Device and method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture

Abstract

A device and a method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture are disclosed. The device comprises a gas line (10) and a two-component nozzle (20) configured to inject odorized hydrogen and / or hydrogen (31) and odorant (41) into the gas line (10). The odorant (41) is supplied to a first inlet of the two-component nozzle (20) via a line (42). Hydrogen is supplied to a second inlet (22) of the two-component nozzle (20) via a hydrogen line (32). This results in a homogeneous mixture of natural gas, hydrogen, and odorant in a single step.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line using a dual-fluid nozzle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In pipeline-based natural gas supply, it is necessary for the natural gas to have an odor so that people can detect possible leaks. To solve this problem, one known solution is to odorize natural gas transported in a gas pipeline with a liquid odorant, such as tetrahydrothiophene (THT), before it is withdrawn from the pipeline.

[0003] DE 10 2017 128 495 A1 discloses a device for odorizing a gas stream in a gas line, comprising an injection device designed as a dual-fluid nozzle for injecting a liquid odorant into the gas stream flowing through the gas line, as well as a method for odorizing a gas stream in a gas line. The device comprises means for providing the nozzle gas stream for operating the dual-fluid nozzle through a nozzle feed line branching off from the gas line, through which a portion of the gas stream flowing through the gas line is guided as a nozzle gas stream to the dual-fluid nozzle. In one embodiment, a gas preheater is provided in the nozzle feed line. The device for odorizing a gas stream disclosed in this document is designed exclusively for odorizing natural gas.

[0004] The technical requirements for a reliable and sustainable energy supply are constantly increasing. One way to meet these requirements is to replace at least part of the pipeline-based natural gas supply with hydrogen, in particular by replacing the natural gas transported through gas pipelines with a natural gas and hydrogen mixture. A natural gas and hydrogen mixture can, for example, be transported via gas pipelines during a transitional period before natural gas is completely replaced by hydrogen.

[0005] However, since the energy content of hydrogen is only about one-third that of natural gas, a larger mixture of natural gas and hydrogen will need to be transported through the gas pipelines. The natural gas and hydrogen mixture must be odorized like pure natural gas before being drawn from the pipeline. The increased use of the natural gas and hydrogen mixture also increases odorant consumption, as odorization is typically volume-proportional. Accordingly, for natural gas and hydrogen mixtures, it will be necessary to increase the performance of the existing odorant injection systems for odorizing natural gas, or to implement new odorant injection systems. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure is based on the object of providing an apparatus and a method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture.

[0007] To achieve this object, a device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture is proposed, which device comprises a gas line and a two-component nozzle which is designed to inject odorized hydrogen and / or hydrogen and odorant into the gas line.

[0008] The gas pipeline can be any type of pipeline designed to carry natural gas. For example, it can be a gas pipeline in a local gas distribution network that supplies natural gas at reduced pressure from a high-pressure transmission network. The device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture can, in particular, be located in a gas pressure control and metering station (GDRM) of a local gas distribution network.

[0009] The dual-fluid nozzle can be an atomizer nozzle, which enables the atomization of a liquid odorant so that the odorant does not condense on the inner wall of the gas line. In particular, the dual-fluid nozzle is an injection device, which is integrated, for example, in a dip tube. The dual-fluid nozzle can achieve good atomization with small droplet size and a large surface area of the odorant, so that the odorant can be atomized and mixed with the hydrogen or the gas stream in the gas line. In this way, atomization or evaporation / nebulization of the odorant and mixing of the odorant with the hydrogen can take place in the dual-fluid nozzle, with the odorized hydrogen being mixed with the natural gas in the gas line. Alternatively, the atomization or evaporation canEvaporation / atomization of the odorant in the gas line should occur upstream of the dual-fluid nozzle, so that the odorant also mixes with the hydrogen and natural gas in the gas line. The odorant is typically a liquid odorant, such as tetrahydrotheophene (THT) or an odorant according to DIN EN ISO 13734. In Germany, for example, the odorization specifications are described in the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) Worksheet G 280. Additionally, an evaporation body can be provided in the gas line, onto which the dual-fluid nozzle applies the odorant for improved evaporation / atomization.

