JP6621773B2 - Natural gas supply system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a natural gas supply system that supplies natural gas to a gas consuming facility.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, LNG is transported to a demand area by an LNG tank truck while being in a liquid state, and LNG is vaporized and consumed in the demand area.

JP 2011-236929 A

  Here, when supplying natural gas to a power generation facility using a gas engine, it is necessary to supply natural gas having a predetermined pressure. Therefore, before the LNG is vaporized, the LNG is boosted with a pump. However, such a natural gas supply system has the following problems.

  A system diagram showing the configuration of a conventional natural gas supply system using a pump is shown in FIG. The LNG supplied from the LNG tank truck 20 is stored in the LNG storage tank 102, boosted by the pump 103, sent to the LNG vaporizer 104 and vaporized, and then supplied to the gas engine power generation facility 21. However, the pump 103 has a problem of failure due to heat generation unless a predetermined amount of LNG is always supplied. Therefore, when the power generation amount is small, the portion of LNG sent out by the pump 103 that is not used for power generation is returned to the LNG storage tank 102 via the return line 105. Then, the loss of efficiency of the pump 103 becomes heat input to the LNG, BOG (naturally vaporized gas) is generated in the LNG storage tank 102, and the pressure in the LNG storage tank 102 increases. Since the cost of improving the pressure resistance of the LNG storage tank 102 is expensive, the increase in pressure is suppressed by heating the BOG to room temperature with the BOG heater 106 to dissipate into the atmosphere, but it is not recommended to discard the BOG. It is an economy.

  Further, the pump 103 needs periodic inspection, and the pump 103 stops during that period. Therefore, although a spare pump 103 is provided, if the spare pump 103 fails, LNG cannot be supplied and power generation stops.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the natural gas supply system which can supply LNG stably, reducing the loss of natural gas.

  The present invention is provided with a plurality of LNG receiving tanks that receive LNG from an LNG tank lorry and store LNG and downstream of the LNG receiving tank, each of which receives LNG from the LNG receiving tank and stores LNG. A discharge tank, an LNG vaporizer that is provided downstream of the LNG discharge tank and vaporizes LNG discharged from the LNG discharge tank, and LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank An LNG discharge pipe that is discharged into the tank under a natural flow, a vaporized gas return pipe that returns the natural gas vaporized by LNG in the LNG discharge tank to the LNG receiving tank, and the vaporized gas return pipe. A return valve that opens and closes the vaporized gas return pipe, and the tank capacity of the LNG discharge tank is smaller than the tank capacity of the LNG receiving tank.

  According to the present invention, when the return valve is opened, the natural gas in the LNG discharge tank is returned to the LNG receiving tank. Therefore, when the LNG delivery tank becomes empty, the return valve is opened, and the natural gas in the LNG delivery tank is returned to the LNG receiving tank, so that the pressure in the gas phase section in the LNG delivery tank And the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank can be made equal. As a result, the LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank is emptied using the difference in height between the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG receiving tank and the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG dispensing tank. It is possible to pay out to the LNG payout tank that has become. In addition, since the tank capacity of the LNG discharge tank is smaller than the tank capacity of the LNG receiving tank, when the pressure is equalized between the gas phase part in the LNG discharging tank and the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank, Can be kept lower than the pressure at which the LNG tank truck sends out LNG to the LNG receiving tank. Therefore, even if the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank increases after pressure equalization, LNG can be supplied from the LNG tank truck to the LNG receiving tank. Therefore, there is no need to use a pump as in the conventional case, so that BOG is not excessively generated and the supply of LNG is not stopped. Therefore, LNG can be stably supplied while reducing the loss of natural gas.

It is a distribution diagram showing the composition of a natural gas supply system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between discharge | payout and storage of LNG in an LNG discharge tank. It is a systematic diagram which shows the structure of the conventional natural gas supply system.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, although the natural gas supply system which supplies the natural gas of predetermined pressure to gas engine power generation equipment is demonstrated, the gas consumption equipment which is the supply destination of natural gas is not limited to gas engine power generation equipment.

(Configuration of natural gas supply system)
As shown in FIG. 1, which is a system diagram showing the configuration, the natural gas supply system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an LNG receiving tank 2, an LNG discharging tank 3, an LNG vaporizer 4, an LNG discharging pipe 5, and a vaporization. A gas return pipe 6 and a return valve 7 are provided.

