WO2020150988A1 - Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020150988A1
WO2020150988A1 PCT/CN2019/073114 CN2019073114W WO2020150988A1 WO 2020150988 A1 WO2020150988 A1 WO 2020150988A1 CN 2019073114 W CN2019073114 W CN 2019073114W WO 2020150988 A1 WO2020150988 A1 WO 2020150988A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pressure
backup
gas
liquid
heat exchanger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2019/073114
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Briglia
Original Assignee
L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority to CN201980085751.9A priority Critical patent/CN113227690A/en
Priority to US17/424,555 priority patent/US20220065528A1/en
Priority to PCT/CN2019/073114 priority patent/WO2020150988A1/en
Priority to EP19912167.4A priority patent/EP3914870A4/en
Priority to SG11202106850PA priority patent/SG11202106850PA/en
Publication of WO2020150988A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020150988A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
    • F25J1/0245—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control
    • F25J1/0248—Stopping of the process, e.g. defrosting or deriming, maintenance; Back-up mode or systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0012—Primary atmospheric gases, e.g. air
    • F25J1/0015—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0005—Light or noble gases
    • F25J1/001—Hydrogen
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0012—Primary atmospheric gases, e.g. air
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    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
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    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
    • F25J1/0245—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control
    • F25J1/0251—Intermittent or alternating process, so-called batch process, e.g. "peak-shaving"
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    • F25J3/0409—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression of oxygen
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04769—Operation, control and regulation of the process; Instrumentation within the process
    • F25J3/04787—Heat exchange, e.g. main heat exchange line; Subcooler, external reboiler-condenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04769—Operation, control and regulation of the process; Instrumentation within the process
    • F25J3/04812—Different modes, i.e. "runs" of operation
    • F25J3/04824—Stopping of the process, e.g. defrosting or deriming; Back-up procedures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2215/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the product stream
    • F25J2215/50—Oxygen or special cases, e.g. isotope-mixtures or low purity O2
    • F25J2215/54—Oxygen production with multiple pressure O2
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2235/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams
    • F25J2235/42—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams the fluid being nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2235/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams
    • F25J2235/50—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams the fluid being oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2235/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams
    • F25J2235/58—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams the fluid being argon or crude argon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/02—Recycle of a stream in general, e.g. a by-pass stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/42—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/50—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/58—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being argon or crude argon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/30—External or auxiliary boiler-condenser in general, e.g. without a specified fluid or one fluid is not a primary air component or an intermediate fluid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/30—External or auxiliary boiler-condenser in general, e.g. without a specified fluid or one fluid is not a primary air component or an intermediate fluid
    • F25J2250/40—One fluid being air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/30—External or auxiliary boiler-condenser in general, e.g. without a specified fluid or one fluid is not a primary air component or an intermediate fluid
    • F25J2250/42—One fluid being nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/30—External or auxiliary boiler-condenser in general, e.g. without a specified fluid or one fluid is not a primary air component or an intermediate fluid
    • F25J2250/50—One fluid being oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2250/00—Details related to the use of reboiler-condensers
    • F25J2250/30—External or auxiliary boiler-condenser in general, e.g. without a specified fluid or one fluid is not a primary air component or an intermediate fluid
    • F25J2250/58—One fluid being argon or crude argon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2260/00—Coupling of processes or apparatus to other units; Integrated schemes
    • F25J2260/02—Integration in an installation for exchanging heat, e.g. for waste heat recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/60—Details about pipelines, i.e. network, for feed or product distribution
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/62—Details of storing a fluid in a tank

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process and a system for supplying a backup gas, in particular a backup gas at an elevated pressure.
  • gases including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon and so forth are often requested.
  • gases maybe supplied through on-site gas production facilities, such as an air separation unit.
  • on-site gas production facilities such as an air separation unit.
  • a backup system may include one or more liquid storage tanks, pumps, or a backup vaporizer of various types.
  • backup gases maybe supplemented from a network of gas-transporting pipelines.
