Management system for managing the state of a fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a management system for a first fluid in a first tank and a second fluid in a second tank, the management system comprising a first line through which the first fluid withdrawn from the first tank flows, the first line extending between a gas inlet and a heat exchange member, the management system comprising a second line through which the first fluid in liquid and / or two-phase state is intended to flow, the second line extending from the heat exchange member to a second port, the management system comprising a cooling line extending from the second line to the first line, the first fluid being intended to flow through the cooling line, the cooling line being connected to the first line between a first compression member and a second compression member, the management system comprising a management line for managing the state of the second fluid, the second fluid being intended to flow through the management line, the management system comprising a cooling unit for cooling the second fluid flowing in the management line, the cooling produced by the cooling unit resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ships for the use, storage and / or transport of liquefied natural gas and / or liquefied petroleum gas, and more particularly to the field of systems for managing the state of the liquefied natural gas and / or liquefied petroleum gas transported in such ships. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such ships generally comprise tanks filled with liquid natural gas and / or liquid petroleum gas. Such a ship may, for example, comprise a first tank for storing liquid natural gas and a second tank for storing liquid petroleum gas. On the one hand, such a ship can transport a first petroleum gas contained in the first tank and a second petroleum gas contained in the second tank, the first petroleum gas being different from the second petroleum gas, for example in terms of its composition. In other words, such a ship can transport a first fluid, which can be liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, and a second fluid, which is different from the first fluid, which can be liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

[0003] Natural gas is, for example, liquid at temperatures below -160°C when at atmospheric pressure. These tanks are never perfectly thermally insulated, which means that at least some of the natural gas vaporizes therein. Thus, these tanks contain liquid natural gas and gaseous natural gas, the latter form of natural gas also being referred to as "BOG" or "boil-off gas", which accumulates at the top of the tank. It is necessary to control the pressure at the top of the tank in order not to damage the tank

[0004] The boiling point of petroleum gas is generally between 0°C and -50°C at atmospheric pressure, depending on its composition. When petroleum gas is stored in a tank, it also tends to vaporize at least partially, and the pressure created at the top of the tank by the vaporized petroleum gas must also be controlled in order not to damage the tank.

[0005] Generally, such a ship is equipped with a system for managing the state of the first and second fluids in order to limit the vaporization of each of these fluids at the top of the tank. Thus, for example, these management systems are configured to liquefy the first fluid on the one hand and the second fluid on the other hand, regardless of the liquefaction of the first fluid.

[0006] However, each management system generally comprises compression means for compressing the vaporized first fluid and / or the vaporized second fluid, which can increase the pressure of said gas. These compression means are generally bulky, and the management systems occupy a considerable surface area and / or volume on the ship.

[0007] In addition, for reasons of redundancy, an additional thermal regulation circuit is generally added, which further increases the surface area and / or volume occupied by the management systems on the ship. In addition to the costs already necessary for the installation and use of the rest of the management systems, the addition of such an additional thermal regulation circuit involves additional costs. SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention aims to reduce the space occupied by these compression members, and thus the volume occupied and the energy consumed by these management systems, for which it proposes a management system for managing the state of a first fluid vaporized, making it possible to also cool a second fluid in liquid state, thus reducing the technical resources for managing the state of the second fluid and the financial impact of installing such a state management system.

[0009] The present invention mainly relates to a management system for managing the state of a first fluid contained in a first tank and the state of a second fluid contained in a second tank, the first fluid having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the second fluid under the same pressure, the management system comprising at least a first line through which the gaseous first fluid withdrawn from the first tank is intended to flow, the line extending between a gas inlet configured to open into the first tank and a heat exchange member configured to condense the first fluid, the first line comprising at least a first compression member and a second compression member, the management system comprising a second line through which the first fluid in liquid and / or two-phase state is intended to flow, the line extending from the heat exchange member to a second port configured to open into the first tank, the management system comprising at least one cooling line extending from the second line to the first line, the first fluid being intended to flow through the cooling line, the cooling line being connected to the first line between the first compression member and the second compression member, the management system comprising at least one management line for managing the state of the second fluid, the second fluid being intended to flow through the management line, characterized in that the management system comprises at least one cooling unit for cooling the second fluid flowing in the management line, the cold produced by the cooling unit resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line.

[0010] According to an optional arrangement, the management system comprises and in particular lets flow the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0011] The management system controls the state of the first fluid and the second fluid contained respectively in the first tank and in the second tank, i.e. the pressure and / or the temperature of at least the first fluid or the second fluid. The second fluid flowing in the management line is cooled by the cooling unit, the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line downstream of the cooling unit being lower than the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line downstream of the cooling unit. This has the effect of reducing the temperature of the second fluid contained in the second tank, thus limiting the vaporization of the second fluid present in the second tank. In addition, the vaporized second fluid flowing in the second tank can also be cooled and condensed by contact with the cooled second fluid flowing in the management line downstream of the cooling unit and / or also by contact with the second fluid injected in the tank.

[0012] The cooling for reducing the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management pipeline comes from the partial vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the cooling pipeline. More specifically, this portion of the first fluid is expanded, i.e. the pressure of this portion of the first fluid is reduced, thereby reducing the temperature of the second fluid.

[0013] The first fluid and the second fluid are, for example, petroleum gas, the first fluid being, for example, a mixture composed of 92% of propane and 8% of butane, and having a boiling point of -47°C at atmospheric pressure, and the second fluid being, for example, composed of approximately 100% of butane, and having a boiling point of 0°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is, for example, natural gas, such as methane, and has a boiling point of approximately -160°C, i.e. the first fluid is in liquid form when it has a temperature lower than -160°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is, for example, composed of 100% of ethane, which has a vaporization temperature of -89°C, and the second fluid is composed of liquefied petroleum gas, which includes a mixture of 92% of propane and 8% of butane, which has a vaporization temperature of -47°C.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is, for example, composed of 100% of ethane, which has a vaporization temperature of -89°C, and the second fluid is composed of 100% of ammonia, which has a vaporization temperature of -33°C.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is, for example, composed of 100% of propane, which has a vaporization temperature of -42°C, and the second fluid is composed of 100% of ammonia, which has a vaporization temperature of -33°C.

