, which can be located at the lowest point of the jacketing element 104, as show in Fig. 1. In particular, if the heating medium is a condensable vapor, the condensed vapor 108 can thus be removed from the cavity 105.

Claims (9)

  1. An apparatus (100) for vaporization of cryogenic liquids (102) using a heating medium as a heating source comprising:
    a tank (101) containing the cryogenic liquid (102),
    a boot-vessel (103) attached to the lower side of the tank (101), configured to establish a fluid connection between the tank (101) and the boot-vessel (103), and configured to establish a thermal connection between the inside and the outside of the boot-vessel (103),
    a jacketing element (104) arranged at least partly around the boot-vessel (103) such that a cavity (105) between the boot-vessel (103) and the jacketing element (104) is formed,
    an inlet (106) to the cavity (105), configured to allow the heating medium to enter the cavity (105) and to transfer heat to the cryogenic liquid (102), and
    an outlet (107) of the cavity, configured to allow the heating medium to exit the cavity (105) after the heat transfer to the cryogenic liquid (102).
  2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the boot-vessel (103) is configured as a protrusion of the tank (101).
  3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is essentially of cylindrical shape.
  4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of one of the end faces of the cylindrical shape forms the fluid connection with the tank (101).
  5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (107) is formed at a bottom side of the jacketing element (104).
  6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radial dimensions of the cavity (105) are configured to allow ice formation on the outer wall of the boot-vessel (103) during vaporization of the cryogenic liquid (102).
  7. A use of the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims for the vaporization of cryogenic liquids (102).
  8. The use according to claim 7, wherein a condensable vapor is used as a heating medium.
  9. The use according to claim 8, wherein steam at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 17 bar is used as a condensable vapor.
EP24020138.4A 2024-05-07 2024-05-07 Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids Pending EP4647644A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24020138.4A EP4647644A1 (en) 2024-05-07 2024-05-07 Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids
PCT/EP2025/061370 WO2025233138A1 (en) 2024-05-07 2025-04-25 Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24020138.4A EP4647644A1 (en) 2024-05-07 2024-05-07 Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4647644A1 true EP4647644A1 (en) 2025-11-12

Family

ID=91067099

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24020138.4A Pending EP4647644A1 (en) 2024-05-07 2024-05-07 Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4647644A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2025233138A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4608831A (en) * 1984-10-24 1986-09-02 Gustafson Keith W Self-pressurizing container for cryogenic fluids

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4608831A (en) * 1984-10-24 1986-09-02 Gustafson Keith W Self-pressurizing container for cryogenic fluids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2025233138A1 (en) 2025-11-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1179702B1 (en) Storage tank for a gaseous medium
EP2835609B1 (en) Loop thermosiphon emergency cooling system
KR950011704B1 (en) LNG Carburetor
US4803343A (en) Electric fluid heating apparatus utilizing a vaporizable working fluid
TWI343975B (en) A storage vessel for cryogenic liquid
CN110537068A (en) Thermal equipment with safety drain
KR101638836B1 (en) Evaporative gas generating device, method for producing evaporative gas, hydrogen bromide production device, and method for producing hydrogen bromide
SK105796A3 (en) A system for passive dissipating heat from the interior of a nuclear reactor containment structure
EP4647644A1 (en) Apparatus for vaporization of cryogenic liquids
RU2373473C1 (en) Thermal siphon
US6904758B2 (en) Cryogenic vessel with an ullage space venturi assembly
JPS5962800A (en) Tank for cooled liquefied gas
JP2004233007A (en) Vent gas condenser
ES2226030T3 (en) PROCEDURE AND DEVICE TO IMPROVE HEAT TRANSMISSION.
US10168106B2 (en) Heat exchanger
US4516631A (en) Nozzle cooled by heat pipe means
TW201730475A (en) Method and heat exchanger for recovering cold during the re-gasification of cryogenic liquids
US20050183425A1 (en) Method of operating a cryogenic liquid gas storage tank
CN119949029A (en) Cooling systems for liquid immersion cooling of electronic components
EP0397162B1 (en) Primary containment vessel with outer pool
CN121220191A (en) Cooling systems for liquid immersion cooling of electronic components
US6470926B1 (en) Zero gravity liquid-vapor separation system
KR101183618B1 (en) non-condensed gas extracting device of gas heater
EP4386300A1 (en) Liquid hydrogen vaporizer, and generation method for generating hydrogen
US5140821A (en) Apparatus and methods for thermal protection of liquid containers

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR