Marine methanol supply system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a marine methanol supply system which comprises a methanol cabin and an engine, the methanol cabin is connected with a coarse filter through a main valve pipeline, the coarse filter is connected with a supply pump through a pipeline, an outlet pipeline of the supply pump is connected with a fine filter, and the fine filter is connected with an engine pipeline through a pressure regulating valve. An outlet of the fine filter is connected with a methanol cabin pipeline through a pressure release valve, and an inlet pipeline of the coarse filter is connected with a nitrogen inerting system for purging the pipeline, so that the safety risk in the system is reduced, and the stable operation of the system is guaranteed; an outlet pipeline of the supply pump is connected with a surge tank, the upper end of the surge tank is communicated with a pipeline of the nitrogen inerting system through a first electronic ball valve, and a heat exchange system for adjusting the temperature of methanol is mounted between the coarse filter and the fine filter, so that the methanol supply pressure and temperature of the methanol supply system are constant; and a good conveying state of methanol and safe and stable operation of the system are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of marine energy supply technology, and in particular to a marine methanol supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of the global shipping industry's green transformation, methanol, as a clean and efficient alternative fuel, is gradually becoming a popular choice for ship power fuel due to its lower emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, as well as its potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

[0003] The existing system lacks a precise control and real-time monitoring mechanism for key parameters (such as temperature and pressure) in the methanol supply process, making it difficult to achieve efficient utilization of methanol and increasing ship operating costs and environmental burden. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a marine methanol supply system.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] A marine methanol supply system includes a methanol tank and an engine. The methanol tank is connected to a coarse filter via a main valve pipeline. The coarse filter pipeline is connected to a supply pump. The outlet pipeline of the supply pump is connected to a fine filter. The fine filter is connected to the engine pipeline via a pressure regulating valve. The outlet of the fine filter is connected to the methanol tank pipeline via a pressure relief valve. The inlet pipeline of the coarse filter is connected to a nitrogen inerting system for purging the pipeline. The outlet pipeline of the supply pump is connected to a pressure stabilizing tank. The upper end of the pressure stabilizing tank is connected to the pipeline of the nitrogen inerting system via a first electronic ball valve. A heat exchange system for regulating the methanol temperature is installed between the coarse filter and the fine filter.

[0007] The outlet of the fine filter is provided with a second main pipeline and a second auxiliary pipeline in parallel. The outlet of the fine filter is connected to the second main pipeline and the second auxiliary pipeline through a tee fitting. The pressure regulating valve is provided on the second main pipeline, and the pressure relief valve is provided on the second auxiliary pipeline.

[0008] The second main pipeline includes a first emergency pneumatic valve, the pressure regulating valve, and a fourth manual ball valve. The second auxiliary pipeline includes a second emergency pneumatic valve and a pressure relief valve. The engine inlet is equipped with a regulating valve for adjusting the opening degree. The fourth manual ball valve, the second emergency pneumatic valve, the pressure relief valve, and the regulating valve are connected through a four-way fitting.

[0009] A first pressure sensor is connected to the outlet of the second emergency pneumatic valve, and the first pressure sensor is connected to the four-way fitting.

[0010] The main valve is connected to the coarse filter via a second electronic ball valve. A first main pipeline and a first auxiliary pipeline are provided in parallel between the supply pump and the fine filter. The first main pipeline and the first auxiliary pipeline each include a second manual ball valve and a third manual ball valve. The outlet of the supply pump is connected to the second manual ball valve and the third manual ball valve via a three-way fitting.

[0011] The nitrogen inerting system includes a nitrogen tank assembly, the outlet of which is connected to a third pressure sensor.

[0012] The outlet of the nitrogen tank assembly is connected to the inlet pipe of the coarse filter via a first manual ball valve.

[0013] A fourth pressure sensor, which is connected to the signal of the first electronic ball valve, is installed between the pressure stabilizing tank and the first electronic ball valve.

[0014] The top of the pressure stabilizing tank is connected to a first safety valve, the exhalation pressure of which is 0.6 MPa.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] This system is equipped with a supply pump to increase the pressure of methanol. Finally, the pressure entering the engine is regulated by a pressure regulating valve to improve the engine's efficiency and stability. When the pressure in the methanol supply line is too low, the frequency of the supply pump is increased to ensure the pressure in the supply line. If the pressure in the methanol supply line is too high, the methanol flows back into the methanol tank through the pressure relief valve to achieve a constant methanol supply pressure.