(LNG receiving tank)
The LNG receiving tank 2 receives the LNG accommodated in the LNG tank truck 20 and stores the LNG. The LNG receiving tank 2 is cylindrical and has a double wall structure including an inner tank 2a made of SUS, and the inside of the double wall has a heat insulating structure. The tank capacity of the inner tank 2 a of the LNG receiving tank 2 is about three days of the gas consumption in the gas engine power generation facility 21. In the present embodiment, the tank capacity of the inner tank 2a is 1700 KL. Further, the maximum amount of LNG stored in the inner tank 2a is 90% (1530 KL) of the tank capacity.

  The vaporized gas delivery pipe 8 delivers part of the natural gas discharged from the LNG vaporizer 4 into the inner tank 2a. The pressurization control valve 8a provided in the vaporized gas delivery pipe 8 is controlled by a controller (not shown) so that the pressure of the natural gas supplied into the inner tank 2a is 0.1 to 0.15 MPa. Thereby, the pressure of the gas phase part in the inner tank 2a is controlled to 0.1 to 0.15 MPa.

  The LNG receiving tank 2 (inner tank 2 a) and the LNG tank truck 20 are connected by a receiving pipe 9. The upstream end of the receiving pipe 9 and the LNG tank truck 20 are connected by a flexible hose 9a. The LNG transported by the LNG tank truck 20 is supplied into the inner tank 2 a through the receiving pipe 9. In the present embodiment, the pressure at which the LNG tank truck 20 delivers LNG is 0.5 to 0.6 MPa.

  The downstream side of the receiving pipe 9 is branched into a bottom receiving pipe 9b communicated with the bottom of the inner tank 2a and a top receiving pipe 9c communicated with the top of the inner tank 2a. That is, LNG is supplied into the LNG in the inner tank 2a and also supplied to the gas phase portion in the inner tank 2a.

(LNG delivery tank)
A plurality of LNG dispensing tanks 3 are provided on the downstream side of the LNG receiving tank 2. In the present embodiment, the number of LNG payout tanks 3 is three, but is not limited to this. Hereinafter, the three LNG dispensing tanks 3 are referred to as an LNG dispensing tank 3A, an LNG dispensing tank 3B, and an LNG dispensing tank 3C in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

  Each of the LNG dispensing tanks 3 receives the LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 and stores the LNG. Like the LNG receiving tank 2, the LNG dispensing tank 3 is cylindrical and has a double wall structure including an inner tank 3a made of SUS, and the inside of the double wall has a heat insulating structure. In the present embodiment, the tank capacity of the inner tank 3a is 80 KL. Thus, the tank capacity of the LNG delivery tank 3 (inner tank 3a) is smaller than the tank capacity of the LNG receiving tank 2 (inner tank 2a). Further, the tank capacity of the LNG delivery tank 3 (inner tank 3a) is smaller than the capacity (170 KL) of the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank when the LNG receiving tank 2 stores the maximum amount of LNG (1530 KL). In this embodiment, when the LNG receiving tank 2 stores the maximum amount of LNG, the capacity of the gas phase part (170 KL) in the LNG receiving tank is about twice the tank capacity (80 KL) of the inner tank 3a. .

  The pressure evaporator 10 evaporates the LNG in the inner tank 3a and returns the natural gas whose volume is expanded into the inner tank 3a, thereby increasing the pressure of the gas phase portion in the inner tank 3a. The pressure in the gas phase portion in the inner tank 3 a is measured by the pressure gauge 11. By controlling the pressure evaporator 10 by the controller, the pressure of the gas phase part in the inner tank 3a is controlled to 0.65 to 0.7 MPa.

  Each of the three LNG delivery tanks 3 is arranged horizontally. That is, they are arranged so that the horizontal width is wider than the vertical width. Thereby, the height of the liquid level of LNG in the LNG dispensing tank 3 is set lower than the height of the liquid level of LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2.

(LNG withdrawal pipe)
The LNG payout pipe 5 connects each of the three LNG payout tanks 3 and the LNG receiving tank 2. The LNG discharge pipe 5 is stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 by utilizing the difference in height between the LNG liquid level in the LNG discharging tank 3 and the LNG liquid level in the LNG receiving tank 2. LNG is discharged to each of the three LNG dispensing tanks 3 under natural flow. The on-off valve 5 a provided in the LNG discharge pipe 5 is opened when LNG is supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the LNG discharge tank 3, and is closed when LNG is discharged from the LNG discharge tank 3 to the LNG vaporizer 4. To be spoken.