[0010] Thus, hydrogen supplied to the dual-fluid nozzle can provide the pressure to atomize the odorant with the aid of the dual-fluid nozzle. This is advantageous because the proportion of hydrogen in the odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture tends to increase with equivalent energy consumption, so that the amount of odorant supplied is directly related to the amount of hydrogen supplied, not the amount of natural gas supplied. Consequently, a homogeneous mixture of natural gas, hydrogen, and odorant can be produced in a single step. The dual-fluid nozzle disclosed here is thus an energy-efficient device for mixing odorant, hydrogen, and natural gas.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture comprises a hydrogen source configured to supply hydrogen as a nozzle gas stream to a first inlet of the dual-fluid nozzle, and an odorant source configured to supply odorant to a second inlet of the dual-fluid nozzle. For example, the hydrogen source is a hydrogen tank connected to the first inlet of the dual-fluid nozzle via a hydrogen line. The connection between the hydrogen line and the first inlet can be established, for example, by means of a flange. Furthermore, a tank containing odorant can be connected to the second inlet of the dual-fluid nozzle via a line, wherein a pump, for example a piston pump, an injection pump, or a diaphragm pump, supplies the odorant to the second inlet of the dual-fluid nozzle.The connection between the line and the second inlet can be established, for example, using a flange or other connection technology. Since the nozzle gas flow for nebulizing / atomizing the odorant through the dual-fluid nozzle originates from the hydrogen source, reliable evaporation / atomization of the odorant can be achieved. In particular, an additional compressor or a nozzle gas flow branched from the gas line can be dispensed with.

[0012] In the hydrogen source, the hydrogen can be stored, for example, as follows: in gaseous form under high pressure in pressure tanks or underground cavern storage facilities, in liquid form in insulated cryogenic tanks, or adsorbed in suitable solid or liquid carrier media.

[0013] The dual-fluid nozzle may have an outlet, i.e., an injection opening, for injecting the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant into the gas line, wherein the outlet points in the flow direction of the gas line, such that the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant are injected into the gas line in the flow direction of the natural gas. As a result, the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant injected from the dual-fluid nozzle into the gas line can be injected into the gas stream in the same direction as the flow direction of the natural gas, enabling distribution of the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant over a relatively wide area of the gas line. This ensures reliable mixing of the components of the odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture.The orientation of the outlet of the dual-fluid nozzle in the flow direction of the gas line includes a deviation of up to + / - 10° from the flow direction of the natural gas in the gas line. In further embodiments, the orientation deviates by up to + / - 3°, up to + / - 5°, up to + / - 8°, up to + / - 11°, or up to + / - 15° from the flow direction of the natural gas in the gas line.

[0014] Alternatively, the outlet of the dual-fluid nozzle can point against the flow direction of the gas line, so that the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant are injected into the gas line against the flow direction of the natural gas. In this way, the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant can meet the natural gas flow in a countercurrent direction, which leads to improved mixing of the components of the odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture. The orientation of the outlet against the flow direction of the gas line means that the orientation deviates by up to + / - 10° from the countercurrent direction of the natural gas in the gas line. In further embodiments, the orientation deviates by up to + / - 3°, up to + / - 5°, up to + / - 8°, up to + / - 11°, or up to + / - 15°.

[0015] Furthermore, the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant can be injected into the gas line perpendicular to the flow direction of the natural gas. The orientation can deviate from the vertical direction by up to + / - 10°. In further embodiments, the orientation deviates by up to + / - 3°, up to + / - 5°, up to + / - 8°, up to + / - 11°, or up to + / - 15°.

[0016] A sub-element can also be arranged in the outlet of the dual-fluid nozzle. The sub-element can be a conical sub-element. The conical sub-element can be arranged centrally within the dual-fluid nozzle in or near the outlet of the dual-fluid nozzle and widen towards the outlet. With this embodiment, particularly when odorizing the hydrogen within the dual-fluid nozzle, advantageous injection of the odorized hydrogen across the entire width of the gas line can be achieved, since the sub-element directs the odorized hydrogen to the side walls of the gas line, where the odorized hydrogen meets the natural gas and becomes a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture.