  • gaseous products from an ASU facility or in a pipeline network is commonly below 20 ⁇ 30 bara, while partial oxidation reactors could require gases at above 70 bara.
  • a backup system needs to provide gases at elevated pressure, thus a costly gas turbine has to be employed to raise the pressure of the gaseous product to a desire level.
  • US7,409,835B2 discloses a method and a system for reducing pressure fluctuation in the supply of pressurized gaseous products to consumers during a switch from a normal operation mode to a standby mode of an air separation unit.
  • a backup heat exchanger is maintained at a cold standby by diverting a small portion of liquefied gas stream through it.
  • US2008/0184736A1 describes a method for the emergency backup supply of a gas under pressure by vaporization of a pressurized liquid, this gas normally being supplied by vaporization of liquid in a first exchanger of a pumped air separation unit, during the step of operating a second exchanger in order to produce the make-up gas, pressurized liquid and high-pressure air continue to be sent to the first exchanger.
  • backup gases may also be provided from nearby air separation unit or pipeline networks.
  • gas compressors When the pressure of gases from the above sources is lower than that required at the customer’s site, they cannot be supplied directly to the customer; instead, their pressure needs to be raised by a gas compressor or a booster. Additional gas compressor increases capital and operational cost of the backup system, and may also carries certain safety concerns, especially when compressing oxygen.
  • the objective of the present invention is to eliminate the use of a gas compressor or a booster in a backup system, even when the output pressure of the gases needs to be higher, or even significantly higher than the pressure of the source gases.
  • the present invention discloses a process for supplying a backup gas at an elevated pressure, comprising the following steps: providing a source of backup gas at a first pressure; providing at least a reprocessing heat exchanger, a backup vaporizer and a liquid pump; then heat-exchange between the backup gas at the first pressure and a backup liquid at a second pressure in the reprocessing heat exchanger to produce the at least partially liquefied backup gas at the first pressure and the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure; followed up by warming up the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure in the backup vaporizer to produce the backup gas at an elevated pressure.
  • the second pressure is higher than the first pressure
  • the backup liquid at the second pressure is obtained by elevating the liquefied backup gas to the second pressure with the liquid pump.
  • the above process may also comprise a step of expanding the at least partially liquefied backup gas at the first pressure through an expansion valve.
  • the process can also include a step of storing the expanded liquefied backup gas in the liquid storage tank before transferring it to the liquid pump.
  • the process comprises by-passing part of the backup liquid at the second pressure from the reprocessing heat exchanger through a by-pass circuit.
  • the present invention describes a system for supplying a backup gas at an elevated pressure, comprising a reprocessing heat exchanger, a backup vaporizer and a liquid pump, a first conduit for delivering a backup gas at a first pressure into a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger and a second conduit for transporting an at least partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure from the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger into the liquid pump.
  • It further comprises a third conduit for delivering a backup liquid at a second pressure from the outlet of the liquid pump into a cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger, a fourth conduit for transporting an at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure from a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger to the backup vaporizer, and a fifth conduit for supplying the backup gas at an elevated pressure from the backup vaporizer; wherein the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.
  • system further comprises an expansion valve and a liquid storage tank.
  • the reprocessing heat exchanger of the system has separate flow channels for the backup gas at the first pressure and the backup liquid at the second pressure; and there exists a by-pass circuit, with one end connecting to the flow channel for the backup liquid at the second pressure inside the reprocessing heat exchanger and one end connecting to the fourth conduit.
  • the by-pass circuit may also have a flow-control valve disposed on it.
  • the reprocessing heat exchanger may comprise aluminum plate fin exchanger or printed plate exchanger.
  • the pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is in the range of 3 ⁇ 1, preferably in the range of 2.5 ⁇ 1.2.
  • the backup gas or the backup liquid comprises oxygen.
