Small helium extraction cold box

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of helium extraction cold boxes, and discloses a small helium extraction cold box which is characterized in that a heat exchange cold box is of a closed box body structure internally provided with a cavity, and the heat exchange cold box is filled with liquid used for heat exchange; a first heat exchange pipe is arranged in the heat exchange cold box, one end of the first heat exchange pipe is communicated with a natural gas pipeline, and the other end of the first heat exchange pipe extends out of the heat exchange cold box; the pressurizing pump is arranged between the natural gas pipeline and the first heat exchange pipe in a communicating mode. The technical effects can be realized as follows: through the cooperative use of the pressure pump and the air cooler, the cooling efficiency of natural gas before entering the heat exchange cold box is improved, a proper temperature condition is provided for subsequent helium separation and extraction, the heat exchange cold box can be cooled through the heat absorption phenomenon during helium and natural gas liquid separation, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved. Therefore, the natural gas entering the heat exchange cold box can be cooled, consumption of extra energy is reduced, and the energy utilization efficiency of the system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of helium extraction cold boxes, for example, to a small helium extraction cold box. Background Art

[0002] At present, helium is a strategic resource that plays an irreplaceable role in the fields of national defense, military industry, high-end medical care, electronic manufacturing and large scientific facilities. When natural gas is mined, some helium is mixed in it. In this case, it is necessary to separate the natural gas from the helium to extract the helium.

[0003] During the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it was found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0004] When separating helium from natural gas, a large amount of cooling capacity is required in a helium extraction cold box to cool the natural gas so that the gaseous natural gas and helium can be separated into liquid natural gas and gaseous helium. However, a large amount of cooling capacity is required for gas-liquid separation between natural gas and helium, which will cause a large amount of energy waste. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify key / critical elements or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments provide a small helium extraction cold box to solve the problem of large cooling capacity required for gas-liquid separation of natural gas and helium, which results in energy waste.

[0007] In some embodiments, the small helium cold box includes: a heat exchange cold box, which is a closed box structure with a cavity inside, and the heat exchange cold box is filled with a liquid for heat exchange; a first heat exchange tube is arranged in the heat exchange cold box, one end of the first heat exchange tube is connected to the natural gas pipeline, and the other end of the first heat exchange tube extends out of the heat exchange cold box; a pressure pump is arranged between the natural gas pipeline and the first heat exchange tube; an air cooler is arranged on the first heat exchange tube between the pressure pump and the heat exchange cold box; a pressure reducing valve is arranged at the end of the first heat exchange tube extending out of the heat exchange cold box; a helium separation tank is connected to the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure reducing valve is connected to the middle position of the helium separation tank; a second heat exchange tube is arranged in the heat exchange cold box, one end of the second heat exchange tube is connected to the upper part of the helium separation tank, and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box; a third heat exchange tube is arranged in the heat exchange cold box, one end of the third heat exchange tube is connected to the bottom of the helium separation tank, and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box.

[0008] In some embodiments, a hydrogen separation tank is provided between the first heat exchange tube and the pressure reducing valve, the first heat exchange tube is connected to the middle of the hydrogen separation tank, the pressure reducing valve is arranged at the bottom of the hydrogen separation tank, and a fourth heat exchange tube is connected to the upper part of the hydrogen separation tank, the fourth heat exchange tube is arranged inside the heat exchange cold box, and the other end of the fourth heat exchange tube extends out of the heat exchange cold box.

[0009] In some embodiments, the portions of the first heat exchange tube, the second heat exchange tube, the third heat exchange tube, and the fourth heat exchange tube disposed in the heat exchange cold box are all spiral structures.

[0010] In some embodiments, the end of the second heat exchange tube is connected to a catalytic dehydrogenation tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, a normal temperature adsorption tank is connected to the side of the catalytic dehydrogenation tank, and a low temperature adsorption tank is provided on the side of the normal temperature adsorption tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first row of miscellaneous pipes is provided at the bottom of the normal temperature adsorption tank, and a second row of miscellaneous pipes is provided at the bottom of the low temperature adsorption tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, a reheating heat exchange box is provided on the side of the low-temperature adsorption tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, heat exchange fins are arranged around the outside of the first heat exchange tube, the second heat exchange tube, the third heat exchange tube, and the fourth heat exchange tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rewarming heat exchange box is connected to the air cooler for heat exchange.

[0016] In some embodiments, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the catalytic dehydrogenation tank.