[0017] This system has a pressure stabilizing tank at the outlet of the supply pump. When the frequency of the supply pump is adjusted too high or too low, the pressure stabilizing tank maintains the pressure of the entire methanol supply pipeline. When the pressure in the pressure stabilizing tank is lower than the preset value, the nitrogen inerting system delivers nitrogen to the pressure stabilizing tank through the first electronic ball valve to increase its internal pressure, thereby ensuring its function of maintaining the pressure of the supply pipeline.

[0018] This system is equipped with a nitrogen inerting system. Before the system is started, the entire supply pipeline is inertly purged by the nitrogen inerting system to replace any air that may be present in the supply pipeline, thereby reducing safety risks within the system and ensuring stable operation.

[0019] This system is equipped with a heat exchange system for regulating the temperature of methanol. Methanol is a liquid at normal temperature and pressure. When the ambient temperature is below 20℃ or above 40℃, the heat exchange system regulates the temperature of methanol in the supply pipeline to ensure good methanol delivery and safe and stable operation of the system. This allows methanol to burn completely in the engine, improves energy efficiency, reduces ship operating costs, and reduces harmful gas emissions, thus contributing to green navigation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the pipeline schematic diagrams of the present invention (dual system structure);

[0022] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the pipeline of the present invention (single system structure). Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features of the present utility model can be combined with each other.

[0024] It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0025] The following describes some embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 , 2 A marine methanol supply system includes a methanol tank 1 and an engine 2. The methanol tank 1 is connected to a coarse filter 3 via a main valve 13. The coarse filter 3 is connected to a supply pump 4 via a main valve 13. The outlet pipe of the supply pump 4 is connected to a fine filter 5. The fine filter 5 is connected to the engine 2 via a pressure regulating valve 6. The outlet of the fine filter 5 is connected to the methanol tank 1 via a pressure relief valve 10. After being filtered by the coarse filter 3, the methanol is pressurized by the supply pump 4, and finally the pressure is adjusted to 0.5±0.05MPa by the pressure regulating valve 6 before entering the engine 2. This improves the efficiency and stability of the engine 2. When the pressure in the methanol supply pipeline is too low, the frequency of the supply pump 4 is increased to ensure the pressure in the supply pipeline. If the pressure in the methanol supply pipeline is too high, the methanol flows back into the methanol tank 1 through the pressure relief valve 10, achieving a constant methanol supply pressure, optimizing the combustion process, and ensuring system safety. From injection accuracy to anti-vapor lock capability, and from environmental protection to reliability, pressure stability is the foundation for the efficient operation of the methanol system.

[0027] When methanol pressure is stable, the opening time of the fuel injector is linearly related to the fuel injection quantity. Quantitative fuel supply can be achieved by precisely controlling the fuel injection pulse width, avoiding fuel injection quantity deviations caused by pressure fluctuations. When the engine is at high speed or under heavy load, the fuel injection quantity needs to be increased to provide more energy. Stable fuel supply pressure can ensure that the fuel injector can maintain linear flow growth even with a large pulse width, avoiding the phenomenon of "insufficient fuel supply" caused by pressure decay.

[0028] The outlet of the fine filter 5 is provided with a second main pipeline 14 and a second auxiliary pipeline 15 in parallel. The outlet of the fine filter 5 is connected to the second main pipeline 14 and the second auxiliary pipeline 15 through a tee fitting. The pressure regulating valve 6 is provided on the second main pipeline 14, and the pressure relief valve 10 is provided on the second auxiliary pipeline 15.

[0029] Furthermore, the second main pipeline 14 includes a first emergency pneumatic valve 20, the pressure regulating valve 6, and a fourth manual ball valve 21; the second auxiliary pipeline 15 includes a second emergency pneumatic valve 22 and a pressure relief valve 10; the inlet of the engine 2 is provided with a regulating valve 16 for adjusting the opening degree, which is used to control the amount of methanol entering the engine 2; the fourth manual ball valve 21, the second emergency pneumatic valve 22, the pressure relief valve 10, and the regulating valve 16 are connected by a four-way fitting.

[0030] Furthermore, a first pressure sensor 23 is connected to the outlet of the second emergency pneumatic valve 22. The first pressure sensor 23 is connected to the four-way fitting, that is, the first pressure sensor 23 can detect the pressure of the second main pipeline 14 and the second auxiliary pipeline 15. When the detected pressure is too high, it controls the pressure relief valve 10 to open.