  • the present invention eliminates the use of a gas compressor (or a booster) when a backup gas stream is at a pressure lower than required by the customer; thus mitigates associated cost and safety concerns. It also provides an energy-efficient solution for simultaneously vaporizing a backup liquid and condensing a backup gas through heat exchange in a heat exchanger. Since the backup liquid is already partially vaporized before entering the backup vaporizer, the energy consumed therein is also reduced. In addition, if the backup gas were only supplied from a liquid storage, the capacity of the liquid storage needs to be substantial in order to sustain a long backup period. With the present invention, the liquid storage can be supplemented with gases from other sources regardless of their pressure; as a result, a large capacity of liquid storage is not necessary.
  • Figure 1 provides an illustration of a backup system for producing gaseous product in accord with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a theoretical representation of the relationship between the pressure of the backup gas and its condensable flow as a function of the total liquid flow to be vaporized, using liquid oxygen (LOX) at 80 bara as an example.
  • LOX liquid oxygen
  • 1-low pressure pipeline network 2-a first conduit (a backup gas at a first pressure) ; 3-a second conduit (partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure) ; 4-a third conduit (a backup liquid at a second pressure) ; 5-by-pass circuit; 6-a fourth conduit (partially vaporized backup liquid at a second pressure) ; 7-a fifth conduit (backup gas at an elevated pressure) ; 8-customer’s facility; 10-a liquid storage tank; 11-a liquid pump; 12-a reprocessing heat exchanger; 13-a backup vaporizer; 14-an expansion valve; 15-a flow control valve
  • gases from a low pressure pipeline network 1 can be utilized as a supplemental source of backup gas.
  • a low pressure pipeline network means the gas transported in these pipelines is at a lower pressure compared to the pressure of the final backup gas delivered to the customer, and the actual value may range from atmospheric pressure to 70 bara.
  • the transfer line of gaseous product from a nearby air separation unit (ASU) can also be considered as “a low pressure pipeline network” .
  • Gases from the low pressure pipeline network 1 are then transferred via a first conduit 2 into the warm end of a reprocessing heat exchanger 12.
  • the backup gas inside the first conduit 2 is at a first pressure.
  • the reprocessing heat exchanger 12 comprises any type that allows indirect heat exchange between two fluid steams and can sustain pressure over 50 bara, preferably over 80 bara.
  • the backup gas at a first pressure is cooled and at least partially condensed through heat exchange with a backup liquid at a second pressure.
  • the backup gas and backup liquid have the same composition, but the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.
  • the backup gas at a first pressure is usually at room temperature, while the backup liquid at a second pressure is usually at a cryogenic temperature, for instance, below -165°C.
  • the backup gas at a first pressure may be entirely or partially condensed or liquefied leaving the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger 12.
  • the partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure is then transferred via a second conduit 3 to a liquid pump 11.
  • the partially liquefied backup gas first passes through an expansion valve 14 to be further cooled and its pressure is reduced.
  • the expansion valve 14 also controls the flow of the backup gas through the reprocessing heat exchanger 12 to ensure it is cooled to a temperature low enough to avoid flash during the expansion.
  • a liquid storage tank 10 could also be disposed.
  • the liquid storage tank 10 may hold initial stock of backup liquid to be pumped and vaporized at the start of the backup process. With the continuous supplement of liquefied backup gas at the first pressure, the liquid storage tank does not need to have a capacity to hold the entire quantity of backup liquid needed for sustaining a long period of backup operation.
  • the backup liquid at the second pressure may be obtained from elevating the liquefied backup gas to the second pressure with the liquid pump, including directly elevating the liquefied backup gas at the first pressure by a liquid pump to the second pressure; or expanding and storing the backup gas at around atmospheric pressure in the liquid storage tank, then withdrawing from the liquid storage tank a stream to the liquid pump to be boosted to the second pressure.
  • the liquid pump 11 is used to raise the pressure of backup liquid from the liquid storage tank 10 to a second pressure that is required at the customer’s facility 8.
  • the output backup liquid at a second pressure is then transferred through a third conduit 4 into the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger 12.
