Liquefied gas utilization facility

Abstract

To provide a liquefied gas utilization facility which uses a liquefied gas having a large amount of a methane component and can be used as a liquefied gas satellite and a liquefied gas loading facility.SOLUTION: A liquefied gas utilization facility stores a liquefied gas having a large amount of a methane component, is used to retract a vaporized gas and a liquefied gas from the liquefied gas having the large amount of the methane component, and includes: a liquefied gas storage tank 10 which stores the liquefied gas having the large amount of the methane component; a main vaporized gas derivation line LG11 which communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and derives the liquefied gas having the large amount of the methane component as the vaporized gas; and a main liquefied gas derivation line LL12 which communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and derives the liquefied gas having the large amount of the methane component as a liquefied gas having desired pressure and temperature. The main vaporized gas derivation line LG11 includes a first vaporizer 11 which makes the liquefied gas having the large amount of the methane component into the vaporized gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquefied gas utilization facility. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, one of the targets for moving away from gasoline and diesel vehicles is LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered vehicles, which have fewer harmful substances in their exhaust gases. Although the spread of LNG-powered vehicles is being promoted in Japan, the current situation is that there are only a few LNG-powered vehicles and LNG filling facilities to supply LNG to LNG-powered vehicles.

[0003] On the other hand, gasification and supply facilities from LNG tanks, called LNG satellites, have gradually increased in recent years, especially in large-scale factories, and are overwhelmingly more numerous than the current number of LNG filling facilities (including filling facilities for LNG vehicles, the same below). Patent documents disclosing LNG satellites include JP 2020-60260 A (Patent Document 1). Patent documents disclosing LNG filling facilities include JP 2021-173372 A (Patent Document 2), JP 2020-41621 A (Patent Document 3), and JP 2020-41622 A (Patent Document 4). Patent documents disclosing BOG treatment methods include JP 2019-65883 A (Patent Document 5) and JP 2012-122554 A (Patent Document 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-60260 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2021-173372 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-41621 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2020-41622 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2019-65883 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2012-122554 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In LNG utilization facilities, LNG is stored in LNG storage tanks within the facility. In the LNG storage tanks, LNG vaporization gas (hereinafter referred to as BOG) is generated due to heat input from the outside air temperature, which causes the pressure inside the storage tank to rise. Therefore, various BOG treatment methods are being considered to prevent abnormal pressure increases in the storage tanks. In LNG filling facilities, BOG needs to be re-liquefied using liquid nitrogen or the like to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere, and there are concerns about the increased cost of installing the LNG filling facilities.

[0006] On the other hand, manufacturing plants use trucks to transport products, and some of these plants have already installed LNG satellite facilities with LNG storage tanks and have switched to LNG as fuel, so they may be interested in converting their fuel to LNG for transportation as well.

[0007] For these reasons, it is expected that manufacturing plants that have installed LNG satellite facilities will also have LNG filling facilities to supply LNG to LNG-powered vehicles.

[0008] If there is an LNG filling facility on the premises of a manufacturing plant, it will be easier to supply fuel to LNG-powered vehicles, improving convenience. Furthermore, since BOG processing at the LNG filling facility can also be done at the LNG satellite facility, it is expected that this will lead to the further spread of truck stations for LNG-powered vehicles.

[0009] Another liquefied gas that has a high methane content, like LNG, is liquefied methane. Biomethane produced from the methane contained in biogas derived from livestock manure, food waste, sewage sludge, etc., and liquefied methane obtained by liquefying synthetic methane synthesized from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, etc., have been attracting attention in recent years as alternative fuels to LNG.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a liquefied gas utilization facility that can be used as a liquefied gas satellite and a liquefied gas filling facility using liquefied gas with a high methane component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] [1] A liquefied gas utilization facility based on the present disclosure is a liquefied gas utilization facility for storing liquefied gas having a high methane component and extracting vaporized gas and liquefied gas from the liquefied gas having a high methane component, the facility comprising: a liquefied gas storage tank for storing the liquefied gas having a high methane component; a main vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank for outputting the liquefied gas having a high methane component as vaporized gas; and a main liquefied gas outlet line communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank for outputting the liquefied gas having a high methane component as liquefied gas at a desired pressure and temperature, the main vaporized gas outlet line including a first vaporizer that converts the liquefied gas having a high methane component into the vaporized gas.

[0012] [2]: The liquefied gas utilization facility described in [1], wherein the main liquefied gas outlet line includes a first temperature regulator that converts the liquefied gas having a high methane component into a liquefied gas of a desired pressure and temperature.

[0013] [3]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [2], further comprising a first pump provided upstream of the first temperature regulator in the main liquefied gas outlet line, and a communicating line provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator in the main liquefied gas outlet line and communicating with the first temperature regulator, wherein the communicating line includes a second vaporizer.

[0014] [4]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [2], further comprising a first vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank and outletting the first vaporized gas in the liquefied gas storage tank from the liquefied gas storage tank, the first vaporized gas outlet line including a first compressor, the first vaporized gas outlet line including a buffer tank, the buffer tank having a 14th vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the first temperature regulator.

[0015] [5]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [4], further comprising: an 18th vaporized gas outlet line communicating from the buffer tank to the liquefied gas storage tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the compressed gas equipment; and a 19th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 17th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line.

[0016] [6]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [4], further comprising: a heat exchanger provided upstream of the first vaporizer on the main vaporized gas outlet line; a 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided in the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; and a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line provided in the buffer tank and communicating with the heat exchanger.

[0017] [7]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [2], further comprising a first pump provided upstream of the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line, a relay tank provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line, and a second vaporized gas outlet line that delivers the second vaporized gas in the relay tank from the relay tank to the first temperature regulator, wherein the relay tank includes a first compressor.

[0018] [8]: The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [7], further comprising a second pump provided between the relay tank and the first temperature regulator of the main liquefied gas outlet line.

[0019] [9]: A liquefied gas utilization facility as described in [8], further comprising: an 18th vaporized gas outlet line communicating from the relay tank to the liquefied gas storage tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line downstream of the second pressure regulating valve and communicating with the compressed gas facility; and a 19th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 17th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line,

[0020]

[10] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [8], further comprising: a heat exchanger provided on the upstream side of the first vaporizer on the main vaporized gas outlet line; a 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided on the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; and a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line provided on the relay tank and communicating with the heat exchanger.

[0021]

[11] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [2], further comprising: a first pump provided upstream of the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line; an intermediate tank provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line; a compressed gas equipment in which compressed gas is stored; a first compressed gas outlet line for delivering the compressed gas from the compressed gas equipment to the intermediate tank; and a second compressed gas outlet line for delivering the compressed gas from the compressed gas equipment to the first temperature regulator.

[0022]

[12] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in

[11] , further comprising a second pump provided between the relay tank and the first temperature regulator of the main liquefied gas outlet line.

[0023]

[13] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in

[12] , further comprising: an 18th vaporized gas outlet line communicating from the relay tank to the liquefied gas storage tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the compressed gas equipment; and a 19th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 17th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line.

[0024]

[14] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in

[12] , further comprising: a heat exchanger provided on the upstream side of the first vaporizer on the main vaporized gas outlet line; a 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided on the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; and a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line provided on the relay tank and communicating with the heat exchanger.

[0025]

[15] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in [2], further comprising an intermediate tank provided upstream of the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line, a second pump provided between the intermediate tank and the first temperature regulator on the main liquefied gas outlet line, and a second vaporized gas outlet line that delivers the second vaporized gas in the intermediate tank from the intermediate tank to the first temperature regulator, wherein the intermediate tank includes a compressor.

[0026]

[16] : A liquefied gas utilization facility as described in

[15] , further comprising: an 18th vaporized gas outlet line communicating from the relay tank to the liquefied gas storage tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line downstream of the second pressure regulating valve and communicating with the compressed gas facility; and a 19th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 17th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line, wherein a compressed gas equipment is provided externally.

[0027]

[17] : The liquefied gas utilization equipment described in

[15] , further comprising: a heat exchanger provided upstream of the first vaporizer on the main vaporized gas outlet line; a 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided in the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; and a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line provided in the relay tank and communicating with the heat exchanger.

[0028]

[18] : A liquefied gas utilization facility described in any one of [1] to

[17] , wherein the liquefied gas having a high methane content is liquefied natural gas or liquefied methane. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to this disclosure, an object is to provide a liquefied gas utilization facility that can be used as a liquefied gas satellite and a liquefied gas filling facility by using a liquefied gas having a high methane content. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing another specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a liquefaction process using LNG cold energy in a liquefied gas utilization facility of the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing an example of the use of liquefied methane in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied gas utilization facility according to a tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Liquefied gas utilization equipment according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, when numbers, amounts, etc. are mentioned, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to those numbers, amounts, etc., unless otherwise specified. The same reference numbers are used for the same or corresponding parts, and duplicate descriptions may not be repeated. It is intended from the beginning that the configurations in the embodiments will be used in appropriate combination.