[0018] The above-mentioned temperatures are measured at atmospheric pressure.

[0019] Furthermore, the condensation of the first fluid in the first pipeline occurs by the exchange of thermal energy between the first fluid and the coolant fluid in the heat exchange member.

[0020] According to an optional feature of the application, the cooling unit comprises at least a heat exchanger and an expansion member mounted on the cooling pipeline and between the second pipeline and the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being configured to exchange heat between the first fluid flowing in the cooling pipeline and the second fluid flowing in the management pipeline.

[0021] More specifically, the first fluid flowing in the cooling pipeline is expanded by the expansion member before flowing into the heat exchanger. When it passes through the heat exchanger, the second fluid flowing in the management pipeline releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid flowing in the cooling pipeline and also passing through the heat exchanger.

[0022] In other words, the first fluid flowing in the cooling line and passing through the heat exchanger is heated and vaporized in the heat exchanger by capturing thermal energy from the second fluid flowing in the management line. The first fluid, which is heated and vaporized, is then sucked in one of the compression members mounted on the first line.

[0023] Moreover, inside the heat exchanger, the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line decreases, approaching the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line, in particular by the transfer of thermal energy from the second fluid flowing in the management line to the first fluid flowing in the cooling line. Note that the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line decreases during the exchange of thermal energy in the heat exchanger.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the application, the heat exchanger comprises at least a first passage constituting the cooling line and a second passage constituting the management line, the expansion member being located between the second line and the first passage.

[0025] Note that, in this configuration, the pressure of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line is reduced by the expansion member before flowing in the first passage of the heat exchanger.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises at least one pumping member located on the management line upstream of the cooling unit. The pumping member is configured to force the second fluid to circulate through the management line.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises at least one duct extending between the second line and the first line, the duct being connected to the first line between the first compression member and the second compression member, the management system comprising at least one cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line, the cold generated by the cooling device resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the duct.

[0028] The cold for reducing the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line comes from the partial vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the duct. More specifically, this portion of the first fluid expands, i.e. the pressure of this portion of the first fluid decreases, thus reducing the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the application, the cooling device comprises at least a heat exchanger and an expansion device, the heat exchanger comprising a first passage constituting the second line and a second passage constituting the duct, the expansion device being located on the duct between the second line and the second passage, the heat exchanger being configured to exchange heat between the first fluid flowing in the second line and the first fluid flowing in the duct.

[0030] More specifically, the first fluid flowing in the duct is expanded by an expansion device before flowing into the heat exchanger. When passing through the heat exchanger, the first fluid flowing in the second line releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid flowing in the duct while passing through the heat exchanger.

[0031] In other words, by capturing thermal energy from the first fluid flowing in the second line, the first fluid flowing in the duct and passing through the heat exchanger is heated and vaporized in the heat exchanger. The heated and vaporized first fluid is then sucked by one of the compression members mounted on the first line.

[0032] Furthermore, inside the heat exchanger, the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line decreases, approaching the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the duct, in particular by the transfer of thermal energy from the first fluid flowing in the second line to the first fluid flowing in the duct.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises at least a first heat exchange member for heat exchange between the first fluid and the coolant fluid and a second heat exchange member for heat exchange between the first fluid and the coolant fluid, the first heat exchange member being mounted between the first compression member and the second compression member, the duct being connected to the first line between the first heat exchange member and the second compression member. The gaseous first fluid flowing in the duct is mixed with the gaseous first fluid flowing in the first line at a point located between the first heat exchange member and the second compression member.

[0034] According to an optional feature of the application, a cooling line is connected to the duct between the first line and the cooling device. Note that the gaseous first fluid flowing in the cooling line is mixed with the gaseous first fluid flowing in the duct after having passed through the cooling device.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a bifurcation located between the second line and the cooling line, the bifurcation being mounted between the second port located in the first tank and the cooling device.

[0036] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a first cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line and a second cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line, the management system comprising a bifurcation between the second line and the cooling line, the bifurcation being mounted downstream of the second cooling device.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a bifurcation located between the second line and the cooling line, the bifurcation being mounted between the second compression member and the cooling device.

[0038] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a first cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line and a second cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line, the management system comprising a bifurcation between the second line and the cooling line, installed upstream of the first cooling device.

[0039] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises at least one phase separator for the first fluid, installed on the second line between the intersection between the second compressor and the duct and the second line, the management system comprising a gas line extending between the separator and the second line, the gas line being connected to the second line between the cooling device and the intersection between the duct and the second line, the first fluid in liquid state being able to flow from the separator to the intersection between the duct and the second line through the second line, the first fluid in gaseous state being able to flow from the separator to the second line through the gas line.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a phase separation device for the first fluid, installed on the second line downstream of the cooling device, the management system comprising a return line extending between the separation device and the first line, through which the first fluid in gaseous state flows.

[0041] According to an optional feature of the application, the management system comprises a first duct extending between the first line and the second line and a second duct extending between the first line and the second line, the management system comprising a third compression member installed on the first line, the second compression member being installed between the first compression member and the third compression member, the first duct opening into the first line between the second compression member and the third compression member, the second duct opening into the first line between the first compression member and the second compression member, the management system comprising a first cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line and a second cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line, the cold produced by the first cooling device resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the first duct, the cold produced by the second cooling device resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the second duct, the first cooling device being installed on the second line upstream of the second cooling device. Note that, in this case, the first fluid flowing in the second line towards the first tank is first cooled in the first cooling device and then secondly cooled in the second cooling device.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the application, the cooling line is connected to the second line between the first cooling device and the second cooling device.

[0043] According to an optional feature of the application, the cooling line is connected to the second duct downstream of the second cooling device.

[0044] According to an alternative, the cooling line is connected to the second duct upstream of the first cooling device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Other features, details and advantages of the application will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given as an indication and in a non-limiting way, of several exemplary embodiments, and with reference to the annexed drawings in which:

[0046] [ Figure 1 ] schematically depicts a first embodiment of a management system according to the application;

[0047] [ Figure 2 ] schematically depicts a second embodiment of a management system according to the application;

[0048] [ Figure 3 ] schematically depicts a third embodiment of a management system according to the application;

[0049] [ Figure 4 ] schematically depicts a fourth embodiment of a management system according to the application;

[0050] [ Figure 5 ] schematically depicts a fifth embodiment of a management system according to the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The various features, variants and different embodiments of the application can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the application can be envisaged which only include a selection of the features described, if this selection is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the application from the prior art.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in the description below refer to the direction of circulation of the first fluid and / or of the second fluid in the management system according to any of the embodiments described in detail below.