  • the exit stream from the warm end of the heat exchanger contains at least partially vaporized backup liquid at a second pressure.
  • this stream is delivered into a backup vaporizer 13 and fully vaporized therein.
  • the backup vaporizer has the function to vaporize the liquid under pressure and on leaving this equipment, the gas maintains its pressure and is in general close to the ambient temperature.
  • This backup gas at an elevated pressure is then transferred through a fifth conduit 7 to the customer’s facility 8.
  • the word “elevated” means higher than atmospheric pressure, and preferably higher than the first pressure of the backup gas, but not necessarily higher or equal to the second pressure.
  • this vaporizer may use as heat source to vaporize the liquid under pressure, for example air, stream, hot water or combustion flue gas.
  • the backup gas at the first pressure is not available at some time during the backup operation, the entire flow of backup liquid may be vaporized in the backup vaporizer.
  • brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger For the reprocessing heat exchanger 12, persons skilled in the art understand that common choices include brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger or printed plate heat exchanger.
  • the brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger provides excellent heat conductivity but cannot withstand great temperature differences between the cold end and the warm end.
  • a by-pass line 5 is placed at an intermediate location of the aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger for the extraction of part of the cold backup liquid at a second pressure.
  • the extracted cold backup liquid passes through a flow control valve 15 before being recombined into the fourth conduit 6.
  • the exit temperature of the at least partially vaporized backup liquid from the warm end can be adjusted by controlling the flow via valve 15.
  • the present invention may include additional valves, tanks, pumps, flow lines, variations in connections, locations, arrangement, and/or other equipment and interrelated components.
  • the flow that can be condensed within the reprocessing heat exchanger of the present invention depends on a couple factors, such as the initial pressure ratio between the backup gas at a first pressure and the backup liquid at a second pressure and the flow of the backup liquid to be vaporized.
  • Figure 2 illustrates such a relationship for liquid oxygen (LOX) to be vaporized at 80 bara in a reprocessing heat exchanger.
  • the y axis P/p represents a ratio between the higher pressure P of the backup liquid to be vaporized and the lower pressure p of the backup gas to be condensed; and the x axis q/Q represents the flow ratio between the backup gas to be condensed and the backup liquid to be vaporized.
  • Table 1 and table 2 present simulations of two embodiments according to the current invention.
  • the initial pressure of the backup gas is at 40 bara and 60 bara, respectively.
  • the required pressure of the product gas is 80 bara.
  • the flow, temperature and pressure of each stream throughout the process are listed in the following:

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A process and a system for supplying a backup gas at a higher pressure from a source gas at a lower pressure. The backup gas at the lower pressure is at least partially condensed against a backup liquid at a higher pressure in a reprocessing heat exchanger (12) and as a result, the backup liquid is at least partially vaporized. The backup liquid at the higher pressure is formed from boosting liquefied backup gas at the lower pressure. A backup vaporizer (13) is disposed downstream of the reprocessing heat exchanger (12) to completely vaporize the backup liquid at a higher pressure before it was delivered to the customer. The process and system eliminate the use of costly gas compressor and mitigates associated safety risks, in particular when the backup gas is oxygen.

Description

Process and Apparatus for Supplying a Backup Gas under Pressure Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process and a system for supplying a backup gas, in particular a backup gas at an elevated pressure.
Background
In industries such as petrochemical industry, steel industry, glass industry or coal gasification, large quantities of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon and so forth are often requested. These gases maybe supplied through on-site gas production facilities, such as an air separation unit. Inevitably, normal production of gaseous production is disrupted upon occasion by events such as purity upset, scheduled or non-scheduled shutdowns, or other reasons. Thus, the delivery of gaseous products to the customer needs to be maintained by a backup system that may include one or more liquid storage tanks, pumps, or a backup vaporizer of various types. In some cases, backup gases maybe supplemented from a network of gas-transporting pipelines.