[0032] In the following description, the reference symbols used are of equal importance regardless of their size. In the reference symbols given to the lines (piping) through which vaporized gas and liquefied gas are delivered, LL mainly denotes a line through which liquefied gas (liquid) passes, and LG denotes a line through which vaporized gas (gas) passes.

[0033] In the present disclosure, liquefied gases having a high methane content include liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied methane, and the like.

[0034] (Embodiment 1: Liquefied gas utilization facility 100) A liquefied gas utilization facility 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component.

[0035] This liquefied gas utilization facility 100 is a liquefied gas utilization facility in which LNG is stored and which extracts vaporized gas and liquefied gas from the LNG. This liquefied gas utilization facility 100 includes a liquefied gas storage tank 10 for storing LNG, a main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 that communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and outputs LNG as vaporized gas, and a main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 that communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and outputs LNG as liquefied gas at a desired pressure and temperature. The main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 includes a first vaporizer 11 that converts LNG into vaporized gas.

[0036] The main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 delivers the vaporized LNG gas to an external facility. A dispenser 20 is provided at the end of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12.

[0037] The liquefied gas storage tank 10 is assumed to have a capacity of 50KL or more. A first flow passage valve V1 may be provided in the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 between the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and the first vaporizer 11. A third pressure regulating valve PCV3 may be provided downstream of the first vaporizer 11 in the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11. A second flow passage valve V2 may be provided in the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12.

[0038] In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, the LNG in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 may be delivered directly to the dispenser 20, but a first temperature regulator 13 may be provided to adjust the LNG to a desired pressure and temperature. For example, when supplying LNG to an LNG-powered vehicle, it is possible to provide LNG that meets the specifications of the LNG-powered vehicle.

[0039] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 having the above-mentioned configuration, since LNG can be supplied from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 of the satellite facility, there is no need to additionally install a separate LNG tank for the filling facility.

[0040] (Liquefied gas utilization equipment 100A) With reference to Fig. 2, a liquefied gas utilization facility 100A, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the first embodiment, will be described. Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100A. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas with a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0041] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 100A, a relay tank 80 is provided in a main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 between the second flow path valve V2 and the first temperature regulator 13. A first LNG pump 50 and a second LNG pump 51 are provided upstream and downstream of the tank 80 in the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12.

[0042] The tank 80 has a first communication line 81 that communicates between an upper boil-off gas space 82 and the first temperature regulator 13. Furthermore, the boil-off gas space 82 of the tank 80 communicates with a 21st vaporized gas outlet line LG21. The 21st vaporized gas outlet line LG21 includes a 22nd vaporized gas outlet line LG22 that communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10, and a 23rd vaporized gas outlet line LG23 that communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 downstream of the third pressure regulating valve PCV3.

[0043] (Action and effect) According to this liquefied gas utilization equipment 100A, in a large facility (referred to as a "satellite facility") in which a liquefied gas storage tank 10 and a main liquefied gas discharge line LL12 are provided, the main liquefied gas discharge line LL12 and equipment such as a relay tank 80 (hereinafter referred to as "filling equipment") are provided in addition to the satellite facility, so that the tank 80 is not provided in the filling equipment and the tank 80 can be made smaller, thereby enabling a reduction in the equipment costs required for the filling equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, since the filling equipment can be installed at satellite facilities that are existing LNG consumption bases (within factories), it is possible to improve convenience when introducing LNG-powered LNG trucks to LNG consumption bases.

[0045] Specifically, the filling equipment will be installed at a satellite facility, which is an LNG consumption base (within a factory), which is a larger consumption facility than an independent filling equipment, so LNG receiving work can be done only at the satellite facility.Furthermore, because a manufacturing factory is a product production base (the starting point of logistics), having the filling equipment for LNG trucks used for transport installed at the satellite facility makes it easier to supply LNG to LNG trucks used for transport, thereby improving convenience.

[0046] (Embodiment 2: Liquefied gas utilization facility 200) A liquefied gas utilization facility 200 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 200. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0047] In this liquefied gas utilization equipment 200, in addition to the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization equipment 100 described above, the liquefied gas utilization equipment 200 further includes a first pump 12 provided upstream of the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a 13th vaporized gas outlet line LG13 connected to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and serving as a first vaporized gas outlet line for outletting from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 the first vaporized gas including boil-off gas generated by evaporation inside the liquefied gas storage tank 10 due to heat input from the outside, a 14th vaporized gas outlet line LG14 connected to the 13th vaporized gas outlet line LG13 and serving as a first outlet line for introducing the first vaporized gas to the first temperature regulator 13, and a 15th vaporized gas outlet line LG15 provided between the first pump 12 and the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and serving as a connecting line connected to the 13th vaporized gas outlet line LG13.

[0048] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 200, the thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG13 includes a compressor 15, and the fifteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG15 includes a second vaporizer 16. Note that, although Fig. 3 illustrates a configuration in which (i) the fifteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG15 and the second vaporizer 16 are provided, and further, (ii) the thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG13 and the compressor 15 are provided, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only (i) is provided and (ii) is not provided, or a configuration in which only (ii) is provided and (i) is not provided.

[0049] Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the 13th vaporized gas outlet line LG13 and the compressor 15 are not provided, and the 15th vaporized gas outlet line LG15 including the second vaporizer 16 is introduced into the first temperature regulator 13. In this way, the 15th vaporized gas outlet line LG15 including the second vaporizer 16 becomes a mechanism for introducing the vaporized gas into the first temperature regulator 13.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG13 includes a buffer tank 4, the fifteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG15 is introduced into the buffer tank 4, and the fourteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG14 is led out from the buffer tank 4. Instead of providing the buffer tank 4, the pipe diameters of the thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG13 and the fourteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG14 may be adjusted by, for example, increasing the diameter.

[0051] (Action and effect) This liquefied gas utilization facility 200 makes it possible to supply gas for producing saturated liquid of LNG by the first temperature regulator 13. If the pressure in the buffer tank 4 exceeds a specified value, it can be adjusted by treating the boil-off gas.

[0052] Typically, satellite facilities operate at a low pressure of 0.3 MPaG, so a buffer tank 4 (approximately 0.6 MPaG) for heat exchange is added, and the vaporized gas from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is pressurized by a compressor 15, or the LNG pressurized by a first pump 12 is vaporized and stored in the buffer tank 4.

[0053] (Liquefied gas equipment 200A) A liquefied gas utilization facility 200A, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 200A. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 200 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0054] The difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 200 is that the thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG13 and the compressor 15 are not provided. A first pressure regulating valve PCV1 is provided in the fifteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG15 leading to the buffer tank 4. A sixteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG16 leading from the buffer tank 4 is provided, and this sixteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG16 is provided with a second pressure regulating valve PCV2.

[0055] The 16th vaporized gas outlet line LG16 branches into a 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 introduced into a compressed gas facility 30 as an external compressed gas facility, and an 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18 introduced into a liquefied gas storage tank 10. The compressed gas facility 30 is a facility for producing compressed natural gas. LNG-powered vehicles may be filled with compressed natural gas (CNG) as an auxiliary fuel. This compressed gas facility may be equipped with a filling device and used as a filling facility (including filling facilities for LNG vehicles; the same applies below). A 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 branches from the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17. A heater 22 is provided in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19.

[0056] A twenty-first liquefied gas outlet line LL21 is provided which connects the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 with the upstream side and downstream side of the first temperature regulator 13. The twenty-first liquefied gas outlet line LL21 is provided with a fourth flow path valve V4.

[0057] The first temperature regulator 13 is provided with a twentieth vaporized gas outlet line LG20 that communicates with the fourteenth vaporized gas outlet line LG14. The twentieth vaporized gas outlet line LG20 is provided with a third vaporizer 21.

[0058] In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a 24th liquefied gas outlet line LL24 is provided on the upstream side of the dispenser 20. The 24th liquefied gas outlet line LL24 branches into a 22nd liquefied gas outlet line LL22 communicating with the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 on the downstream side of the dispenser 20, and a 23rd liquefied gas outlet line LL23 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10.

[0059] Further, the 24th liquefied gas outlet line LL24 is provided with a 25th liquefied gas outlet line LL25 that is downstream of the 21st liquefied gas outlet line LL21 and communicates with the upstream side of the first temperature regulator 13. The 25th liquefied gas outlet line LL25 is provided with a third flow path valve V3. The 24th liquefied gas outlet line LL24 is provided with a fifth flow path valve V5. The 22nd liquefied gas outlet line LL22 is provided with a sixth flow path valve V6. The seventh flow path valve V7 is provided downstream of the point where the 22nd liquefied gas outlet line LL22 is introduced into the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12. The valves and instruments 19 are provided upstream of the point where the 22nd liquefied gas outlet line LL22 is introduced into the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12. The sixth flow path valve V6, the seventh flow path valve V7, and the valves and instruments 19 constitute a dispenser 20.

[0060] The capacity of the buffer tank 4 is 1m 3 ~2m 3 The vaporizer and the heater do not have to be of the hot water type.

