Cryogenic fluid distribution system with thermal management

Abstract

A cryogenic fluid distribution system is disclosed having a tank containing cryogenic liquid and managing heat in the system. The cryogenic liquid distribution system optionally includes a tank and / or a heat exchanger within the tank for managing heat within the system.

Description

[0001] Priority interest

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 036,560, filed on June 9, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to cryogenic fluid distribution systems and, more particularly, to cryogenic fluid distribution systems having the ability to manage heat in the system. Background Art

[0004] Cryogenic fluids (i.e. fluids with a boiling point generally below -150°C at atmospheric pressure) are used in a variety of applications, such as automotive and industrial applications. Cryogenic fluids are often stored as liquids to reduce volume, thereby allowing the use of containers with more practical and economical designs. Liquids are often stored in double-walled tanks or containers with a vacuum between the inner and outer walls of the container as insulation to reduce heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the cryogenic liquid.

[0005] The distribution of cryogenic fluids such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) is often required to be intermittent, for example, when a vehicle fueled by LNG refuels at an LNG fueling station.

[0006] Thermal management is one of the most important factors affecting the operability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution systems, such as fuel supply stations. During use of the system, thermal energy causes the contents of the tank to heat up and produce boil-off gas (BOG). BOG from LNG should not be vented because methane is considered unhealthy for the environment and must be handled within the system. BOG can accumulate in cryogenic tanks, but the accumulation pressure capacity is often insufficient and some external facility for BOG handling is required. BOG can be re-condensed using liquid nitrogen, or it can be compressed into high-pressure cylinders like compressed natural gas (CNG). Both options for BOG handling add complexity and cost to the distribution system. Summary of the invention

[0007] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide an advantageous cryogenic liquid distribution system that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art distribution systems. The disclosed cryogenic liquid distribution system is able to better manage heat accumulation within the system and utilizes warmer liquefied natural gas rather than cooling the system.

[0008] In one aspect, a cryogenic fluid distribution system includes: a tank defining an area for containing cryogenic liquid, a tank defining an area configured to contain the cryogenic liquid at a height above the bottom of the tank and in fluid communication with the tank, and a pump. The system also includes: a first supply line in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank and configured to selectively guide the cryogenic liquid from the tank to the pump, a regulating heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid, a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and configured to guide the cryogenic liquid from the pump to the inlet of the regulating heat exchanger, a product line configured to guide the liquid from the outlet of the regulating heat exchanger to a use device, a recirculation line configured to guide the fluid from the outlet of the regulating heat exchanger or the product line to the tank, a recirculation valve in fluid communication with the recirculation line, and a second supply line in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank and configured to selectively guide the liquid from the tank to the pump.

[0009] In a further aspect, a cryogenic fluid distribution system includes: a tank defining an area for containing cryogenic liquid, a pump, and a regulating heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid. The system also includes: a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and the regulating heat exchanger, the distribution line passing through the top of the tank. The system also includes: a tank heat exchanger located on the distribution line within the top of the tank, configured to direct the liquid to a product line of a use device, a recirculation line configured to selectively direct fluid from an outlet of the regulating heat exchanger or the product line to the tank, and a recirculation valve in fluid communication with the recirculation line.

[0010] In still a further aspect, a method is provided in which heat is controlled in a cryogenic fluid distribution system, the method comprising the steps of storing a cryogenic liquid in a tank; pumping the cryogenic liquid into a regulating system; distributing the regulated cryogenic fluid from the regulating system to a use device through a product line; and recirculating the liquid from the regulating system or the product line to a tank located in the top space of a tank to condense vapor in the top space.

[0011] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for explanation purposes only and are not restrictive of the claimed subject matter. Further features and objects of the present disclosure will be more fully reflected in the following description of preferred embodiments and from the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In describing the preferred example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure.

[0017] It should be understood that these figures are not drawn to scale. Although some mechanical details and alternative configurations of the exemplary dispensing system are not included, these details are considered to be understandable by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Even with insulation, some heat or thermal energy cannot be prevented from entering the distribution system. There are several operations associated with the LNG distribution system, such as use as a fueling station, that accumulate additional heat into the system. If the tank pressure of the vehicle being used is too high, the pressure is discharged into the system's tanks, which can increase the temperature of the fluid within the tanks. The temperature may also increase during the cool-down period of the distribution system, where the liquid natural gas is circulated back to the storage tanks by pumps until the LNG parameters are suitable for the vehicle tanks. In addition, the distribution system may contain warm fluid after distribution is completed, such as in a conditioning heat exchanger and / or in a product pipeline running from the outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger to the distribution outlet, where the warm fluid is returned to the tank. The disclosed embodiments include systems designed to better manage heat in a distribution system. Although the embodiments are described as LNG fueling stations, the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to other types of distribution systems containing other types of fluids.