Various industrial applications require gases at different pressure. For instance, the pressure of gaseous products from an ASU facility or in a pipeline network is commonly below 20～30 bara, while partial oxidation reactors could require gases at above 70 bara. To comply with such constraints, a backup system needs to provide gases at elevated pressure, thus a costly gas turbine has to be employed to raise the pressure of the gaseous product to a desire level.
US7,409,835B2 discloses a method and a system for reducing pressure fluctuation in the supply of pressurized gaseous products to consumers during a switch from a normal operation mode to a standby mode of an air separation unit. In addition to a normally operating heat exchanger, a backup heat exchanger is maintained at a cold standby by diverting a small portion of liquefied gas stream through it. As a result, switching between the two modes can be effected with low energy consumption and a fast response time.
US2008/0184736A1 describes a method for the emergency backup supply of a gas under pressure by vaporization of a pressurized liquid, this gas normally being supplied by vaporization of liquid in a first exchanger of a pumped air  separation unit, during the step of operating a second exchanger in order to produce the make-up gas, pressurized liquid and high-pressure air continue to be sent to the first exchanger.
Summary of the Invention
During disruption of normal operation in industrial gas production facilities, a backup system and process to ensure delivery of pressurized gases within a small pressure fluctuation is necessary. In addition to liquid storage tanks, pumps or backup vaporizers, backup gases may also be provided from nearby air separation unit or pipeline networks. When the pressure of gases from the above sources is lower than that required at the customer’s site, they cannot be supplied directly to the customer; instead, their pressure needs to be raised by a gas compressor or a booster. Additional gas compressor increases capital and operational cost of the backup system, and may also carries certain safety concerns, especially when compressing oxygen.
The objective of the present invention is to eliminate the use of a gas compressor or a booster in a backup system, even when the output pressure of the gases needs to be higher, or even significantly higher than the pressure of the source gases.
In one aspect, the present invention discloses a process for supplying a backup gas at an elevated pressure, comprising the following steps: providing a source of backup gas at a first pressure; providing at least a reprocessing heat exchanger, a backup vaporizer and a liquid pump; then heat-exchange between the backup gas at the first pressure and a backup liquid at a second pressure in the reprocessing heat exchanger to produce the at least partially liquefied backup gas at the first pressure and the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure; followed up by warming up the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure in the backup vaporizer to produce the backup gas at an elevated pressure. In this process, the second pressure is higher than the first pressure, and the backup liquid at the second pressure is obtained by elevating the liquefied backup gas to the second pressure with the liquid pump.
The above process may also comprise a step of expanding the at least partially liquefied backup gas at the first pressure through an expansion valve. With the provision of a liquid storage tank, the process can also include a step of storing the expanded liquefied backup gas in the liquid storage tank before  transferring it to the liquid pump.
In another aspect, the process comprises by-passing part of the backup liquid at the second pressure from the reprocessing heat exchanger through a by-pass circuit.
Additionally, the present invention describes a system for supplying a backup gas at an elevated pressure, comprising a reprocessing heat exchanger, a backup vaporizer and a liquid pump, a first conduit for delivering a backup gas at a first pressure into a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger and a second conduit for transporting an at least partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure from the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger into the liquid pump. It further comprises a third conduit for delivering a backup liquid at a second pressure from the outlet of the liquid pump into a cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger, a fourth conduit for transporting an at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure from a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger to the backup vaporizer, and a fifth conduit for supplying the backup gas at an elevated pressure from the backup vaporizer; wherein the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.
In one aspect, the system further comprises an expansion valve and a liquid storage tank.
In another aspect, the reprocessing heat exchanger of the system has separate flow channels for the backup gas at the first pressure and the backup liquid at the second pressure; and there exists a by-pass circuit, with one end connecting to the flow channel for the backup liquid at the second pressure inside the reprocessing heat exchanger and one end connecting to the fourth conduit. The by-pass circuit may also have a flow-control valve disposed on it.
