WO2022191916A1 - Système et procédé de vaporisation cryogénique utilisant un vaporisateur d'air ambiant - Google Patents

Système et procédé de vaporisation cryogénique utilisant un vaporisateur d'air ambiant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022191916A1
WO2022191916A1 PCT/US2022/011782 US2022011782W WO2022191916A1 WO 2022191916 A1 WO2022191916 A1 WO 2022191916A1 US 2022011782 W US2022011782 W US 2022011782W WO 2022191916 A1 WO2022191916 A1 WO 2022191916A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aav
units
bank
temperature
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/011782
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Chao Liang
Lee J. Rosen
Seth A. Potratz
Hanfei Tuo
Rakesh Ranjan
Original Assignee
Praxair Technology, Inc.
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
Priority claimed from US17/517,110 external-priority patent/US11976789B2/en
Application filed by Praxair Technology, Inc. filed Critical Praxair Technology, Inc.
Priority to KR1020237034232A priority Critical patent/KR20230154461A/ko
Priority to CA3211345A priority patent/CA3211345A1/fr
Priority to CN202280020382.7A priority patent/CN117063006A/zh
Priority to EP22706702.2A priority patent/EP4305338A1/fr
Publication of WO2022191916A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022191916A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F17C9/02—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure with change of state, e.g. vaporisation
    • 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
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • 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
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0302—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating
    • F17C2227/0309—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating using another fluid
    • F17C2227/0311—Air heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F17C2227/0393—Localisation of heat exchange separate using a vaporiser
    • 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
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • 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
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/038—Control means using cameras
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0473—Time or time periods
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0631—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0673—Time or time periods
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0689—Methods for controlling or regulating
    • F17C2250/0694—Methods for controlling or regulating with calculations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/032—Avoiding freezing or defrosting
    • 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
    • F17C2265/05—Regasification
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0136—Terminals

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to cryogenic vaporization systems, and more particularly, to a system for cryogenic vaporization having ambient air vaporizers (AAVs) arranged in parallel.
  • AAVs ambient air vaporizers
  • a typcial cryogenic regasification system as shown in FIG. 1, includes a liquid cryogen storage tank 102 that outputs liquid cryogen to a heat exchanger (or vaporizer) 106 via a control valve 104.
  • the control valve 104 can be upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger 106 and controls the flow of the liquid cryogen to the heat exchanger 106.
  • the heat exchanger 106 vaporizes the liquid cryogen into superheated vapor.
  • the superheated vapor is supplied to an end user through a pipeline.
  • Categorization of the heat exchanger 106 is dependent on a heating medium that is used for vaporization. For example, ambient air is used as a heating medium for an AAV, and water, or a fluid mixture designed to avoid freezing pending ambient conditions, is used as a heating medium for a water bath vaporizer (WBV).
  • WBV water bath vaporizer
  • a regasification system is continuously used to supply vaporized gas to an end user, it is referred to as a continuous supply system. If a regasification system is used only when a plant is shut down, it is referred to as a back-up system. A back-up system can also be used for “peak shaving” to supply vaporized gas to a end user for a period of time when the end user’s demand exceeds the capcity of the plant.
  • a pipeline within the regasification system is typically made of stainless steel or another cryogenically appropriate material. However, a pipeline to the end user is typically made of carbon steel, which may become brittle at lower temperaures. Therefore, typical piping standards specify a minimum design temperature for carbon steel.
  • An AAV is an atmospheric vaporizer system that includes one or more passes of vertically positioned tubes or modules, or a bank of AAV units.
  • the exteriors of the tubes are exposed to the ambient atmosphere and have an extended heat transfer surface.
  • the liquid cryogen flows within the tubes where it is vaporized and subsequently superheated, sometimes approaching the ambient atmospheric temperature.
  • AAV units offer significant advantages over other heat exchangers including, for example, low equipment costs, simple and reliable operation, low maintenance, and low operating costs.
  • AAV units suffer from several drawbacks including, for example, a large size and footprint due to low heat transfer performance and decreased performance from ice formation on the tube surfaces.
