A modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment
The modular design of the LNG skid-mounted equipment enables multi-scenario adaptability, solves the problems of poor versatility and long design cycle of existing equipment, and improves production efficiency and flexibility.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SINOPEC HYDROGEN ENERGY MACHINERY (WUHAN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment has poor design versatility, long design cycle, narrow application scope, difficulty in meeting the needs of multiple scenarios, and little room for modification.
The modular design breaks down the LNG skid-mounted equipment into a container module, a pump skid module, an instrument system module, a control system module, and a refueling module, enabling left and right unloading positions and front and rear refueling positions, which can be flexibly combined to adapt to different scenario requirements.
It has improved the equipment's ability to be used in multiple scenarios, shortened the design cycle, reduced production and procurement costs, and enhanced the equipment's flexibility and applicability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224580118U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of LNG refueling station construction technology. More specifically, this utility model relates to a modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid growth in LNG heavy-duty truck sales, the number of LNG refueling stations is increasing rapidly. To shorten the construction cycle and effectively meet the needs of refueling station expansion and renovation, highly integrated, small-footprint skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment has become the mainstream demand for LNG refueling stations. To control development and procurement costs, modular LNG skid-mounted equipment design is used to meet the needs of LNG refueling stations in various scenarios. Existing skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment is mostly customized according to the actual application scenario, resulting in long design cycles and poor versatility. The main problems are: 1. Diverse equipment models, hindering standardized design at stations: Depending on the actual unloading location and refueling position at the application site, the piping system, instrumentation system, and tank structure of skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment vary significantly, resulting in poor design versatility for stations and equipment, increasing design costs. 2. Narrow applicability and limited modification space: After the structural design of the skid-mounted equipment is completed, the LNG refueling position is fixed. When expanding or adding refueling positions, the space for upgrading and modification is small, which is not conducive to flexible adjustments at the station. Utility Model Content
[0003] One objective of this invention is to provide a modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment. The modular design enables rapid equipment installation. At the same time, the box is designed with left and right unloading positions and front and rear refueling positions, reducing the design cycle and improving the multi-scenario application requirements of the skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment.
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment, including a box module, a pump skid module and an instrumentation system module respectively assembled integrally within the box module, a control system module, and a refueling module located on the periphery of the box module. The pump skid module is used to refuel LNG into the refueling module, and the instrumentation system module is used to monitor the pressure of the pump skid module's pipelines and transmit the data to the control system module. The pump skid module includes a pipeline assembly module, which includes two sets of unloading pipeline connection points arranged in parallel. The unloading pipelines can selectively connect to either set of unloading pipeline connection points to achieve bidirectional unloading positions on the left and right sides of the equipment. At least two refueling modules are arranged symmetrically on the front and rear sides of the outer periphery of the box module, thereby enabling the equipment to have bidirectional refueling positions at both the front and rear.
[0005] Preferably, the instrument system module is selectively and flexibly set on the left and right sides of the equipment according to the unloading position.
[0006] Preferably, the pump skid module further includes an LNG storage tank and a submersible pump, wherein the submersible pump pressurizes the LNG in the LNG storage tank and injects it into the injection module through the pipeline assembly module.
[0007] Preferably, it also includes a vaporizer module, which is installed in a reserved installation position within the housing module, and the LNG storage tank is connected to the vaporizer module via a pressurization pipeline.
[0008] Preferably, the vaporizer module is provided with a bidirectional vent.
[0009] Preferably, the filling module is installed inside a U-shaped protective shed with the opening facing outwards. The filling module is fixed to the box module as an integral structure through the protective shed, or the filling module is independently installed in a set position through the protective shed.
[0010] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. This utility model utilizes modular design, disassembling the LNG skid-mounted equipment into a box module, a pipeline assembly module, a vaporizer module, an instrumentation system module, a control system module, and a refueling module. This modular approach allows for faster production of the skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment, improving production efficiency. Standardized design allows for prefabrication in the factory, reducing the production cycle by approximately 15 days.
[0011] 2. Based on the different unloading locations of LNG, this utility model designs the pump skid module in the pipeline assembly module as a detachable bidirectional unloading pipeline, which can greatly reduce the design cycle and procurement and preparation costs.
