Systems for supplying consumers

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for supplying a consumer (7) configured to be supplied with fuel, the supply system comprising a preparation system (45) arranged after the outlet (393) of a first channel (39) of a thermodynamic heat exchanger (41) of the preparation system. The preparation system (45) comprises a first phase separator (47), a second phase separator (55) and an expansion device (53) arranged on a conduit (51) connecting the liquid outlet (475) of the first phase separator (47) to the inlet (551) of the second phase separator. The inlet (471) of the first phase separator is connected to the outlet (393) of the first channel (39). The gas outlet (473) of the first phase separator is connected to the consumer (7) for delivering fuel. The supply system is configured to connect the liquid outlet (555) of the second phase separator to at least one tank (3, 7) fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transport and / or storage of cryogenic liquids. The present invention more particularly relates to a system for supplying a consumer configured to be supplied with a fuel prepared from a cryogenic liquid comprising at least methane. Background Art

[0002] Gaseous hydrocarbons at room temperature and atmospheric pressure are liquefied at cryogenic temperatures, i.e., below -60°C, to facilitate their transportation and / or storage. The hydrocarbons so liquefied, also called cryogenic liquids, are then placed in tanks on floating or onshore structures.

[0003] However, such a tank is never completely insulated, so vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is inevitable. The phenomenon of natural evaporation is called vaporization, and the gas produced by this natural evaporation is called boil-off gas (BOG). Therefore, the tank of this structure includes liquid cryogenic liquid and gas produced by vaporization of the liquid cryogenic liquid.

[0004] Part of the gas produced by the vaporization of the liquid cryogenic liquid can be used as fuel to supply at least one consumer, such as an engine, arranged to meet the operating energy requirements of the floating or onshore structure. Thus, electricity can be generated for electrical equipment.

[0005] The consumer is usually adapted to the specific type of cryogenic liquid transported and / or stored in the tank of the structure. Therefore, when another type of cryogenic liquid is transported and / or stored in the structure, the gas produced by vaporization may not be used as fuel to supply the consumer. Therefore, the structure is usually dedicated to a specific type of cryogenic liquid. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a system for supplying fuel to a consumer configured to be supplied with fuel prepared from a gas produced by evaporation of a cryogenic liquid comprising at least methane, the cryogenic liquid being simultaneously or alternately stored and / or transported in at least one tank of the structure.

[0007] The invention proposes a supply system for supplying a consumer, the consumer being configured to be supplied with a fuel prepared from a gas produced from the evaporation of a cryogenic liquid comprising at least methane, the cryogenic liquid being stored in at least one tank, in particular in a tank having a structure, the supply system comprising: a fuel preparation system; a supply branch configured to supply at least a portion of the gas from the tank to the preparation system; a thermodynamic heat exchanger comprising at least two channels, wherein a first channel constitutes a supply branch, the supply branch comprising at least one compression device arranged before the inlet of the first channel, the supply system comprising a cooling branch configured to be passed by the cryogenic liquid, the cooling branch comprising a second channel of the heat exchanger, the second channel being configured to exchange heat with the first channel in order to at least partially liquefy the gas circulating in the first channel. The preparation system is arranged after the outlet of the first channel. The preparation system comprises a first phase separator, a second phase separator and an expansion device, wherein the expansion device is arranged on a conduit connecting the liquid outlet of the first phase separator to the inlet of the second phase separator, the inlet of the first phase separator is connected to the outlet of the first channel, for example, via a conduit, at least one gas outlet of the first phase separator is connected to a consumer for delivering fuel, and the supply system is configured to connect the liquid outlet of the second phase separator to at least one tank fluid.

[0008] The supply system proposed by the invention is thus configured to compress the gas produced by the evaporation of a cryogenic liquid comprising at least methane, then to at least partially liquefy the gas by heat exchange in a thermodynamic heat exchanger, and to separate the liquid phase from the gas phase of the at least partially liquefied gas, the gas phase being the fuel for the consumer. Thus, the gas phase of the at least partially liquefied gas has a composition different from that of the cryogenic liquid contained in the (multiple) tanks of the structure. More specifically, the methane content of the gas phase of the at least partially liquefied gas is greater than the methane content of the cryogenic liquid. Preferably, the gas phase of the at least partially liquefied gas has a methane index greater than or equal to 70.

[0009] In this context, it should be understood that the configuration of the supply system is therefore particularly suitable for cryogenic liquids comprising at least methane, the methane content being lower than the content of at least one other compound contained in the cryogenic liquid. Thus, this configuration of the supply system can be implemented using a cryogenic liquid comprising at least methane, the methane content being minimal compared to the other components contained in the cryogenic liquid.