[0017] The small helium extraction cold box provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0018] The coordinated use of the booster pump and air cooler improves the cooling efficiency of natural gas before it enters the heat exchange cold box, providing suitable temperature conditions for subsequent helium separation and extraction. The heat absorption phenomenon during the separation of helium and natural gas liquid can then be used to cool the heat exchange cold box, thereby cooling the natural gas entering the heat exchange cold box, reducing the consumption of additional energy and improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0019] The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation. In addition,

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a small helium extraction cold box provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 100, heat exchange cold box; 101, first heat exchange tube; 102, natural gas pipeline; 200, booster pump; 201, air cooler; 202, pressure reducing valve; 203, helium separation tank; 300, hydrogen separation tank; 301, catalytic dehydrogenation tank; 302, normal temperature adsorption tank; 303, low temperature adsorption tank; 304, first row of miscellaneous pipes; 305, second row of miscellaneous pipes; 306, retemperature heat exchange box; 307, drain pipe; 103, second heat exchange tube; 104, third heat exchange tube; 105, fourth heat exchange tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to be able to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, to simplify the drawings, well-known structures and devices can be simplified for display.

[0025] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0026] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "middle", "outside", "front", "back" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly intended to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to having a specific direction, or to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Moreover, in addition to being used to indicate directions or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in certain circumstances. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "disposed," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediary, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0029] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0030] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0031] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0032] Combine Figure 1As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a small helium extraction cold box, comprising: a heat exchange cold box 100, which is a closed box structure with a cavity inside, and the heat exchange cold box 100 is filled with a liquid for heat exchange; a first heat exchange tube 101, which is arranged in the heat exchange cold box 100, one end of the first heat exchange tube 101 is connected to the natural gas pipeline 102, and the other end of the first heat exchange tube 101 extends out of the heat exchange cold box 100; a pressure pump 200, which is connected and arranged between the natural gas pipeline 102 and the first heat exchange tube 101; an air cooler 201, which is arranged on the first heat exchange tube 101 between the pressure pump 200 and the heat exchange cold box 100; a pressure relief device 201; a pressure relief device 202; a pressure relief device 203; a pressure relief device 204; a pressure relief device 205; a pressure relief device 206; a pressure relief device 207; a pressure relief device 208; a pressure relief device 209; a pressure relief device 209; a pressure relief device 201; a pressure relief device 201; a pressure relief device 201; a pressure relief device 201; a pressure relief device 202; a pressure relief device 203; a pressure relief device 204; a pressure relief device 205; a pressure relief device 206; a pressure relief device 207; a pressure relief device 208; a pressure relief device 209 ... The valve 202 is arranged at one end of the first heat exchange tube 101 extending out of the heat exchange cold box 100; the helium separator 203 is connected to the pressure reducing valve 202, and the pressure reducing valve 202 is connected to the middle position of the helium separator 203; the second heat exchange tube 103 is arranged in the heat exchange cold box 100, one end of the second heat exchange tube 103 is connected to the upper part of the helium separator 203, and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box 100; the third heat exchange tube 104 is arranged in the heat exchange cold box 100, one end of the third heat exchange tube 104 is connected to the bottom of the helium separator 203, and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box 100.

[0033] The small helium extraction cold box provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is used. The heat exchange cold box 100 is a closed box structure. The heat exchange cold box 100 is filled with a liquid that can be used for heat exchange. The liquid can be ethanol, etc. A first heat exchange pipe 101 is provided inside the heat exchange cold box 100. The extracted natural gas enters the first heat exchange pipe 101 through the natural gas pipeline 102. The pressure pump 200 between the natural gas pipeline 102 and the first heat exchange pipe 101 can pressurize the natural gas entering the first heat exchange pipe 101 to increase the pressure of the natural gas entering the heat exchange pipe. The pressurized natural gas can be cooled when passing through the air cooler 201. The natural gas cooled by the air cooler 201 enters the first heat exchange tube 101 in the heat exchange cold box 100 and continues to cool down in the heat exchange cold box 100. The helium in the natural gas can be separated from the natural gas by pressurization and cooling. The gas and liquid in the first heat exchange tube 101 are reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 202 and enter the helium separation tank 203. In this way, the helium evaporates to form gas and the natural gas still appears as liquid. In this state, gaseous helium and liquid natural gas are separated in the helium separation tank 203, and the helium is discharged from the second heat exchange pipe 103 on the upper part of the helium separation tank 203. The second heat exchange pipe 103 is arranged in the heat exchange cold box 100. After the helium is discharged from the helium separation tank 203, the pressure decreases, and the helium vaporizes and absorbs heat. The temperature of the vaporized helium is low. The helium in the second heat exchange pipe 103 can transfer cold energy to the heat exchange cold box 100, so that the inside of the heat exchange cold box 100 can be cooled. In this way, the heat exchange cold box 100 can cool the first heat exchange cold box. The natural gas in the tube 101 is cooled, and the low-temperature liquefied natural gas can be discharged from the bottom of the helium separation tank 203. The low-temperature liquefied natural gas flows into the heat exchange cold box 100 through the third heat exchange tube 104. The third heat exchange tube 104 can cool the heat exchange cold box 100, thereby reducing the energy required for cooling the natural gas and reducing energy waste. The heat exchange cold box 100 is cooled by the low-temperature liquid and low-temperature gas discharged from the helium separation tank 203, and the natural gas in the first heat exchange tube 101 is cooled by the heat exchange cold box 100.