  • AAV units may suffer from an extreme sensitivity to ambient conditions.
  • AAV units may also produce certain safety hazards, such as, for example, falling ice chunks and fogging when cooler and heavier air forms a “ground air layer” beneath moist warmer air.
  • the cool air collecting around the vaporizer will considerably reduce performance to unacceptable levels during long operation periods.
  • AAV units may be configured in parallel, such that one bank is in operation while the other bank is idle in order to defrost.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical AAV regasification system.
  • a liquid cryogen storage tank 202 stores liquid cryogen and provides the liquid cryogen to first and second parallel lines.
  • a first control valve 204 controls the flow of the liquid cryogen to a first bank of AAV units 206.
  • a second control valve 208 controls the flow of the liquid cryogen to a second bank of AAV units 210. Only one of the first and second parallel lines is operative at a given time, and thus, when one control valve is open, the other control valve is closed.
  • a temperature sensor such as for example, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 212, measures a discharge temperature of the superheated vapor that is output from the duty (operational) bank of AAV units (e.g., the first bank of AAV units 206 or the second bank of AAV units 210).
  • a signal X3 indicating the measured temperature may be sent from the temperature sensor 212 to a processor or controller.
  • a timer 214 tracks a runtime of the duty bank of AAV units (e.g., the first bank of AAV units 206 or the second bank of AAV units 210).
  • a signal Z2 indicating the runtime may be sent from the timer 214 to the processor or controller.
  • the processor or controller may send the first control signal 228 to the first control valve 204, and may send the second control signal 230 to the second control valve 208, to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units.
  • FIGS. 3A-3C are flowcharts illustrating conventional control methods for an AAV regasification system. As shown in FIG.
  • the control method may be time-based, and a fixed period of time is preset as a set-point SP1 for switching banks of AAV units (e.g., a switching cycle).
  • the duty bank of AAV units operates or runs until the runtime reaches the set- point SP1. Specifically, at 302, it is determined whether the duty bank runtime is greater than the set-point SP1. When the duty bank runtime is greater than the set-point SP1, control signals are sent to the control valves to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 304.
  • the processor or controller when the signal Z2 indicates that a count of the timer 214 exceeds the set-point SP1, the processor or controller sends the first control signal 228 to the first control valve 204 and sends the second control signal 230 to the second control valve 208.
  • the first control signal 228 closes the open first control valve 204 and the second control signal 230 opens the closed second control valve 208, thereby making the second line operational and the first line idle.
  • the first control signal 228 opens the closed first control valve 204 and the second control signal 230 closes the open second control valve 208, thereby making the first line operational and the second line idle.
  • the conventional control method may be temperature- based, and a fixed temperature is preset as a set-point SP2 for switching banks of AAV units.
  • the duty bank of AAV units runs until a discharge temperature of the superheated vapor drops below the set-point SP2. Specifically, at 306, it is determined whether the discharge temperature of the superheated vapor from the duty bank of AAV units is less than the set-point SP2. When the discharge temperature is less than the set-point SP2, control signals are sent to the control valves to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 308.
  • the processor or controller when the temperature indicated by the signal X3 falls below the set-point SP2, the processor or controller sends the first control signal 228 to the first control valve 204 and sends the second control signal 230 to the second control valve 208.
  • the first control signal 228 closes the open first control valve 204 and the second control signal 230 opens the closed second control valve 208, thereby making the second line operational and the first line idle.
  • the first control signal 228 opens the closed first control valve 204 and the second control signal 230 closes the open second control valve 208, thereby making the first line operational and the second line idle.
  • the conventional control method may be based on both time and temperature.
  • control signals are sent to the control valves to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 312.
  • the discharge temperature is greater than or equal to the set-point SP2
  • a control signal is sent to the control valves to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 312.
  • the discharge temperature is compared to the set-point SP2, at 310.
  • the processor or controller when the signal X3 indicates that the temperature detected at the temperature sensor 212 falls below the set-point SP2, the processor or controller sends control signals 228 and 230 to the first and second control valves 204 and 208 to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units.