[0031] Under normal use, the second emergency pneumatic valve 22 is closed, and the first emergency pneumatic valve 20, pressure regulating valve 6, and fourth manual ball valve 21 are open, i.e., the second main pipeline 14 is open. Methanol enters the engine 2 through the second main pipeline 14 and regulating valve 16. A second pressure sensor 24 is installed at the inlet of the engine 2. When the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 24 is not within the range of 0.5±0.05MPa, the regulating valve 16 is controlled by the control program to adjust the pressure of methanol entering the engine 2 so that it is maintained within the range of 0.5±0.05MPa. When the methanol pressure is higher than the set value of the pressure relief valve 10, the methanol flows back into the methanol chamber 1 through the pressure relief valve 10.

[0032] When the pressure regulating valve 6 malfunctions, the first emergency pneumatic valve 20 and the fourth manual ball valve 21 can be closed to repair or replace the pressure regulating valve 6.

[0033] When the second main pipeline 14 malfunctions, the first emergency pneumatic valve 20 is closed and the second emergency pneumatic valve 22 is opened, so that the second main pipeline 14 is closed and the second auxiliary pipeline 15 is opened, temporarily maintaining the normal operation of the methanol supply pipeline. After the maintenance of the second main pipeline 14 is completed, the system is switched back to the state where the second main pipeline 14 is open and the second auxiliary pipeline 15 is closed.

[0034] When the second auxiliary pipeline 15 is open, methanol simultaneously enters the engine 2 through the regulating valve 16. When the methanol pressure is too high, it will also flow back into the methanol chamber 1 through the pressure relief valve 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the first emergency pneumatic valve 20 and the second emergency pneumatic valve 22 are electronic valves. Different sensors are installed on the pipeline to detect whether the pipeline is normal, such as leakage. These sensors can be purchased directly and selected according to actual needs. When a problem is detected in the second main pipeline 14 or the second auxiliary pipeline 15, the first emergency pneumatic valve 20 and the second emergency pneumatic valve 22 are directly controlled to close to avoid causing greater danger.

[0036] The main valve 13 is connected to the coarse filter 3 via a second electronic ball valve 17. A first main pipeline 11 and a first auxiliary pipeline 12 are arranged in parallel between the supply pump 4 and the fine filter 5. Only one of the first main pipeline 11 and the first auxiliary pipeline 12 can be connected. Under normal circumstances, the first main pipeline 11 is connected, and the first auxiliary pipeline 12 is normally closed. The first main pipeline 11 and the first auxiliary pipeline 12 each include a second manual ball valve 18 and a third manual ball valve 19. The outlet of the supply pump 4 is connected to the second manual ball valve 18 and the third manual ball valve 19 via a three-way fitting. Under normal circumstances, the third manual ball valve 19 is closed and the second manual ball valve 18 is open. When the first main pipeline 11 malfunctions, the second manual ball valve 18 is manually closed and the third manual ball valve 19 is opened, so that the first auxiliary pipeline 12 is used to replace the first main pipeline 11 for operation and maintenance of the first main pipeline 11 is performed. After maintenance is completed, the system is switched back to use the first main pipeline 11.

[0037] A heat exchange system 9 for regulating methanol temperature is installed between the coarse filter 3 and the fine filter 5. The heat exchange system 9 is mainly used to heat or cool the methanol in the first main pipeline 11 and the first secondary pipeline 12.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first main pipeline 11 is the primary pipeline, while the first secondary pipeline 12 is for emergency management. The first secondary pipeline 12 operates for a short period of time. Therefore, the heat exchange system 9 only heats or cools the methanol in the first main pipeline 11 to reduce manufacturing costs. It is only suitable for areas such as southern regions where the temperature is maintained at 10-30℃ all year round. If there are relatively extreme environments such as sub-zero temperatures, the heat exchange system 9 also needs to exchange heat with the first secondary pipeline 12.