[0010] "Configured to be passed through by a cryogenic liquid" is understood to mean that the cooling branch uses a cryogenic liquid as gas cooling fluid. Thus, the gas circulating in the second channel of the thermal heat exchanger is cooled by the cryogenic liquid circulating in the first channel of the thermal heat exchanger, which first channel belongs to the cooling branch.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the supply system comprises a bypass branch with at least a phase separator, the bypass branch being arranged between the outlet of the compression device and the gas outlet of the first phase separator.The bypass branch may also allow avoiding the first passage of the thermodynamic heat exchanger.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the gas outlet of the second phase separator is connected via a junction of the supply branch arranged between the gas outlet of the tank and the inlet of the compression device.Thus, the gas phase contained in the second phase separator can be reused.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the supply system comprises a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between gas produced by evaporation of the cryogenic liquid before it is compressed by the compression device and the gas compressed by the compression device. Thus, fuel preparation is improved.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being arranged between a gas inlet of a supply system intended to be connected to an outlet of the tank and the junction, the second channel being arranged between the outlet of the compression device and the inlet of the first channel of the thermodynamic heat exchanger.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cooling branch comprises a cooling device arranged between the liquid inlet of the cooling branch and the inlet of the second channel of the thermal heat exchanger to cool the cryogenic liquid. Thus, the heat exchange between the first channel of the thermal heat exchanger and the second channel of the thermal heat exchanger is improved.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the supply system comprises a heater-cooler arranged between a gas outlet of the preparation system and a gas outlet of the supply system connected to a fuel inlet of the consumer.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cryogenic liquid containing at least methane is liquefied natural gas or a mixture of liquid methane and an alkane having at least two carbon atoms and in a liquid state. Preferably, the mixture consists of liquid ethane and liquid methane.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the alkane with at least two carbon atoms is selected from ethane, propane, butane and at least one mixture thereof. It should be understood that here and hereinafter, "butane" refers to n-butane and isobutane, also known as 2-methylpropane.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the methane index of the mixture is less than 70. The methane index is a measure of the mechanical resistance to shocks generated in an engine during combustion of a gas; this is also known as engine knock. It is assigned to the test fuels based on operation in a knock test cell at the same standard knock intensity. Pure methane is assigned as a reference fuel with a methane number of 100. Pure dihydrogen is also used as a knock-sensitive reference fuel with a methane number of 0. More specifically, the mixture contains a majority of alkanes having at least two carbon atoms in a liquid state; therefore, there are more alkanes having at least two carbon atoms in a liquid state in the mixture than in liquid methane.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a structure for transporting and / or storing cryogenic liquids containing methane, the structure comprising at least one tank for containing the cryogenic liquid, the structure comprising at least one consumer and at least one supply system according to the above, the consumer consuming a fuel prepared from the gas produced by evaporation of the cryogenic liquid, the supply system comprising at least one conduit connecting the gas outlet of a first separator to the consumer.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the direction of the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the first channel of the thermal heat exchanger is opposite to the direction of the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the second channel of the thermal heat exchanger. In other words, the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the first channel of the thermal heat exchanger occurs opposite to the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the second channel of the thermal heat exchanger.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the direction of the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the first channel of the heat exchanger is opposite to the direction of the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the second channel of the heat exchanger. In other words, the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the first channel of the heat exchanger occurs opposite to the flow of the cryogenic liquid containing methane in the second channel of the heat exchanger.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the supply system comprises a switching device configured to alternate between a first configuration for supplying fuel to a consumer, the fuel being prepared by gas resulting from evaporation of natural gas liquid contained in at least one tank of the structure, and a second configuration of the supply system for supplying fuel to a consumer, the fuel being prepared by gas resulting from evaporation of a mixture of liquid methane and alkanes having at least two carbon atoms and being in a liquid state in at least one tank of the structure.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the conversion device comprises a plurality of regulating devices at least partially arranged in the supply branch, comprising a first regulating device arranged to control the gas flow in the first channel of the heat exchanger and / or in the bypass branch.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the conversion device comprises a plurality of regulating devices at least partially arranged in the cooling branch, the plurality of regulating devices comprising at least a second regulating device, the second regulating device being arranged to control the flow of liquid in the second channel of the thermodynamic heat exchanger and / or into the bypass branch. Additionally or alternatively, the second regulating device may also be arranged to control the flow of liquid in a connecting passage of the supply system. The connecting passage connects the inlet of the second channel of the thermodynamic heat exchanger to a connecting point of the cooling branch. The connecting point is arranged on the cooling branch between the second control device of the distribution device and the injection device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the conversion device comprises a plurality of regulating devices at least partially arranged in the bypass branch and / or in the supply branch, including a third regulating device arranged to control the circulation of liquid in the second channel of the heat exchanger or in the bypass branch.

[0027] The present invention also proposes a system for transporting cryogenic liquid containing methane, which system comprises a structure having at least one of the aforementioned characteristics, an insulated pipeline arranged to connect a tank installed in the structure to a floating or onshore storage facility, and a pump for driving the cryogenic liquid from the floating or onshore storage facility to the tank of the structure or from the tank to the floating or onshore storage facility through the insulated pipeline.

[0028] The invention also provides a method for loading or unloading a structure having at least one of the aforementioned features, in which method a cryogenic liquid is transferred via an insulated pipeline from a floating or onshore storage facility to a tank of the structure or from a tank of the structure to the floating or onshore storage facility.