(LNG vaporizer)
The LNG vaporizer 4 is provided on the downstream side of the LNG dispensing tank 3. The LNG vaporizer 4 vaporizes the LNG discharged from the LNG discharge tank 3 into natural gas. The LNG vaporizer 4 vaporizes LNG with warm water or outside air heat. In the present embodiment, three LNG vaporizers 4 are provided in parallel.

  Each of the three LNG delivery tanks 3 and the LNG vaporizer 4 are connected by an LNG delivery pipe 13. As will be described later, the three LNG dispensing tanks 3 sequentially dispense LNG to the LNG vaporizer 4. The on-off valve 13a provided in the LNG delivery pipe 13 is opened when the LNG is discharged from the LNG discharge tank 3 to the LNG vaporizer 4, and is closed when the LNG is supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the LNG discharge tank 3. To be spoken.

  Natural gas, which is LNG vaporized by the LNG vaporizer 4, is supplied to the gas engine power generation facility 21 through the vaporized gas supply pipe 14. The vaporized gas supply pipe 14 is provided with a pressure control valve 14a, which is controlled by a controller so that the pressure of the natural gas supplied to the gas engine power generation facility 21 is a set pressure (for example, 0.5 MPa). Controlled.

(Vaporized gas return pipe)
The vaporized gas return pipe 6 returns the natural gas vaporized by the LNG in the LNG delivery tank 3 to the LNG receiving tank 2. The LNG delivery tank 3 side of the vaporized gas return pipe 6 communicates with the top of the inner tank 3a. The LNG receiving tank 2 side of the vaporized gas return pipe 6 is branched into a bottom return pipe 6a communicated with the bottom of the inner tank 2a and a top return pipe 6b communicated with the top of the inner tank 2a. That is, the natural gas in the LNG delivery tank 3 is returned to the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2 by the bottom return pipe 6a, and is returned to the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 by the top return pipe 6b. . A part of the natural gas returned into the LNG is cooled by the LNG and reliquefied. The vaporized gas return pipe 6 may have only one of the bottom return pipe 6a and the top return pipe 6b.

(Return valve)
The vaporized gas return pipe 6 is provided with a return valve 7 that opens and closes the vaporized gas return pipe 6. When the liquid level gauge 12 for detecting the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG discharge tank 3 detects that the LNG in the LNG discharge tank 3 is emptied or less than a few percent, the return valve 7 is opened. As a result, the natural gas in the LNG delivery tank 3 is returned to the LNG receiving tank 2 so that the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG delivery tank 3 and the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 are reduced. Equal (equalized). After the return valve 7 was opened, the pressure gauge 11 caused the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG delivery tank 3 to be equal to the pressure during pressure equalization (a value smaller than 0.5 MPa) or equivalent. When detected, the open / close valve 5 a provided in the LNG supply pipe 5 is opened, and LNG is supplied into the LNG discharge tank 3. Thereafter, when the liquid level gauge 12 detects that the amount of LNG in the LNG dispensing tank 3 has reached a predetermined value (usually 90%), the on-off valve 5a and the return valve 7 are closed, and the LNG Supply is terminated.

  Here, the three LNG dispensing tanks 3 sequentially dispense LNG to the LNG vaporizer 4. That is, first, LNG stored in the LNG dispensing tank 3 </ b> A is dispensed to the LNG vaporizer 4. When the LNG dispensing tank 3A becomes empty, the LNG stored in the LNG dispensing tank 3B is then dispensed to the LNG vaporizer 4. Meanwhile, LNG is supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3A. When the LNG dispensing tank 3B becomes empty, the LNG stored in the LNG dispensing tank 3C is then dispensed to the LNG vaporizer 4. Meanwhile, LNG is supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3B. When the LNG dispensing tank 3C becomes empty, the LNG stored in the LNG dispensing tank 3A is then dispensed to the LNG vaporizer 4. In the meantime, LNG is supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3C. This is repeated.

  Hereinafter, the LNG dispensing tank 3A will be described. When the LNG delivery tank 3A is emptied, the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG delivery tank 3A is 0.65 to 0.7 MPa. On the other hand, the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank 2 is 0.1 to 0.15 MPa. Therefore, in this state, the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG delivery tank 3A is too high, and LNG cannot be supplied from the LNG receiving tank 2 to the LNG delivery tank 3A via the LNG delivery pipe 5. Therefore, when the LNG dispensing tank 3A becomes empty, the return valve 7 is opened. Thereby, the natural gas in the LNG delivery tank 3 is returned to the LNG receiving tank 2 through the vaporized gas return pipe 6. As a result, the pressure in the gas phase section in the LNG dispensing tank 3A is equal to the pressure in the gas phase section in the LNG receiving tank 2. Thereby, the LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 by utilizing the height difference between the height of the LNG liquid level in the LNG receiving tank 2 and the height of the LNG liquid level in the LNG dispensing tank 3A. Can be discharged to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3A under natural flow.