[0053] Figure 1 A management system 1 for managing the state of at least a first fluid 4 and a second fluid 8 is shown, containing a first tank 2 of the first fluid 4 and a second tank 6 of the second fluid 8. The first tank 2, the second tank 6 and / or the management system 1 can be installed, for example, on board a ship transporting the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8.

[0054] The first fluid 4 has a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the second fluid 8, both temperatures being measured at the same pressure. The first fluid 4 is for example natural gas such as methane and has a boiling point of approximately -160°C, i.e. the first fluid 4 is in liquid form when it has a temperature lower than -160°C at atmospheric pressure. The second fluid 8 is for example petroleum gas, for example propane, butane or a mixture of propane and butane, and has a boiling point between 0°C and -51°C at atmospheric pressure. However, the first fluid 4 can also be petroleum gas, for example propane, butane or a mixture of propane and butane, provided that the boiling point of the first fluid 4 is lower than the boiling point of the second fluid 8.

[0055] According to the example illustrated here, the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 are petroleum gases, the first fluid 4 being for example a mixture consisting of approximately 92% of propane and approximately 8% of butane and having a boiling point of -47°C at atmospheric pressure, and the second fluid 8 being for example constituted of approximately 100% of butane and having a boiling point of 0°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0056] According to a first alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is ethane, which has a boiling point of -89°C, and the second fluid 8 is liquefied petroleum gas, which comprises a mixture of propane and butane, the liquefied petroleum gas having a boiling point of -47°C.

[0057] According to a second alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is ethane, which has a temperature of -89°C, and the second fluid 8 is ammonia, which has a boiling point of -33°C.

[0058] According to a third alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is propane, which has a boiling point of -42°C, and the second fluid 8 is ammonia, which has a boiling point of -33°C.

[0059] The first tank 2 and the second tank 6 are designed to store the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 respectively in liquid form, the temperature of the first fluid 4 and of the second fluid 8 being lower than or equal to their boiling point at atmospheric pressure. To this end, each tank 2, 6 is composed at least of a sealing membrane in contact with one or the other of the fluids and of a thermal insulation barrier surrounding the sealing membrane and contributing to maintaining one or the other of the fluids at a temperature lower than its boiling point. Advantageously, each tank 2, 6 has a primary thickness composed of a primary sealing membrane in contact with one or the other of the fluids, of a primary thermal insulation barrier surrounding the primary sealing membrane, a secondary thickness surrounding the primary thickness and composed of a secondary sealing membrane in contact with the primary thermal insulation barrier and of a secondary thermal insulation barrier surrounding the secondary sealing membrane.

[0060] According to an alternative of the application, the second tank 6 comprises only a primary thickness, the primary thermal insulation barrier being in direct contact with the outside environment of the second tank 6. Note that in this alternative, the second tank 6 does not have a secondary thickness, the thermal insulation being provided only by the primary thermal insulation barrier of the first thickness.

[0061] The first fluid 4 is stored in the first tank 2 mainly in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. However, a portion of the first fluid 4 vaporizes and forms a blanket at the top 10 of the first tank 2, where the first fluid 4 thus exists in gaseous form.

[0062] Likewise, the second fluid 8 is stored in the second tank 6 mainly in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. However, a portion of the second fluid 8 vaporizes and forms a blanket at the top 11 of the second tank 6, where the second fluid 8 thus exists in gaseous form.

[0063] The management system 1 is on the one hand configured to re-liquefy at least a portion of the first fluid 4 in gaseous form present at the top 10 of the first tank 2, and on the other hand to supply the first fluid 4 to a consumer machine that uses the first fluid 4 as fuel. To this end, the management system 1 comprises on the one hand at least a first line 12 through which the first fluid 4 flows from the first tank 2 to a plurality of compression members 14, and a second line 16 in which the first fluid 4 flows from the first line 12 to the first tank 2 in liquid and / or two-phase state, and on the other hand a pipe 45 extending between the second line 16 and the consumer machine. In addition, the management system 1 comprises a cooling line 18 through which the first fluid 4 flows from the second line 16 to the first line 12.

[0064] The management system 1 also comprises at least one management line 20 for managing the state of the second fluid, at least a portion of the second fluid 8 flowing through this management line from the second tank 6 to a liquid outlet 22 for the second fluid 8 in the second tank 6. The liquid outlet 22 in particular makes it possible to inject the cooled second fluid 8 in the second tank 6 in order to cool the second fluid 8 present in particular at the top 11 of the second tank 6. The decrease in the temperature of the second fluid 8 present at the top 11 of the second tank 6 makes it possible to decrease the pressure exerted by the vaporized second fluid 8 present at said top 11 of the second tank 6. According to Figure 1 According to the illustrated embodiment, the liquid outlet 22 takes the form of a lance that promotes the distribution of the injected second fluid 8 in the top 11.

[0065] According to the invention, the management system 1 comprises a cooling unit 24 for cooling the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, the cold produced by the cooling unit 24 being the result of the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18. Note that when the first fluid 4 flows through the cooling line 18 and the cooling unit 24, the first fluid 4 is at a sufficiently low temperature to cool the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20. In this case, the second fluid 8 releases thermal energy to the first fluid 4.

[0066] The first line 12 extends from the interior of the first tank 2 and more particularly comprises a gas inlet 26 at the top 10 of the first tank 2, which gas inlet 26 opens into the top 10 of the first tank 2 at which the gaseous phase of the first fluid 4 is present. Thus, the gaseous first fluid 4 present at the top 10 of the first tank 2 is in direct contact with the gas inlet 26 of the first line 12 and the gaseous first fluid 4 can thus be sucked in by the plurality of compression members 14.