[0029] The invention proposes a method for preparing a fuel from a gas produced by evaporation of a cryogenic liquid containing at least methane and stored in at least one tank, by means of a supply system having at least one of the aforementioned characteristics. The method comprises the steps of compressing the gas by means of a compression device, exchanging heat between the compressed gas and the cooled cryogenic liquid in a thermodynamic heat exchanger to at least partially liquefy the compressed gas, separating the liquid phase and the gaseous phase of the at least partially liquefied gas, and supplying the gaseous phase as fuel to a consumer. Summary of the invention

[0031] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description and from several exemplary embodiments, which are given for illustrative purposes and not limiting with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a floating structure comprising a consumer supply system according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2It is in the first configuration Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a supply system for consumers of a floating structure;

[0034] Figure 3 It is in the second structure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a supply system for consumers of a floating structure;

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a floating structure and a loading / unloading terminal for tanks of the floating structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] First of all, it should be noted that although the drawings illustrate the embodiments of the present invention in detail, these drawings can of course be used to better define the present invention when appropriate. It should also be noted that in all drawings, similar and / or elements that achieve the same function are represented by the same reference system.

[0037] Figure 1 A floating structure 70 is schematically shown comprising at least one tank 3, 5 for storing and / or transporting at least one cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 comprising methane. In the example shown, the structure 70 comprises a plurality of tanks 3, 5 containing cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2.

[0038] The cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 containing methane may be liquefied natural gas LC1 or a mixture LC2 of liquid methane and an alkane having at least two carbon atoms and in liquid state (particularly at atmospheric pressure). The alkane may be selected from ethane, propane, butane and at least one mixture thereof. Preferably, the mixture consists of liquid ethane and liquid methane, particularly at atmospheric pressure. The methane index of the mixture LC2 is less than 70.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , tanks 3, 5 contain liquid cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 of L2, L1. Since the thermal insulation of tanks 3, 5 is not perfect, part of the cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 vaporizes. Therefore, tanks 3, 5 of structure 70 include cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 in liquid form L2, L1 and cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 in gaseous form G1, G2.

[0040] The structure 70 comprises at least one propulsion device 9 supplied with fuel. For example, the at least one propulsion device 9 may be a propulsion engine of the structure, such as a ME-GI or XDF engine. It should be understood that this is only an exemplary embodiment of the invention and that different propulsion devices may be installed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] refer to Figure 1, the structure 70 comprises a system 11 for supplying fuel to the propulsion means 9. The supply system 11 comprises a branch 13 for sampling the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 contained in at least one tank 3, 5 of the structure 70.

[0042] The liquid inlet 131 of the sampling branch 13 is immersed in the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 so as to penetrate the liquid phase L1, L2. The gas outlet 133 from the sampling branch 13 is connected to the inlet 901 of the propulsion device 9 to deliver fuel thereto.

[0043] The sampling branch 13 comprises a compression member 15 to supply the propulsion device with fuel at a sufficient pressure. The sampling branch 13 may comprise a heater-cooler 17 to bring the fuel to a suitable temperature. The fuel is in a gaseous state at the gas outlet 133 of the sampling branch 13. In the case where the cryogenic liquid containing methane is liquefied natural gas, the propulsion device 9 will be supplied with the liquefied natural gas LC1 in gaseous form. If the cryogenic liquid containing methane is a mixture of liquid methane and alkanes having at least two carbon atoms and being in the liquid state (in particular at atmospheric pressure), the propulsion device 9 will be supplied with the mixture LC2 in gaseous form. The alkanes having at least two carbon atoms may be selected from ethane, propane, butane and at least one mixture thereof.

[0044] The sampling branch 13 may include at least one sampling valve 19 in order to control the penetration of the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 contained in at least one tank 3, 5. In other words, the sampling valve 19 makes it possible to allow penetration, prohibit penetration and / or adjust the penetration flow rate of the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2. The sampling valve 19 is arranged between the inlet 131 of the sampling branch 13 and the inlet of the heater-cooler 17. The sampling valve 19 may be a three-way valve or a two-way valve, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the sampling branch 13 comprises several liquid inlets 131, each of which is immersed in the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 of the different tanks 3, 5. The sampling branch 13 also comprises several sampling valves 19, which are arranged to also select the tank for the penetration of the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2. The plurality of sampling valves 19 can also allow the flow rate of the penetrated liquid phase L2, L1 to be adjusted.

[0046] The sampling branch 13 may include at least one pump 135 immersed in the liquid phase L1 , L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1 , LC2 to facilitate penetrating the liquid phase L1 , L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1 , LC2 . The pump 135 is arranged at the liquid inlet 131 of the sampling branch 13 .

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The structure 70 comprises at least one fuel consumer 7, the fuel being prepared from the gas contained in the tank(s) 3, 5 of the structure, the gas being the gas phase G1 G2 produced by the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 stored and / or transported in the tank(s) 3, 5 of the structure.

[0048] By way of example, the at least one consumer 7 may be a generator of the DFDE (Dual Fuel Diesel Electricity) type, that is to say a gas consumer configured to ensure the electrical power supply of the structure 70. It should be understood that this is only one exemplary embodiment of the invention and that different installations of gas consumers may be provided without departing from the invention.

[0049] The structure 70 comprises a supply system 1 for supplying fuel to the consumer 7. The supply system 1 comprises: at least one gas inlet 101 in fluid communication with at least one gas outlet 303, 503 from the tank(s) 3, 5 of the structure 70; and a gas outlet 103 in fluid communication with at least one fuel inlet 701 of the consumer 7.

[0050] The supply system 1 comprises a fuel preparation system 45 whose at least one gas outlet 453 is connected to the consumer 7 for delivering fuel and to a supply branch 21 configured to bring at least part of the gas G1 , G2 from the tanks 3 , 5 to an inlet 451 of the preparation system 45 .