[0012] 3. This utility model designs the LNG refueling machine as a modular refueling unit with a roof, depending on the refueling location. It allows for flexible configuration, enabling the refueling module to be integrated with the skid-mounted equipment as a fixed structure, or to be installed independently of the skid-mounted equipment at a designated location, depending on the station's needs. This improves the multi-scenario application requirements of skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment.
[0013] 4. With the large-scale construction of LNG refueling stations, especially in application scenarios such as the renovation and expansion of existing gas stations into LNG refueling stations, due to site constraints and short design and construction cycles, modular integrated and mobile refueling island design of skid-mounted LNG refueling equipment modules can quickly form a series of products, effectively meet market demand, and reduce production cycle and cost.
[0014] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1This is an elevation view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pump skid module structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline assembly module structure of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unloading pipeline of this utility model installed on the other side; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the filling module structure of this utility model.
[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Housing module, 2. Pump skid module, 3. Instrument system module, 4. Vaporizer module, 5. Filling module, 6. Piping assembly module, 7. Tank connection pipeline, 8. Pressurization pipeline, 9. Drainage pipeline, 10. Unloading pipeline connection point, 11. Gas filling port. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this utility model, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.
[0018] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "horizontal", "longitudinal", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0019] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this utility model provides a modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment, including a box module 1, a pump skid module 2 and an instrument system module 3 respectively integrally assembled within the box module, a control system module, and a filling module 5 disposed on the outer periphery of the box module. The pump skid module is used to fill LNG into the filling module, and the instrument system module is used to monitor the pressure of the pipelines of the pump skid module and transmit the data to the control system module. The pump skid module includes a pipeline assembly module 6, which includes two sets of unloading pipeline connection points 10 arranged in parallel. The unloading pipeline 9 selectively connects to any set of unloading pipeline connection points to achieve bidirectional unloading positions on the left and right sides of the equipment. At least two filling modules are arranged symmetrically on the front and rear sides of the outer periphery of the box module to achieve bidirectional filling positions on the front and rear sides of the equipment. The instrument system module is flexibly and selectively positioned on the left and right sides of the equipment according to the unloading positions. The pump skid module also includes an LNG storage tank and a submersible pump. The submersible pump pressurizes the LNG in the LNG storage tank and fills it into the filling module through the pipeline assembly module. It also includes a vaporizer module 4, which is installed in a reserved mounting position within the housing module. The LNG storage tank is connected to the vaporizer module via a pressurization pipeline. The vaporizer module is equipped with a bidirectional vent.
[0020] This application disassembles the containerized LNG skid-mounted equipment into a container module, a pump skid module including a pipeline assembly module, a vaporizer module, an instrumentation system module, a control system module, and a refueling module. Considering the potential needs for bidirectional unloading and bidirectional refueling, the container is designed with left and right unloading positions and front and rear refueling positions. Figure 2 (The left and right directions in the text refer to the front and back directions of the equipment, and the front and back directions refer to the left and right directions of the equipment.) In combination with the different gasification volumes required by various equipment configurations, the gasifier module installation position and bidirectional vent are preset on the box module; the instrument system is integrated into a module, and its position can be moved and adjusted as a whole according to the unloading position requirements; in combination with the bidirectional unloading position requirements, the pipeline assembly module is designed as a pump skid assembly that can be interchanged between the left and right unloading positions, and the pipeline system can be prefabricated in advance to improve production efficiency.
[0021] Following the modular design approach, the containerized LNG skid-mounted equipment is functionally decomposed into the following modules: the container module (a hollow outer shell), the pump skid module (including the submersible pump, pump pool storage tank, and pipeline assembly module, located inside the container), the vaporizer module (including the booster vaporizer and EAG vaporizer, located at the bottom of the container), the instrumentation system module (monitoring instruments monitor the pressure of the pump skid module pipeline, located inside the container), the control system module (located outside the container, generally in the station control room of the gas station), and the refueling module (gas dispenser, which can be integrated with the skid-mounted equipment or installed independently in the gas station refueling island area, depending on the actual needs of the project).