[0034] Optionally, a hydrogen separation tank 300 is provided between the first heat exchange tube 101 and the pressure reducing valve 202, the first heat exchange tube 101 is connected to the middle of the hydrogen separation tank 300, the pressure reducing valve 202 is arranged at the bottom of the hydrogen separation tank 300, and the upper part of the hydrogen separation tank 300 is connected to a fourth heat exchange tube 105, the fourth heat exchange tube 105 is arranged inside the heat exchange cold box 100, and the other end of the fourth heat exchange tube 105 extends out of the heat exchange cold box 100.

[0035] In this way, the hydrogen separation tank 300 between the first heat exchange tube 101 and the pressure reducing valve 202 can separate hydrogen and natural gas. The vaporization temperature of hydrogen is higher than the vaporization temperature of other mixers in the natural gas. The gas in the natural gas is cooled and liquefied by the heat exchange cold box 100, so that the gas-liquid separation between the natural gas and hydrogen is achieved. In this way, the hydrogen in the natural gas can be separated. The fourth heat exchange tube 105 on the hydrogen separation tank 300 can discharge the vaporized hydrogen. The fourth heat exchange tube 105 is set in the heat exchange cold box 100. The hydrogen will absorb heat during the process of discharge and pressure reduction. The inside of the heat exchange cold box 100 can be cooled by the fourth heat exchange tube 105. In this way, the natural gas in the first heat exchange tube 101 can be cooled, and the hydrogen in the natural gas can be discharged and separated through the hydrogen separation tank 300. The pressure reducing valve 202 at the bottom of the hydrogen separation tank 300 can control the air pressure, and can control the air pressure in the hydrogen separation tank 300. The liquefied natural gas in the hydrogen separation tank 300 is transported to the helium separation tank 203 through the pressure reducing valve 202. The natural gas can be partially decompressed by the pressure reducing valve 202, so that the helium and liquid natural gas can be separated. The liquid natural gas and helium are then separated by the helium separation tank 203, and the separated natural gas can be discharged through the fourth heat exchange tube 105.

[0036] Optionally, the portions of the first heat exchange tube 101 , the second heat exchange tube 103 , the third heat exchange tube 104 and the fourth heat exchange tube 105 disposed in the heat exchange cold box 100 are all spiral structures.

[0037] In this way, the spiral structure can increase the contact area of the first heat exchange tube 101, the second heat exchange tube 103, the third heat exchange tube 104 and the fourth heat exchange tube 105 in the heat exchange cold box 100, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0038] Optionally, the end of the second heat exchange tube 103 is connected to a catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 .

[0039] In this way, the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 at the end of the second heat exchange tube 103 can catalytically separate and remove the hydrogen in the helium.

[0040] Optionally, a normal temperature adsorption tank 302 is connected to the side of the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 , and a low temperature adsorption tank 303 is provided on the side of the normal temperature adsorption tank 302 .

[0041] In this way, the helium after passing through the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 enters the normal temperature adsorption tank 302, and the impurities in the helium can be separated and discharged through the normal temperature adsorption tank 302. The helium that has passed through the normal temperature adsorption tank 302 passes through the low temperature adsorption tank 303 again for secondary adsorption and impurity removal, so that the impurities in the helium can be adsorbed and cleaned, thereby obtaining helium with higher purity.

[0042] Optionally, a first miscellaneous pipe 304 is provided at the bottom of the normal temperature adsorption tank 302 , and a second miscellaneous pipe 305 is provided at the bottom of the low temperature adsorption tank 303 .

[0043] In this way, the first row of impurity pipes 304 at the bottom of the normal temperature adsorption tank 302 and the second row of impurity pipes 305 at the low temperature adsorption tank 303 can discharge the adsorbed impurities, thereby discharging the impurity gas in the helium.