[0051] The supply system 1 comprises a heat exchanger 23 comprising a first channel 25 constituting a supply branch 21. The first channel 25 is arranged at at least one gas inlet 211 of the supply branch 21. The gas inlet 211 of the supply branch 21 forms part of the gas inlet 101 of the supply system 1. The gas inlet 211 of the supply branch 21 is thus connected to a gas outlet 303, 503 of at least one of the tanks 3, 5 of the structure 70 via a conduit.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the supply branch 21 comprises a plurality of gas inlets 211 which form part of the plurality of gas inlets 101 of the supply system 1. The gas inlets 211 of the supply branch 21 are each connected to a gas outlet 303,503 of a tank 3,5 of the structure 70.

[0053] The supply system 1 comprises a bypass branch 29 of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23. The bypass branch 29 connects the inlet 251 of the first channel 25 and the outlet 253 of the first channel 25. The bypass branch 29 is thus installed in parallel with the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23.

[0054] Reference Figure 1, the heat exchanger 23 includes a second channel 27 constituting the supply branch 21. The second channel 27 is connected to the first channel 25 through the connection portion 215 of the supply branch 21. In other words, the outlet of the first channel 253 is connected to the inlet of the second channel 271 through the connection portion 215 of the supply branch 21.

[0055] The second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23 is configured to exchange heat with the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 .

[0056] The connection portion 215 of the supply branch 21 comprises at least one compression device 31 configured to increase the pressure of the fluid flowing in the connection portion 215 of the supply branch 21. Thus, the compression device is arranged between the outlet 253 of the first channel 25 and the inlet 271 of the second channel 27.

[0057] The supply system 1 comprises a thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 comprising a first channel 39 constituting the supply branch 21. The first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 is arranged between the outlet 273 of the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23 and the inlet 451 of the preparation system 45.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 , the supply system 1 comprises a cooling branch 33 configured to be passed by a portion of the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 contained in at least one tank 3, 5 of the structure 70. Thus, a portion of the liquid phase L1 of the liquefied natural gas LC1 or a portion of the liquid phase L2 of the mixture LC2 can flow into the cooling branch 33.

[0059] More specifically, the liquid inlet 331 of the cooling branch 33 is immersed in the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 contained in the tank(s) 3, 5 of the structure 70. The liquid inlet 331 of the cooling branch 33 is part of the liquid inlet 105 of the supply system 1. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the cooling branch 33 comprises a plurality of liquid inlets 331 , each liquid inlet 331 being immersed in a tank 3 , 5 different from the structure 70 .

[0060] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the liquid inlet 331 of the sampling branch 33 is optionally provided with at least one pump 335, which is immersed in the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 to facilitate the penetration of the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2.

[0061] In an embodiment not shown, the cooling branch 33 comprises a plurality of penetration valves in order to prohibit, allow and control the sampling of the liquid phase from the tank of the structure.

[0062] The thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 includes a second channel 41 constituting the cooling branch 33. Therefore, the cooling branch 33 includes the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37. The second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 is configured to exchange heat with the first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 so as to at least partially liquefy the gas circulating in the first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37.

[0063] The outlet 413 of the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 is connected to the liquid outlet 333 of the cooling branch 33. The liquid outlet 333 of the cooling branch 33 is connected to an injection device 58 arranged inside the tank 3, 5. The injection device 58 is arranged to be located above the liquid phase contained in the tank 3, 5. The injection device 58 allows the liquid from the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 to be dispersed in the form of droplets.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the outlet 413 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 is connected to a plurality of liquid outlets 333 of the cooling branch 33 , each of which is connected to an injection device 58 contained in the tank 3 , 5 .

[0065] The outlet 413 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 is also connected to the exhaust conduit 57 through the connecting conduit 56. The exhaust conduit 57 will be described below.

[0066] The supply system 1 comprises a distribution device 64 configured to allow or prevent the passage of the fluid towards the injection device(s) 58 and / or towards the discharge duct 57 .

[0067] The distribution device 64 includes a plurality of control devices 641, 643. The first control device 643 is arranged on the connecting conduit 56. The first control device 643 is, for example, a one-way valve.

[0068] The second control device 641 is arranged on the cooling branch 33, between the junction of the cooling branch 33 and the connecting duct 56 and the injection device 58. The second control device 641 is, for example, a one-way valve.

[0069] The cooling branch 33 comprises a cooling device 35 arranged between the liquid inlet 105 of the supply system 1 and the inlet 411 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37. In other words, the cooling device 35 is provided between the liquid inlet 331 of the cooling branch 33 and the inlet 411 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37.

[0070] The cooling device 35 is configured to cool the liquid phase portions L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 circulating in the cooling branch 33. For example, the cooling device 35 may alternately cool a portion of the liquid phase L1 of the liquefied natural gas LC1 and a portion of the liquid phase L2 of the mixture LC2.

[0071] The supply system 1 comprises a bypass branch 43 of the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37. The bypass branch 43 connects the inlet 411 of the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 to the outlet 413 of the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37. In other words, the bypass branch 43 is installed in parallel with the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger.

[0072] Supply system 1 comprises a connecting passage 330 from inlet 411 of second channel 41 of thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 to connection point PR0 of cooling branch 33. Connection point PR0 is arranged on cooling branch 33 between second control device 641 of distribution device 64 and injection device 58.