[0061] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization facility 200A having the above-mentioned configuration, since the LNG can be supplied from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 of the satellite facility, there is no need to additionally install a separate LNG tank for the filling facility.

[0062] When filling the filling equipment, the pressure is increased to 1.3 MPaG by the first pump 12, and a portion of the pressure is branched off to be vaporized in the third vaporizer 21 and stored in the buffer tank 4.

[0063] The liquefied gas utilization facility 200A can be controlled according to the following flow.

[0064] [1] Adjust the pressure of the buffer tank 4 (vaporized gas only) (set value: 0.6 MPaG).

[0065] [2] The gas vaporized by the second vaporizer 16 downstream of the first pump 12 is introduced into the buffer tank 4, and the vaporized gas is discharged from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 to the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 to reduce pressure (priority is given to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11). A heater 22 (reference temperature setting is 0°C or higher) is installed in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 that discharges the vaporized gas to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11.

[0066] [3] When adjusting the temperature with the first temperature regulator 13, the supply pressure from the buffer tank 4 is adjusted.

[0067] [4] The gas liquefied in the first temperature regulator 13 is vaporized again in the third vaporizer 21 and circulated or returned to the satellite equipment.

[0068] [5] When pre-cooling the first pump 12 and the dispenser 20, the first temperature regulator 13 can be bypassed by the liquefied gas outlet line LL21 to prevent unnecessary heat input.

[0069] In the liquefied gas utilization facility 200A having the above configuration, the pressure of the buffer tank 4 during normal operation is adjusted to a predetermined pressure range (0.5 to 0.8 MPaG), and when the pressure is increased, the second pressure regulating valve PCV2 releases vaporized gas to perform "BOG treatment". In "BOG treatment", when the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is pressurized (0.6 MPaG or more, etc.) and when the buffer tank 4 is pressurized, the vaporized gas is sent through the liquefied gas line to the compressed gas facility 30, the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, and the liquefied gas storage tank 10. Which liquefied gas line is sent to is controlled by an automatic valve or the like according to the pressure and other conditions. When liquefied gas is supplied from the satellite facility, the first flow path valve V1 is "opened", LNG is vaporized, and the pressure is reduced to about 0.1 MPaG by the third pressure regulating valve PCV3, and the gas is supplied to the external LNG consumption facility.

[0070] When supplying to the filling equipment, the first flow path valve V1 must be "open," so if there is an abnormality in the satellite equipment, filling is not possible (in many satellite equipment, when an abnormality such as a gas leak is detected, the first flow path valve V1 is "closed," and the supply of LNG is stopped).

[0071] The first pump 12 is pre-cooled with the first flow path valve V1 open, the second flow path valve V2 open, and the fifth flow path valve V5 open. By providing the fifth liquefied gas outlet line LL25 and opening the third flow path valve V3, the pre-cooling time can be shortened.

[0072] After the pre-cooling is completed, the first pump 12 is started and the pressure is increased to about 1.3 MPaG to pre-cool the first temperature regulator 13 and various lines. A portion of the gas is branched off and vaporized in the third vaporizer 21, and the first pressure regulating valve PCV1 is used to increase the pressure in the buffer tank 4 to a specified level.

[0073] The dispenser 20 is pre-cooled with the fifth flow passage valve V5 in the "closed" state and the sixth flow passage valve V6 in the "open" state. In this case, it is easier to reduce the heat input by bypassing the first temperature regulator 13 with the 21st liquefied gas outlet line LL21 of the fourth flow passage valve V4.

[0074] When supplying from the filling equipment, the fourth flow path valve V4 is "closed," the fifth flow path valve V5 is "closed," the sixth flow path valve V6 is "closed," and the seventh flow path valve V7 is "open," and the heated liquid (about saturation temperature) is filled into, for example, an LNG-powered truck.

[0075] (Liquefied gas utilization equipment 200B) A liquefied gas utilization facility 200B, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 200B. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 200 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0076] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 200 is that an 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18 is provided which communicates from the buffer tank 4 to the liquefied gas storage tank 10. A second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is provided in the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 which communicates with the compressed gas facility 30 is provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve PCV2 of the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 which communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 is provided in the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17. A heater 22 is provided in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19.

[0077] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 200B configured as above allows the BOG generated by pre-cooling to be consumed. Specifically, it allows (i) the BOG to be returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10, (ii) to be supplied to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, (iii) to be used as compressed gas, etc. Alternatively, the BOG may be stored in the buffer tank 4 and supplied to (ii) and (iii).

[0078] In terms of operating procedure, BOG is sent in the following priority order: (iii) → (ii) → (i). In (iii), only the amount required is supplied by the compressed gas facility 30, and when the compressed gas facility 30 is full, it is sent to (ii). (ii) is not a problem as long as the consuming facility is operating, but if the consumption is small and BOG processing is slow, it can be dealt with by sending it to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 in (i). (i) can accept BOG as long as the pressure in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is within a specified range, but if it exceeds this range, BOG will be sent to (ii) or (iii). The above control is adjusted using automatic valves, etc.

[0079] It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the compressed gas facility 30 and the heater 22 are not provided, and the seventeenth vaporized gas outlet line LG17 is directly connected to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11.

[0080] (Liquefied gas equipment 200C) A liquefied gas utilization facility 200C, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 200C. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 200 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0081] The difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 200 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided on the upstream side of the first vaporizer 11 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The buffer tank 4 is provided with a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line LG102 communicating with the heat exchanger 91.

[0082] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 200C configured as above makes it possible to re-liquefy BOG generated by pre-cooling and to prevent re-generation of BOG. ​​Specifically, the cold energy of LNG is used to re-liquefy BOG. ​​The liquefied gas after re-liquefaction is returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10. Although the liquefied gas utilization facility 200C uses the cold energy of LNG, if nitrogen is used on the factory side, nitrogen can also be used to re-liquefy BOG.

[0083] (Liquefied gas equipment 200D) A liquefied gas utilization facility 200D, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 200D. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 200 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0084] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 200 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided between the first flow path valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10.

[0085] On the other hand, biomethane gas or biogas (B10) of about 0.05 MPaG is sent to a compressor (B11), and if H20 and CO2 are contained, they are separated (B12). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). If a boiler is provided, the gas may be mixed with fuel gas or the like for processing, or incinerated and discharged in a flare stack. After H20 and CO2 are separated (B12), the off-gas may be discharged (B14). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). The purified gas may be recovered as liquefied methane (B16), or sent to the heat exchanger 91 through the 94th vaporized gas outlet line LG94.

[0086] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization facility 200D configured as above, biogas (CH4, CO2) or biomethane is received and pressurized. Next, components that solidify during liquefaction, such as moisture and CO2, are separated by adsorption separation (any method) or the like, and discharged as off-gas. Next, if it is desired to increase the purity of the methane, further trace amounts of impurities are removed by distillation or the like. Since the exhaust gas at this time also contains methane components, if there is a boiler, it is mixed with the main fuel and supplied to the boiler, or it is treated in a flare stack or the like and discharged.

[0087] The refined biomethane is then liquefied by heat exchange with LNG, after which the liquefied methane can be supplied to an LNG satellite facility or filled into containers using filling equipment.

[0088] (Embodiment 3: Liquefied gas utilization facility 300) A liquefied gas utilization facility 300 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 300. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0089] In addition to the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100, this liquefied gas utilization facility 300 further includes a first pump 12 provided upstream of the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a relay tank 14 provided between the first pump 12 and the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, and a 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32 that delivers the second vaporized gas generated inside the relay tank 14 from the relay tank 14 to the first temperature regulator 13. A pressurizer 35 is provided in the relay tank 14 via a 31st liquefied gas outlet line LL31.

[0090] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 300, a second pump 32 is further provided between the relay tank 14 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and the first temperature regulator 13, but this is not necessarily an essential component.

[0091] (Action and effect) This liquefied gas utilization facility 300 makes it possible to boost the liquefied gas on the satellite facility side and fill it into LNG-powered trucks. As with existing filling facilities, it is easier to operate if there is a small tank of 0.6 MPaG or more. By providing an intermediate tank 14, it is possible to choose whether to maintain the pressure at 0.6 MPaG or 1.3 MPaG. By providing a pressurizer 35, it is possible to maintain 0.6 MPaG in supplying "gas of about 0.6 MPaG" to create saturated liquid.

[0092] The relay tank 14 and the first temperature regulator 13 are installed downstream of the first pump 12. Furthermore, the liquefied gas may be adjusted to about 0.6 MPaG and supplied from the relay tank 14 to the first temperature regulator 13. The liquefied gas from the heat exchange may be returned to the satellite facility side, vaporized and circulated, or fed upstream of the third pressure regulating valve PCV3. Furthermore, when the relay tank 14 is pressurized, the vaporized gas in the relay tank 14 is cooled and re-liquefied with cold liquid from the liquefied gas storage tank 10, thereby suppressing the generation of BOG.

[0093] Furthermore, a second pump 32 may be installed, the relay tank 14 may be held at 0.6 MPaG, and the second pump 32 may be used to increase the pressure to 1.3 MPaG for filling.