[0017] To further improve the mixing of the natural gas with the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant, a mixer can be provided in the gas pipeline. The mixer can be, for example, a baffle plate, a baffle sheet, or a metal skirt onto which the natural gas or the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant impinge. The mixer can be used in the gas pipeline if the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant are injected into the natural gas pipeline in the direction of or opposite to the flow of the natural gas.

[0018] For optimal mixing, the mixer can be arranged between the two-component nozzle and an inner wall of the gas line. The mixer can, for example, at least partially surround the two-component nozzle. In this embodiment, the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant can preferably be injected into the gas line counter to the flow direction of the natural gas.

[0019] To advantageously mix the gas flow in the natural gas pipeline with the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant, the mixer can be conical and widen in the flow direction of the gas pipeline. In this embodiment, the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant can preferably be injected into the gas pipeline counter to the flow direction of the natural gas.

[0020] According to a further development of the present disclosure, the device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture comprises a hydrogen line for supplying hydrogen to the dual-fluid nozzle and means for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line into the gas line at a location in the gas line upstream of the dual-fluid nozzle. A reduction in the pressure of the natural gas flowing in the gas line can lead to cooling of the natural gas according to the Joule-Thomsen effect, which can lead to icing of valves installed in the gas line, in particular control valves. In contrast, a temperature increase occurs in the hydrogen line according to the reverse Joule-Thomsen effect upon expansion of the hydrogen. These opposing temperature changes can be advantageously utilized.In this way, the thermal energy generated in the hydrogen line can be fed into the gas line, preventing icing of valves in the line. In particular, the thermal energy can be tapped from the hydrogen line upstream of the control valves of the hydrogen line and / or the dual-fluid nozzle. Furthermore, the thermal energy can be fed into the gas line upstream of the control valves of the gas line. This eliminates the need for additional heat generators to prevent icing in the gas line.

[0021] According to claim 1, the means for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line into the gas line comprise the following: a first heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy of the hydrogen flowing in the hydrogen line to a medium, a second heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy of the medium to natural gas flowing in the gas line, and a conveying means configured to move the medium from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. Accordingly, the first heat exchanger can be arranged upstream of the two-fluid nozzle and respective valves in the hydrogen line. The second heat exchanger can also be arranged upstream of respective valves in the gas line. The medium can be, for example, water, oil, steam, air, or gas.Depending on the nature of the medium, the conveying means may be a suitable pump. Preferably, a control system, in particular an electrical control system, is also provided for controlling the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the conveying means.

[0022] The dual-fluid nozzle can comprise an inner feed configured to carry the odorant and an outer feed surrounding the inner feed configured to carry the hydrogen. This allows for reliable atomization (evaporation / nebulization) of the odorant.

[0023] The dual-fluid nozzle can have an internal mixing area where the odorant meets the hydrogen. In this embodiment, the odorant is atomized and mixed with the hydrogen in the dual-fluid nozzle. The odorized hydrogen is then injected into the gas line, where it mixes with the natural gas.

[0024] Alternatively, the odorant can contact the hydrogen in a region outside the dual-fluid nozzle, i.e., immediately before the outlet of the dual-fluid nozzle. In this embodiment, the atomization of the odorant and the mixing of the odorant with the hydrogen and natural gas occur outside the dual-fluid nozzle.

[0025] The object stated at the outset is further achieved by a method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture using one of the devices described above, the method comprising: passing natural gas through the gas line, passing hydrogen to the two-fluid nozzle and passing odorant to the two-fluid nozzle.

[0026] The aspects and variants described above can be combined without this being explicitly described. Each of the described embodiment variants is therefore to be considered optional to each embodiment variant or combinations thereof. The present disclosure is therefore not limited to the individual embodiments and variants in the described order or to a specific combination of the aspects and embodiment variants. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages, details and features of the devices and methods described here will become apparent from the following description of embodiments and the figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a non-claimed embodiment of a device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line using a dual-fluid nozzle; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line; and Fig.6 shows a schematic representation of a claimed embodiment of a device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line using a dual-fluid nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line by means of a two-component nozzle.

