WO2017067984A1 - Manipulation de gaz naturel liquéfié - Google Patents

Manipulation de gaz naturel liquéfié Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017067984A1
WO2017067984A1 PCT/EP2016/075094 EP2016075094W WO2017067984A1 WO 2017067984 A1 WO2017067984 A1 WO 2017067984A1 EP 2016075094 W EP2016075094 W EP 2016075094W WO 2017067984 A1 WO2017067984 A1 WO 2017067984A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
fluid storage
storage volume
vessel
heat exchanger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/075094
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gordon CANNING
John Roach
Stephen Hallett
John MANNION
Peter Hewitt
Craig TINKER
Original Assignee
Linde Aktiengesellschaft
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 Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Linde Aktiengesellschaft
Priority to EP16782283.2A priority Critical patent/EP3390889A1/fr
Publication of WO2017067984A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017067984A1/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
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/005—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies combined with heat exchangers
    • 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
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/12—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge with provision for thermal insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0166—Shape complex divided in several chambers
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0329—Foam
    • F17C2203/0333—Polyurethane
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • 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
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F17C2203/0643—Stainless steels
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0149—Vessel mounted inside another one
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, 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
    • F17C2223/01—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
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0107—Propulsion of the fluid by pressurising the ullage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F17C2227/0341—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid
    • F17C2227/0353—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid using cryocooler
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0372—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in the 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
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0374—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in the liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • 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
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations
    • 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
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2201/00—Insulation
    • F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
    • 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
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2300/00—Special arrangements or features for refrigerators; cold rooms; ice-boxes; Cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a method for maintaining a subcooled state of a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a storage vessel and to an improved system for dispensing the cryogenic fluid.
  • a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas (LNG)
  • Liquefied natural gas is composed primarily of methane, which comprises about 85 to 98% of the LNG on a molar basis. Lesser components that may be present include ethane, propane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen. For the purposes of illustration, the properties of pure methane will be used to characterize LNG.
  • Liquefied natural gas bulk storage vessels are subject to both heat load, from natural heat-in-leak and refuelling operations, and from returned gas associated with the fuelling operation. This causes a significant heat load to the storage vessel, which typically results in gas venting. This venting is both a loss of valuable product, as well as a significant environmental issue because natural gas is a powerful greenhouse gas. Maintaining the contents of the bulk storage vessel in a subcooled state (temperature below the boiling point corresponding to the storage tank pressure) will prevent most or all of this venting. However, the amount of subcooling available depends on the temperature of the supplied liquid to the bulk storage vessel, and will be lost through warming after a period of time.
  • LNG vehicle fuel tanks typically have an optimum storage pressure of about 6-8 barg in order to deliver the fuel to the engine without the assistance of a pump or compressor. If the liquid supplied during refuelling is at a temperature above the saturation temperature corresponding to the optimum storage pressure then the fuel tank must typically vent during refuelling. It is therefore desirable for the temperature of the LNG supplied from the bulk storage tank to be at or somewhat below the saturation temperature
  • the saturation temperature is about -131 °C (142°K).
  • the bulk storage vessel head-pressure is sufficiently high to promote the flow of subcooled liquid into the vehicle fuel tank.
  • the liquid that reaches the vehicle tank is not of the corresponding condition, but significantly cooler. This allows the refuelling to occur with little or no venting, and the storage tank is filled at close to the optimum on-board storage pressure.
  • WO2013/102794 provides a method for maintaining a subcooled state within a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas in a storage vessel comprising removing a portion of the cryogenic fluid, cooling the removed portion of cryogenic fluid and reintroducing the removed portion of cryogenic fluid back into the liquid region of the storage vessel.
  • US6336331 provides a method for refrigerating the contents of a tank containing cryogenic liquid.
  • the present disclosure provides a vacuum insulated storage vessel for storing cryogenically cooled pressurised fluids
  • each of the first and second fluid storage volumes comprising an inlet for filling and one or more outlets for dispensing
  • the vessel further comprising a first heat exchanger within the first fluid storage volume for cooling fluid held in the first fluid storage volume, the first heat exchanger being in fluid communication with an outlet of the second fluid storage volume.
  • the vessel described herein provides a low-cost apparatus for the dispensing of a cryogenically cooled fluid.