  Further, since the tank capacity of the LNG delivery tank 3A is smaller than the tank capacity of the LNG receiving tank 2, the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG delivery tank 3A and the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 are equalized. Moreover, this pressure is lower than the pressure (0.5 to 0.6 MPa) at which the LNG tank truck 20 sends LNG to the LNG receiving tank 2. Therefore, even if the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank 2 increases after the pressure equalization, LNG can be supplied from the LNG tank truck 20 to the LNG receiving tank 2.

  Therefore, there is no need to use a pump as in the conventional case, so that BOG is not excessively generated and the supply of LNG is not stopped. Therefore, LNG can be stably supplied while reducing the loss of natural gas.

  Further, by arranging the cylindrical LNG discharge tank 3A in a horizontal position, the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG discharge tank 3A is made sufficiently lower than the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2. Can do. Thereby, LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 can be suitably paid out to the LNG dispensing tank 3A under natural flow.

  In addition, by making the tank capacity (80 KL) of the LNG delivery tank 3 </ b> A smaller than the capacity (170 KL) of the gas phase portion in the LNG acceptance tank 2 when the LNG acceptance tank 2 stores the maximum amount of LNG, LNG delivery When the pressure in the gas phase part in the tank 3A is equal to the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2, this pressure is more suitable than the pressure at which the LNG tank truck 20 sends LNG to the LNG receiving tank 2. Can be lowered. Therefore, LNG can be suitably supplied from the LNG tank truck 20 to the LNG receiving tank 2 after pressure equalization.

  Further, by returning the natural gas in the LNG dispensing tank 3A into the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2, a part of the natural gas returned into the LNG can be reliquefied. Thereby, since the pressure rise of the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 after the pressure equalization can be suppressed, the pressure of the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 after the pressure equalization is set so that the LNG tank truck 20 is in the LNG receiving tank. The pressure can be suitably set lower than the pressure at which LNG is sent to 2.

  Further, the natural gas in the LNG receiving tank 2 can be returned to the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2 by returning the natural gas in the LNG dispensing tank 3 </ b> A from the bottom of the LNG receiving tank 2 into the LNG receiving tank 2.

  The LNG delivery tank 3A has been described above, but the same applies to the LNG delivery tank 3B and the LNG delivery tank 3C.

(Relationship between LNG payout and storage)
Here, the relationship between LNG payout and storage in the LNG payout tank 3 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the time when the LNG payout tank 3A starts paying out is “0” in a state where the LNG is fully loaded in the three LNG payout tanks 3 (state where the remaining capacity is 100%).

  First, the LNG dispensing tank 3A dispenses LNG over 2 hours, and the remaining capacity is reduced from 100% to 0%. Next, the LNG dispensing tank 3B dispenses LNG over 2 hours, and the remaining capacity is changed from 100% to 0%. Meanwhile, LNG is supplied to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3A, and the remaining capacity is reduced from 0% to 100% in 90 minutes. Next, the LNG dispensing tank 3C dispenses LNG over 2 hours. In the meantime, LNG is supplied to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3B and is filled in 90 minutes. Next, the LNG dispensing tank 3A dispenses LNG over 2 hours. In the meantime, LNG is supplied to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3C and is filled in 90 minutes. This is repeated.

  Thus, it takes more time (90 minutes) to supply the LNG to the empty LNG payout tank 3 and fill it up than the time (2 hours) required for the LNG payout tank 3 to empty out after LNG is discharged. Is shorter. Therefore, LNG can be supplied to the LNG vaporizer 4 without interruption. It should be noted that the time required for the LNG payout tank 3 to become empty after paying out the LNG is not limited to 2 hours, and the time required to supply the LNG to the empty LNG payout tank 3 and become full is 90 minutes. It is not limited.

  Even in a period in which one of the LNG payout tanks 3 cannot be used due to periodic inspections, the LNG is supplied without interruption from the LNG by supplying LNG from one of the remaining two LNG payout tanks 3 and storing the LNG in the other. It can be supplied to the vaporizer 4.