[0067] The gaseous first fluid 4 moves from the top 10 of the first tank 2 to the plurality of compression members 14 through the first line 12 under the suction effect generated by the plurality of compression members 14. More particularly, the plurality of compression members 14 are configured to increase the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 before it is delivered to the consumption device.

[0068] As Figure 1 illustrated, the plurality of compression members 14 comprises a first compression member 14a, a second compression member 14b and a third compression member 14c, which are located on the first line 12 in this order in the direction of flow of the first fluid 4 within the first line. The compression members 14 contribute to delimiting a first portion 28 of the first line 12 extending between the gas inlet 26 and the first compression member 14a, a second portion 30 extending between the first compression member 14a and the second compression member 14b, a third portion 32 extending between the second compression member and the third compression member 14c, and a fourth portion 34 extending between the third compression member 14c and the second line 16.

[0069] The pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 increases as it flows in the first line 12 through the plurality of compression members 14, the first fluid 4 being at atmospheric pressure in the first portion 28 and reaching a pressure of approximately 24 bars in the fourth portion 34.

[0070] As Figure 1 illustrated, the cooling fluid flow system 36 comprises at least one heat exchange member 38 for exchanging heat between the cooling fluid flowing in the flow system 36 and the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the first line 12. This heat exchange member 38 separates the first line 12 from the second line 16. More particularly, the heat exchange member 38 is located downstream of the fourth portion 34 of the first line 12.

[0071] The heat exchange member 38 exchanges thermal energy between the coolant fluid and the first fluid 4. The cooling fluid can be a heat transfer fluid and / or water containing ethylene glycol and the flow system 36 can for example be installed on a ship and be directly connected to the body of water on which the ship is sailing.

[0072] Advantageously, the circulation system 36 includes a first heat exchange member 40 installed in a second section 30 of the first pipeline 12, a second heat exchange member 42 installed in a third section 32 of the first pipeline 12, and a third heat exchange member 38 installed in a fourth section 34 of the first pipeline 12. Each heat exchange member 38, 40, 42 exchanges heat energy between the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the first pipeline 12 and the coolant fluid. Note that the alternation between the compression member 14 and the heat exchange members 38, 40, 42 positioned along the first pipeline 12 allows the temperature of the first fluid 4 to be reduced after each compression stage performed by the compression member.

[0073] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, as the first fluid 4 passes through the plurality of compression members 14, the pressure and temperature of the fluid increase. To prevent the temperature from becoming too high, the first fluid 4 exchanges heat with the coolant fluid through the first, second, and third heat exchange members 40, 42, and 38. For example, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 downstream of the first heat exchange member 40 is approximately 7°C, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 downstream of the second heat exchange member 42 is approximately 40°C, and the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the fourth portion 34 downstream of the third heat exchange member 38 is above 43°C.

[0074] Furthermore, the boiling point of the fluid also varies depending on the pressure it is subjected to. The first fluid 4 may, for example, be a mixture of approximately 92% propane and approximately 8% butane, having a boiling point of approximately 43°C when subjected to a pressure of approximately 24 bar. Next, the first fluid 4 is in a gaseous state in the fourth section 34 upstream of the third heat exchange member 38, and becomes liquid or a two-phase state through heat exchange with the coolant fluid as it passes through the third heat exchange member 38, flowing in a liquid or two-phase state in the second pipeline 16 downstream of the third heat exchange member 38. Therefore, the first fluid 4 flows in a liquid or two-phase state downstream of the third heat exchange member 38 in the second pipeline 16.

[0075] Furthermore, "two-phase state" refers to a state in which one part of the first fluid 4 is in a liquid state and the other part of the first fluid 4 is in a gaseous state.

[0076] The first fluid 4 flows from the first pipeline 12, and more specifically from the third heat exchange component 38, to the first tank 2 in the second pipeline 16.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown, the management system 1 includes a phase separator 44 located on a second pipeline 16 for the first fluid 4. The separator 44 is configured to separate the phase present in the first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16. In other words, the separator 44 is configured to separate the liquid first fluid 4 from the gaseous first fluid 4. The liquid first fluid 4 separated in the separator 44 then flows through a pipeline 45 to the second pipeline 16 and / or the consumption machine. The management system 1 includes a gas pipeline 46 through which the first fluid 4 flows in a gaseous state from the separator 44 to the second pipeline 16.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the management system 1 includes at least one pipe 48 connecting a first pipeline 12 to a second pipeline 16, through which a first fluid 4 flows from the second pipeline 16 to the first pipeline 12. The management system 1 includes at least one cooling device 50 for cooling the first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16, the cooling generated by the cooling device 50 being caused by the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48.

[0079] An intersection 52 is formed between pipe 48 and second pipeline 16, at which the first fluid 4 can flow through the second pipeline 16 to the first tank 2 or through pipe 48 to the first pipeline 12. The cooling device 50 is configured such that the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in pipe 48 causes the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in second pipeline 16 to drop.

[0080] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, gas line 46 is connected downstream of the intersection 52 between second line 16 and pipe 48 at second line 16. When the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in gas line 46 mixes with the liquid first fluid 4 flowing in second line 16 downstream of intersection 52, the first fluid 4 is in a two-phase state between the cooling device 50 at intersection 52 and second line 16.

[0081] More specifically, the cooling device 50 includes at least a heat exchanger 54 and an expansion device 56. The heat exchanger 54 includes a first channel 58 forming a second pipeline 16 and a second channel 60 forming a pipe 48. The expansion device 56 is located on the pipe 48 upstream of the second channel 60. The heat exchanger 54 is configured to exchange heat between a first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16 and a first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48.

[0082] Thus configured, the heat exchanger 54 exchanges thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48, the thermal energy exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48 taking place notably in the first and second passages 58, 60 of the heat exchanger 54. The thermal energy exchanged between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48 causes a decrease in the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 releasing thermal energy to the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48.

[0083] This transfer of thermal energy is obtained thanks to the presence of the expansion device 56, which decreases the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48, facilitating the change of state thereof.

[0084] The temperature difference between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 upstream of the first passage 58 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first passage 58 is at least 20°C. Advantageously, this temperature difference is between 25°C and 35°C.

[0085] The decrease in the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 causes the first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a liquid state. Thus, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first passage 58 of the heat exchanger 54 is in a liquid state and has a temperature of, for example, approximately 14°C and a pressure of approximately 24 bar.