  • the present disclosure provides a vacuum-insulated storage vessel for holding cryogenically cooled pressurised fluids.
  • cryogenic fluids suitable for the present invention include liquefied natural gas, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid air, and liquid argon and mixtures of these fluids.
  • Other fluids and fluid mixtures, such as ethylene, while not typically classified as cryogenic are also suitable for the present invention.
  • these fluids or mixtures of fluids are stored in a vessel, it is natural for liquid and vapour fractions of the fluid to form and separate. Where mixtures of these fluids are contained as the sole contents of a storage vessel, then the molar ratio of the components will be different in the liquid and vapour phases according to equilibrium thermodynamics.
  • cryogenic fluid that is present in the storage vessel
  • liquid nitrogen as the coolant
  • the invention would be applicable to other cryogenic fluids such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid air, liquid argon, and ethylene and mixtures of these fluids.
  • the storage vessel encapsulates first and second fluid storage volumes. That is, the storage vessel has an outer wall encompassing and enclosing the first and second fluid storage volumes.
  • the first and second fluid storage volumes may be separate high pressure containers.
  • the storage vessel has a partition defining the first and second fluid storage volumes; that is, there is a single high pressure container within the vacuum insulated vessel with an internal partition.
  • the first and second fluid storage volumes are encapsulated within a common evacuated atmosphere.
  • the first fluid storage volume is for holding a cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid for dispensing.
  • the first fluid storage volume may contain liquid natural gas which can be dispensed into automobiles as a fuel.
  • the second fluid storage volume is for holding a cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid for use as a coolant.
  • a cryogenic fluid such as liquid nitrogen is used as a coolant.
  • other cryogenic fluids such as liquid air, oxygen, and argon and mixtures of these fluids can be employed or a heat transfer fluid cooled by other means may be employed.
  • the second fluid storage vessel comprises liquid nitrogen (also known as LIN or LN2).
  • the apparatus is a transportable system and has the additional benefits of significantly reduced civils-costs and complexity, alongside plug-and-play installation and commissioning. Commissioning and decommissioning of static systems typically requires time-consuming pressure testing, purging, venting and filling processes so as ensure a flammable atmosphere does not exist and that the system is leak-free.
  • the transportable system described herein eliminates purging, pressure testing and venting processes associated with the vessel, having the ability to be moved to site with product stored within.
  • the dual-product vessel can be 'plug and play' incorporating simple electronic connections for ease of installation.
  • the vessel described herein comprises on-board dual storage for of LNG and liquid nitrogen in volumes suitable for product conditioning.
  • the vessel also comprises a heat exchanger, such as a conditioning coil, for the stored fluid which can be used to sub-cool LNG prior to filling.
  • a heat exchanger such as a condensing coil for storage top gas, allowing
  • a saturation vaporiser system to allow for post-bulk-fill warming of the liquid.
  • the vessel is a tank container.
  • a tank container is a vessel typically made of stainless steel surrounded by an insulation and protective layer of usually polyurethane and aluminium.
  • the outer jacket of the vessel may be of Stainless steel or carbon steel construction.
  • the vessel is provided in the middle of a steel frame.
  • the frame may be made according to ISO standards which is 12.192 meters long, 2.438 meters wide and 2.591 meters or 2.896 meters high.
  • the contents of the tank range from 27,000 to 4,000 litres.
  • An ISO tank container is shown in figure 1.
  • Each of the first and second fluid storage volumes comprise an inlet for filling and one or more outlets for dispensing. Therefore the vessel can be refilled with fluids.
  • the dispensing outlet for the first volume permits the use of the LNG as a fuel.
  • the one or more outlets for the second volume permit the use of LIN as a coolant in the first and optionally the second and/or further heat exchangers disclosed herein.
  • the vessel comprises a first heat exchanger within the first fluid storage volume for cooling fluid held in the first fluid storage volume.
  • the first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with an outlet of the second fluid storage volume. Heat exchangers are well known in the art. The provision of the first heat exchanger permits the use of the coolant in the second fluid storage volume to be used to subcool the fluid in the first fluid storage volume.
  • the amount of cryogenic fluid supplied to the first heat exchanger is adjusted to maintain the desired degree of subcooling of the cryogenic fluid present in the storage vessel.
  • This cooling can also be provided by other cryogenic fluids, or a heat transfer fluid cooled by other means.
  • the cryogenic fluid is vented from the heat exchanger after performing its heat exchange duties.
  • the nitrogen vented from the external heat exchanger may be further employed for other purposes (cooling or otherwise).
  • the first heat exchanger is provided in a lower portion of the first fluid storage volume. That is the cooled portion of cryogenic fluid in the first fluid storage volume is near the bottom of the storage vessel. This will help establish a uniform bottom subcooled layer in the storage vessel.
  • Conditioning of suitably subcooled LNG through immersed coil arrangement with liquid nitrogen minimises and/or eliminates the venting of natural gas due to heat in leak and pressure-equalisation whilst refuelling on-board tanks by the maintenance of subcooled LNG in the storage container.
  • the first heat exchanger will, in use, be submerged in the liquid LNG.
  • the sub-cooling arrangement of the conditioning coil provides a much simpler arrangement for zero-loss LNG vehicle refuelling compared to prior art pressure-decant or more complex pump designs.
  • Immersed coils eliminate heat-in-leak as a result of gas locks and from moving product from the vessel into external heat exchangers as per the prior art.
  • Additional control elements, as necessary, such as control valves, or temperature or pressure sensing devices may also be used to control the degree and rate of subcooling.