[0044] Optionally, a reheating heat exchange box 306 is provided on the side of the low-temperature adsorption tank 303 .

[0045] In this way, the reheating heat exchange box 306 of the low-temperature adsorption tank 303 can reheat the low-temperature helium gas that has undergone low-temperature adsorption, thereby preventing the discharged helium from being too cold.

[0046] Optionally, heat exchange fins are provided around the outside of the first heat exchange tube 101 , the second heat exchange tube 103 , the third heat exchange tube 104 and the fourth heat exchange tube 105 .

[0047] In this way, the heat exchange fins can increase the heat exchange capacity between the heat exchange cold box 100, thereby increasing the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange tube 101, the second heat exchange tube 103, the third heat exchange tube 104 and the fourth heat exchange tube 105.

[0048] Optionally, the rewarming heat exchange box 306 is connected to the air cooler 201 for heat exchange.

[0049] In this way, the reheating heat exchange box 306 is connected to the air cooler 201 through heat exchange, so that the cold energy in the reheating heat exchange box 306 can provide cold energy to the air cooler 201, thereby cooling the air cooler 201 and cooling the natural gas.

[0050] Optionally, a drain pipe 307 is provided at the bottom of the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 .

[0051] In this way, the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 can generate water through catalysis between hydrogen and oxygen, and the drain pipe 307 on the catalytic dehydrogenation tank 301 can drain the water.

[0052] The above description and the accompanying drawings sufficiently illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless expressly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace portions and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Small helium extraction cold box, characterized by: include: The heat exchange cold box (100) is a closed box structure with a cavity inside, and the heat exchange cold box (100) is filled with liquid for heat exchange; A first heat exchange tube (101) is arranged in the heat exchange cold box (100), one end of the first heat exchange tube (101) is connected to the natural gas pipeline (102), and the other end of the first heat exchange tube (101) extends out of the heat exchange cold box (100); A pressure pump (200) is connected and arranged between the natural gas pipeline (102) and the first heat exchange tube (101); An air cooler (201) is provided on the first heat exchange pipe (101) between the pressure pump (200) and the heat exchange cold box (100); a pressure reducing valve (202) provided at one end of the first heat exchange tube (101) extending out of the heat exchange cold box (100); A helium separation tank (203) is connected to the pressure reducing valve (202), and the pressure reducing valve (202) is connected to the middle of the helium separation tank (203); A second heat exchange tube (103) is disposed in the heat exchange cold box (100), one end of the second heat exchange tube (103) is connected to the upper portion of the helium separation tank (203), and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box (100); The third heat exchange tube (104) is arranged in the heat exchange cold box (100), one end of the third heat exchange tube (104) is connected to the bottom of the helium separation tank (203), and the other end extends out of the heat exchange cold box (100).

2. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hydrogen separation tank (300) is provided between the first heat exchange tube (101) and the pressure reducing valve (202), the first heat exchange tube (101) is connected to the middle of the hydrogen separation tank (300), the pressure reducing valve (202) is arranged at the bottom of the hydrogen separation tank (300), and the upper part of the hydrogen separation tank (300) is connected to a fourth heat exchange tube (105), the fourth heat exchange tube (105) is arranged inside the heat exchange cold box (100), and the other end of the fourth heat exchange tube (105) extends out of the heat exchange cold box (100).

3. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The portions of the first heat exchange tube (101), the second heat exchange tube (103), the third heat exchange tube (104) and the fourth heat exchange tube (105) arranged in the heat exchange cold box (100) are all spiral structures.

4. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the second heat exchange tube (103) is connected to a catalytic dehydrogenation tank (301).

5. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 4, characterized in that: The catalytic dehydrogenation tank (301) is connected to a normal temperature adsorption tank (302) on its side, and a low temperature adsorption tank (303) is provided on its side.

6. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first row of miscellaneous pipes (304) is provided at the bottom of the normal temperature adsorption tank (302), and a second row of miscellaneous pipes (305) is provided at the bottom of the low temperature adsorption tank (303).

7. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 6, characterized in that: A reheating heat exchange box (306) is provided on the side of the low-temperature adsorption tank (303).

8. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 3, characterized in that: Heat exchange fins are provided around the outside of the first heat exchange tube (101), the second heat exchange tube (103), the third heat exchange tube (104) and the fourth heat exchange tube (105).

9. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 7, characterized in that: The reheating heat exchange box (306) is connected to the air cooler (201) for heat exchange.

10. The small helium extraction cold box according to claim 4, characterized in that: A drain pipe (307) is provided at the bottom of the catalytic dehydrogenation tank (301).

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