[0086] As Figure 1 indicated, the expansion member 56 of the cooling device 50 is mounted on the pipe 48 upstream of the second passage 60. In other words, it is noted that the liquid state of the first fluid 4 supplied to the second passage 60 undergoes an expansion, i.e. a decrease in pressure, before reaching the second passage 60, causing a change of state of the first fluid 4, from a two-phase state to a gaseous state, within the second passage 60. For example, the first fluid 4 can expand to a pressure of approximately 3 bar, causing the first fluid 4 to change from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion member 56 to a pressure of 3 bar between the expansion member 56 and the first line 12.

[0087] The pressure difference, and thus the temperature difference, between the gaseous state of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second passage 60 and the liquid or two-phase state of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passage 58 causes a cooling of the liquid or two-phase state of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passage 58 and a vaporization of the two-phase state of the first fluid 4 entering the second passage 60.

[0088] As Figure 1As shown, the gaseous expanded first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the second passage 60 then reaches the first line 12. Advantageously, the duct 48 is connected to the first line 12 at its second portion 30, more particularly between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b. The gaseous expanded first fluid 4 is thus mixed with the first fluid 4 coming from the first heat exchange member 40, the mixture being drawn into the third portion 32 of the first line 12 by the second compression member 14b.

[0089] As Figure 1 shown, the management system 1 comprises a phase separation device 62 for the first fluid 4 installed on the second line 16 downstream of the cooling device 50, the management system 1 comprising a return line 64 extending between the separation device 62 and the first line 12, the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing through the return line 64.

[0090] The separation device 62 comprises a separation body 66 and an expansion element 68 upstream of the separation body 66 on the second line 16. The expansion element 68 makes it possible to bring the first fluid 4 flowing towards the separation body 66 to a pressure substantially similar to that of the first fluid 4 contained in the first tank 2, i.e. atmospheric pressure.

[0091] More particularly, it is noted that the liquid first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 towards the first tank 2 undergoes an expansion, i.e. a drop in pressure, before reaching the first tank 2, so as to bring the pressure of the first fluid 4 into line with that of the first fluid 4 contained in the first tank 2. This expansion of the first fluid 4 by the expansion member 68 results in a change of state of the first fluid 4, going from a liquid state to a two-phase state in which a part of the first fluid 4 is in a liquid state and another part is in a gaseous state. This drop in pressure also results in a drop in temperature of the first fluid 4. For example, the first fluid 4 can be expanded sufficiently to a pressure of 1.2 bar, resulting in a drop in pressure of the first fluid 4 from approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion element 68 to approximately 1.2 bar downstream of the expansion element 68, the first fluid 4 having a temperature of approximately -50°C.

[0092] The first fluid 4 then flows towards the separation body 66, the first fluid 4 being in a liquid and / or two-phase state depending on its exact temperature. The separation body 66 is configured to separate the phases present in the first fluid 4 flowing from the expansion element 68 towards the first tank 2. In other words, the separation body 66 is configured so as to separate the liquid first fluid 4 from the gaseous first fluid 4. The liquid first fluid 4 separated in the separation body 66 then flows towards the first tank 2, while the gaseous first fluid 4 flows towards the first portion 28 of the first line 12 through the return line 64.

[0093] Advantageously, the second line 16 opens into the fluid outlet 65 in the first tank 2, in particular at the bottom of the first tank 2, the liquid first fluid 4 thus flowing from the separation body 66 to the bottom of the first tank 2 through the second line 16. According to an alternative, the second line 16 opens at the top 10 of the first tank 2, the liquid first fluid 4 being for example sprayed at the top 10 of the first tank 2, so as to cool the gaseous first fluid 4 present at the top 10 of the first tank 2.

[0094] In Figure 1 In the example illustrated, the management system 1 comprises an expansion block 70 for expansion of the first fluid 4, the expansion block 70 being located on the return line 64 and being configured to for example bring the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing through the return line 64 from a pressure of 1.2 bar to atmospheric pressure.

[0095] The management system 1 also comprises a discharge line 72 connected to the return line 64 downstream of the expansion block 70 and opening to the outside environment of the management system 1.

[0096] The management system 1 comprises a control valve 74 for controlling the flow rate of the gaseous first fluid 4, the control valve 74 being located on the discharge line 72 so as to control the flow rate of the first fluid 4 discharged to the outside environment of the management system 1.

[0097] As Figure 1 illustrated, the cooling line 18 extends between the second line 16 and the first line 12. Next, the first fluid 4 flows from the second line 16 through the cooling line 18 and to the first line 12.

[0098] According to one feature of the application, the cooling line 18 is connected to the pipe 48 downstream of the cooling device 50. The first fluid 4 flowing from the second line 16 through the cooling line 18 to the first line 12 passes through at least a portion of the pipe 48, mixing with the first fluid 4 flowing in the pipe 48 downstream of the cooling device 50. Next, the first fluid 4 from the cooling line 18 mixes with the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12 by injection between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b.

[0099] According to the application, as Figure 1 illustrated, the management system 1 comprises a management line 20 for managing the state of the second fluid 8, in particular its pressure and / or temperature, the liquid second fluid 8 taken out of the second tank 6 being intended to flow through the management line 20. To this end, the management line 20 comprises a liquid inlet 76, for example located at the bottom of the second tank 6, in contact with the liquid second fluid 8 contained in the second tank 6.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the application, the management system 1 comprises at least one pumping member 78 located on the management line 20 upstream of the cooling unit 24. The pumping member 78 is configured to force the liquid second fluid 8 to flow through the management line 20. To this end, the pumping member 78 is installed at the liquid inlet 76. In other words, the pumping member 78 is immersed in the liquid second fluid 8 contained in the second tank 6. However, the pumping member 78 can be installed anywhere on the management line 20, as long as it pumps the liquid second fluid 8 through the management line 20.

[0101] The pumping member 78 increases the pressure of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20. For example, the liquid second fluid 8 flowing downstream of the pumping member 78 has a pressure of about 4 bars, so the pumping member 78 causes the pressure of the liquid second fluid 8 to vary from atmospheric pressure upstream of the pumping member 78 to a pressure of about 4 bars downstream of the pumping member 78.