[0039] Methanol is a liquid at normal temperature and pressure. When the ambient temperature is below 20°C, its fluidity decreases. In ship methanol supply pipelines, low temperatures can cause methanol viscosity to increase and flow rate to slow down, and in severe cases, even condensation can occur, clogging the pipeline. In engines, high viscosity can lead to poor fuel injector spraying and atomization, thus affecting combustion efficiency. In addition, methanol vapor pressure is low at low temperatures, which may make it difficult to vaporize, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture, incomplete combustion, and even starting difficulties. Conversely, at temperatures above 40°C, methanol volatility increases significantly. In closed supply pipelines, large-scale methanol evaporation can cause a sharp increase in pipeline pressure, potentially leading to seal failure at pipeline connections and methanol leakage. Leaked methanol not only wastes fuel but also poses a risk due to its inherent properties. Methanol's flammability poses serious safety hazards such as fire and explosion. Furthermore, methanol's vapor pressure increases significantly, which can easily lead to vapor lock, where bubbles form in the pipeline, blocking liquid flow and affecting the stability of the fuel supply system. This is especially problematic in the high-temperature environment of the engine compartment, potentially causing fuel supply interruptions and engine shutdown. Additionally, methanol's chemical reactivity increases at high temperatures, making it more prone to oxidation and the formation of corrosive substances like formic acid, which can corrode pipelines and equipment. Therefore, a heat exchange system regulates the temperature of methanol in the supply pipelines to ensure optimal methanol delivery and stable system operation. This allows for complete combustion of methanol in the engine, improving energy efficiency, reducing ship operating costs, and minimizing harmful gas emissions, thus contributing to greener ship navigation.

[0040] The inlet pipe of the coarse filter 3 is connected to a nitrogen inerting system for purging the pipeline. The nitrogen inerting system includes a nitrogen tank group 25. The outlet of the nitrogen tank group 25 is connected to a third pressure sensor 26. The outlet pressure of the nitrogen tank group 25 is required to be 0.6-0.8 MPa to ensure that the methanol supply pipeline with an internal pressure of 0.5±0.05 MPa can be purged. The outlet of the nitrogen tank group 25 is connected to the inlet pipe of the coarse filter 3 through a first manual ball valve 27. When purging is required, the first manual ball valve 27 is opened. After purging is completed, the first manual ball valve 27 is closed.

[0041] Before the system is started, the entire supply pipeline is inertly purged using a nitrogen inerting system to remove any air that may be present in the supply pipeline, thereby reducing safety risks within the system and ensuring stable system operation.

[0042] When methanol flows in pipelines, it may generate static electricity. If air is present in the pipeline, static sparks may ignite methanol vapor. Nitrogen purging creates an inert environment that prevents explosions caused by static electricity. In addition, acidic substances such as formic acid produced by methanol oxidation can corrode metal pipelines (such as carbon steel), shortening equipment life. Nitrogen inerting can inhibit oxidation reactions, reduce the formation of corrosive substances, and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks and equipment damage. Air in the pipeline may contain moisture, dust, and other impurities, which may form gels or crystals when mixed with methanol. Nitrogen purging can keep the pipeline clean and prevent pipeline blockage or valve jamming caused by impurity deposition.

[0043] When pipeline maintenance, component replacement, or hot work is required, the nitrogen inerting system can purge the pipeline in advance to remove residual methanol vapor and air, reducing the difficulty and risk of manual cleaning, improving maintenance efficiency, ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel, and preventing explosions during hot work.

[0044] The outlet pipe of the supply pump 4 is connected to a pressure stabilizing tank 7. The upper end of the pressure stabilizing tank 7 is connected to the pipeline of the nitrogen inerting system through a first electronic ball valve 8. A fourth pressure sensor 28, which is signal-connected to the first electronic ball valve 8, is installed between the pressure stabilizing tank 7 and the first electronic ball valve 8. When the frequency of the supply pump 4 is adjusted too high or too low, the pressure stabilizing tank 7 maintains the pressure of the entire methanol supply pipeline to avoid sudden changes in methanol pressure from impacting the entire supply pipeline. When the fourth pressure sensor 28 detects that the pressure inside the pressure stabilizing tank 7 is lower than a preset value, the first electronic ball valve 8 opens, and the nitrogen inerting system supplies nitrogen to the pressure stabilizing tank 7 to increase the internal pressure of the pressure stabilizing tank 7. When the preset value is reached, the first electronic ball valve 8 closes, thereby ensuring its function of maintaining the pressure of the supply pipeline.

[0045] Furthermore, the pressure stabilizing tank 7 includes a liquid zone at the bottom and a gas zone at the top. The liquid zone is connected to the methanol supply pipeline, and the nitrogen supplied by the nitrogen inerting system is delivered to the gas zone to provide pressure within the pressure stabilizing tank 7. The gas zone is connected to a first safety valve 29, which has an outlet pressure of 0.6 MPa. When the nitrogen inerting system supplies too much nitrogen, and the pressure within the pressure stabilizing tank 7 exceeds 0.6 MPa, the excess gas will be discharged through the first safety valve 29 to prevent excessive pressure from impacting the methanol supply pipeline.