[0022] The pump skid is modular, comprising a submersible pump, LNG storage tank, and piping assembly modules, integrated onto a base and mounted within a housing module. It can be secured via welding or bolting. The piping assembly modules on the pump skid module feature a symmetrical layout, allowing for flexible adjustment of the unloading port to suit different unloading locations without requiring redesign. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the centerline of the pump skid module coincides with the horizontal centerline of the storage tank. Symmetrically arranged flange interfaces are reserved on the liquid and gas phase pipelines of the unloading port as connection points for the unloading pipelines. This allows the liquid and gas phase pipelines of the unloading port (i.e., the unloading pipelines) to be symmetrically moved 180° from the right side of the unloading port to the left side of the tank along the centerline of the pump skid module, realizing unloading in both directions. Installation and disassembly are achieved through flange bolts.
[0023] The pump skid module can be used in both containerized LNG refueling equipment and integrated with a vaporizer module for direct use in stationary LNG refueling stations. The pump skid module connects to the LNG storage tank via tank connection line 7 and to the booster vaporizer via booster line 8. During LNG tanker unloading, the LNG enters the LNG storage tank through the pump skid module. During refueling, a submersible pump pressurizes the LNG in the storage tank and injects it into the refueling module, which then enters the heavy-duty truck's onboard gas supply system. By setting pressure taps and pressure-sensing lines on the pump skid module, the instrumentation system monitors the pressure in relevant components in real time, and interlock alarm points are set in the control system to achieve pressure detection and protection.
[0024] The instrumentation system is modular and integrated, flexibly positioned on the left or right side of the equipment according to the unloading location. The instrumentation modules are typically located on the same side as the unloading area, facilitating on-site observation of the unloading process. The system integrates pressure, temperature, and level monitoring instruments and junction box components from the pump skid module and the pipeline connecting to the storage tank. Prefabrication is possible, improving production efficiency.
[0025] The mobile refueling island design integrates the refueling unit and the refueling island into a single unit. Based on the actual station layout, the refueling islands can be installed around the perimeter of the LNG skid-mounted containerized equipment. The mobile refueling island is connected to the refueling port 11 in the LNG skid-mounted containerized equipment via insulated piping. Depending on the actual needs of the project site, it can be integrated with the skid-mounted equipment or installed independently in the station's refueling island area. The refueling module is installed inside a U-shaped protective canopy with its opening facing outwards. The refueling module is fixed to the containerized module as a single unit via the protective canopy, or the refueling module can be independently installed in a designated location via the protective canopy.
[0026] It is understood that this utility model has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model, and other modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and examples shown and described herein.
Claims
1. A modular design structure for a box-type LNG skid-mounted equipment, characterized in that, The equipment includes a housing module, a pump skid module and an instrumentation system module, which are integrally assembled within the housing module. It also includes a control system module and a refueling module located on the periphery of the housing module. The pump skid module is used to refuel LNG into the refueling module. The instrumentation system module monitors the pressure of the pump skid module's pipelines and transmits this pressure to the control system module. The pump skid module includes a pipeline assembly module with two sets of parallel unloading pipeline connection points. The unloading pipelines can selectively connect to either set of unloading pipeline connection points, thus achieving bidirectional unloading positions on the left and right sides of the equipment. At least two refueling modules are symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the housing module's periphery, thus enabling the equipment to have bidirectional refueling positions at both the front and rear.
2. The modular design structure of the tank-type LNG skid-mounted equipment module according to claim 1, wherein, The instrument system module can be flexibly set on the left or right side of the equipment according to the unloading position.
3. The modular design structure of the skid-mounted LNG plant module according to claim 1, wherein, The pump skid module also includes an LNG storage tank and a submersible pump. The submersible pump pressurizes the LNG in the LNG storage tank and adds it to the filling module through the pipeline assembly module.
4. The modular design structure of the tank-type LNG skid-mounted equipment module according to claim 3, wherein, It also includes a vaporizer module, which is installed in a reserved installation position within the housing module, and the LNG storage tank is connected to the vaporizer module via a pressurization pipeline.
5. The modular design structure of the skid-mounted LNG plant in the form of a box, according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vaporizer module is equipped with a bidirectional vent.
6. The modular design structure of the skid-mounted LNG plant module according to claim 1, wherein, The filling module is installed inside a U-shaped protective shed with the opening facing outwards. The filling module is fixed to the box module as an integrated structure through the protective shed, or the filling module is installed independently in a set position through the protective shed.