[0102] As Figure 1 indicated, the management line 20 comprises a liquid outlet 22 through which the liquid second fluid 8 flows from the management line 20 to the top 11 of the second tank 6. According to one embodiment, the liquid outlet 22 can comprise a spraying member capable of spraying the liquid second fluid 8 from the management line 20 to the top 11 of the second tank 6.

[0103] According to the application, the management system 1 comprises a cooling unit 24 for cooling the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, the cold generated by the cooling unit 24 coming from the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18. Thus, the management line 20 comprises a first portion 80 upstream of the cooling unit 24 and a second portion 82 downstream of the cooling unit 24. Thus, the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing through the second portion 82 of the management line 20 is lower than the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the first portion 80 of the management line 20.

[0104] More particularly, as Figure 1 indicated, the cooling unit 24 comprises at least one heat exchanger 84 configured to exchange heat between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, and an expansion member 86 installed upstream of the heat exchanger 84 on the cooling line 18. Note that the heat exchanger 84 is installed on the cooling line 18 and the management line 20 so that the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 pass through the heat exchanger 84.

[0105] To this end, the heat exchanger 84 comprises at least a first passage 88 constituting the cooling line 18 and a second passage 90 constituting the management line 20, the expansion member 86 being located upstream of the first passage 88. The first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 passes through the heat exchanger 84 via the first passage 88, the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20 passing through the heat exchanger 84 via the second passage 90. So configured, the heat exchanger 84 exchanges thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, the thermal energy exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20 taking place notably in the first and second passages 88, 90 of the heat exchanger 84. The thermal energy exchanged between the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 causes a decrease in the temperature of the second fluid 8, the second fluid 8 releasing thermal energy to the first fluid 4.

[0106] Moreover, the transfer of thermal energy is also obtained thanks to the presence of the expansion member 86, the expansion member 86 decreasing the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18, facilitating the change of state thereof.

[0107] As Figure 1 indicated, the expansion member 86 of the cooling unit 24 is installed on the cooling line 18 upstream of the first passage 88. In other words, it is noted that the liquid first fluid 4 supplied to the first passage 88 undergoes an expansion, i.e. a decrease in pressure, before reaching the first passage 88, at which it vaporizes. This expansion causes a change of state of the first fluid 4, which passes from a two-phase state to a gaseous state in the second passage 90. It is thus noted that the first fluid 4 can expand to a pressure of about 3 bars, such that the first fluid 4 passes from a pressure of about 24 bars upstream of the expansion member 86 to a pressure of about 3 bars downstream of the expansion member 86.

[0108] The decrease in pressure of the first fluid 4 by the expansion member 86 causes a change of state of the first fluid 4 and simultaneously a decrease in temperature thereof. For example, the first fluid 4 has a temperature of about 14°C upstream of the expansion member 86 and a temperature of about -30°C between the expansion member 86 and the first passage 88 of the heat exchanger 84.

[0109] Advantageously, the temperature difference between the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passage 88 and the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the second passage 90 causes a cooling of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the second passage 90 and a vaporization of the two-phase first fluid 4 entering the first passage 88. It is noted here that the second fluid 8 flowing in the second passage 90 releases thermal energy to the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passage 88, the temperature of the first fluid 4 increasing as it passes through the first passage 88, thus changing state from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0110] For example, the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 is about 0°C upstream of the first portion 80 of the management line 20, i.e. upstream of the second passage 90 of the heat exchanger 84, and is about -10°C downstream of the second portion 82 of the management line 20, i.e. downstream of the second passage 90.

[0111] Moreover, the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 upstream of the expansion member 86 is in liquid state, the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 between the expansion member 86 and the heat exchanger 84 is in two-phase state, and the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 within the heat exchanger 84 and downstream thereof is in gaseous state. For example, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 upstream of the expansion member 86 is about 14°C, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 between the expansion member 86 and the heat exchanger 84 is about -30°C, and the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the heat exchanger 84 is about -3°C.

[0112] According to Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the heat exchanger 84 mixes with the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 downstream of the cooling device 50, which mixture then joins the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12 between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b.

[0113] Advantageously, the expansion member 86, the expansion device 56 and the first compression member 14a are configured so as to bring the first fluid 4 to the same pressure. Next, the first compression member 14a increases the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first line 12 to a pressure of, for example, 3 bar. The expansion member 86 and the expansion device 56 decrease the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and in the duct 48, respectively, to a pressure similar to the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12, i.e. to a pressure of, for example, 3 bar. Thus, the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 downstream of the cooling device 50 is, for example, at a pressure of 3 bar, and the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the heat exchanger 84 is also at a pressure of 3 bar.

[0114] Reference will now be made to the drawings in detail Figure 2 A second embodiment of the application will be described. The elements that distinguish the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be described below; for the same elements, reference is made to the detailed description of the first embodiment.

[0115] In this second embodiment, the conduit 48 is connected to the third portion 32 of the first line 12, i.e. between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c. Note that the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the conduit 48 downstream of the cooling device 50 flows to the third portion 32 of the first line 12. The gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the conduit 48 downstream of the cooling device 50 mixes with the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12 at a point located between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c.

[0116] In this case, the expansion device 56 is configured to reduce the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the conduit 48 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12 between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the cooling device 50 is approximately 10.5 bar, and the expansion device 56 causes the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the conduit 48 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion device 56 to a pressure of approximately 10.5 bar downstream of the expansion device 56.

[0117] As shown in Figure 3 , the cooling line 18 extends between the second line 16 and the second portion 30 of the first line 12. The cooling line 18 is directly connected to the first line 12 at the second portion 30. The gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the cooling unit 24 mixes with the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12 at a point located between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b.

[0118] In this case, the expansion member 86 is configured to reduce the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the cooling unit 24 is approximately 3 bar, and the expansion member 86 causes the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion member 86 to a pressure of approximately 3 bar downstream of the expansion member 86.

[0119] A third embodiment of the application will now be described with specific reference to Figure 3 . The elements that make the third embodiment different from the first and second embodiments will be described below; for the same elements, reference is made to the detailed description of those embodiments.