(effect)
As described above, according to the natural gas supply system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the return valve 7 is opened, the natural gas in the LNG discharge tank 3 is returned to the LNG receiving tank 2. Therefore, when the LNG dispensing tank 3 is emptied, the return valve 7 is opened, and the natural gas in the LNG dispensing tank 3 is returned to the LNG receiving tank 2, so that the inside of the LNG dispensing tank 3 The pressure in the gas phase portion and the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank 2 can be made equal. Thereby, the LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 by utilizing the difference in height between the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2 and the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG dispensing tank 3. Can be discharged to the empty LNG dispensing tank 3 under natural flow. In addition, since the tank capacity of the LNG delivery tank 3 is smaller than the tank capacity of the LNG receiving tank 2, the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 3 is equal to the pressure in the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 In addition, this pressure can be kept lower than the pressure at which the LNG tank truck 20 sends out LNG to the LNG receiving tank 2. Therefore, even if the pressure in the gas phase portion in the LNG receiving tank 2 increases after the pressure equalization, LNG can be supplied from the LNG tank truck 20 to the LNG receiving tank 2. Therefore, there is no need to use a pump as in the conventional case, so that BOG is not excessively generated and the supply of LNG is not stopped. Therefore, LNG can be stably supplied while reducing the loss of natural gas.

  Further, by arranging the cylindrical LNG discharge tank 3 in a horizontal position, the liquid level of the LNG in the LNG discharge tank 3 is made sufficiently lower than the height of the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2. Can do. Thereby, LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank 2 can be suitably paid out to the LNG dispensing tank 3 under natural flow.

  In addition, by making the tank capacity of the LNG discharge tank 3 smaller than the capacity of the gas phase portion in the LNG reception tank 2 when the LNG reception tank 2 stores the maximum amount of LNG, the vapor phase in the LNG discharge tank 3 is reduced. When the pressure is equalized between the gas tank section and the gas phase section in the LNG receiving tank 2, this pressure can be suitably set lower than the pressure at which the LNG tank truck 20 sends LNG to the LNG receiving tank 2. Therefore, LNG can be suitably supplied from the LNG tank truck 20 to the LNG receiving tank 2 after pressure equalization.

  Further, by returning the natural gas in the LNG delivery tank 3 into the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2, a part of the natural gas returned into the LNG can be reliquefied. Thereby, since the pressure rise of the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 after the pressure equalization can be suppressed, the pressure of the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank 2 after the pressure equalization is set so that the LNG tank truck 20 is in the LNG receiving tank. The pressure can be suitably set lower than the pressure at which LNG is sent to 2.

  Further, by returning the natural gas in the LNG dispensing tank 3 from the bottom of the LNG receiving tank 2 into the LNG receiving tank 2, the natural gas can be returned into the LNG in the LNG receiving tank 2.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Natural gas supply system 2 LNG receiving tank 3, 3A, 3B, 3C LNG discharge tank 4 LNG vaporizer 5 LNG discharge pipe 6 Vaporized gas return pipe 7 Return valve 8 Vaporized gas delivery pipe 9 LNG reception pipe 10 Pressurized evaporator 11 Pressure gauge 12 Liquid level gauge 13 LNG delivery pipe 14 Vaporized gas supply pipe 20 Tank truck 21 Gas engine power generation equipment 102 LNG storage tank 103 Pump 104 LNG vaporizer 105 Return line 106 BOG heater

Claims (4)

An LNG receiving tank for receiving LNG from an LNG tank truck and storing LNG;
A plurality of LNG receiving tanks provided downstream of the LNG receiving tank, each of which receives LNG from the LNG receiving tank and stores LNG;
An LNG vaporizer that is provided on the downstream side of the LNG dispensing tank and vaporizes the LNG dispensed from the LNG dispensing tank;
An LNG discharge pipe for discharging the LNG stored in the LNG receiving tank to the LNG discharge tank in a natural flow;
A vaporized gas return pipe for returning the natural gas vaporized by LNG in the LNG discharge tank to the LNG receiving tank;
A return valve provided in the vaporized gas return pipe, for opening and closing the vaporized gas return pipe;
Have
The natural gas supply characterized in that the tank capacity of the LNG discharge tank is set to ½ or less of the capacity of the gas phase part in the LNG receiving tank when the LNG receiving tank stores the maximum amount of LNG. system.   The natural gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein the LNG delivery tank is cylindrical and is disposed horizontally. The natural gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the vaporized gas return pipe returns the natural gas in the LNG discharge tank into the LNG in the LNG receiving tank. 4. The natural gas supply system according to claim 3 , wherein the vaporized gas return pipe returns the natural gas in the LNG discharge tank from the bottom of the LNG reception tank into the LNG reception tank.

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