  • the provision of the first heat exchanger within the first fluid storage volume minimises the introduction of heat into the system.
  • a second heat exchanger which is in fluid
  • the heat exchanger thus placed in the vessel ullage-space can be used to condense vapours so as to prevent venting of gaseous product, and to facilitate a method of pressure-control.
  • the condensing coil re- liquefies storage tank top gas and reduces the pressure and thus prevents venting to atmosphere, eliminating losses of the product stored within the first fluid storage volume and preventing environmental harm.
  • the used LIN from the first heat exchanger may be passed to the second heat exchanger for further use before being lost.
  • the heat exchanger technology from WO2013102794 appears to have difficulty controlling boil off effectively in low utilisation installations due to the lack of convective heat transfer within the fluid. Cooling fluid at the base of the vessel was not always effective at controlling pressure in the ullage space (top) of the vessel. Venting caused by process heat-in-leak and low utilisation results in the loss of valuable product, and also the rejection of a powerful greenhouse gas. The loss has therefore got both financial and environmental implications. The provision of a second heat exchanger at the top of the first fluid storage volume serves to mitigate this problem.
  • a system for dispensing cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid comprising:
  • a third fluid storage volume comprising a further heat exchanger
  • a dispensing duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the first fluid storage volume for connection to a remote storage vessel to be filled;
  • a coolant duct providing fluid communication between an outlet of the second fluid storage volume and the further heat exchanger
  • venting duct in fluid communication with the third fluid storage volume for connection to a remote storage vessel to be filled
  • system further comprising a pressure sensor in communication with the first duct for detecting excess pressure in the remote storage vessel
  • system is configured to dispense fluid from the second fluid storage volume to the further heat exchanger when an excess pressure is detected.
  • the third fluid storage volume may be within the vacuum insulated storage vessel to benefit from the structural convenience and insulation.
  • the system permits the dispensing of LNG, such as to fill a high pressure vessel in an automobile.
  • the filling may be by Pressure Decant (PD).
  • PD Pressure Decant
  • the principle of PD is well known in LNG dispensing systems and can be used to establish close control of vehicle on-board storage pressures so as to create a pressure differential, and initiate/sustain flow.
  • Recently, there has been a movement towards pumped LNG dispensers due to their relative simplicity and ability to overcome vent recovery requirements due to lower pressure storage volume operation. Pumped systems require three phase electricity, complicated cool-down procedures, power electronics and longevity is unknown. A decision has therefore been made to develop a pressure-decant LNG dispenser without such requirements.
  • Pressure-decant systems utilise the pressure within the first fluid storage volume to overcome the vehicle tank pressure during refuel.
  • Vent recovery is a challenge for pressure decant systems due to the high pressures required within the first fluid storage volume (vapour from the vehicle tank cannot simply be taken back into the first fluid storage volume headspace as per pumped system utilising low vessel storage pressures). Vapour recovery may be conducted by the cooling of the third storage volume with pressure-controlling coolant coil. This reduces the pressure in the remote storage vessel and permits pressure-decant filling to occur. In a less preferred embodiment, a large coil within the first fluid storage volume may be used to collapse the first fluid storage volume pressure and create the pressure differential to allow vapours to flow from the remote storage vessel into the primary storage vessel. The vessel will then require pressure raising prior to filling.
  • vent recovery system works on the principle of condensation of on-board vapours in a condenser sump (third fluid storage volume).
  • a pressure transducer shall be used to determine that a vehicle of high tank pressure has been connected.
  • the condenser Upon initiation of the fill, the condenser shall be cooled by flowing LN2 through.
  • a temperature element can regulate LN2 flow, and ensure heat exchanger efficiency.
  • the fill Upon reduction of the pressure of the on-board tank (indicated by the pressure sensor) to below vent recovery set-point, the fill shall commence.
  • vapour recovery may be required prior to fill in order to reduce on-board storage pressures to such an extent where PD fill process may take place.
  • Vapour recovery can be completed by condensing vapours in a condensing vessel (third fluid storage volume), by utilizing liquefied nitrogen from the second fluid storage volume as a total-loss coolant.
  • This condensing vessel may be located in the LNG receiver, as part of the Dispenser (Static Installations) or the ISO Skid (transportable installations). Vapour condensed in the vessel/exchanger is returned to the LNG storage vessel using an automated valve arrangement and natural pressure-raise from heat in-leak.
  • the dispensing duct includes a mass flow meter, the system further comprising a thermosiphon duct for cooling the mass flow meter extending from an outlet of the first fluid storage volume to an inlet of the first fluid storage volume, wherein said inlet is above said outlet.
  • the arrangement of the inlet and outlet encourages a thermosiphon of cooled LNG which reduces the temperature of the MFM. This can keep the temperature of the MFM within desired limits to maintain accuracy.
  • the proposed pressure-decant system has an ability to cool the mass flow meter (MFM) quickly prior to filling. MFMs require cooling and quality (minimal gas-phase) liquid flow prior to the vehicle fill valve opening in order to guarantee accuracy and reliability.
  • MFMs require cooling and quality (minimal gas-phase) liquid flow prior to the vehicle fill valve opening in order to guarantee accuracy and reliability.
  • the PD system also has the ability to minimise liquid boil-off during fills, and prevent venting of vapour to atmosphere.
  • a system for dispensing cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid comprising:
  • a dispensing duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the first fluid storage volume for connection to a remote storage vessel to be filled;
  • the dispensing duct includes a mass flow meter
  • the system further comprising a thermosiphon duct for cooling the mass flow meter, the thermosiphon duct extending from an outlet of the first fluid storage volume to an inlet of the first fluid storage volume, wherein said inlet is above said outlet.
  • the LNG Dispenser system described herein is fundamentally based upon the "LIN Assist" system disclosed in WO2013/102794. That is, the system includes means to sub-cool liquid in the bottom of a cryogenic vessel.
  • LIN Assist system disclosed in WO2013/102794.
  • Previous designs of PD dispenser have suffered with high Liquefied Nitrogen consumption due to procedural vaporisation of LNG due to poor process design.
  • Sub-cooled liquid is required as on-board storage vessels are only fitted with top-fill capability and liquid warms during the fill. Vehicles require specific product conditions; too cold and the vehicle is unable to operate until the LNG warms, LNG too warm results in reduced range, poor filling, and the potential of venting from the on-board vessel.
  • LIN Consumption is related to the rate of LNG consumption at the particular installation, and has ranged from 30-150% LIN:LNG by mass. The causes of this High LIN consumption were found to be:
  • the present apparatus serves to address at least some of these disadvantages, In particular, it permits 'No loss' dispensing of conditioned Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to vehicles including vapour recovery (VR), and pressure control (PC) through a Pressure Decant (PD) Method for no vent operation and increased hold times of road/sea going LNG storage/transportation vessels.
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • VR vapour recovery
  • PC pressure control
  • PD Pressure Decant
  • Figure 1 shows an ISO pressurised gas container suitable for use as the vessel described herein.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic of the vessel described herein.
  • Figures 3a and 3b show alternative schematics of systems for dispensing cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid.
  • a storage vessel 1 for holding cryogenically cooled pressurised fluids.
  • the vessel 1 is made of steel and is insulated, having an insulated outer wall 5.
  • the vessel 1 contains a first volume 8 divided from a second volume 9 by a partitioning wall 10.
  • the second volume 9 contains compressed nitrogen which can form a gaseous coolant layer 1 1 and liquid coolant layer 12.
  • the first volume 8 contains the fuel source for dispensing such as LNG. These can form a gaseous fuel layer 16 and a liquid fuel layer 17.
  • the first volume 8 has an inlet 19 for refilling.
  • the second volume 9 has an inlet 18 for refilling.
  • First and second heat exchangers 20, 25 are provided in the first volume 8, spaced apart from one another.
  • the heat exchangers 20, 25 may be conditioning coils.
  • the first heat exchanger 20 may be submerged the liquid fuel layer 17. This is connected to the second volume 12 by duct 30.
  • the second heat exchanger 25 may be located above the liquid fuel layer 17 in the gaseous fuel layer 16. This is connected to the second volume 12 by duct 40.
  • the first heat exchanger 20 is located more closely to the outlet 55 than is the second heat exchanger 25.
  • the first heat exchanger 20 may be connected to the second heat exchanger 25 by duct 50 to reuse the coolant.
  • Duct 50 thereby provides a flow path from the second volume 12 via the duct 30, the first heat exchanger 20, the second heat exchanger 25 and outlet 45 through the first volume.
  • the use of this flow-path, rather than simply from the second volume 12 via the duct 30, the first heat exchanger 20, to the outlet 35, is controlled depending on the cooling required for the gas in the ullage to control the pressure. Waste coolant is lost through outlets 35 and 45 as appropriate.
  • Subcooled fuel such as LNG
  • coolant such as liquid nitrogen
  • FIG 3a shows a system 100 for dispensing cryogenically cooled pressurised fluid.
  • the system 100 comprises the vacuum insulated storage vessel 1 discussed herein.
  • the system 100 is for providing a remote storage vessel 105, such as a car fuel tank, with a fluid held in the first storage volume 8.
  • the system 100 comprises a third fluid storage volume 1 10 comprising a further heat exchanger 1 15.
  • the further heat exchanger 1 15 is connected to a coolant duct 120 connected to an outlet of the second fluid storage volume 9. Spent coolant from the further heat exchanger 1 15 is vented from outlet 125.
  • the system 100 comprises a dispensing duct 130 for connecting the first fluid storage volume 8 to the remote storage vessel 105.
  • the dispensing duct 130 comprises a mass flow meter 135 for measured dispensing of the LNG.
  • the mass flow meter 135 is in thermal contact with a thermosiphon duct 140 from the first fluid storage volume for cooling the mass flow meter 135.
  • the thermosiphon duct 140 extends from an outlet 141 of the first fluid storage volume 8 to an inlet 142 of the first fluid storage volume 8.
  • the inlet 142 is above said outlet 141 .
  • a venting duct 145 is provided for connecting the remote storage vessel 105 to the third fluid storage volume 1 10.
  • the third fluid storage volume 1 10 may be connected to the first fluid storage volume by a return duct 150. However, this is optional as shown in Figure 3b.
  • thermosiphon duct 140 passes through the mass flow meter 135.
  • cryogenic fluids can be employed in addition to LIN and LNG.
  • liquid air may be used in place of LIN for the cooling.
  • Vent control of alternative cryogenic fluids, such as ethylene, argon or liquid air, may also be accomplished.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une cuve de stockage isolée sous vide pour stocker des fluides sous pression à refroidis cryogéniquement, la cuve de stockage contenant des premier et second volumes de stockage de fluide, chacun des premier et second volumes de stockage de fluide comprenant une entrée de remplissage et une ou plusieurs sorties de distribution, la cuve comprenant en outre un premier échangeur de chaleur à l'intérieur du premier volume de stockage de fluide pour refroidir un fluide contenu dans le premier volume de stockage de fluide, le premier échangeur de chaleur étant en communication fluidique avec une sortie du second volume de stockage de fluide.
PCT/EP2016/075094 2015-10-19 2016-10-19 Manipulation de gaz naturel liquéfié WO2017067984A1 (fr)