  • the runtime of the timer 214 is checked.
  • the processor or controller sends control signals 228 and 230 to the first and second control valves 204 and 208 to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units.
  • the duty bank continues running until one of the thresholds, SP1 or SP2, is met.
  • the switching is controlled by monitoring only the duty bank of AAVs, regardless of whether the idle bank is fully defrosted. If the idle bank is not fully defrosted, its vaporization capacity is not fully restored, and performance is degraded when it is used as the duty bank in the next cycle. Further, it is possible for this degradation to become an endless loop in which capacity of the two banks of AAV units degrades over time and is never restored.
  • the switching of the AAV banks is controlled by monitoring only the runtime and/or discharge temperature of the duty bank, regardless of frosting and/or icing characteristics of the duty bank. Accordingly, while the runtime and/or discharge temperature does not indicate it is time to switch AAV banks, frosting and/or icing on the duty bank may make its defrosting process inefficient and slow when it becomes the idle bank in the next cycle.
  • frosting and/or icing characteristics include, for example, the conversion of rime or frost to ice, ice bridging across tube fins, and ice blocking spaces between tube fins.
  • the switching of the AAV banks is controlled by monitoring only vaporizer performance regardless of dynamic changes in ambient conditions where the system is running. Runtime and discharge temperature set-points that are suitable for one ambient condition may not suit another ambient condition. For example, warm and/or humid ambient conditions may result in quicker defrosting and require a shorter switching cycle, while cold and/or dry ambient conditions may result in slower defrosting and require a longer switching cycle.
  • a method for controlling a cryogenic vaporization system is provided.
  • a liquid cryogen is provided to a first bank of AAV units via at least one control valve of the cryogenic vaporization system.
  • a superheated vapor is output from the first bank of AAV units.
  • a controller of the cryogenic vaporization system determines whether a temperature of the output superheated vapor is less than a temperature threshold. When the temperature of the output superheated vapor is less than the temperature threshold, the at least one control valve switches the provision of the liquid cryogen to a second bank of AAV units.
  • the second bank of AAV units is connected in parallel with the first bank of AAV units.
  • the controller determines whether the second bank of AAV units is defrosted. When the second bank of AAV units is defrosted, the at least one control valve switches the provision of the liquid cryogen to the second bank of AAV units.
  • a cryogenic vaporization system includes a first bank of AAV units configured for receiving a liquid cryogen and outputting superheated vapor, and a second bank of AAV units configured for receiving the liquid cryogen and outputting the superheated vapor.
  • the second bank of AAV units is connected in parallel with the first bank of AAV units.
  • the system also includes at least one control valve providing liquid cryogen to one of the first bank of AAV units and the second bank of AAV units, and a sensor that detects a temperature of the superheated vapor output from the first bank of AAV units and the second bank of AAV units.
  • the system further includes a first plurality of sensors measuring a surface temperature at the second bank of AAV units.
  • the system includes a controller configured to determine, via the sensor, whether the temperature of the superheated vapor is less than a temperature threshold.
  • the controller is also configured to control the at least one control valve to switch the provision of the liquid cryogen to the second bank of AAV units, when the temperature of the output superheated vapor is less than the temperature threshold.
  • the controller is further configured to determine whether the second bank of AAV units has defrosted based on the first plurality of sensors, when the temperature of the output superheated vapor is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold. Additionally, the controller is configured to control the at least one control valve to switch the provision of the liquid cryogen to the second bank of AAV units, when the second bank of AAV units is defrosted.
  • FIG. l is a diagram illustrating typical cryogenic regasification system
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a typical AAV regasification system
  • FIGS. 3A-3C are flowcharts illustrating conventional control methods for an AAV regasification system
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an AAV regassification system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an AAV regasification system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for controlling an AAV regasification system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Detailed Description
  • first, second, etc. may be used for describing various elements, the structural elements are not restricted by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first structural element may be referred to as a second structural element. Similarly, the second structural element may also be referred to as the first structural element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated items.