In both the process and the system for supplying backup gas at an elevated pressure, the reprocessing heat exchanger may comprise aluminum plate fin exchanger or printed plate exchanger. The pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is in the range of 3～1, preferably in the range of 2.5～1.2. The backup gas or the backup liquid comprises oxygen.
The present invention eliminates the use of a gas compressor (or a booster) when a backup gas stream is at a pressure lower than required by the customer; thus mitigates associated cost and safety concerns. It also provides an energy-efficient solution for simultaneously vaporizing a backup liquid and condensing a backup gas through heat exchange in a heat exchanger. Since the  backup liquid is already partially vaporized before entering the backup vaporizer, the energy consumed therein is also reduced. In addition, if the backup gas were only supplied from a liquid storage, the capacity of the liquid storage needs to be substantial in order to sustain a long backup period. With the present invention, the liquid storage can be supplemented with gases from other sources regardless of their pressure; as a result, a large capacity of liquid storage is not necessary.
Description of the Drawing
For further understanding the nature and objects of the present invention, references should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 provides an illustration of a backup system for producing gaseous product in accord with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a theoretical representation of the relationship between the pressure of the backup gas and its condensable flow as a function of the total liquid flow to be vaporized, using liquid oxygen (LOX) at 80 bara as an example.
1-low pressure pipeline network; 2-a first conduit (a backup gas at a first pressure) ; 3-a second conduit (partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure) ; 4-a third conduit (a backup liquid at a second pressure) ; 5-by-pass circuit; 6-a fourth conduit (partially vaporized backup liquid at a second pressure) ; 7-a fifth conduit (backup gas at an elevated pressure) ; 8-customer’s facility; 10-a liquid storage tank; 11-a liquid pump; 12-a reprocessing heat exchanger; 13-a backup vaporizer; 14-an expansion valve; 15-a flow control valve
Detailed Description
Referring to figure 1, gases from a low pressure pipeline network 1 can be utilized as a supplemental source of backup gas. Here, “a low pressure pipeline network” means the gas transported in these pipelines is at a lower pressure compared to the pressure of the final backup gas delivered to the customer, and the actual value may range from atmospheric pressure to 70 bara. The transfer line of gaseous product from a nearby air separation unit (ASU) can also be considered as “a low pressure pipeline network” .
Gases from the low pressure pipeline network 1 are then transferred via a first conduit 2 into the warm end of a reprocessing heat exchanger 12. The backup  gas inside the first conduit 2 is at a first pressure. The reprocessing heat exchanger 12 comprises any type that allows indirect heat exchange between two fluid steams and can sustain pressure over 50 bara, preferably over 80 bara.
Inside the reprocessing heat exchanger 12, the backup gas at a first pressure is cooled and at least partially condensed through heat exchange with a backup liquid at a second pressure. The backup gas and backup liquid have the same composition, but the second pressure is higher than the first pressure. In addition, the backup gas at a first pressure is usually at room temperature, while the backup liquid at a second pressure is usually at a cryogenic temperature, for instance, below -165℃.
Depending on certain parameters, such as temperature, pressure and flow differences between the two exchanging streams, the backup gas at a first pressure may be entirely or partially condensed or liquefied leaving the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger 12. The partially liquefied backup gas at a first pressure is then transferred via a second conduit 3 to a liquid pump 11. Along the second conduit 3, the partially liquefied backup gas first passes through an expansion valve 14 to be further cooled and its pressure is reduced. The expansion valve 14 also controls the flow of the backup gas through the reprocessing heat exchanger 12 to ensure it is cooled to a temperature low enough to avoid flash during the expansion. Optionally on the second conduit 3, a liquid storage tank 10 could also be disposed. The liquid storage tank 10 may hold initial stock of backup liquid to be pumped and vaporized at the start of the backup process. With the continuous supplement of liquefied backup gas at the first pressure, the liquid storage tank does not need to have a capacity to hold the entire quantity of backup liquid needed for sustaining a long period of backup operation. In view of the previous description, the backup liquid at the second pressure may be obtained from elevating the liquefied backup gas to the second pressure with the liquid pump, including directly elevating the liquefied backup gas at the first pressure by a liquid pump to the second pressure; or expanding and storing the backup gas at around atmospheric pressure in the liquid storage tank,  then withdrawing from the liquid storage tank a stream to the liquid pump to be boosted to the second pressure.