[0120] As shown in Figure 3 , the management system 1 comprises a first conduit 92 and a second conduit 94, each conduit extending independently between the second line 16 and the first line 12.

[0121] The first duct 92 is connected on the one hand to the second line 16 and on the other hand to the third portion 32 of the first line 12 between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the first duct 92 is mixed with the first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12 at a point located between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c.

[0122] The management system 1 comprises a first cooling device 96 installed on the second line 16 and on the first duct 92, the first cooling device 96 comprising a first heat exchanger 98 and a first expansion device 100 upstream of the first heat exchanger 98 on the first duct 92. The first heat exchanger 98 is configured to exchange thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the first duct 92 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16. To do this, the first heat exchanger 98 comprises a first duct 102 constituting the second line 16 and a second duct 104 constituting the first duct 92. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 passes through the first heat exchanger 98 in the first duct 102 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the first duct 92 passes through the first heat exchanger 98 in the second duct 104.

[0123] Furthermore, note that the first intersection point 521 between the first duct 92 and the second line 16 is located between the separator 44 and the first cooling device 96. Thus, the first fluid 4 flowing at the first intersection point 521 can continue to flow in the second line 16 towards the first cooling device 96 and / or in the first duct 92 towards the first line 12.

[0124] In this case, the first expansion device 100 is configured to reduce the pressure of the first fluid 4 in liquid state flowing in the first duct 92 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the first fluid 4 in gaseous state flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the first cooling device 96 is approximately 10.5 bar, the first expansion device 100 causing the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first duct 92 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the first expansion device 100 to a pressure of approximately 10.5 bar downstream of the first expansion device 100.

[0125] The heat exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 92 takes place specifically in the first heat exchanger 98, and more specifically in the first conduit 102 and the second conduit 104. The first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102 releases heat energy to the expanding first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104. In other words, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 cools the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102, causing the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102 to decrease, while the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 increases. The increase in temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 causes the first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown, the second pipe 94 is connected to the second pipeline 16 on one side and to the second section 30 of the first pipeline 12 between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b on the other side. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipe 94 mixes with the first fluid 4 flowing in the second section 30 of the first pipeline 12 at the point located between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b.

[0127] Furthermore, the second pipe 94 is connected to the second pipeline 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96. Note that the second intersection point 522 between the second pipe 94 and the second pipeline 16 is located between the first cooling device 96 and the separation device 62. The first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipe 94 originates from the first cooling device 96 and is cooled by the first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16.

[0128] The management system 1 includes a second cooling device 106 installed on a second pipeline 16 and a second conduit 94. The second cooling device 106 includes a second heat exchanger 108 and a second expansion device 110 located upstream of the second heat exchanger 108 on the second conduit 94. The second heat exchanger 108 is configured to exchange heat between a first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 and a first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96. For this purpose, the second heat exchanger 108 includes a first tunnel 112 forming the second pipeline 16 and a second tunnel 114 forming the second conduit 94. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second pipeline 16 passes through the second heat exchanger 108 via the first tunnel 112, and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 passes through the second heat exchanger 108 via the second tunnel 114.

[0129] In this case, the second expansion device 110 is configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the second cooling device 106 is approximately 3 bar, and the second expansion device 110 causes the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the first expansion device 100 to a pressure of approximately 3 bar downstream of the second expansion device 110.

[0130] The first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 expands from a pressure of approximately 24 bar to a pressure of approximately 3 bar, causing the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 to drop. The first fluid 4 flowing between the second expansion device 110 and the second tunnel 114 is in a two-phase state and vaporizes as it passes through the second tunnel 114.

[0131] The heat exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 94 takes place in particular in the second heat exchanger 108, more particularly in the first tunnel 112 and in the second tunnel 114. The first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112 releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114. In other words, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 cools the first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112 drops, while the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 rises. The temperature rise of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 causes said first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0132] According to the application, the bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is located between the first cooling device 96 and the second cooling device 106. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96 can then flow either through the cooling line 18 to the cooling unit 24, or through the second conduit 94 to the first line 12, or through the second line 16 to the first tank 2. Advantageously, the bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is installed between the second intersection 522 between the second line 16 and the second conduit 94 and the first cooling device 96.

[0133] In this configuration, the cooling line 18 extends between the second line 16 and the second duct 94, the cooling line 18 being connected to the second duct 94 downstream of the second cooling device 106. It is noted here that the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the cooling unit 24 mixes with the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 downstream of the second cooling device 106, then combines into the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12.

[0134] As can be seen from the above, a portion of the first fluid 4 is recirculated by the management system 1, this portion of the first fluid 4 mainly contributing to cooling the first fluid 4 and / or the second fluid 8.

[0135] According to Figure 5 According to a fourth embodiment of the application illustrated in figure 5, the bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is mounted between the second cooling device 106 and the separation device 62. It is noted here that the liquid first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the second cooling device 106 flows to the separation device 62 through the second line 16 or to the cooling unit 24 through the cooling line 18.

[0136] As can be seen from the above, this configuration makes it possible for the first fluid 4 to reach the expansion member 86 at a lower temperature than in the configurations described above in the first, second and third embodiments. After having passed through the expansion member 86, the first fluid 4 expands and has an even lower temperature, thus optimizing the cooling of the second fluid 8 performed in the heat exchanger 84. In other words, in the example illustrated here, the first fluid 4 flowing between the expansion member 86 and the heat exchanger 84 has a much lower temperature than the first fluid 4 flowing in the configurations described in the first, second and third embodiments, which makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the second fluid 8 in the heat exchanger 84 more efficiently.

[0137] According to ​ According to a fifth embodiment of the application illustrated in figure 6, the bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is mounted between the separator 44 and the first cooling device 96. It is noted here that the liquid first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the separator 44 flows to the first cooling device 96 through the second line 16 or through the first duct 92 or to the cooling unit 24 through the cooling line 18. More particularly, the bifurcation 116 between the second line 16 and the cooling line 18 is fitted at the first intersection point 521 between the second line 16 and the first duct 92. However, the management system 1 will not be taken out of the scope of the application in which the bifurcation 116 between the second line 16 and the cooling line 18 is mounted between the separator 44 and the intersection point 521 between the second line 16 and the first duct 92 or between the intersection point 521 between the second line 16 and the first duct 92 and the first cooling device 96.