  • FIG. 4 a diagram illustrates an AAV regasification system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a liquid cryogen storage tank 402 stores liquid cryogen and provides the liquid cryogen to first and second parallel lines.
  • a first control valve 404 controls the flow of the liquid cryogen to a first bank of AAV units 406.
  • a second control valve 408 controls the flow of the liquid cryogen to a second bank of AAV units 410.
  • Only one of the first and second parallel lines is operative at a given time, and thus, when one control valve is open, the other control valve is closed.
  • Alternative embodiments may include one or more additional parallel lines of AAV units, and different numbers of control valves and banks on each line.
  • a first temperature sensor such as, for example, an RTD 412 measures a discharge temperature of the superheated vapor that is output from the duty bank of AAV units (e.g., the first bank of AAV units 406 or the second bank of AAV units 410).
  • a signal X3 may be sent from the first temperature sensor 412 to a controller or processor to be utilized by the controller or processor in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • the controller or processor may be embodied as a model predictive controller (MPC) 426.
  • MPC model predictive controller
  • a second temperature sensor 416 is disposed on the first bank of AAV units 406, which measures a temperature at the disposed position on the first bank of AAV units 406.
  • the second temperature sensor may be embodied as a thermocouple or an RTD.
  • a plurality of temperature sensors are disposed at a plurality of positions on the first bank of AAV units 406.
  • the second temperature sensor 416 is placed on finned tubes of the first bank of AAV units 406.
  • Alternative embodiments may utilize other temperature measurement means without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • a signal XI with temperature information may be sent from the second temperature sensor 416 to the controller or processor (or the MPC 426) to be utilized by the controller or processor, in combination with other received signals, in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • a third temperature sensor 418 is disposed on the second bank of AAV units 410, which measures a temperature at the disposed position on the second bank of AAV units 410.
  • the third temperature sensor may be embodied as a thermocouple or an RTD.
  • a plurality of temperature sensors are disposed at a plurality of positions on the second bank of AAV units 410.
  • the third temperature sensor 418 is placed on finned tubes of the second bank of AAV unis 410.
  • Alternative embodiments may utilize other temperature measurement means without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • a signal X2 with temperature information may be sent from the third temperature sensor 418 to the controller or processor (or the MPC 426) to be utilized by the controller or processor, in combination with other received signals, in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • a first infrared (IR) camera unit 420 is disposed within view of the first bank of AAV units 406, which captures thermal imaging of the finned tubes of the first bank of AAV units 406 using infrared radiation.
  • a plurality of IR camera units are disposed within view of the first bank of AAV units 406.
  • Alternative embodiments may also utilize other thermal imaging means without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • a signal Y1 of the thermal imaging may be sent from the first IR camera unit 420 to the controller or processor (or the MPC 426) for analysis to determine frost and ice profiles and behavior on the fined tubes of the first bank of AAV units 406.
  • the frost and ice profiles and behaviors are utilized by the controller or processor, in combination with other received signals, in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • a second IR camera unit 422 is disposed within view of the second bank of AAV units 410, which captures thermal imaging of the finned tubes of the second bank of AAV units 410 using infrared radiation.
  • a plurality of IR camera units are disposed within view of the second bank of AAV units 410.
  • Alternative embodiments may also utilize other thermal imaging means without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • a signal Y2 of the thermal imaging may be sent from the second IR camera unit 422 to the controller or processor (or the MPC 426) for analysis to determine the frost and ice profiles and behavior on the fined tubes of the second bank of AAV units 410.
  • the frost and ice profiles and behaviors are utilized by the controller or processor, in combination with other received signals, in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • a weather station 424 is installed and utilized to monitor changes in ambient weather conditions including, for example, ambient temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
  • the weather station 424 is in communication with the MPC 426, and the monitored changes in ambient weather conditions are sent from the weather station 424 to the MPC 426.
  • a timer 414 tracks a runtime of the duty bank of AAV units (e.g., the first bank of AAV units 406 or the second bank of AAV units 410) based on a preset switching cycle for the first and second AAV units.