The liquid pump 11 is used to raise the pressure of backup liquid from the liquid storage tank 10 to a second pressure that is required at the customer’s facility 8. The output backup liquid at a second pressure is then transferred through a third conduit 4 into the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger 12. After heat exchange with the backup gas at the first pressure, the exit stream from the warm end of the heat exchanger contains at least partially vaporized backup liquid at a second pressure. Via a fourth conduit 6, this stream is delivered into a backup vaporizer 13 and fully vaporized therein. The backup vaporizer has the function to vaporize the liquid under pressure and on leaving this equipment, the gas maintains its pressure and is in general close to the ambient temperature. This backup gas at an elevated pressure is then transferred through a fifth conduit 7 to the customer’s facility 8. The word “elevated” means higher than atmospheric pressure, and preferably higher than the first pressure of the backup gas, but not necessarily higher or equal to the second pressure. Depending on the energy sources available on the site and their costs, this vaporizer may use as heat source to vaporize the liquid under pressure, for example air, stream, hot water or combustion flue gas. When the backup gas at the first pressure is not available at some time during the backup operation, the entire flow of backup liquid may be vaporized in the backup vaporizer.
For the reprocessing heat exchanger 12, persons skilled in the art understand that common choices include brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger or printed plate heat exchanger. The brazed aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger provides excellent heat conductivity but cannot withstand great temperature differences between the cold end and the warm end. Thus, for thermal balancing purposes, a by-pass line 5 is placed at an intermediate location of the aluminum plate-fin heat exchanger for the extraction of part of the cold backup liquid at a second pressure. The extracted cold backup liquid passes through a flow control valve 15 before being recombined into the fourth conduit 6. The exit temperature of the at least  partially vaporized backup liquid from the warm end can be adjusted by controlling the flow via valve 15.
For other types of heat exchangers, such as printed plate heat exchanger, since the equipment is robust toward temperature differences, the above by-pass line is not necessary.
The present invention may include additional valves, tanks, pumps, flow lines, variations in connections, locations, arrangement, and/or other equipment and interrelated components.
For a given type of gas, the flow that can be condensed within the reprocessing heat exchanger of the present invention depends on a couple factors, such as the initial pressure ratio between the backup gas at a first pressure and the backup liquid at a second pressure and the flow of the backup liquid to be vaporized. Figure 2 illustrates such a relationship for liquid oxygen (LOX) to be vaporized at 80 bara in a reprocessing heat exchanger. In this figure, the y axis P/p represents a ratio between the higher pressure P of the backup liquid to be vaporized and the lower pressure p of the backup gas to be condensed; and the x axis q/Q represents the flow ratio between the backup gas to be condensed and the backup liquid to be vaporized. For instance, according to this graph, a P/p value of 2 corresponds to a q/Q value of 0.42. Since the P of this graph is set at 80 bara, that means if the backup gas to be condensed is at a pressure of 40 bara (thus P/p=80/40=2) , then the current invention has the capability to condense as much as 1000 Nm 3/h backup gas at 40 bara by vaporing every 2400 Nm 3/h of backup liquid at 80 bara. (q/Q=1000/2400=0.42) . Throughout the invention, the flow of both gas and liquid is converted to normal cubic meter per hour at 1 atm and 0℃.
Table 1 and table 2present simulations of two embodiments according to the current invention. The initial pressure of the backup gas is at 40 bara and 60 bara, respectively. The required pressure of the product gas is 80 bara. The flow, temperature and pressure of each stream throughout the process are listed in the following:
Table 1. Embodiment 1
Figure PCTCN2019073114-appb-000001
Table 2. Embodiment 2
Figure PCTCN2019073114-appb-000002
In the column named “Flow” , the numerical number represents the conduit containing the flow, followed by a description of the nature of the flow. The above two examples illustrate the operation of the present invention, but they should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the invention.