[0019] The first embodiment of the cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure is generally as follows: Figure 11010 and schematically shown as an LNG refueling station. The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1010 includes a tank 1012 defining an area for containing a cryogenic liquid 1014 with a vapor head space 1016 above the cryogenic liquid 1014. A first supply conduit or pipeline 1018 is in liquid communication with the bottom of the tank 1012 via a first end 1018a and in liquid communication with a pump 1020 at a second end 1018b, which is immersed in a separate container or sump 1022. Liquid flows from the tank 1012 to the sump 1022, thereby being in liquid communication with the inlet of the pump 1020 and immersing the pump 1020 in the liquid to keep the pump 1020 adequately cooled. The first supply valve 1024 is located in the first supply line 1018 between a first end 1018 a of the first supply line 1018 at the bottom of the tank 1012 and a second end 1018 b of the first supply line 1018 at the pump 1020 .

[0020] A trough 1034 is provided that defines an area configured to contain a cryogenic liquid 1035 at a height above the bottom of the tank 1012, and the trough 1034 is in fluid communication with the interior of the tank 1012. The trough 1034 is suspended in the tank 1012, in an upper portion of the tank 1012, such as in the head space of the tank, and has an upward opening.

[0021] The recirculation conduit or line 1026 is in fluid communication with the regulation system 1050 at a first end 1026a and in fluid communication with the tank 1034 at a second end 1026b. A recirculation valve 1028 is located in the recirculation line 1026 between the first end 1026a of the recirculation line 1026 at the regulation system 1050 and the second end 1026b at the tank 1034.

[0022] The dispensing conduit or line 1040 is in fluid communication with the pump 1020 at a first end 1040a and is in fluid communication with the regulating system 1050 at a second location 1040b.

[0023] The conditioning system 1050 is connected to the product line 1030 for distributing the cryogenic liquid to a use vehicle or other use device.

[0024] It is noted that the conditioning system 1050 may be any configuration known in the art for such systems. A specific non-limiting example is a dynamic saturation (SOF) system, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,940 to Bonn et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,946 to Kooy et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The conditioning system 1050 includes at least one conditioning heat exchanger 1052 configured to warm a cryogenic liquid, and may include various additional lines / conduits, sensors, controllers, and valve configurations not shown.

[0025] The exemplary regulation system 1050 includes a portion of a distribution line 1040 configured to direct cryogenic liquid to an inlet of a regulation heat exchanger 1052. The regulation system may also include a bypass line 1060 having a bypass line inlet 1060a connected to the distribution line and a bypass line outlet 1060b. There may also be a bypass valve device configured to receive liquid from a pump and selectively direct the received liquid through the regulation heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet 1060a, or both the regulation heat exchanger 1052 and the bypass inlet 1060a. The bypass valve device includes at least one valve, and may include two or more valves. A single valve may be located at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line. Or alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, a pair of valves (1054, 1056) may be present on the distribution line and the bypass line.

[0026] The regulating system may also include a distribution valve device. The distribution valve device is in fluid communication with the regulating heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet 1060b, and is configured to selectively direct the received liquid through the recirculation line 1026 or the product line 1030. The distribution valve device includes at least one valve and may include two or more valves. A single valve may be located at the junction 1029 of the product line and the recirculation line inlet. Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, a pair of valves (1032, 1058) may be present on the product line and the recirculation line.

[0027] A second supply conduit or line 1036 is in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank 1034 at a first end 1036a and in fluid communication with the pump 1020 at a second end 1018b. A second supply valve 1038 is located in the second supply line 1036 between the first end 1036a at the bottom of the tank 1034 and the second end 1036b at the pump 1020. It should be understood that the first and second supply valves 1024 and 1038 may optionally be replaced with three-way valves.

[0028] When the cryogenic liquid 1014 does not need to be dispensed, the pump 1020 does not operate and is kept in a cold state by the liquid in the sump 1022, and the first supply valve 1024 is in an open position.