[0073] refer to Figure 1 The fuel preparation system 45 includes a first phase separator 47 , a second phase separator 55 and an expansion device 53 .

[0074] The first phase separator 47 comprises an inlet 471 connected to the outlet 393 of the first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37. It should be understood that the inlet 471 of the first phase separator 47 is part of the inlet 451 of the preparation system 45 in this case.

[0075] The first phase separator 47 comprises a gas outlet 473, which forms part of the gas outlet 103 of the supply system 1. The gas outlet 473 of the first phase separator 47 is connected to the fuel inlet 701 of the consumer 7 for delivering fuel. The connection between the gas outlet 473 of the first phase separator 47 and the consumer 7 is ensured by a connecting duct 49.

[0076] It is thus understood that the connecting duct 49 also ensures a connection between the gas outlet 103 of the supply system 1 and the fuel inlet 701 of the consumer 7. It is also understood that the gas outlet 473 of the first phase separator 47 is part of the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45, which in turn is part of the gas outlet 103 of the supply system 1.

[0077] The first phase separator 47 comprises a liquid outlet 475, which is connected to an inlet 551 of a second phase separator 55 via a pipeline 51. An expansion device 53 is arranged on the pipeline 51. The pipeline 51 may be, for example, a conduit.

[0078] The second phase separator 55 comprises a gas outlet 553 connected to a junction point PJ of the supply branch 21 via a conduit 59. The junction point PJ is arranged between the gas outlet 303, 503 of at least one of the tanks 3, 5 of the structure 70 and the inlet 311 of the compression device 31. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the junction point is arranged on the connecting portion 211 of the supply branch 21 .

[0079] The second phase separator 55 comprises a liquid outlet 555 in fluid communication with the (plurality) tanks 3, 5 of the structure 70. In other words, the liquid outlet 555 of the second phase separator 55 is connected to the interior of at least one tank 3, 5 via a discharge conduit 57. One end of the discharge conduit 57 is immersed in the liquid phase L1, L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 stored and / or transported in the tank 3, 5. Figure 1 In the example shown, the discharge conduit 57 comprises a plurality of ends, each end being immersed in the liquid phase L1 , L2 of the cryogenic liquid LC1 , LC2 .

[0080] refer to Figure 1 , the supply system 1 comprises a bypass branch 61 having at least the preparation system 45. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the bypass branch 61 also makes it possible to bypass the heat exchanger 23 and the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 .

[0081] The bypass branch 61 is arranged between the outlet 313 of the compression device 31 and the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45. In other words, the bypass branch 61 connects the outlet 313 of the compression device 31 and the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the compression device 31 comprises a plurality of compression stages 315 .

[0082] The supply system 1 comprises a fuel heater-cooler 65 arranged between the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45 and the gas outlet 103 of the supply system 1 connected to the fuel inlet 701 of the consumer 7. It can therefore be understood that Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 , the heater-cooler 65 is arranged on the connecting duct 49 between the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45 and the fuel inlet 701 of the consumer 7 .

[0083] The supply system 1 comprises a switching device 69 which is configured to alternate between a first configuration and a second configuration of the supply system 1 .

[0084] The conversion device 69 comprises first regulating means 231, 233, 235, which are arranged to control the gas flow in the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 or in the bypass branch 29. Thus, the first regulating means 231, 233, 235 allow, prohibit and / or regulate the passage of fluid in at least a part of the supply system 1.

[0085] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the first regulating device 231, 233, 235 comprises a plurality of one-way valves. The first one-way valve 231 is arranged at the inlet 251 of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23, the second one-way valve 233 is arranged at the outlet 253 of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23, and the third one-way valve 235 is arranged in the bypass branch 29. These one-way valves 231, 233, 235 will allow or prohibit the passage of fluid in the first channel 25 and / or the bypass branch 29 of the heat exchanger 23. In other words, these one-way valves 231, 233, 235 are configured to take an open position, a half-open position for regulating flow, or a closed position.

[0086] In an embodiment not shown, the first regulating device comprises a two-way valve arranged at the junction between the supply branch and the bypass branch.

[0087] The conversion device 69 comprises second regulating means 371, 373, 375, 377, which are arranged to control the flow of liquid in the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 or in the bypass branch 43 or in the connecting passage 330. Thus, the second regulating means 371, 373, 375, 377 allow, prohibit and / or regulate the passage of fluid in at least a part of the supply system 1.

[0088] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the second regulating device 371, 373, 375, 377 comprises a plurality of one-way valves. The first one-way valve 371 is arranged at the inlet 411 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37, the second one-way valve 373 is arranged at the outlet 413 of the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37, the third one-way valve 375 is arranged in the bypass branch 43, and the fourth one-way valve 377 is arranged in the connecting passage 330. The one-way valves of the second regulating device 371, 373, 375, 377 will make it possible to allow or prohibit the passage of fluid in the first channel 25 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 and / or in the bypass branch 43 and / or in the connecting passage 330. In other words, the one-way valves of the second regulating device 371, 373, 375, 377 are configured to take an open position, a half-open position for regulating flow, or a closed position.

[0089] In an embodiment not shown, the second regulating device comprises a two-way valve arranged at a junction between the cooling branch and the bypass branch.