  • This switching cycle is originally preset by the MPC 426 based on ambient weather conditions received from the weather station 424.
  • the remaining runtime for the duty bank of AAV units, with respect to the switching cycle, is provided from the timer 414 to the MPC 426.
  • the monitored weather changes and remaining runtime are used in combination by the MPC 426 to generate a signal Z1 indicating whether favorable ambient conditions exist for defrosting the idle bank of AAV units.
  • the signal Z1 is sent to the processor or controller (or remains with the MPC 426) and is used, in combination with other received signals, in determining whether to switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units via control of the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • FIG. 5 is a a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an AAV regasification system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As described above with respect to FIG.
  • the MPC 426 calculates a switching cycle for the first and second AAV units based on ambient conditions.
  • the ambient conditions are provided to the MPC 426 from the weather station 424, and the switching cycle is provided from the MPC 426 to the timer 414 as a switching cycle or the set-point SP1.
  • the set-point SP1 may be calculated dynamically with the dynamic change of ambient conditions.
  • a switching cycle may range from 1 hour to 8 hours.
  • SP2 may be set to approximately -20°F.
  • the processor or controller sends a control signal to the first and second control valves 404 and 408.
  • the first control signal 428 closes the first control valve 404 and the second control signal 430 opens the second control valve 408, thereby making the second line operational and the first line idle.
  • the second control signal 430 closes the second control valve 408 and the first control signal 428 opens the first control valve 404, thereby making the first line operational and the second line idle.
  • the processor or controller determines whether the idle bank of AAV units has defrosted, at 508. Such a determination is made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on a signal (XI or X2) indicating temperature and received from a temperature sensor (416 or 418 of FIG. 4) disposed on finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units. The determination is also made by the processor or controller based on a signal (Y1 or Y2) of thermal imaging of the finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units, which is received from an IR camera unit (420 or 422 of FIG. 4) directed at the idle bank of AAV units.
  • the processor or controller analyzes the thermal imaging to determine frost and ice profiles and behavior on the finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units. Accordingly, a determination of whether the idle bank of AAV units has defrosted is based on the received temperature information and determined frost and ice profiles and behavior. For example, if the temperature of the surface of the finned tube has reached the minimum of an ambient temperature and 0°C, the idle bank may be deemed to be defrosted. Additionally, if the thermal imaging indicates that no frost or ice remains on the surface of the finned tubes, the idle bank may be deemed to be defrosted.
  • the control valves switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 506.
  • the processor or controller or the MPC 426) sends the first and second control signals 428 and 430 to the first and second control valves 404 and 408, switching the idle and duty banks of AAV units, as described above. This prevents any additional accumulation of frost or ice on the duty bank of AAV units, when the idle bank of AAV units has already fully defrosted, thereby preventing unnecessary additional defrosting in a subsequent cycle and increasing the efficiency of the regasification system.
  • the processor or controller determines whether the duty bank of AAV units has evidence of rime converting to ice or ice bridging or -blockage on the finned tubes, at 510.
  • a determination is made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on a signal (XI or X2) indicating temperature and received from a temperature sensor (416 or 418 of FIG. 4) disposed on the finned tubes of the duty bank of AAV units.
  • the determination is also made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on a signal (Y1 or Y2) of thermal imaging of the finned tubes of the duty bank of AAV units.
  • the processor or controller analyzes the thermal imaging to determine frost and ice profiles and behavior on the fined tubes of the duty bank of AAV units.
  • a determination of whether the duty bank of AAV units has evidence of rime converting to ice or ice-bridging or -blockage is based on the received temperature information and determined frost and ice profiles and behavior.
  • the temperature of the surface of the finned tubes has dropped to a threshold value or range, it indicates that rime has converted to ice.
  • this threshold value or range is dependent on specific ambient conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, and wind), and specific process conditions (e.g., fluid type, inlet temperature and pressure, and flowrate).
  • the thermal imaging may show a temperature field as well as frost and/or ice profiles, which indicates if ice bridging or blocking has occurred.