[0029] Starting from a natural gas source 50, natural gas flows through a gas line 10. Located in the gas line 10 are a safety shut-off valve (SAV) 54 and a gas pressure regulator (GDR) 56 for reducing the gas pressure in the gas line 10. Furthermore, a hydrogen source 30 is provided, which supplies hydrogen to an inlet 22 of a dual-fluid nozzle 20 via a line 32. The hydrogen line 32 also comprises an SAV 34 and a GDR 36 for reducing the hydrogen pressure in the line 32. Furthermore, an odorant tank 40 (for example an odorant container) is provided, which supplies odorant to an inlet 21 of the dual-fluid nozzle 20 via a line 42.

[0030] The SAVs 34 and 54 are designed to limit the pressure in the lines 32 and 10, in particular to prevent a breakthrough of the pre-pressure from the natural gas source 50 or the hydrogen source 30. The GDRs 36 and 56 regulate or reduce the hydrogen or natural gas pressure accordingly.

[0031] To convey the odorant from the odorant tank 40 to the inlet 21 of the dual-component nozzle 20, a metering pump 44 is provided in the line 42. The odorant is a liquid odorant, for example THT. The dual-component nozzle 20 further comprises an outlet 23, which is designed to inject odorized hydrogen and / or hydrogen and odorant into the gas line 10. For this purpose, the dual-component nozzle 20 is arranged in a dip tube (in Fig. 1 not shown) which extends into the gas line 10. In addition, an evaporation body can be provided in the gas line 10 in front of the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 (in Fig. 1 not shown), to which the two-component nozzle 20 applies the odorant for better evaporation / atomization.

[0032] Further elements, in particular common elements of a local gas distribution network and / or a GDRM, such as meters, control devices, level gauges, flow meters, etc., can be used in the device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture according to Fig. 1 may be provided, but are not shown therein, as they are known to those skilled in the art and are not essential to the implementation of the present invention. Furthermore, the SAVs 34 and 54 and the GDRs 36 and 56 are optional elements of the device described in this embodiment for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture.

[0033] With the Fig. 1 The device shown for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture can be used to easily provide an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in the gas line 10. With the aid of the dual-fluid nozzle 20, reliable atomization (evaporation / nebulization) of the odorant and mixing of the odorant with the natural gas or hydrogen can be enabled. Since the nozzle gas flow for the dual-fluid nozzle 20 is provided through the hydrogen line 32, an additional nozzle gas flow can be dispensed with. In particular, providing the nozzle gas flow for the dual-fluid nozzle 20 through the hydrogen line 32 enables a simple and reliable increase in the proportion of hydrogen in the odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture while maintaining sufficient odorization.Thus, a reliable and cost-effective provision of an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture is proposed, wherein the provision of the dual-fluid nozzle for supplying the hydrogen and the odorant prevents liquid odorant from precipitating in the gas line 10. Furthermore, the dual-fluid nozzle 20 can achieve good atomization (evaporation / fogging) with a small droplet size and a large surface area of the odorant, so that the odorant can be finely atomized and reliably mixed with the hydrogen or natural gas in the gas line 10.

[0034] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line. The gas line can be the gas line shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1 The gas line 10 shown here may be Fig. 2 further shows a two-component nozzle 20, which is the one used in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown two-fluid nozzle 20.

[0035] In the gas line 10, natural gas 11 flows around the dual-component nozzle 20, i.e., the dual-component nozzle 20 is arranged in the gas line 10 or extends into the gas line 10. The dual-component nozzle 20 comprises an inner feed 90, through which an odorant 41 flows, and an outer feed 91, through which hydrogen 31 flows. The outer feed 91 surrounds the inner feed 90. The dual-component nozzle 20 is designed such that the inner feed 90 guides the odorant 41 to a region 94 outside the dual-component nozzle 20, where the odorant 41 is atomized and mixed with the hydrogen 31 and the natural gas 11. Accordingly, a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 results in the gas line 10. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 The odorant 41 and the hydrogen 31 are injected into the gas line 10 in the flow direction of the natural gas 11, whereby the homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 is initially formed in a central region of the gas line 10 and subsequently spreads downstream of the two-component nozzle 20 in the gas line 10. With the aid of this injection arrangement, a reliable odorization of the natural gas and hydrogen mixture can thus be achieved.