[0138] However, the present application is not limited to the devices and configurations described and shown here and it extends also to all equivalent devices and configurations and to any technical functional combination of these devices. In particular, all elements that cause a change in pressure, temperature and / or state of the first fluid 4 and / or of the second fluid 8 can be modified without prejudice to the present application, provided that they provide the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A management system (1) for managing the state of a first fluid (4) contained in a first tank (2) and the state of a second fluid (8) contained in a second tank (6), the first fluid (4) having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the second fluid (8) at the same pressure, the management system (1) comprising at least a first line (12) through which gaseous first fluid (4) is intended to flow, taken from the first tank (2), the first line extending between a gas inlet (26) configured to open into the first tank (2) and a heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) configured to condense the first fluid (4), the first line (12) comprising at least a first compression member (14a) and a second compression member (14b), the management system (1) comprising a second line (16) through which liquid and / or two-phase state first fluid (4) is intended to flow, the second line extending from the heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) to a second port (65) configured to open into the first tank (2), the management system (1) comprising at least one cooling line (18) extending from the second line (16) to the first line (12), through which the first fluid (4) is intended to flow, the cooling line (18) being connected to the first line (12) between the first compression member (14a) and the second compression member (14b), the management system (1) comprising at least one management line (20) for managing the state of the second fluid (8), through which the second fluid (8) is intended to flow, characterized in that the management system (1) comprising at least one cooling unit (24) for cooling the second fluid (8) flowing in the management line (20), the cold generated by the cooling unit (24) being caused by vaporization of the first fluid (4) flowing in the cooling line (18).

2. The management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit (24) comprising at least a heat exchanger (84) and an expansion member (86) mounted on the cooling line (18) between the second line (16) and the heat exchanger (84), the heat exchanger (84) being configured to exchange heat between the first fluid (4) flowing in the cooling line (18) and the second fluid (8) flowing in the management line (20).

3. The management system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the heat exchanger (84) comprising at least a first passage (88) constituting the cooling line (18) and a second passage (90) constituting the management line (20), the expansion member (86) being located between the second line (16) and the first passage (88).

4. The management system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pumping member (78) located on the management line (20) upstream of the cooling unit (24).

5. The management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one duct (48) extending between said second line (16) and said first line (12), said duct (48) being connected to said first line (12) between said first compression member (14a) and said second compression member (14b), said management system (1) comprising at least one cooling device (50) for cooling the first fluid (4) flowing in said second line (16), the cold produced by said cooling device (50) being caused by vaporization of the first fluid (4) flowing in said duct (48).

6. The management system (1) according to claim 5, wherein Said cooling device (50) comprises at least a heat exchanger (54) comprising a first channel (58) constituting said second line (16) and a second channel (60) constituting said duct (48), and an expansion device (56) located on the duct (48) between said second line (16) and said second channel (60), said heat exchanger (54) being configured to exchange heat between the first fluid (4) flowing in said second line (16) and the first fluid (4) circulating in said duct (48).

7. The management system (1) according to claim 5, wherein Said heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) comprises a first heat exchange member (40) for exchanging heat between the first fluid (4) and the coolant fluid and a second heat exchange member (38, 42) for exchanging heat between the first fluid (4) and the coolant fluid, said first heat exchange member (40) being mounted between said first compression member (14a) and said second compression member (14b), said duct (48) being connected to said first line (12) between said first heat exchange member (40) and said second compression member (14b).

8. The management system (1) according to claim 5, wherein Said cooling line (18) is connected to said duct (48) between said first line (12) and said cooling device (50).

9. The management system (1) according to claim 5, comprising a bifurcation (116) between said second line (16) and said cooling line (18), said bifurcation being mounted between a second port (65) located in said first tank (2) and said cooling device (50).

10. The management system (1) according to claim 5, comprising at least one phase separator (44) for the first fluid, said phase separator being mounted on the second line (16) between the second compression member (14b) and the intersection (52) between the duct (48) and the second line (16), said management system (1) comprising a gas line (46) extending between the separator (44) and the second line (16), said gas line (46) being connected to the second line (16) between the cooling device (50) and the intersection (52) between the duct (48) and the second line (16), the first fluid (4) in liquid state being able to flow from the separator (44) to the intersection (52) between the duct (48) and the second line (16) through the second line (16), the first fluid (4) in gaseous state being able to flow from the separator (44) to the second line (16) through the gas line (46).

11. The management system (1) according to claim 5, comprising a separation device (62) for the first fluid (4) mounted on the second line (16) downstream of the cooling device (50), said management system (1) comprising a return line (64) extending between the separation device (62) and the first line (12), the first fluid (4) in gaseous state flowing through the return line.

12. The management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first duct (92) extending between the first line (12) and the second line (16) and a second duct (94) extending between the first line (12) and the second line (16), said management system (1) comprising a third compression member (14c) mounted on the first line (12), the second compression member (14b) being flanked by the first compression member (14a) and the third compression member (14c), the first duct (92) opening into the first line (12) between the second compression member (14b) and the third compression member (14c), the second duct (94) opening into the first line (12) between the first compression member (14a) and the second compression member (14b), said management system (1) comprising a first cooling device (96) for cooling the first fluid (4) flowing in the second line (16) and a second cooling device (106) for cooling the first fluid (4) flowing in the second line (16), the cold produced by the first cooling device (96) coming from the vaporization of the first fluid (4) flowing in the first duct (92), the cold produced by the second cooling device (106) coming from the vaporization of the first fluid (4) flowing in the second duct (94), the first cooling device (96) being mounted on the second line (16) upstream of the second cooling device (106).

13. The management system (1) according to claim 12, comprising a bifurcation (116) between the second line (16) and the cooling line (18), the bifurcation being located between the first cooling device (96) and the second cooling device (106).

14. The management system (1) according to claim 12, wherein The cooling line (18) is connected to the second line (16) between the first cooling device (96) and the second cooling device (106).

15. The management system (1) according to claim 12, wherein The cooling line (18) is connected to the second line (94) downstream of the second cooling device (106).

Images