[0094] (Liquefied gas equipment 300A) A liquefied gas utilization facility 300A, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the embodiment 3, will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 300A.

[0095] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 300 is that a 30th liquefied gas outlet line LL30 is provided downstream of the first pump 12, communicating from the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 to the relay tank 14. The 30th liquefied gas outlet line LL30 is provided with a fifth flow path valve V5. Furthermore, a 39th liquefied gas outlet line LL39 is provided upstream of the first pump 12, branching from the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and communicating with the relay tank 14. The 39th liquefied gas outlet line LL39 is provided with a third flow path valve V3. Between the first pump 12 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and the 30th liquefied gas outlet line LL30, a 38th liquefied gas outlet line LL38 is provided, communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The 38th liquefied gas outlet line LL38 is provided with a fourth flow path valve V4.

[0096] In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a 41st liquefied gas outlet line LL41 is provided upstream of the first temperature regulator 13, which branches off from the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and bypasses the first temperature regulator 13. The 41st liquefied gas outlet line LL41 is provided with a seventh flow path valve V7. In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, upstream of the first temperature regulator 13, in a region up to where the 41st liquefied gas outlet line LL41 branches off, a sixth flow path valve V6 is provided.

[0097] A first pressure regulating valve PCV1 is provided on the 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32 which is connected to the 31st vaporized gas outlet line LG31 and extends from the relay tank 14. The 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32 branches into a 33rd vaporized gas outlet line LG33 which is connected to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and a 35th vaporized gas outlet line LG35 which is connected to the compressed gas facility 30.

[0098] The first temperature regulator 13 is provided with a 42nd liquefied gas outlet line LL42 returning to the 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32. The 42nd liquefied gas outlet line LL42 is provided with a second vaporizer 16. A second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is provided between the first temperature regulator 13 and the introduction point of the 42nd liquefied gas outlet line LL42 of the 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32.

[0099] The 35th vaporized gas outlet line LG35 is provided with a 37th vaporized gas outlet line LG37 which communicates with a portion of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 between the first vaporizer 11 and the third pressure regulating valve PCV3. The 37th vaporized gas outlet line LG37 is provided with a heater 22.

[0100] In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a 43rd liquefied gas outlet line LL43 is provided between the upstream side of the dispenser 20 and the connection point with the 41st liquefied gas outlet line LL41, and this 43rd liquefied gas outlet line LL43 branches into a 44th liquefied gas outlet line LL44 communicating with the relay tank 14 and a 45th liquefied gas outlet line LL45 communicating with the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 downstream of the dispenser 20. The 43rd liquefied gas outlet line LL43 is provided with an 8th flow path valve V8, and the 45th liquefied gas outlet line LL45 is provided with a 9th flow path valve V9. In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a 10th flow path valve V10 is provided downstream of the introduction point of the 45th liquefied gas outlet line LL45 on the downstream side of the dispenser 20.

[0101] (Action and effect) According to this liquefied gas utilization facility 300A, it is possible to store about one day's worth of liquefied liquid by installing a relay tank 14. Pre-cooling of the first pump 12 can be performed by using the liquefied gas on the satellite facility side.

[0102] The operation control of the liquefied gas utilization equipment 300A is to pressurize the relay tank 14 or to reduce the pressure by treating the BOG in the relay tank so that the pressure in the relay tank 14 is constant. Note that priority is given to discharging the vaporized gas to the main vaporized gas discharge line LG11. When discharging to the main vaporized gas discharge line LG11, a heater (temperature is 0°C or higher) may be installed in the main vaporized gas discharge line LG11. The liquefied gas liquefied in the first temperature regulator 13 may be vaporized again in the second vaporizer 16 and circulated or sent to the satellite equipment side. When pre-cooling the dispenser 20, the temperature regulator may be bypassed to prevent unnecessary heat input. Note that the liquid level in the relay tank 14 needs to be higher than the first pump 12, but does not need to be lower than the outlet of the dispenser 20. Specifically, it is preferable to make the building a two-story structure and install the relay tank 14 on the second floor.

[0103] When filling the station with fuel, the pressure is increased to 0.6 MPaG by the first pump 12 and the fuel can be stored in the relay tank 14.

[0104] The liquefied gas utilization facility 300A can be controlled according to the following flow.

[0105] [1] Adjust the pressure of the relay tank 14 (set value: 0.6 MPaG).

[0106] [2] The relay tank 14 is pressurized by the pressurizer 35. The vaporized gas is discharged from the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and the 32nd vaporized gas outlet line LG32 to the 35th vaporized gas outlet line LG35 to reduce the pressure (priority is given to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11). A heater 22 (guideline for gas supply set temperature is 0°C or higher) is installed in the 37th vaporized gas outlet line LG37 that discharges the vaporized gas to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11.

[0107] [3] When adjusting the set temperature in the first temperature regulator 13, the pressure in the relay tank 14 is adjusted.

[0108] [4] The gas liquefied in the first temperature regulator 13 is vaporized again in the second vaporizer 16 and circulated or returned to the satellite equipment.

[0109] [5] When pre-cooling the dispenser 20, the first temperature regulator 13 can be bypassed by the liquefied gas outlet line LL41 in order to prevent unnecessary heat input.

[0110] In the liquefied gas utilization facility 300A having the above configuration, the pressure of the relay tank 14 during normal operation is adjusted to a predetermined pressure range (0.5 to 0.8 MPaG), and when the pressure is increased, the first pressure regulating valve PCV1 releases vaporized gas to perform "BOG treatment". In "BOG treatment", when the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is pressurized (0.6 MPaG or more, etc.) and when the relay tank 14 is pressurized, the vaporized gas is sent through the liquefied gas line to the compressed gas facility 30, the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, and the liquefied gas storage tank 10. Which liquefied gas line is sent to is controlled by an automatic valve or the like according to the pressure and other conditions. When liquefied gas is supplied from the satellite facility, the first flow path valve V1 is "opened", LNG is vaporized, and the pressure is reduced to about 0.1 MPaG by the third pressure regulating valve PCV3, and the LNG is supplied to the external LNG consumption facility.

[0111] When supplying to the station filling equipment, the first flow path valve V1 must be "open," so if there is an abnormality in the satellite equipment, filling is not possible (in many satellite equipment, if an abnormality such as a gas leak is detected, the first flow path valve V1 is "closed," and the supply of LNG is stopped).

[0112] The first pump 12 is pre-cooled in a state in which the first flow passage valve V1 is "open", the second flow passage valve V2 is "open", and the fourth flow passage valve V4 is "open". By pre-cooling using the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 instead of the relay tank 14, the pre-cooling time can be shortened.

[0113] After the pre-cooling is completed, the first pump 12 is started, and the liquefied gas is stored in the relay tank 14 with the fifth flow path valve V5 in the "open" state. Thereafter, the first temperature regulator 13 and various lines are pre-cooled with the fourth flow path valve V4 in the "closed" state, the fifth flow path valve V5 in the "closed" state, the sixth flow path valve V6 in the "open" state, and the eighth flow path valve V8 in the "open" state. Note that it is also possible to perform pre-cooling using the liquefied gas in the relay tank 14 with the second flow path valve V2 in the "closed" state and the third flow path valve V3 in the "open" state.

[0114] The dispenser 20 is pre-cooled with the eighth flow passage valve V8 in the "closed" state and the ninth flow passage valve V9 in the "open" state. In this case, it is easier to reduce the heat input by bypassing the first thermoregulator 13 with the 41st liquefied gas outlet line LL41 of the seventh flow passage valve V7.

[0115] When supplying from the station filling equipment, the third flow path valve V3 is "open", the sixth flow path valve V6 is "open", the eighth flow path valve V8 is "closed", the ninth flow path valve V9 is "closed", and the tenth flow path valve V10 is "open", and the heated liquid (about saturation temperature) is used to fill, for example, an LNG-powered truck with LNG.

[0116] (Liquefied gas utilization equipment 300B) A liquefied gas utilization facility 300B, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 300B. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 300 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0117] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 300 is that an 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18 is provided which communicates from the relay tank 14 to the liquefied gas storage tank 10. A second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is provided in the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 which communicates with the compressed gas facility 30 is provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve PCV2 of the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 which communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 is provided in the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17. A heater 22 is provided in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19.

[0118] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 300B configured as above allows for the consumption of BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling. Specifically, it is possible to (i) return the BOG to the liquefied gas storage tank 10, (ii) supply it to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, (iii) use it as compressed gas, etc. Alternatively, the BOG may be stored in the relay tank 14 and supplied to (ii) and (iii).

[0119] In terms of operating procedure, BOG is sent in the following priority order: (iii) → (ii) → (i). In (iii), only the amount required is supplied by the compressed gas facility 30, and when the compressed gas facility 30 is full, it is sent to (ii). (ii) is not a problem as long as the consuming facility is operating, but if the consumption is small and BOG processing is slow, it can be dealt with by sending it to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 in (i). (i) can accept BOG as long as the pressure in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is within a specified range, but if it exceeds this range, BOG will be sent to (ii) or (iii). The above control is adjusted using automatic valves, etc.