  • the discharge temperature of the superheated vapor is rechecked and compared to the set-point SP2, at 504. Accordingly, the duty bank of AAV units is permitted to continue to run while the idle bank of AAV units continues to defrost.
  • the processor or controller determines whether the idle bank of AAV units is in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting, at 512. Such a determination is made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on a signal received from the weather station 424, which monitors changes in ambient weather conditions including, for example, ambient temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation. This determination is also made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on an amount of runtime remaining for the duty bank of AAV units based on the preset switching cycle and the set-point SP1 at the timer 414. The MPC 426 generates the signal Z1 based on the ambient weather conditions and remaining runtime in a switching cycle of banks of AAV units.
  • the determination of whether the idle bank of AAV units is in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting is also made by the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) based on a signal (XI or X2) indicating temperature and received from a temperature sensor (416 or 418 of FIG. 4) disposed on finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units.
  • the determination is also made by the processor or controller based on a signal (Y1 or Y2) of thermal imaging of the finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units, which is received from an IR camera unit (420 or 422 of FIG. 4) directed at the idle bank of AAV units.
  • the processor or controller (or the MPC 426) analyzes the thermal imaging to determine frost and ice profiles and behavior on the finned tubes of the idle bank of AAV units.
  • a determination of whether the idle bank of AAV units is in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting is based on the ambient weather conditions and remaining runtime (Zl), the received temperature information (XI or X2), and the determined frost and ice profiles and behavior (Y1 or Y2).
  • Whether an idle bank is in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting is determined by comparing a calculated additional time needed for defrosting with the remaining runtime. The additional time needed for defrosting is calculated from remaining frost and/or ice quantities (obtained via temperature sensor(s) and IR camera(s)) and specific ambient conditions (obtained via the weather station). If the additional time needed is less than or equal to the remaining runtime, the idle bank is in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting. If the additional time needed is greater than the remaining runtime, the idle bank is not in a favorable ambient condition for defrosting.
  • the discharge temperature of the superheated vapor is rechecked and compared to the set-point SP2, at 504. Accordingly, since the favorable ambient condition is indicative of continued defrosting, the idle bank of AAV units is permitted to continue to defrost while the duty bank of AAV units continues to run, despite the indication of ice on the finned tubes of the duty bank of AAV units.
  • the control valves switch the idle and duty banks of AAV units, at 506.
  • the processor or controller or the MPC 426) sends the first and second control signals 428 and 430 to the first and second control valves 404 and 408, switching the idle and duty banks of AAV units, as described above. Accordingly, since the ambient conditions are not indicative of continued defrosting, the additional build-up of ice on the duty bank of AAV units is prevented by switching the idle and duty banks of AAV units.
  • the controller or processor After switching the idle and duty banks of AAV units at 506, the controller or processor (or the MPC 426) recalculates a switching cycle for the first and second AAV units based on ambient conditions, at 502. Alternatively, the discharge temperature of the superheated vapor may be rechecked and compared to the set-point SP2, at 504, without recalculating the switching cycle.
  • AAV regasification system The reliability, efficiency, and flexibility of the above-described AAV regasification system is improved by monitoring not only the duty bank performance, but also the defrosting of the idle bank, the frost/ice characteristics of the duty bank, and the dynamic change of ambient conditions where the system is running.
  • Potential capital savings can be achieved by designing an AAV regassification system for a typical, but not necessarily the worst, ambient condition in a geographic location. Embodiments of the disclosure can help operate the AAV regassification system efficiently in unfavorable ambient conditions.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for controlling an AAV regasification system, according to an embodiment.
  • the processor or controller may be embodied as an MPC, and may include at least one user input device 602 and a memory 604.
  • the memory 604 may include instructions that allow a processor 606 to analyze thermal imaging, and determine when to switch idle and duty banks of AAV units.
  • the apparatus also includes the processor 606 for determining when to switch between the parallel paths of banks of AAV units.
  • the processor 606 may accept inputs from the first temperature sensor 412, the second temperature sensor 416, the third temperature sensor 418, the first IR camera unit 420, the second IR camera unit 422, the weather station 424, and the timer 414, and utilize such inputs to determine when to switch between multiple banks of AAV units.