[0036] In the Fig. 2 The orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 or the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 is shown parallel to the gas line 10, i.e., in the flow direction of the gas line 10. However, it can also be provided that the orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 or the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 deviates by up to + / - 10° from the direction of extension of the gas line 10 or the flow direction of the gas line 10.

[0037] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line. The gas line can be the gas line shown in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The gas line 10 shown here may be Fig. 3 further shows a two-component nozzle 20, which is the one used in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown two-fluid nozzle 20.

[0038] The embodiment of the Fig. 3 differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in which the odorant 41 is atomized (nebulized) in a region 93 within the two-component nozzle 20, so that the hydrogen 31 is odorized within the two-component nozzle 20. As a further difference, the two-component nozzle 20 comprises a sub-element 25 in the outlet 23. Regarding the description of the other elements of the Fig. 3 will be on the Fig. 2 and no further explanation is given.

[0039] The sub-element 25 is conical and arranged centrally within the dual-fluid nozzle 20 in the outlet 23 of the dual-fluid nozzle 20, with the conical shape widening towards the outlet 23 of the dual-fluid nozzle 20. The sub-element 25 allows the odorized hydrogen to be distributed across the entire width of the gas line, as it deflects the odorized hydrogen to the side walls of the gas line 10. There, the odorized hydrogen encounters the natural gas 11, and a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 is formed. The sub-element 25 can also have a shape other than conical, as long as it is configured to deflect the odorized hydrogen from the outlet 23 of the dual-fluid nozzle 20 to the side walls of the gas line 10.

[0040] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The odorized hydrogen is injected into the gas line 10 in the flow direction of the natural gas 11. This results in reliable mixing of the odorized hydrogen 31 with the natural gas 11, so that a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 can be provided throughout the gas line 10. The orientation of the dual-fluid nozzle 20 is parallel to the gas line 10, i.e., in the flow direction of the gas line 10. However, it can also be provided that the orientation of the dual-fluid nozzle 20 deviates by up to + / - 10° from the direction of extension of the gas line 10 or the flow direction of the gas line 10. The orientation of the dual-fluid nozzle 20 in the gas line 10 can also be adapted to the deflection angle of the sub-element 25.

[0041] In a further embodiment (not shown), the Fig. 3 The two-component nozzle 20 shown can also be designed without a partial element 25.

[0042] The Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line. The gas line can be the gas line shown in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The gas line 10 shown here may be Fig. 4 further shows a two-component nozzle 20, which is the one used in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown two-fluid nozzle 20.

[0043] The embodiment of the Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , in which the two-component nozzle 20 injects the odorant 41 and the hydrogen 31 into the gas line 10 against the flow direction of the natural gas 11. Thus, the odorant 41 is atomized (nebulized) in the area 94 in front of the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 and mixes there with the hydrogen 31 (as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 ). However, the odorized hydrogen then impinges on the natural gas 11 in a countercurrent direction, so that a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 is formed centrally in the gas line 10. As indicated by the arrows 96, the odorized hydrogen 31 impinges on the natural gas 11 in a countercurrent direction and, together with the already formed homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95, is guided around the two-fluid nozzle 20 in the flow direction of the natural gas 11. The impingement of the odorized hydrogen 31 in a countercurrent direction on the natural gas 11 enables a reliable formation of a homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95. With regard to the description of the further elements of the Fig. 4 will be on the Fig. 2 referred to.

[0044] For further improved mixing of the odorized hydrogen 31 and the natural gas 11, a mixer 80 can be provided in the gas line 10. The mixer 80 can be, for example, a baffle plate, a baffle plate, or a sheet metal skirt, against which the homogeneous, odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 impinges and is further mixed. For optimal mixing, the mixer 80 is arranged between the two-fluid nozzle 20 and the inner wall of the gas line 10 and surrounds (at least partially) the two-fluid nozzle 20. The mixer 80 is conical and widens outward in the flow direction of the natural gas 11 in the gas line 10.