Although this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be used. Accordingly, these variations and modifications are also within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (14)

  1. A process for supplying a backup gas at an elevated pressure, comprising:
    a) providing a source of backup gas at a first pressure;
    b) providing at least a reprocessing heat exchanger, a backup vaporizer and a liquid pump;
    c) heat-exchange between the backup gas at the first pressure and a backup liquid at a second pressure in the reprocessing heat exchanger to produce the at least partially liquefied backup gas at the first pressure and the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure;
    d) warming up the at least partially vaporized backup liquid at the second pressure in the backup vaporizer to produce the backup gas at an elevated pressure; and wherein
    the second pressure is higher than the first pressure, and the backup liquid at the second pressure is obtained from elevating the pressure of the liquefied backup gas to the second pressure with the liquid pump.
  2. The process of claim 1, further comprising an expansion valve and a liquid storage tank, wherein the at least partially liquefied back-up gas at the first pressure is expanded through the expansion valve before entering the liquid storage tank.
  3. The process of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
    by-passing part of the back-up liquid at the second pressure from the reprocessing heat exchanger through a by-pass circuit.
  4. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is in the range of 3～1.
  5. The process of claim 4, wherein the pressure ratio of the second pressure to the  first pressure is in the range of 2.5～1.2.
  6. The process of claim 1 or2, wherein the back-up gas and the back-up liquid comprise oxygen.
  7. A system for supplying a back-up gas at an elevated pressure, comprising:
    a) a reprocessing heat exchanger, a back-up vaporizer and a liquid pump;
    b) a first conduit for delivering a back-up gas at a first pressure into a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger and a second conduit for transporting an at least partially liquefied back-up gas at a first pressure from the cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger into the liquid pump;
    c) a third conduit for delivering a back-up liquid at a second pressure from the outlet of the liquid pump into a cold end of the reprocessing heat exchanger;
    d) a fourth conduit for transporting an at least partially vaporized back-up liquid at a second pressure from a warm end of the reprocessing heat exchanger to the back-up vaporizer;
    e) a fifth conduit for supplying the back-up gas at an elevated pressure from the back-up vaporizer, and wherein the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.
  8. The system of claim 7, characterized in that:
    disposing on the second conduit an expansion valve and a liquid storage tank.
  9. The system of claim 8, characterized in that:
    the reprocessing heat exchanger having separate flow channels for the back-up gas at the first pressure and the back-up liquid at the second pressure, further comprising a by-pass circuit, with one end connecting to the flow channel for the back-up liquid at the second pressure inside the reprocessing heat exchanger and one end connecting to the fourth conduit.
  10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:
    a flow-control valve disposed on the by-pass circuit.
  11. The system of claim 9, characterized in that:
    the reprocessing heat exchanger comprises aluminum plate fin exchanger or printed plate exchanger.
  12. The system of any of claims7-11, wherein the pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is in the range of 3～1.
  13. The system of claim 12, wherein the pressure ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is in the range of 2.5～1.2.
  14. The system of any of claims 7-11, wherein the back-up gas and the back-up liquid comprise oxygen.
PCT/CN2019/073114 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure WO2020150988A1 (en)

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CN201980085751.9A CN113227690A (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Method and device for supplying a gas under pressure
US17/424,555 US20220065528A1 (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure
PCT/CN2019/073114 WO2020150988A1 (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure
EP19912167.4A EP3914870A4 (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure
SG11202106850PA SG11202106850PA (en) 2019-01-25 2019-01-25 Process and apparatus for supplying a backup gas under pressure

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EP3914870A4 (en) 2022-09-07
EP3914870A1 (en) 2021-12-01
SG11202106850PA (en) 2021-07-29
CN113227690A (en) 2021-08-06

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