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GB1518424.5A GB2543501A (en) 2015-10-19 2015-10-19 Handling liquefied natural gas

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WO2020214522A1 (fr) * 2019-04-15 2020-10-22 Charles Matar Stockage cryogénique sous-refroidi et transport de gaz volatils

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EP2569176A1 (fr) * 2010-05-14 2013-03-20 L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Procédé et appareil pour le stockage, le transfert et/ou le transport de gaz combustible liquéfié à basse-température
US20150204604A1 (en) * 2014-01-21 2015-07-23 L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonmy pour I'Etude et I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Cla Station and method for supplying a flammable fluid fuel

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US20130174583A1 (en) * 2012-01-06 2013-07-11 Ron C. Lee Methods for storing cryogenic fluids in storage vessels
CN202993711U (zh) * 2012-12-19 2013-06-12 湖北三江航天红阳机电有限公司 Lng游艇储物箱制冷系统

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US4292062A (en) * 1980-03-20 1981-09-29 Dinulescu Horia A Cryogenic fuel tank
EP2569176A1 (fr) * 2010-05-14 2013-03-20 L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Procédé et appareil pour le stockage, le transfert et/ou le transport de gaz combustible liquéfié à basse-température
US20150204604A1 (en) * 2014-01-21 2015-07-23 L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonmy pour I'Etude et I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Cla Station and method for supplying a flammable fluid fuel

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WO2020214522A1 (fr) * 2019-04-15 2020-10-22 Charles Matar Stockage cryogénique sous-refroidi et transport de gaz volatils
US20220196209A1 (en) * 2019-04-15 2022-06-23 Agility Gas Technologies Subcooled cyrogenic storage and transport of volatile gases

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GB201518424D0 (en) 2015-12-02
EP3390889A1 (fr) 2018-10-24

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