[0045] In the Fig. 4 The orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 or the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 is shown parallel to the gas line 10, i.e., opposite to the flow direction of the gas line 10. However, it can also be provided that the orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 or the outlet 23 of the two-component nozzle 20 deviates by up to + / - 10° from the direction of extension of the gas line 10 or the flow direction of the gas line 10.

[0046] In a further embodiment (not shown), the Fig. 4 The arrangement shown can also be designed without mixer 80.

[0047] The Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line. The gas line can be the gas line shown in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The gas line 10 shown here may be Fig. 5 further shows a two-component nozzle 20, which is the one used in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 shown two-fluid nozzle 20.

[0048] The embodiment of the Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 3 , in which the two-component nozzle 20 injects the odorized hydrogen 31 into the gas line 10 against the flow direction of the natural gas 11, and in which a mixer 80 is provided in the gas line 10. Regarding the description of the other elements of the Fig. 5 will be on the Fig. 3 referred to.

[0049] The odorized hydrogen 31 is deflected by the divider 25 to the side walls of the gas line 10, where it meets the natural gas 11 in a counterflow direction, enabling a reliable formation of an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95. The odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture 95 is then, as indicated by the arrows 96, guided in the flow direction of the natural gas 11 around the two-component nozzle 20, where it meets the mixer 80 and is further mixed by it. The mixer 80 can be designed as in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 described mixer 80 and also arranged accordingly in the gas line 10, so that a repeated description of the mixer 80 is omitted at this point.

[0050] In the Fig. 5 The orientation of the two-component nozzle is shown parallel to the gas line 10, i.e., opposite to the flow direction of the gas line 10. However, it can also be provided that the orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 deviates by up to + / - 10° from the extension direction of the gas line 10 or the flow direction of the gas line 10. The orientation of the two-component nozzle 20 in the gas line 10 can also be adapted to the deflection angle of the sub-element 25.

[0051] In a further embodiment (not shown), the Fig. 5 The arrangement shown can also be designed without mixer 80.

[0052] In further embodiments (not shown), the embodiments of the Figs. 2 and 3 may also be designed with a mixer 80. In particular, the mixer 80 may be arranged in the gas line 10 and surround the two-component nozzle 20.

[0053] The Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture in a gas line by means of a two-component nozzle.

[0054] The embodiment of the Fig. 6 differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in which means are provided for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line 32 into the gas line 10. Regarding the description of the further elements of the Fig. 6 will be on the Fig. 1 referred to.

[0055] The means for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line 32 into the gas line 10 comprise a first heat exchanger 71, a second heat exchanger 72, and a conveying means 74. The first heat exchanger 71 is configured to transfer thermal energy of the hydrogen 31 flowing in the hydrogen line 32 to a medium. The second heat exchanger 72 is configured to transfer thermal energy of the medium to the natural gas 11 flowing in the gas line 10. Finally, the conveying means 74 (for example a pump) is configured to move the medium from the first heat exchanger 71 to the second heat exchanger 72. In particular, the means for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line 32 into the gas line 10 is a closed circuit.

[0056] The first heat exchanger 71 is arranged between the hydrogen source 30 and the SAV 34 or the GDR 36. The second heat exchanger 72 is arranged between the natural gas source 50 and the SAV 54 or the GDR 56. The medium can be, for example, water, oil, steam, air, or gas. Depending on the nature of the medium, the conveying means 74 is a pump suitable for the medium. The two heat exchangers 71 and 72 are also designed according to the medium. Furthermore, a control system, in particular an electrical control, is provided for controlling the two heat exchangers 71 and 72 and the conveying means 74 (in the Fig. 6 not shown).