[0046] In this application, safety valves are installed on the pipeline at the outlet of the supply pump 4, the pipeline for methanol return to the methanol chamber 1, and the pipeline before entering the regulating valve 16. The pipeline at the outlet of the supply pump 4 and the pipeline for methanol return to the methanol chamber 1 can share a single safety valve, namely the second safety valve 30, which has an outlet pressure of 0.6 MPa. The pipeline before the regulating valve 16 is equipped with a third safety valve 31, which has an outlet pressure of 0.6 MPa to 0.56 MPa. That is, when the methanol pressure entering the engine 2 exceeds the set 0.5 ± 0.05 MPa, some gas will be output through the third safety valve 31 to reduce the methanol pressure entering the engine 2.

[0047] In this application, the methanol supply pipeline can be provided in one or two sets, and the engine 2 is provided with one or two sets. In the two sets of methanol supply pipelines, the pipeline located before the regulating valve 16 is connected by a pneumatic shut-off valve 32. Under normal use, each set of methanol supply pipeline mainly supplies methanol to one engine. If one set of methanol supply pipeline fails and cannot be used, the pneumatic shut-off valve 32 can be opened, so that the other set of methanol supply pipeline can supply methanol to both engines.

[0048] In this invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more items unless otherwise expressly defined. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. The terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linking" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "assembled on," "mounted on," "fixed to," or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A marine methanol supply system comprising a methanol tank (1) and an engine (2), characterized in that The methanol tank (1) is connected with a coarse filter (3) through a total valve (13), the coarse filter (3) is connected with a supply pump (4), the outlet of the supply pump (4) is connected with a fine filter (5), the fine filter (5) is connected with the engine (2) through a pressure regulating valve (6), the outlet of the fine filter (5) is connected with the methanol tank (1) through a pressure relief valve (10), the inlet of the coarse filter (3) is connected with a nitrogen inerting system for purging pipeline, the outlet of the supply pump (4) is connected with a pressure stabilizing tank (7), the upper end of the pressure stabilizing tank (7) is communicated with the pipeline of the nitrogen inerting system through a first electronic ball valve (8), a heat exchange system (9) for adjusting the temperature of methanol is installed between the coarse filter (3) and the fine filter (5).

2. Marine methanol supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet of the fine filter (5) is provided with a second main pipeline (14) and a second auxiliary pipeline (15) in parallel, the outlet of the fine filter (5) is connected with the second main pipeline (14) and the second auxiliary pipeline (15) through a tee pipe, the pressure regulating valve (6) is arranged on the second main pipeline (14), and the pressure relief valve (10) is arranged on the second auxiliary pipeline (15).

3. Marine methanol supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that The second main pipeline (14) comprises a first emergency pneumatic valve (20), the pressure regulating valve (6) and a fourth manual ball valve (21), the second auxiliary pipeline (15) comprises a second emergency pneumatic valve (22) and the pressure relief valve (10), the inlet of the engine (2) is provided with an adjusting valve (16) for adjusting the opening degree, the fourth manual ball valve (21), the second emergency pneumatic valve (22), the pressure relief valve (10) and the adjusting valve (16) are communicated through a four-way pipe.

4. Marine methanol supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that A first pressure sensor (23) is connected to the outlet of the second emergency pneumatic valve (22), and the first pressure sensor (23) is connected with the four-way pipe.

5. The marine methanol supply system of claim 1, wherein The total valve (13) is connected with the coarse filter (3) through a second electronic ball valve (17), and a first main pipeline (11) and a first auxiliary pipeline (12) are arranged in parallel between the supply pump (4) and the fine filter (5), the first main pipeline (11) and the first auxiliary pipeline (12) comprise a second manual ball valve (18) and a third manual ball valve (19) respectively, and the outlet of the supply pump (4) is connected with the second manual ball valve (18) and the third manual ball valve (19) respectively through a tee pipe.

6. The marine methanol supply system of claim 1, wherein The nitrogen inerting system comprises a nitrogen tank group (25), and the outlet of the nitrogen tank group (25) is connected with a third pressure sensor (26).

7. Marine methanol supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that The outlet of the nitrogen tank group (25) is connected with the inlet pipeline of the coarse filter (3) through a first manual ball valve (27).

8. The marine methanol supply system of claim 1, wherein A fourth pressure sensor (28) which is signal connected with the first electronic ball valve (8) is installed between the pressure stabilizing tank (7) and the first electronic ball valve (8).

9. Marine methanol supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that A first safety valve (29) is connected to the top of the pressure stabilizing tank (7), and the outlet pressure of the first safety valve (29) is 0.6 MPa.

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