[0029] There are several processes that benefit from the improved layout of the distribution system of the first embodiment. If the pressure in the storage tank of the use vehicle is too high, the use vehicle can discharge the liquid to the tank 1012. This warmer fluid at a higher pressure is discharged to the recirculation line 1026 through the product line 1030 and is directed to the tank 1034. In addition, before being distributed to the use vehicle, the system may need to be cooled so that the cryogenic liquid parameters are suitable for the use vehicle. In order to complete the cooling of the system, the cryogenic liquid from the tank is circulated through the system. More specifically, the cold liquid is pumped from the bottom of the tank to the pump 1020 via the first supply line 1018. The cryogenic liquid is then pumped to the regulation system 1050 through the distribution line 1040, and the resulting warm liquid is circulated to the tank 1034 of the tank 1012 through the recirculation line 1026. When the regulation system reaches the optimal cryogenic liquid parameters, the cryogenic liquid can be distributed to the use vehicle via the product line 1030. In addition, after the cryogenic liquid is distributed to the use vehicle, the fluid in the part of the system after the conditioning system heat exchanger will be warmed and / or evaporated. The liquid that has been warmed and / or evaporated is sent back to the tank 1034 via the recirculation line 1026. The liquid level in the tank 1034 should be maintained so that vapors from the use vehicle and / or conditioning system and / or product pipeline can be condensed and returned to the tank via the recirculation line 1026.

[0030] A second embodiment of the cryogenic liquid distribution system according to the present disclosure is generally as follows: Figure 2 1110 and is schematically shown as an LNG fueling station. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and operates in the same general manner, but the system 1110 includes a tank heat exchanger 1144 installed in the tank 1134 of the cryogenic tank to help manage heat in the system. The second embodiment does not include a second supply line and utilizes a different distribution line path.

[0031] The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1110 includes a tank 1112 defining an area for containing a cryogenic liquid 1114 with a vapor head space 1116 above the cryogenic liquid 1114. A first supply conduit or line 1118 is in liquid communication with the bottom of the tank 1112 via a first end 1118a and in liquid communication at a second end 1118b with a pump 1120, which is submerged in a separate container or sump 1122. Liquid from the tank 1112 flows to the sump 1122 to be in liquid communication with the inlet of the pump 1120 and to submerge the pump 1120 in the liquid to maintain adequate cooling of the pump 1120. A first supply valve 1124 is located in the first supply line 1118 between a first end 1118a of the first supply line 1118 at the bottom of the tank 1112 and a second end 1118b of the first supply line 1118 at the pump 1120.

[0032] A trough 1134 is provided that defines an area configured to contain cryogenic liquid 1135 at a height above the bottom of tank 1112 and is in liquid communication with tank 1112. Trough 1134 is suspended within tank 1112 in an upper portion or headspace of tank 1112 and has an upwardly facing opening.

[0033] A distribution conduit or line 1140 is in fluid communication with the pump 1120 and the conditioning system 1150. The distribution line 1140 enters the tank 1112 at a location 1140c from a first end 1140a at the pump 1120 and exits the tank 1112 at a location 1140d before entering the conditioning system (including the conditioning heat exchanger) at 1140b.

[0034] The portion of the distribution line in tank 1112 includes a tank heat exchanger 1144 positioned within tank 1134. Figure 2 As shown, the tank heat exchanger can be a multi-pass heat exchanger, or any heat exchanger known in the art, including but not limited to a single-pass heat exchanger or a heat exchanger coil. In addition, the tank heat exchanger can be a separate component that receives liquid from the distribution line 1140 and returns the liquid to the distribution line 1140.

[0035] The circulation conduit or line 1126 is in liquid communication with the regulation system 1150 (which includes the regulation heat exchanger) at a first end 1126a and is in liquid communication with the tank 1134 at a second end 1126b, thereby allowing the cryogenic liquid to be recirculated when necessary. A recirculation valve 1128 is located in the recirculation line 1126, between the first end 1126a of the recirculation line 1126 of the regulation system 1150 and the second end 1126b at the upper portion of the tank 1112.

[0036] As in Figure 1In a first embodiment, a conditioning system 1150 is connected to the product line 1130 for dispensing the cryogenic liquid to the use vehicle and adjusting the temperature of the cryogenic liquid before dispensing. Figure 1 Like the conditioning system 1050 in FIG. 1 , the conditioning system 1150 includes a conditioning heat exchanger 1152 for heating the cryogenic liquid.