[0120] (Liquefied gas equipment 300C) With reference to Fig. 11, a liquefied gas utilization facility 300C, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment, will be described. Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 300C. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 300 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0121] A difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 300 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided on the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 upstream of the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The relay tank 14 is provided with a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line LG102 communicating with the heat exchanger 91. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14. The 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 is provided with a third pump 33.

[0122] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 300C configured as described above makes it possible to reliquefy BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling, and to prevent the re-generation of BOG. ​​Specifically, the cold energy of LNG is used to reliquefy BOG. ​​The liquefied gas after reliquefaction is returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 or the relay tank 14. Although the liquefied gas utilization facility 300C uses the cold energy of LNG, if nitrogen is used on the factory side, nitrogen can also be used to reliquefy BOG.

[0123] (Liquefied gas equipment 300D) A liquefied gas utilization facility 300D, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the third embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 300D. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 300 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0124] A difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 300 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided between the first flow path valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14.

[0125] On the other hand, biomethane gas or biogas (B10) of about 0.05 MPaG is sent to a booster (B11), and if it contains H20 and CO2, etc., they are separated (B12). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). If a boiler is provided, the gas may be mixed with fuel gas or the like for processing, or incinerated and discharged in a flare stack. After H20 and CO2 are separated (B12), the off-gas may be discharged (B14). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). The purified gas may be recovered as liquefied methane (B16), or sent to the heat exchanger 91 through the 94th vaporized gas outlet line LG94.

[0126] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization facility 300D configured as above, biogas (CH4, CO2) or biomethane is received and pressurized. Next, components that solidify during liquefaction, such as moisture and CO2, are separated by adsorption separation (any method) or the like, and discharged as off-gas. Next, if it is desired to increase the purity of the methane, further trace amounts of impurities are removed by distillation or the like. Since the exhaust gas at this time also contains methane components, if there is a boiler, it is mixed with the main fuel and supplied to the boiler, or it is treated in a flare stack or the like and discharged.

[0127] Next, the refined biomethane is liquefied by heat exchange with LNG. The liquefied methane can then be supplied to an LNG satellite facility or a relay tank 14, or filled into a container using a filling device.

[0128] (Embodiment 4: Liquefied gas utilization facility 400) A liquefied gas utilization facility 400 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0129] This liquefied gas utilization equipment 400 further includes a first pump 12 provided upstream of the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, an intermediate tank 14 provided between the first pump 12 and the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a compressed gas equipment 30 in which compressed gas is stored, a 51st compressed gas outlet line LG51 that outputs the compressed gas from the compressed gas equipment 30 to the intermediate tank 14, and a 52nd compressed gas outlet line LG52 that outputs the compressed gas from the compressed gas equipment 30 to the first temperature regulator 13.

[0130] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 400, a second pump 32 is provided between the relay tank 14 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and the first temperature regulator 13, but this is not necessarily an essential component.

[0131] (Action and effect) According to this liquefied gas utilization facility 400, the compressed gas facility 30 has a pressure of about 25 MPaG. By supplying vaporized gas from there, the pressure of the relay tank 14 can be increased without providing a compressor or pump. The relay tank 14 allows the selection of whether to maintain the pressure at 0.6 MPaG or 1.3 MPaG. It allows the supply of "gas at about 0.6 MPaG" to create saturated liquid. In addition, when the relay tank 14 is pressurized, the vaporized gas in the relay tank 14 is cooled and re-liquefied with cold liquid from the liquefied gas storage tank 10, suppressing the generation of BOG.

[0132] (Liquefied gas equipment 400A) A liquefied gas utilization facility 400A, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the embodiment 4, will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400A.

[0133] The main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 is not provided with the first pump 12 and the second pump 32. The 51st liquefied gas outlet line LL51 is provided so as to bypass the relay tank 14. The 51st liquefied gas outlet line LL51 is provided with a third flow path valve V3. The main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 is provided between the relay tank 14 and the first temperature regulator 13 with a fourth flow path valve V4. The 52nd liquefied gas outlet line LL52 is provided so as to bypass the first temperature regulator 13. The 52nd liquefied gas outlet line LL52 is provided with a seventh flow path valve V7.

[0134] A buffer tank 30b serving as a compressed gas facility is connected to the relay tank 14. The buffer tank 30b may be a pressure accumulator or the like.

[0135] Specifically, the relay tank 14 and the buffer tank are connected by a 68th vaporized gas outlet line LG68. A first pressure regulating valve PCV1 is provided on the 68th vaporized gas outlet line LG68. The vaporized gas compressor 30a operates using gas obtained when the liquefied gas storage tank 10 or the relay tank 14 is depressurized as a raw material, and is used to fill the buffer tank 30b.

[0136] The 61st vaporized gas outlet line LG61 is provided with a fourth pressure regulating valve PCV4. The 61st vaporized gas outlet line LG61 branches into a 63rd vaporized gas outlet line LG63 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and a 64th vaporized gas outlet line LG64. The 64th vaporized gas outlet line LG64 branches into a 62nd vaporized gas outlet line LG62 communicating with the vaporized gas compressor 30a. The 64th vaporized gas outlet line LG64 further branches into a 65th vaporized gas outlet line LG65 communicating with the first temperature regulator 13 and a 66th vaporized gas outlet line LG66 communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11. The 66th vaporized gas outlet line LG66 is provided with a heater 22.

[0137] The buffer tank 30b is provided with a 67th vaporized gas outlet line LG67 that communicates with the 65th vaporized gas outlet line LG65. The 67th vaporized gas outlet line LG67 is provided with a second pressure regulating valve PCV2.

[0138] The first temperature regulator 13 is provided with a 53rd liquefied gas outlet line LL53 which bypasses the first temperature regulator 13. The 53rd liquefied gas outlet line LL53 is provided with a second vaporizer 16.

[0139] The main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 is provided with a 54th liquefied gas outlet line LL54 which branches off from between the downstream side of the first temperature regulator 13 and the communication point with the 52nd liquefied gas outlet line LL52. The 54th liquefied gas outlet line LL54 is provided with an eighth flow path valve V8. The 54th liquefied gas outlet line LL54 branches off into a 55th liquefied gas outlet line LL55 which communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10, and a 56th liquefied gas outlet line LL56 which communicates with the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 downstream of the dispenser 20. The 56th liquefied gas outlet line LL56 is provided with a 9th flow path valve V9. The main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 is provided with a 10th flow path valve V10 downstream of the communication point with the 56th liquefied gas outlet line LL56.

[0140] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization facility 400A having the above configuration, about one day's worth of LNG is stored in the relay tank 14. When introducing liquefied gas, the relay tank 14 is depressurized to about 0.3 MPaG and transferred from the liquefied gas storage tank 10.

[0141] When filling an LNG-powered truck, the relay tank 14 is pressurized to about 1.3 MPaG with the vaporized gas on the compressed gas facility 30 side. The vaporized gas for the first temperature regulator 13 is depressurized from the buffer tank 30b and supplied at about 0.6 MPaG. When pre-cooling before filling an LNG-powered vehicle, the relay tank 14 is bypassed and the first temperature regulator 13 is pre-cooled by circulation in the liquefied gas storage tank 10. Thereafter, the dispenser 20 is pre-cooled using the liquefied gas in the relay tank 14. When pressurizing the satellite facility, the gas phase gas is extracted from the 63rd vaporized gas outlet line LG63, heated, and used in the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11.

[0142] In the operation control of the liquefied gas utilization equipment 400A, the pressure in the relay tank 14 is increased by using the vaporized gas in the buffer tank 30b so as to maintain the pressure at 1.3 MPaG, or reduced by BOG treatment. The liquefied gas liquefied in the first temperature regulator 13 may be vaporized again in the second vaporizer 16 and circulated or returned to the satellite equipment side. When pre-cooling the dispenser 20, the first temperature regulator 13 may be bypassed to prevent unnecessary heat input.

[0143] During normal operation of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400A having the above configuration, when the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is pressurized (e.g., to 0.6 MPaG or more) and when the relay tank 14 is depressurized as BOG treatment, liquefied gas is sent through the liquefied gas line to the filling of the compressed gas facility 30, the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, and the liquefied gas storage tank 10. Where the liquefied gas is sent can be controlled by an automatic valve or the like according to the pressure and other conditions.

[0144] When sending vaporized gas from a satellite facility, the first flow path valve V1 is opened, the LNG is vaporized, and the pressure is reduced to approximately 0.1 MPaG by the third pressure control valve PCV3, and the gas is supplied to an external LNG consuming facility.

[0145] When refilling the relay tank 14 with LNG, such as at the start of business (usually in the morning), the pressure in the relay tank 14 is adjusted. Specifically, the pressure inside the relay tank 14 is reduced to the same pressure as the liquefied gas storage tank 10, and the vaporized gas is "BOG treated." Since the first flow path valve V1 must be "open," if there is an abnormality in the satellite equipment, filling into the relay tank 14 is not possible (in many satellite equipment, when an abnormality such as a gas leak is detected, the first flow path valve V1 is "closed," and the supply of LNG is stopped).