[0090] The conversion device 69 comprises third regulating means 611, 613, 615, which are arranged to control the liquid circulation in the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23 or in the bypass branch 61. Therefore, the third regulating means 611, 613, 615 allow, prohibit and / or regulate the passage of fluid in at least a part of the supply system 1.

[0091] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the third regulating device 611, 613, 615 includes a plurality of one-way valves. The first one-way valve 611 is arranged at the inlet 271 of the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23, the second one-way valve 613 is arranged on the bypass branch 61, and the third one-way valve 615 is arranged at the gas outlet 453 of the preparation system 45. The one-way valves of the third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 will allow or prohibit the passage of the fluid in the second channel 27 and / or the bypass branch 61 of the heat exchanger 23. In other words, the one-way valves of the third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 are configured to take an open position, a half-open position for regulating flow, or a closed position.

[0092] In an embodiment not shown, the third regulating device comprises a two-way valve or a three-way valve arranged at the junction between the supply branch and the bypass branch and at the junction between the bypass branch and the connecting duct.

[0093] Figure 2 is a diagram of a supply system 1 in a first configuration. The tanks 3, 5 of the arrangement 70 contain a cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 comprising methane. More specifically, the cryogenic liquid LC1, LC2 is liquefied natural gas LC1.

[0094] In a first configuration of the supply system 1 , the first regulating device 231 , 233 , 235 allows the passage of fluid in the bypass branch 29 and blocks the passage of fluid in the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 .

[0095] The second regulating devices 371 , 373 , 375 , 377 allow the fluid in the bypass branch 43 to flow, prohibit the fluid in the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 from passing through, and prohibit the fluid in the connecting passage 330 from passing through.

[0096] The third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 allow the fluid in the bypass branch 61 to flow. The third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 prohibit the fluid in the first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37, the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23 and the preparation system 45 from passing through.

[0097] In this first configuration, the gas G1 generated by the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid LC1 in liquid L1 form contained in the tank(s) 3, 5 of the structure 70 is taken from one of the tanks 3, 5 by the supply branch 21. The gas G1 enters the bypass branch 29.

[0098] Then, the gas G1 is compressed by the compression device 31. Therefore, the pressure of the gas G1 at the inlet 311 of the compression device 31 is lower than the pressure of the gas G1 at the outlet 313 of the compression device 31.

[0099] The compressed gas G1 flows into the bypass branch 61. Thus, the compressed gas G1 avoids the heat exchanger 23, the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 and the preparation system 45.

[0100] After passing through the bypass branch 61, the compressed gas G1 flows into the connecting branch 49 and passes through a heater-cooler 65, which increases the temperature of the compressed gas G1 before being conducted to at least one consumer 7. The compressed gas G1 cannot enter the first phase separator 47, because the third non-return valve 615 of the third regulating device 611, 613, 615 prevents it from entering.

[0101] In parallel, a portion of the cryogenic liquid LC1 in the form of liquid L1 is sampled in at least one tank 3, 5 of the structure 70. The liquid L1 flows sequentially in the cooling branch 33, in the cooling device 35 for cooling the liquid L1, in the cooling branch 33, in the bypass branch 43, and then in the cooling branch 33 again.

[0102] The dispensing device 64 is in a configuration that allows the liquid L1 to flow into the connecting conduit 56 and thus reach the discharge conduit 57 , and that prevents the liquid L1 from flowing toward the injection device 58 .

[0103] Figure 3 The supply system 1 in the second configuration is shown. The tanks 3, 5 of the structure 70 contain cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 including methane. More specifically, the cryogenic liquids LC1, LC2 are a mixture L2 of liquid methane and alkanes having at least two carbon atoms and in a liquid state. The alkanes may be selected from ethane, propane, butane and at least one mixture thereof. The content of alkanes having at least two carbon atoms in the mixture L2 is greater than the content of methane in the mixture L2. Therefore, the methane index of the mixture is less than 70.

[0104] In a first configuration of the supply system 1 , the first regulating device 231 , 233 , 235 allows the passage of the fluid in the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 and blocks the passage of the fluid in the bypass branch 29 .

[0105] The second regulating devices 371 , 373 , 375 , 377 allow the fluid in the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 to flow, prohibit the fluid in the bypass branch 43 from passing through, and prohibit the fluid in the connecting passage 330 from passing through.

[0106] The third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 allow the fluid in the first channel 39 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37, the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23 and the preparation system 45 to flow. The third regulating devices 611, 613, 615 prohibit the fluid in the bypass branch 61 from passing through.

[0107] In this second configuration, the gas G2 resulting from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid LC2 in liquid state L2 contained in the tank(s) 3 , 5 of the structure 70 is taken out of one of the tanks 3 , 5 through the supply branch 21 .

[0108] The gas G2 flows in the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 by exchanging heat with the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23. At the outlet 253 of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23, the temperature of the gas G2 has been increased.

[0109] The heated gas G2 is then compressed by the compression device 31. Therefore, the gas G2 has a pressure suitable for entering the preparation system 45 at the outlet 313 of the compression device 31. For example, in this embodiment, the pressure at the outlet 313 of the compression device 31 is 6.5 bar. The temperature of the compressed gas G2 is kept substantially the same as the temperature of the gas G2 at the outlet of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23.