[0037] The system 1110 of the second embodiment may be operated in a similar manner to the system 1010 of the first embodiment, but the cryogenic liquid may instead be drawn from a separate supply line at the bottom of the tank 1112, with any excess liquid from the tank 1134 (which has been cooled, as described below) overflowing into the liquid in the tank below. Alternatively, a second supply conduit or line (e.g. Figure 1 The pipeline 1036 in the example above can be provided between the bottom of the tank and the pump and provided with a second supply valve (such as Figure 1 In addition, liquid flowing through the distribution pipeline returns through the tank heat exchanger 1144 in the tank 1112 and tank 1134 and then travels to the regulation system.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In a system, when cryogenic liquid needs to be distributed, it can be pumped into the distribution line by a pump. The cryogenic liquid flows through the distribution line and is warmed in the heat exchanger at the top of the tank. Therefore, the cryogenic liquid in the tank is cooled, thereby improving the ability of the tank liquid to condense vapors from the vehicle tank and / or the distribution system, which are returned to the station tank through the recirculation line. The warmed cryogenic liquid passes into the conditioning system and passes through the conditioning heat exchanger of the conditioning system, and then is distributed to the use vehicle through the product pipeline.

[0039] Figure 3-4 It shows Figure 2 System changes. Figure 3-4 The system and Figure 2 The systems in the examples differ in the configuration of the tanks, tanks and distribution lines, but still each has a tank heat exchanger on the distribution line within the tank, e.g. Figure 2 shown.

[0040] A third embodiment of the cryogenic liquid distribution system according to the present invention is as follows Figure 3 1210 and is schematically shown as an LNG fueling station. Assuming there is sufficient temperature stratification in the station tanks (which is expected in vertical tanks rather than horizontal tanks), the tanks in the previous embodiments can be omitted and heat exchange is performed between the cold liquid in the heat exchanger and the warm vapor in the tank head space. Thus, the third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, but the system 1210 does not include an elevated tank in the tank. Instead, the distribution pipeline passes through the tank heat exchanger 1244 located on the top or head space of the tank 1212.

[0041] The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1210 includes a tank 1212 defining an area for containing a cryogenic liquid 1214 with a vapor head space 1216 above the cryogenic liquid 1214. A first supply conduit or line 1218 is in liquid communication with the bottom of the tank 1212 via a first end 1218a and in liquid communication at a second end 1218b with a pump 1220 submerged in a separate container or sump 1222. Liquid from the tank 1212 flows to the sump 1222 to be in liquid communication with the inlet of the pump 1220 and to submerge the pump 1220 in the liquid to maintain adequate cooling of the pump 1220. A first supply valve 1224 is located in the first supply line 1218 between a first end 1218a of the first supply line 1218 at the bottom of the tank 1212 and a second end 1218b of the first supply line 1218 at the pump 1220.

[0042] System 1210 can be used with Figure 2 The system 1110 in FIG. 1 operates in a similar manner, but the tank heat exchanger 1244 directly cools the vapor located in the head space of the tank, rather than the liquid in a dedicated tank. The warm vapor passes through the heat exchanger 1244 and transfers heat to the low temperature liquid therein, removing heat from the tank head space, thereby removing heat from the distribution system.

[0043] The distribution conduit or line 1240 is in fluid communication with the pump 1220 and the conditioning system 1250 (including the conditioning heat exchanger). The distribution line 1240 travels from the pump 1220 to the tank 1212 at location 1240c, exits the tank 1212 at location 1240d, and then enters the conditioning heat exchanger at location 1240b. The distribution line passes through the top of the tank 1212. This portion of the distribution line may include a heat exchanger 1244. Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger may be a multi-pass heat exchanger, but may be any heat exchanger known in the art.

[0044] The recirculation conduit or line 1226 is in liquid communication with the regulation system 1250 (particularly the regulation heat exchanger) at a first end 1226a and in liquid communication with the upper portion of the tank 1212 at a second end 1226b to allow cryogenic liquid to recirculate when needed. A recirculation valve 1228 is located in the recirculation line 1226, between the first end 1226a of the recirculation line 1226 at the regulation system 1250 and the second end 1226b at the upper portion of the tank 1212.

[0045] As in the previous embodiment, conditioning system 1250 is connected to product line 1230 for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a usage vehicle.

[0046] A fourth embodiment of the cryogenic liquid distribution system according to the present disclosure is generally as follows: Figure 41310 and schematically shown as an LNG fuel supply station. Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is Figure 2 The second implementation is similar, but Figure 4 The system 1310 arranges the pump 1320 within the tank 1312.