[0146] With the first flow path valve V1 open and the second flow path valve V2 open, the LNG from the satellite facility can be transferred to the relay tank 14 by utilizing the head difference (the liquid level of the liquefied gas in the satellite facility needs to be higher than the liquid level in the relay tank 14, and it is advisable to transfer approximately one day's worth of LNG).

[0147] When filling an LNG-powered truck, the pressure in the relay tank 14 is adjusted. Specifically, the relay tank 14 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure (about 1.3 MPaG) by the first pressure regulating valve PCV1 from the buffer tank 30b of the compressed gas facility 30. Vaporized gas adjusted to about 0.6 MPaG by the second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is supplied to the first temperature regulator 13.

[0148] The first temperature regulator 13, various lines, and dispenser 20 are pre-cooled with the fourth flow path valve V4 "open", the seventh flow path valve V7 "open", and the eighth flow path valve V8 "open". When pre-cooling the first temperature regulator 13 and various lines, the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 may be used with the first flow path valve V1 "open", the second flow path valve V2 "open", the third flow path valve V3 "open", and the fourth flow path valve V4 "closed". When pre-cooling only the dispenser 20, it is better to bypass the first temperature regulator 13 with the 52nd liquefied gas outlet line LL52 of the seventh flow path valve V7 to reduce heat input.

[0149] When filling an LNG drive truck, the seventh flow path valve V7 is set to "closed," the eighth flow path valve V8 is set to "closed," the ninth flow path valve V9 is set to "closed," and the tenth flow path valve V10 is set to "open," allowing heated liquefied gas (approximately saturation temperature) to be filled into the drive truck.

[0150] (Liquefied gas equipment 400B) A liquefied gas utilization facility 400B, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400B. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0151] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 400 is that an 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18 is provided which communicates from the relay tank 14 to the liquefied gas storage tank 10. A second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is provided in the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 which communicates with the compressed gas facility 30 is provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve PVC2 of the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 which communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 is provided in the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17. A heater 22 is provided in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19.

[0152] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 400B configured as above allows for the consumption of BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling. Specifically, it is possible to (i) return the BOG to the liquefied gas storage tank 10, (ii) supply it to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, (iii) use it as compressed gas, etc. Alternatively, the BOG may be stored in the relay tank 14 and supplied to (ii) and (iii).

[0153] In terms of operating procedure, BOG is sent in the following priority order: (iii) → (ii) → (i). In (iii), only the amount required is supplied by the compressed gas facility 30, and when the compressed gas facility 30 is full, it is sent to (ii). (ii) is not a problem as long as the consuming facility is operating, but if the consumption is small and BOG processing is slow, it can be dealt with by sending it to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 in (i). (i) can accept BOG as long as the pressure in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is within a specified range, but if it exceeds this range, BOG will be sent to (ii) or (iii). The above control is adjusted using automatic valves, etc.

[0154] (Liquefied gas equipment 400C) With reference to Fig. 16, a liquefied gas utilization facility 400C, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment, will be described. Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400C. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0155] A difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 400 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided on the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 upstream of the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The relay tank 14 is provided with a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line LG102 communicating with the heat exchanger 91. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14. The 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 is provided with a third pump 33.

[0156] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 400C configured as above makes it possible to reliquefy BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling, and to prevent the re-generation of BOG. ​​Specifically, (i) BOG is reliquefied by using the cold energy of LNG. The liquefied gas after reliquefaction is returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 or the relay tank 14. Although the liquefied gas utilization facility 400C uses the cold energy of LNG, if nitrogen is used on the factory side, it is also possible to reliquefy BOG using nitrogen.

[0157] (Liquefied gas equipment 400D) A liquefied gas utilization facility 400D, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400D. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 400 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0158] The difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 400 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided between the first flow path valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14.

[0159] On the other hand, biomethane gas or biogas (B10) of about 0.05 MPaG is sent to a booster (B11), and if it contains H20 and CO2, etc., they are separated (B12). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). If a boiler is provided, the gas may be mixed with fuel gas for processing, or incinerated and discharged in a flare stack. After H20 and CO2 are separated (B12), the off-gas may be discharged (B14). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). The purified gas may be recovered as liquefied methane (B16), or sent to the heat exchanger 91 through the 94th vaporized gas outlet line LG94.

[0160] (Action and effect) According to the liquefied gas utilization equipment 400D configured as above, biogas (CH4, CO2) or biomethane is received and pressurized. Next, components that solidify during liquefaction, such as moisture and CO2, are separated by adsorption separation (any method) or the like, and discharged as off-gas. Next, if it is desired to increase the purity of the methane, further trace impurities are removed by distillation or the like. Since the exhaust gas at this time also contains methane components, if there is a boiler, it is mixed with the main fuel and supplied to the boiler, or it is treated in a flare stack or the like and discharged.

[0161] Next, the refined biomethane is liquefied by heat exchange with LNG. The liquefied methane can then be supplied to an LNG satellite facility or a relay tank 14, or filled into a container using a filling device.

[0162] (Embodiment 5: Liquefied gas utilization facility 500) A liquefied gas utilization facility 500 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 500. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those in the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0163] In addition to the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100, the liquefied gas utilization facility 500 includes a relay tank 14 provided upstream of the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a second pump 32 between the relay tank 14 and the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, and a 62nd vaporized gas outlet line LG62 that outputs a second vaporized gas generated by evaporation inside the relay tank 14 due to heat input from the outside from the relay tank 14 to the first temperature regulator 13. Furthermore, the relay tank 14 is provided with a pressurizer 35 via the 31st liquefied gas outlet line LL31. In the liquefied gas utilization facility 500, the second pump 32 is further provided between the relay tank 14 and the first temperature regulator 13 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, but this is not necessarily an essential configuration.

[0164] (Action and effect) According to this liquefied gas utilization facility 500, the relay tank 14 is installed, and further, a pressurizer 35 is installed, so that the relay tank 14 can be maintained at about 0.6 MPaG or about 1.3 MPaG. Also, a first temperature regulator 13 for producing saturated liquid is provided. Furthermore, it is possible to supply vaporized gas from the relay tank 14 to the first temperature regulator 13. Furthermore, by installing a second pump 32 for filling downstream of the relay tank 14, the relay tank 14 can be maintained at 0.6 MPaG, and the second pump 32 can be used for pressurization and filling. Since the internal pressure of the relay tank 14 is usually greater than the internal pressure of the liquefied gas storage tank 10, an operation control is performed to lower the pressure of the relay tank 14 to about 0.3 MPaG each time in order to fill the relay tank 14 with liquefied gas.

[0165] (Liquefied gas equipment 500A) A liquefied gas utilization facility 500A, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fifth embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 500A. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 500 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0166] The difference from the above-mentioned liquefied gas utilization facility 500 is that an 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18 is provided which communicates from the relay tank 14 to the liquefied gas storage tank 10. A second pressure regulating valve PCV2 is provided in the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17 which communicates with the compressed gas facility 30 is provided downstream of the second pressure regulating valve PCV2 of the 18th vaporized gas outlet line LG18. A 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19 which communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 is provided in the 17th vaporized gas outlet line LG17. A heater 22 is provided in the 19th vaporized gas outlet line LG19.

[0167] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 500A having the above configuration makes it possible to consume the BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling. Specifically, it is possible to (i) return the BOG to the liquefied gas storage tank 10, (ii) supply it to the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11, (iii) use it as compressed gas, etc. It is also possible to store the BOG in the relay tank 14 and supply it to (ii) and (iii).

[0168] In terms of operating procedure, BOG is sent in the following priority order: (iii) → (ii) → (i). In (iii), only the amount required is supplied by the compressed gas facility 30, and when the compressed gas facility 30 is full, it is sent to (ii). (ii) is not a problem as long as the consuming facility is operating, but if the consumption is small and BOG processing is slow, it can be dealt with by sending it to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 in (i). (i) can accept BOG as long as the pressure in the liquefied gas storage tank 10 is within a specified range, but if it exceeds this range, BOG will be sent to (ii) or (iii). The above control is adjusted using automatic valves, etc.

[0169] (Liquefied gas equipment 500B) With reference to Fig. 20, a liquefied gas utilization facility 500B, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fifth embodiment, will be described. Fig. 20 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 500B. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 500 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0170] A difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 500 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided on the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 upstream of the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The relay tank 14 is provided with a 102nd vaporized gas outlet line LG102 communicating with the heat exchanger 91. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14. The 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 is provided with a third pump 33.

[0171] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization facility 500B configured as described above makes it possible to reliquefy BOG generated in the relay tank 14 or by pre-cooling, and to prevent the re-generation of BOG. ​​Specifically, (i) BOG is reliquefied by using the cold energy of LNG. The liquefied gas after reliquefaction is returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 or the relay tank 14. In addition, although the liquefied gas utilization facility 200C uses the cold energy of LNG, if nitrogen is used on the factory side, it is also possible to reliquefy BOG using nitrogen.