[0110] Then, the gas G2 flows into the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23, and generates heat by exchanging this heat with the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the temperature of the gas G2 is reduced at the outlet of the second channel 27 of the heat exchanger 23.

[0111] In the heat exchanger 23 , the direction of the compressed gas flow G2 in the second channel 27 is opposite to the direction of the gas flow G1 in the first channel 25 .

[0112] Then, the gas G2 flows in the first passage 39 of the thermal heat exchanger 37. The gas G2 generates heat again by exchanging heat at the second passage 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37. Then, the gas G2 is at least partially liquefied.

[0113] At the outlet 393 of the first channel 39 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 there is a mixture of gas and liquid of different composition. The fuel preparation system 45 will allow the fuel to be separated from this mixture.

[0114] The mixture passes through the first phase separator 47. The gas phase as the fuel of the consumer 7 is separated from the liquid phase of the mixture. The gas phase contained in the first phase separator 47 flows into the connecting branch 49 to be supplied to the consumer through the heater-cooler 65.

[0115] The liquid phase of the mixture is sent to the second phase separator 55 through a pipeline 51 which connects the liquid outlet 475 of the first phase separator 47 to the inlet 551 of the second phase separator 55 .

[0116] Through the pipeline 51, the liquid phase of the mixture is expanded by the expansion device 53. A part of the liquid phase evaporates, producing another mixture composed of liquid phase and gas phase, which is decanted in the second phase separator 55.

[0117] The liquid phase contained in the second phase separator 55 is returned to at least one of the tanks 3, 5 of the structure 70. The gas phase contained in the second phase separator 55 is returned to the supply branch 21 at a junction point PJ, which is located between the outlet 253 of the first channel 25 of the heat exchanger 23 and the inlet 311 of the compression device 31.

[0118] In parallel, a portion of the cryogenic liquid LC1 in the form of liquid L1 is sampled in at least one tank 3, 5 of the structure 70. The liquid L1 flows into the cooling branch 33 and successively enters the cooling device 35 and the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37, and is finally dispersed in one of the tanks 3, 5 by the injection device 58.

[0119] Therefore, in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing device 64 is in a configuration that prevents the liquid L1 from flowing into the connecting conduit 56 and allows the liquid L1 to flow toward the spraying device 58 .

[0120] The flow of the liquid cryogenic liquid in the second channel 41 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 makes it possible to at least partially liquefy the gas that is simultaneously passing in the first channel 39 of the thermal heat exchanger 37 .

[0121] In the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 , the flow direction of the gas G2 in the first channel 39 is opposite to the flow direction of the liquid G2 in the second channel 41 of the thermodynamic heat exchanger 37 .

[0122] Reference Figure 4 , a cross-sectional view of a floating structure 70 shows sealed insulated tanks 3, 5 installed in a double hull 72 of the floating structure 70, which may be a ship or a floating platform. The walls of the tanks 3, 5 include a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with the cryogenic liquid contained in the tanks 3, 5, a secondary sealing barrier arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the double hull 72 of the vessel, and two insulating barriers arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier and between the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull 72, respectively. In a simplified version, the floating structure 70 includes a simple hull.

[0123] The loading / unloading pipeline 73 arranged on the upper deck of the floating structure 70 can be connected to a marine or port terminal through a suitable connector to transfer the cryogenic liquid cargo to or from the tanks 3 , 5 .

[0124] Reference Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of a floating structure 70 shows sealed insulated tanks 3, 5 installed in a double hull 72 of the floating structure 70, which may be a ship or a floating platform. The walls of the tanks 3, 5 include a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with the cryogenic liquid contained in the tanks 3, 5, a secondary sealing barrier arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the double hull 72 of the vessel, and two insulating barriers arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier and between the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull 72, respectively. In a simplified version, the floating structure 70 includes a simple hull.

[0125] The loading / unloading pipeline 73 arranged on the upper deck of the floating structure 70 can be connected to a marine or port terminal through a suitable connector to transfer the cryogenic liquid cargo to or from the tanks 3 , 5 .

[0126] Figure 4 An example of a marine terminal comprising a loading and / or unloading station 75, an underwater conduit 76 and an onshore facility 77 is shown. The loading and / or unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulating flexible pipes 79, which can be connected to the loading / unloading pipeline 73. The mobile arm 74 is adjustable and adapts to all floating structure templates 70. A connecting conduit, not shown, extends inside the tower 78. The loading and / or unloading station 75 allows the floating structure 70 to be loaded and / or unloaded from the onshore facility 77 to the onshore facility 77. The latter comprises a cryogenic liquid storage tank 80 and a connecting conduit 81, which is connected to the loading and unloading station 75 by an underwater conduit 76. The underwater conduit 76 allows the cryogenic liquid to be transported over long distances, for example 5 kilometers, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore facility 77, which allows the floating structure 70 to remain away from the coast during the loading and / or unloading operation.

[0127] In order to generate the pressure required for conveying the cryogenic liquid, pumps on the floating structure 70 and / or pumps installed on the shore facility 77 and / or pumps installed on the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0128] however, they are also applicable to onshore structures.Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the use of liquefied natural gas or mixtures of liquid methane and alkanes having at least two carbon atoms and in liquid state, especially at atmospheric pressure.