  • the processor may also control the first and second control valves 404 and 408 to enable the switching. Further, the processor may analyze thermal imaging from the first and second IR camera units 420 and 422, and determine a runtime of the timer 414 based on input from the weather station 424.
  • the apparatus may include a communication interface 608 that receives signals, such as, for example, XI, X2, X3, Yl, Y2, and Zl, and transmits signals, such as, for example, first and second control signals 428 and 430.
  • signals such as, for example, XI, X2, X3, Yl, Y2, and Zl
  • signals such as, for example, first and second control signals 428 and 430.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de vaporisation et un procédé de commande. Un produit cryogénique liquide est fourni à des premières unités de vaporisateur d'air ambiant (AAV). Lorsqu'une température de vapeur surchauffée de sortie est inférieure à un seuil, le produit cryogénique liquide est fourni à des secondes unités d'AAV. Lorsqu'il est supérieur ou égal au seuil, il est déterminé si les secondes unités d'AAV sont dégivrées. Lorsqu'il est dégivré, le produit cryogénique liquide est fourni aux secondes unités d'AAV. Lorsqu'il n'est pas dégivré, il est déterminé si la glace a été formée sur les premières unités d'AAV. Lorsqu'elle n'est pas formée, il est à nouveau déterminé si la température de vapeur surchauffée est inférieure au seuil. Lorsqu'elle est formée, il est déterminé si une condition ambiante actuelle est favorable au dégivrage des secondes unités d'AAV. Lorsqu'elle n'est pas favorable, le cryogène liquide est fourni à la seconde banque d'unités d'AAV. Lorsqu'elle est favorable, il est à nouveau déterminé si la température de vapeur surchauffée est inférieure au seuil.
PCT/US2022/011782 2021-03-11 2022-01-10 Système et procédé de vaporisation cryogénique utilisant un vaporisateur d'air ambiant WO2022191916A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020237034232A KR20230154461A (ko) 2021-03-11 2022-01-10 대기식 기화기를 사용한 극저온 기화를 위한 시스템 및 방법
CA3211345A CA3211345A1 (fr) 2021-03-11 2022-01-10 Systeme et procede de vaporisation cryogenique utilisant un vaporisateur d'air ambiant
CN202280020382.7A CN117063006A (zh) 2021-03-11 2022-01-10 使用环境空气气化器的低温气化的系统和方法
EP22706702.2A EP4305338A1 (fr) 2021-03-11 2022-01-10 Système et procédé de vaporisation cryogénique utilisant un vaporisateur d'air ambiant

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US202163159599P 2021-03-11 2021-03-11
US63/159,599 2021-03-11
US17/517,110 US11976789B2 (en) 2021-03-11 2021-11-02 System and method for cryogenic vaporization using ambient air vaporizer
US17/517,110 2021-11-02

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KR (1) KR20230154461A (fr)
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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4025138A1 (de) * 1990-08-08 1992-02-13 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Verfahren zum abtauen luftbeheizter verdampfer fuer tiefsiedende verfluessigte gase
US20080250795A1 (en) * 2007-04-16 2008-10-16 Conocophillips Company Air Vaporizer and Its Use in Base-Load LNG Regasification Plant
US20090126372A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-21 Solomon Aladja Faka Intermittent De-Icing During Continuous Regasification of a Cryogenic Fluid Using Ambient Air

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4025138A1 (de) * 1990-08-08 1992-02-13 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Verfahren zum abtauen luftbeheizter verdampfer fuer tiefsiedende verfluessigte gase
US20080250795A1 (en) * 2007-04-16 2008-10-16 Conocophillips Company Air Vaporizer and Its Use in Base-Load LNG Regasification Plant
US20090126372A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-21 Solomon Aladja Faka Intermittent De-Icing During Continuous Regasification of a Cryogenic Fluid Using Ambient Air

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CA3211345A1 (fr) 2022-09-15
KR20230154461A (ko) 2023-11-08

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