[0047] The system 1310 of the fourth embodiment can be operated in a manner similar to the system 1110 of the second embodiment, but the pump is located inside the tank rather than outside the tank and in a sump. Thus, the pump is cooled by the cryogenic liquid in the tank and does not require Figure 1-3 sump or other separate thermal management.

[0048] Cryogenic liquid distribution system 1310 includes tank 1312 defining an area containing cryogenic liquid 1314 with a vapor headspace 1316 above cryogenic liquid 1314. Liquid flows from tank 1312 to an inlet of pump 1320. Liquid from tank 1312 is used as a cooling means for pump 1320.

[0049] A trough 1334 is provided that defines a space configured to contain a cryogenic liquid 1335 at a height above the bottom of the tank 1312 and that is in fluid communication with the tank 1312. The trough 1334 is suspended within the tank 1312 in an upper portion or headspace of the tank 1312 and has an upwardly facing opening.

[0050] The distribution conduit or line 1340 is in fluid communication with the pump 1320 and the regulation system 1350 including the regulation heat exchanger. The distribution line 1340 runs from a first end 1340a at the pump 1320 in the tank 1312 to the tank 1334 at a location 1340c and exits the tank 1312 at a location 1340d. The portion of the distribution line in the tank 1312 is located in the tank 1334. This portion of the distribution line may include a tank heat exchanger 1344. Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger may be a multi-pass heat exchanger, but may be any heat exchanger known in the art.

[0051] The recirculation conduit or line 1226 is in liquid communication with the conditioning system 1350 (particularly the conditioning heat exchanger) at a first end 1326a and in liquid communication with the upper portion of the tank 1212 at a second end 1326b to allow recirculation of cryogenic liquid when needed. Preferably, the recirculation line is in liquid communication with the tank 1334. A recirculation valve 1328 is located in the recirculation line 1326 between the first end 1326a of the recirculation line 1326 of the conditioning system 1350 and the second end 1326b at a location above the tank 1312.

[0052] The conditioning system 1350 is connected to the product line 1330 for distributing the cryogenic liquid to a use vehicle or other use device.

[0053] In summary, including a tank heat exchanger at the top of a cryogenic tank and delivering a cooling liquid to the tank heat exchanger via a distribution line facilitates dissipating heat to a pumped cryogenic liquid, such as LNG, for distribution to a use vehicle.

[0054] These solutions can provide better thermal management within the tank, which can be applied to any horizontal tank used in a cryogenic liquid distribution system, but it is equally appreciated that the solution can be applied to any vertical tank (a tank with a vertical cross-sectional area that is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area) used in a cryogenic liquid distribution system.

[0055] The cross-section of the pipe / conduit of the present disclosure may have various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, polygonal, and other shapes.

[0056] The distribution system, particularly the tank and the pipes / conduits may be made of copper alloys, nickel alloys, carbon, stainless steel or any other material known in the art.

[0057] The dispensing system disclosed above may include devices or instruments for reading different characteristics of the tank. These devices or instruments may display pressure, temperature, differential pressure, liquid level, etc.

[0058] The tank of the above-mentioned distribution system includes at least one pipeline for charging liquefied natural gas or withdrawing it from the tank. In one embodiment, there is a separate charging pipeline and a separate withdrawal pipeline. There may also be other paths leading out of the container in the tank to charge and remove liquid. The charging and withdrawal pipelines can be any suitable pipes that convey or allow fluid to flow therethrough.

[0059] The valve disclosed in the above embodiments may be an automatic valve. The valve disclosed in the above embodiments may optionally be a one-way valve or a check valve, allowing fluid to flow in one direction. These valves may have two openings, one for fluid inflow and one for fluid outflow. By way of example only, the valve may be, but is not limited to, a ball valve, a rotating disc check valve, a swing check valve, or a stop check valve. The valve may also be an isolation valve, regulating the flow of fluid in a pipeline. These valves can start and stop the flow of liquid when necessary. This function can be achieved through an open / closed setting. There are many different types of isolation valves that can be used. By way of example only, the isolation valve may be, but is not limited to, a stop valve, a ball valve, and a gate valve.