[0172] (Liquefied gas equipment 500C) With reference to Fig. 21, a liquefied gas utilization facility 500C, which is a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility of the fifth embodiment, will be described. Fig. 21 is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 500C. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as the liquefied gas utilization facility 500 described above, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0173] A difference from the above-described liquefied gas utilization facility 500 is that a heat exchanger 91 is provided between the first flow path valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 is provided with a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14.

[0174] On the other hand, biomethane gas or biogas (B10) of about 0.05 MPaG is sent to a booster (B11), and if it contains H20 and CO2, etc., they are separated (B12). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). If a boiler is provided, the gas may be mixed with fuel gas or the like for processing, or incinerated and discharged in a flare stack. After H20 and CO2 are separated (B12), the off-gas may be discharged (B14). Impurities may be removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). The purified gas may be recovered as liquefied methane (B16), or sent to the heat exchanger 91 through the 94th vaporized gas outlet line LG94.

[0175] (Action and effect) The liquefied gas utilization equipment 500C configured as above receives and pressurizes biogas (CH4, CO2) or biomethane. Next, components that solidify during liquefaction, such as moisture and CO2, are separated using adsorption separation (any method) or the like, and discharged as off-gas. Next, if it is desired to increase the purity of the methane, further trace amounts of impurities are removed by distillation or the like. Since the exhaust gas at this stage also contains methane components, if there is a boiler, it is mixed with the main fuel and supplied to the boiler, or it is treated in a flare stack or the like and discharged.

[0176] Next, the refined biomethane is liquefied by heat exchange with LNG. The liquefied methane can then be supplied to an LNG satellite facility or a relay tank 14, or filled into a container using a filling device.

[0177] (Embodiment 6: Liquefied gas utilization facility 600) A liquefied gas utilization facility 600 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 600. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0178] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 600, a first pump 12, a relay tank 14, and a second pump 32 are provided in this order in the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 between the second flow path valve V2 and the first temperature regulator 13. A dispenser 20 is provided downstream of the first temperature regulator 13.

[0179] The relay tank 14 is provided with a 72nd vaporized gas outlet line LG72 that outlets the second vaporized gas generated by evaporation inside the relay tank 14 due to heat input from the outside from the relay tank 14. The 72nd vaporized gas outlet line LG72 branches into a 73rd vaporized gas outlet line LG73 that communicates with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and a 74th vaporized gas outlet line LG74 that communicates with the external compressed gas equipment 30. Furthermore, a 75th vaporized gas outlet line LG75 that communicates with the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 between the first vaporizer 11 and the third pressure regulating valve PCV3 is provided from the 74th vaporized gas outlet line LG74.

[0180] (Action and effect) This liquefied gas utilization facility 600 makes it possible to treat BOG, which is the second vaporized gas generated in the relay tank 14 or pre-cooling. A 73rd vaporized gas outlet line LG73 that returns this BOG to the liquefied gas storage tank 10, a 75th vaporized gas outlet line LG75 that sends the BOG to the satellite facility, and a 74th vaporized gas outlet line LG74 that sends the BOG to the compressed gas facility 30 are provided. A buffer tank may be provided separately, and the BOG may be stored in the buffer tank before being supplied to the compressed gas facility 30 and the satellite facility.

[0181] (Embodiment 7: Liquefied gas utilization facility 700) A liquefied gas utilization facility 700 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 700. In this embodiment, LNG is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0182] In this liquefied gas utilization facility 700, a second temperature regulator 83 is provided between the first flow path valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. In the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12, a first pump 12, a relay tank 14, and a second pump 32 are provided in this order between the second flow path valve V2 and the first temperature regulator 13. A dispenser 20 is provided downstream of the first temperature regulator 13.

[0183] The second temperature regulator 83 is provided with an 81st liquefied gas outlet line LL81. The 81st liquefied gas outlet line LL81 branches into an 82nd liquefied gas outlet line LL82 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and an 83rd liquefied gas outlet line LL83 communicating with the relay tank 14. The relay tank 14 is provided with an 84th vaporized gas outlet line LG84 leading to the heat exchanger 91.

[0184] (Action and effect) This liquefied gas utilization facility 700 makes it possible to treat BOG, which is the second vaporized gas generated in the relay tank 14 or during pre-cooling. Specifically, the cold heat of LNG is used to re-liquefy BOG in the heat exchanger 91. Then, the BOG can be returned to the liquefied gas storage tank 10 or the relay tank 14. Although the liquefied gas utilization facility 700 uses the cold heat of LNG, if nitrogen is used on the factory side, the BOG may be re-liquefied with nitrogen. Furthermore, when the temperature of the relay tank 14 rises, the generation of BOG can be suppressed by dropping cold liquid from the satellite facility side to re-liquefy the BOG.

[0185] (Embodiment 8: Liquefied gas utilization facility 800) A liquefied gas utilization facility 800 according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a flow diagram showing a liquefaction process of the liquefied gas utilization facility 800 using cold energy of LNG.

[0186] Biomethane gas or biogas is prepared (S11). Biogas is composed of 60% CH4 and 40% CO2, and also contains trace amounts of air. In most cases, the pressure of the gas supplied is about 0.05 MPaG.

[0187] Next, the gas is compressed (S12). In order to liquefy it with LNG, the pressure must be increased. Next, impurities such as H20 and CO2 are separated (S13). Next, the gas is liquefied by heat exchange with LNG (S14). The off-gas (CO2, H2O, etc.) is vented (S15). If methane is mixed in and difficult to vent, it can be mixed into the boiler fuel line within the factory, or incinerated and vented in a flare stack.

[0188] Next, liquefied methane (0.7 MPaG CH4: 99.9%) is recovered (S16). It is sufficient to obtain liquefied methane of a purity appropriate for the application. The application is not particularly limited. In this disclosure, use in a filling facility is assumed. The off-gas (CH4, N2, O2, Ar) may be incinerated and exhausted in a flare stack, or may be mixed into a boiler fuel line in a factory (S17). It may also be the air side that is mixed.

[0189] Currently, in the LNG satellite facility in the factory, gas is vaporized by heat exchange with hot water and supplied to the boiler, etc., but it is possible to liquefy the biomethane and vaporize LNG by exchanging heat with some biomethane instead of hot water. Hot water can be used to make up the shortfall. Although the operation method will change, if a cold evaporator (CE) for liquefied gases such as N2 or O2 is used in the factory, it is also possible to liquefy biomethane using the cold heat of these liquefied gases.

[0190] As a result of the above, it is expected that the cost of producing liquefied methane will be reduced, as well as the fuel required for hot water at the satellite facilities.

[0191] (Embodiment 9: Liquefied gas utilization facility 900) A liquefied gas utilization facility 900 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a flow diagram showing an example of utilization of liquefied methane. Note that the configuration within the area surrounded by A in the figure is not necessarily essential.

[0192] Liquefied methane is prepared (S21). The gas pressure is about 0.7 MPaG. The liquefied methane is then stored in a relay tank (S22). Next, the liquid level in the relay tank or the amount to be mixed into the LNG tank is controlled using a flow meter (S23). The flow meter is not an essential component. When the relay tank is pressurized, off-gas is exhausted (S24). This off-gas can be reused (consumed) as a raw material. The generated liquefied methane is supplied to a utilization facility (S25). The utilization facility may be an LNG storage tank or other portable container. In the utilization facility, LNG or liquefied methane may be mixed.

[0193] When the pressure of liquefied methane is higher than the pressure of the tank on the utilization facility side, it is possible to introduce it by differential pressure without using the first pump 12. It is also possible in some cases to do without a relay tank, etc. The first pump 12 may also be used in combination with a pump for filling LNG.

[0194] It can be mixed into LNG relay tanks at LNG satellites and LNG filling facilities, which will be described later. It can also be mixed into storage tanks at satellite facilities or relay tanks at filling facilities. It can also be filled into containers and transported as in the past.

[0195] As a result, if liquefied methane production and consumption facilities are located nearby, it will be possible to supply biomethane with reduced transportation costs and fuel.

[0196] (Embodiment 10: Liquefied gas utilization facility 100) A liquefied gas utilization facility 1000 according to a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the liquefied gas utilization facility 1000. In this embodiment, biomethane gas or biogas is used as the liquefied gas having a large methane component. The same or corresponding parts as those of the liquefied gas utilization facility 100 described above are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will not be repeated.

[0197] A heat exchanger 91 is provided between the first flow passage valve V1 of the main vaporized gas outlet line LG11 and the first vaporizer 11. A first pump 12, a relay tank 14, and a second pump 32 are arranged in this order between the second flow passage valve V2 of the main liquefied gas outlet line LL12 and the first temperature regulator 13. A dispenser 20 is provided downstream of the first temperature regulator 13.

[0198] The heat exchanger 91 is provided with a 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91. The 91st liquefied gas outlet line LL91 branches into a 92nd liquefied gas outlet line LL92 communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank 10 and a 93rd liquefied gas outlet line LL93 communicating with the relay tank 14. The pressure of the liquefied methane is about 0.7 MPaG.