[0057] A reduction in the pressure of the natural gas flowing in the gas line 10 can cause the natural gas to cool down according to the Joule-Thomsen effect, which can lead to icing of the valves 54 and 56 installed in the gas line 10. Conversely, in the hydrogen line 32, the temperature increases as the hydrogen expands, according to the reverse Joule-Thomsen effect. These opposing temperature changes allow the thermal energy generated in the hydrogen line 32 to be at least partially supplied to the gas line 10 or the natural gas, thus preventing icing of the valves 54 and 56 or the dual-fluid nozzle 20. Thus, additional heat generators to prevent icing of the valves 54 and 56 or the dual-fluid nozzle 20 in the gas line 10 can be dispensed with.

[0058] In the Fig. 6 The two-fluid nozzle 20 shown can be any of the nozzles shown in the Figs. 2 bis 5 shown two-component nozzles 20. Furthermore, a mixer 80, as shown in the Figs. 4 and 5 shown in the arrangement of the Fig. 6 be provided.

[0059] In the examples of the Figs. 1 and 6 It can further be provided that the two-component nozzle 20 injects the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen and the odorant perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the gas line 10.

[0060] A method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture can be realized with one of the above devices and comprises the following method steps: guiding natural gas 11 through the gas line 10, guiding hydrogen 31 to the two-fluid nozzle 20 and guiding odorant 41 with the aid of the metering pump 44 to the two-fluid nozzle 20.

Claims

1. Device for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture, comprising a gas line (10), a two-substance nozzle (20), which is arranged to inject odorized hydrogen and / or hydrogen (31) and odorizing agent (41) into the gas line (10), characterized by a hydrogen line (32) for supplying hydrogen (31) to the two-substance nozzle (20) and means for supplying thermal energy from the hydrogen line (32) into the gas line (10) at a location of the gas line (10) upstream of the two-substance nozzle (20), wherein the means for supplying comprise: a first heat exchanger (71), which is arranged to transfer thermal energy of the hydrogen (31) flowing in the hydrogen line (32) to a medium, a second heat exchanger (72), which is arranged to transfer thermal energy of the medium to natural gas (11) flowing in the gas line (10), and a conveying means (74), which is arranged to move the medium from the first heat exchanger (71) to the second heat exchanger (72).

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a hydrogen source (30), which is arranged to supply hydrogen (31) as a nozzle gas flow to a first inlet (21) of the two-substance nozzle (20) and an odorizing agent source (40), which is arranged to supply odorizing agent (41) to a second inlet (22) of the two-substance nozzle (20).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-substance nozzle (20) has an outlet (23) for injecting the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen (31) and the odorizing agent (41) into the gas line (10), wherein the outlet (23) faces in the flow direction of the gas line (10).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-substance nozzle (20) has an outlet (23) for injecting the odorized hydrogen and / or the hydrogen (31) and the odorizing agent (41) into the gas line (10), wherein the outlet (23) faces against the flow direction of the gas line (10).

5. Device according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein a conical sub-element (25) is arranged in the outlet (23) of the two-substance nozzle (20).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mixer (80) arranged in the gas line (10).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the mixer (80) is arranged between the two-substance nozzle (20) and an inner wall of the gas line (10) and at least partially surrounds the two-substance nozzle (20).

8. Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the mixer (80) is conical in shape and widens in the flow direction of the gas line (10).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-substance nozzle (20) comprises: an inner feed (90), which is arranged to conduct the odorizing agent (41), and an outer feed (91), which surrounds the inner feed (90) and is arranged to conduct the hydrogen (31).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-substance nozzle (20) has an inner mixing region (93) in which the odorizing agent (41) meets the hydrogen (31).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the odorizing agent (41) meets the hydrogen (31) in a region (94) outside the two-substance nozzle (20).

12. Method for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture with a device according to claim 1 for providing an odorized natural gas and hydrogen mixture, wherein the device comprises a gas line (10) and a two-substance nozzle (20), which is arranged to inject odorized hydrogen and / or hydrogen (31) and odorizing agent (41) into the gas line (10), wherein the method comprises: conducting natural gas (11) through the gas line (10), conducting hydrogen (31) to the two-substance nozzle (20), and conducting odorizing agent (41) to the two-substance nozzle (20).

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