[0060] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cryogenic fluid distribution system, comprising: a tank defining an area for containing a cryogenic fluid; a tank defining a region configured to contain a cryogenic fluid at an elevation above a bottom of the tank and in fluid communication with the tank; Pumps; a first supply line in fluid communication with a bottom portion of the tank and configured to selectively direct cryogenic fluid from the tank to the pump; a conditioning heat exchanger configured to warm a cryogenic fluid; a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and configured to direct cryogenic fluid from the pump to an inlet of the conditioning heat exchanger; a product line configured to direct fluid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger to a use device; a recirculation line configured to direct fluid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger or the product line to the tank; a recirculation valve in fluid communication with the recirculation line; A second supply line is in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank and is configured to selectively direct fluid from the tank to the pump.

2. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1, further comprising: a bypass line having a bypass line inlet and a bypass line outlet connected to the distribution line; a bypass valve device configured to receive fluid from the pump and selectively direct the received fluid through the regulating heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet, or both the regulating heat exchanger and the bypass line inlet; and A distribution valve assembly is in fluid communication with the conditioning heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet and is configured to selectively direct received fluid through the recirculation line or the product line.

3. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2, wherein the bypass valve arrangement comprises at least two valves.

4. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 3, wherein at least one valve is located on the distribution line and at least one valve is located on the bypass line.

5. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2, wherein the bypass valve assembly comprises a single valve.

6. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 5, wherein the single valve is located at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line.

7. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the distribution valve device comprises at least two valves.

8. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 7, wherein at least one valve is located on the product line and at least one valve is located on the recirculation line.

9. A cryogenic fluid distribution system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the distribution valve means comprises a single valve.

10. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 9, wherein the valve is located at the junction of the product line and the recirculation line.

11. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the tank is a horizontal tank.

12. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the second supply line is in fluid communication with the first supply line at a location between the pump and a first supply valve.

13. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the trough is located inside the tank.

14. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 13, wherein the trough is connected to the top of the tank.

15. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 13, wherein the trough is connected to a side wall of the tank.

16. A cryogenic fluid distribution system comprising: a tank defining an area for containing a cryogenic fluid; a trough defining a region configured to retain a cryogenic fluid at an elevation above a bottom of the tank and in fluid communication with the tank, wherein the trough is within the tank; Pumps; a conditioning heat exchanger configured to warm a cryogenic fluid; a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and the conditioning heat exchanger, the distribution line passing through the top of the tank; a tank heat exchanger located on the distribution line within the top of the tank; a product line configured to direct the fluid to a use device; a recirculation line configured to selectively direct fluid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger or the product line to the tank; and A recirculation valve is in fluid communication with the recirculation line.

17. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, further comprising: a supply line in fluid communication with the bottom of the tank and the pump; and A supply valve is located in the supply line between the bottom of the tank and the pump.

18. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, wherein the heat exchanger is located in the tank.

19. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the heat exchanger is a coil heat exchanger.

20. The cryogenic fluid dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the pump is located inside the tank.

21. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 20, wherein the pump is in a lower portion of the tank.

22. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, further comprising: a bypass line having a bypass line inlet and a bypass line outlet connected to the distribution line; a bypass valve device configured to receive fluid from the pump and selectively direct the received fluid through the regulating heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet, or both the regulating heat exchanger and the bypass line inlet; and A distribution valve assembly is in fluid communication with the conditioning heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet and is configured to selectively direct received fluid through the recirculation line or the product line.

23. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 22, wherein the bypass valve arrangement comprises at least two valves.

24. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 23, wherein at least one valve is located on the distribution line and at least one valve is located on the bypass line.

25. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 22, wherein the bypass valve assembly comprises a single valve.

26. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 25, wherein the single valve is located at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line.

27. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the distribution valve arrangement comprises at least two valves.

28. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 27, wherein at least one valve is located on the product line and at least one valve is located on the recirculation line.

29. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of any one of claims 22-26, wherein the distribution valve arrangement comprises a single valve.

30. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 29, wherein the valve is located at the junction of the product line and the recirculation line.

31. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, wherein the tank is a horizontal tank.

32. A method of controlling heat in a cryogenic fluid distribution system comprising the steps of: a. Storing cryogenic fluid in tanks; b. Pumping cryogenic fluid into the regulating system; c. distributing the regulated cryogenic fluid from the regulating system to the use equipment through the product pipeline; d. Circulating fluid from the conditioning system or the product line to a tank located in the head space of the tank to condense the vapor in the head space of the tank.

33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of cooling the fluid in the tank.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein when a cryogenic fluid is pumped into the conditioning system in step b, the cryogenic fluid is used to cool the fluid in the tank.

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