[0129] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described, and many modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A supply system (1) for supplying a consumer (7), the consumer being configured to be supplied with a fuel prepared from a gas (G1, G2) produced by evaporation of a cryogenic liquid (L1, LC1; L2, LC2) comprising at least methane, the cryogenic liquid (LC1, LC2) being stored in at least one tank (3, 5), the supply system (1) comprising: A fuel preparation system (45) configured to supply at least a portion of the gas from the tank (3, 5) to a supply branch (21) of the preparation system (45), comprising a thermodynamic heat exchanger (37) with at least two channels (39, 41), wherein a first channel (39) constitutes the supply branch (21), the supply branch (21) comprising at least one compression device (31) arranged before an inlet (391) of the first channel (39), the supply system (1) comprising a cooling branch (33), the cooling branch being configured to be passed by the cryogenic liquid (L1, LC1; L2, LC2), the cooling branch (33) comprising a second channel (41) of the thermodynamic heat exchanger (37), the second channel (41) being configured to exchange heat with the first channel (39) so as to at least partially liquefy the gas in the first channel The invention relates to a gas preparation system (45) for preparing a gas (G1, G2) flowing through a channel (39), characterized in that the preparation system (45) is arranged after the outlet (393) of the first channel (39), and comprises a first phase separator (47), a second phase separator (55) and an expansion device (53) arranged on a conduit (51) connecting the liquid outlet (475) of the first phase separator (47) to the inlet (551) of the second phase separator (55), the inlet (471) of the first phase separator being connected to the outlet (393) of the first channel (39), at least one gas outlet (473) of the first phase separator (47) being connected to the consumer (7) for delivering fuel, and the supply system (1) being configured to connect the liquid outlet (555) of the second phase separator (55) to the fluid of at least one tank (3, 7).

2. The supply system (1) according to claim 1 comprises a bypass branch (61) having at least a first phase separator (47) and a second phase separator (55), wherein the bypass branch (61) is arranged between the outlet (313) of the compression device (31) and the gas outlet (473) of the first phase separator (47).

3. The supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The gas outlet (553) of the second phase separator (55) is connected to a junction (PJ) of the supply branch (21) arranged between the gas outlet (303, 503) of the tank (3, 5) and the inlet (311) of the compression device (31).

4. The supply system (1) according to claim 3 comprises a heat exchanger (23), which is configured to exchange heat between the gas (G1, G2) produced by evaporation of the low-temperature liquid (L1, LC1; L2, LC2) before being compressed by the compression device (31) and the gas compressed by the compression device (31).

5. The supply system (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The heat exchanger (23) comprises a first channel (25) arranged between a gas inlet (101) of the supply system (1) intended to be connected to an outlet (303, 503) of the tank (3, 5) and the junction (PJ), and a second channel (27) arranged between an outlet (313) of the compression device (31) and an inlet (391) of a first channel (39) of the thermodynamic heat exchanger (37).

6. The supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cooling branch (33) comprises a cooling device (35) arranged between a liquid inlet (105) of the cooling branch (33) and an inlet (411) of a second channel (41) of the thermal heat exchanger (37) to cool the low-temperature liquid (L1, LC1; L2, LC2).

7. The supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a heater-cooler (65) arranged between the gas outlet (453) of the preparation system (45) and the gas outlet (103) of the supply system (1) connected to the fuel inlet (701) of the consumer (7).

8. The supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cryogenic liquid (LC1, LC2) containing methane is liquefied natural gas (LC1) or a mixture (LC2) of liquid methane and an alkane having at least two carbon atoms and being in a liquid state.

9. A structure (70) for transporting and / or storing a cryogenic liquid (LC1, LC2) containing methane, the structure (70) comprising at least one tank (3, 5) containing the cryogenic liquid (LC1, LC2), the structure (70) comprising: at least one consumer (7) which consumes a cryogenic liquid (L1, LC1; L2, LC2) produced by evaporation of gases (G1, G2); and at least one supply system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the supply system (1) comprising at least one conduit (49) connecting the gas outlet (473) of the first separator (47) to the consumer (7).

10. A system for delivering a cryogenic liquid containing methane, the system comprising: A structure (70) according to claim 9; an insulated pipeline (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect tanks (3, 5) installed in the structure (70) to a floating or onshore storage facility (77); and a pump for driving a cryogenic liquid through the insulated pipeline from the floating or onshore storage facility (77) to the tanks (3, 5) of the structure (70) or from the tanks (3, 5) of the structure (70) to the floating or onshore storage facility (77).

11. A method for loading or unloading a structure (70) according to claim 9, wherein: Cryogenic liquid is transferred from a floating or onshore storage facility (77) to the tanks (3, 5) of the structure (70) or from the tanks (3, 5) of the structure (70) to the floating or onshore storage facility (77) via insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81).

12. A method for preparing a fuel from a gas produced by evaporating a cryogenic liquid containing at least methane and stored in at least one tank (3, 5) by means of a supply system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the steps of compressing the gas by means of a compression device (31), exchanging heat between the compressed gas and the cooled cryogenic liquid in a thermodynamic heat exchanger (37) to at least partially liquefy the compressed gas, separating the liquid phase and the gaseous phase of the at least partially liquefied gas, and supplying the gaseous phase as fuel to a consumer (7).

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