[0199] On the other hand, biomethane gas or biogas (B10) at about 0.05 MPaG is sent to a compressor (B11), and if it contains H20 and CO2, etc., they are separated (B12). Impurities are removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). If a boiler is provided, the gas may be mixed with fuel gas or incinerated in a flare stack. After H20 and CO2 are separated (B12), the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B14). Impurities are removed (B13) and the gas may be discharged as off-gas (B15). The purified gas is either recovered as liquefied methane (B16) or sent to the heat exchanger 91 through the 94th vaporized gas outlet line LG94.

[0200] (Action and effect) According to this liquefied gas utilization facility 1000, biogas (CH4, CO2) or biomethane is first received and pressurized. Next, components that solidify during liquefaction, such as moisture and CO2, are separated by adsorption separation (any method) or the like, and discharged as off-gas. Next, if it is desired to increase the purity of the methane, further trace impurities are removed by distillation or the like. Since the exhaust gas at this time also contains methane components, if there is a boiler, it is mixed with the main fuel and supplied to the boiler, or it is treated in a flare stack or the like and discharged.

[0201] Next, the refined biomethane is liquefied by heat exchange with LNG. The liquefied methane can then be supplied to the storage tank or relay tank 14 of the LNG satellite facility, or filled into containers using filling equipment.

[0202] In this way, by providing liquefied gas utilization equipment that utilizes liquefied gas with a high methane content, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, which in turn contributes to some of the activities for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0203] Although the embodiment has been described above as a liquefied gas utilization facility that utilizes liquefied gas with a high methane content, the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 100,100A,200,200A,200B,300,300A,400,400A,500,600,700,800,900,1000 Liquefied gas utilization equipment, 4 Buffer tank, 10 Liquefied gas storage tank, 11 First vaporizer, 12 First pump, 13 First temperature regulator, 14 Relay tank, 15 Compressor, 16 Second vaporizer, 20 Dispenser, 21 Third vaporizer, 22 Heater, 30 Compressed gas equipment, 30a Compressor, 30b CNG tank, 32 Second pump, 33 Second pump, 35 Pressurizer, 50 First LNG pump, 51 Second LNG pump, 60 Gas station, 70 Receiving tank, 71 Cooling line, 72, 82 Boil-off gas space, 80 Tank, 81 First communication line, 83 Second temperature regulator, 91 Heat exchanger, LG11 Main vaporized gas outlet line, LG13 Thirteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG14 Fourteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG15 Fifteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG16 Sixteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG17 Seventeenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG18 Eighteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG19 Nineteenth vaporized gas outlet line, LG20 Twenty-first vaporized gas outlet line, LG21 Twenty-first vaporized gas outlet line, LG22 Twenty-second vaporized gas outlet line, LG23 Twenty-third vaporized gas outlet line, LG32 Thirty-second vaporized gas outlet line, LG33 Thirty-third vaporized gas outlet line, LG35 Thirty-fifth vaporized gas outlet line, LG37 Thirty-seventh vaporized gas outlet line, LG51 Fifty-first compressed gas outlet line, LG52 No. 52 compressed gas outlet line, LG61 No. 61 vaporized gas outlet line, LG62 No. 62 vaporized gas outlet line, LG63 No. 63 vaporized gas outlet line, LG64 No. 64 vaporized gas outlet line, LG65 No. 65 vaporized gas outlet line, LG66 No. 66 vaporized gas outlet line, LG67 No. 67 vaporized gas outlet line, LG68 No. 68 vaporized gas outlet line, LG72 No. 72 vaporized gas outlet line, LG73 No. 73 vaporized gas outlet line, LG74 No. 74 vaporized gas outlet line, LG75 No. 75 vaporized gas outlet line, LG84 No. 84 vaporized gas outlet line, LG94 No. 94 vaporized gas outlet line, LG102 No. 102 vaporized gas outlet line, LL12 Main liquefied gas outlet line, LL21 No. 21 liquefied gas outlet line, LL22 No. 22 liquefied gas extraction line, LL23No. 23 liquefied gas outlet line, LL24 No. 24 liquefied gas outlet line, LL25 No. 25 liquefied gas outlet line, LL30 No. 30 liquefied gas outlet line, LL31 No. 31 liquefied gas outlet line, LL38 No. 38 liquefied gas outlet line, LL39 No. 39 liquefied gas outlet line, LL41 No. 41 liquefied gas outlet line, LL42 No. 42 liquefied gas outlet line, LL43 No. 43 liquefied gas outlet line, LL44 No. 44 liquefied gas outlet line, LL45 No. 45 liquefied gas outlet line, LL51 No. 51 liquefied gas outlet line, LL52 No. 52 liquefied gas outlet line, LL53 No. 53 liquefied gas outlet line, LL54 No. 54 liquefied gas outlet line, LL55 No. 55 liquefied gas outlet line, LL56 No. 56 liquefied gas outlet line, LL81 No. 81 liquefied gas outlet line, LL82 No. 82 liquefied gas outlet line, LL83 No. 83 liquefied gas outlet line, LL91 No. 91 liquefied gas outlet line, LL92 No. 92 liquefied gas outlet line, LL93 No. 93 liquefied gas outlet line, PCV1 1st pressure regulating valve, PCV2 2nd pressure regulating valve, PCV3 3rd pressure regulating valve, PCV4 4th pressure regulating valve, V1 1st flow path valve, V2 2nd flow path valve, V3 3rd flow path valve, V4 4th flow path valve, V5 5th flow path valve, V6 6th flow path valve, V7 7th flow path valve, V8 8th flow path valve, V9 9th flow path valve, V10 10th flow path valve.

Claims

1. A liquefied gas utilization facility in which a liquefied gas having a high methane content is stored and which extracts a vaporized gas and a liquefied gas from the liquefied gas having a high methane content, A liquefied gas storage tank for storing the liquefied gas having a high methane component; a main vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank and outletting the liquefied gas having a large methane component as a vaporized gas; a main liquefied gas outlet line that is in communication with the liquefied gas storage tank and that outputs the liquefied gas having a large methane component as a liquefied gas having a desired pressure and temperature; Equipped with the main vaporized gas outlet line includes a first vaporizer that converts the liquefied gas having a large methane component into the vaporized gas; Liquefied gas utilization equipment.

2. the main liquefied gas outlet line includes a first temperature regulator that converts the liquefied gas having a high methane component into a liquefied gas having a desired temperature; The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 1.

3. a first pump provided on the main liquefied gas outlet line upstream of the first temperature regulator; a communication line provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator of the main liquefied gas outlet line, the communication line communicating with the first temperature regulator; Further equipped with The communication line includes a second vaporizer. The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 2.

4. Further, a first vaporized gas discharge line is provided in communication with the liquefied gas storage tank and configured to discharge the first vaporized gas in the liquefied gas storage tank from the liquefied gas storage tank, the first vaporized gas discharge line includes a first compressor, the first vaporized gas outlet line includes a buffer tank, the buffer tank has a fourteenth vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the first temperature regulator; The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 2.

5. an eighteenth vaporized gas outlet line communicating from the buffer tank to the liquefied gas storage tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided in the eighteenth vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the 18th vaporized gas outlet line downstream of the second pressure regulating valve and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line; Further comprising: The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 4.

6. a heat exchanger provided on the main vaporized gas outlet line upstream of the first vaporizer; A 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided in the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; A vaporized gas outlet line provided in the buffer tank and communicating with the heat exchanger; The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 4, further comprising:

7. a first pump provided on the main liquefied gas outlet line upstream of the first temperature regulator; a relay tank provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator of the main liquefied gas outlet line; a second vaporized gas outlet line that outlets the second vaporized gas inside the relay tank from the relay tank to the first temperature regulator, The relay tank includes a pressurizer. The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 2.

8. a first pump provided on the main liquefied gas outlet line upstream of the first temperature regulator; a relay tank provided between the first pump and the first temperature regulator of the main liquefied gas outlet line; A compressed gas facility for storing and using compressed gas; a first compressed gas discharge line that discharges the compressed gas from the compressed gas facility to the relay tank; A second compressed gas outlet line that outputs the compressed gas from the compressed gas facility to the first temperature regulator. The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 2.

9. An external compressed gas facility is provided; an eighteenth vaporized gas outlet line communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank from the relay tank; a second pressure regulating valve provided in the eighteenth vaporized gas outlet line; a 17th vaporized gas outlet line provided on the downstream side of the second pressure regulating valve of the 18th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the compressed gas facility; a 19th vaporized gas outlet line provided in the 17th vaporized gas outlet line and communicating with the main vaporized gas outlet line; The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising:

10. a heat exchanger provided on the main vaporized gas outlet line upstream of the first vaporizer; A 91st liquefied gas outlet line provided in the heat exchanger and communicating with the liquefied gas storage tank; A vaporized gas outlet line provided in the relay tank and communicating with the heat exchanger; The liquefied gas utilization facility according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising:

11. The liquefied gas having a high methane content is liquefied natural gas or liquefied methane. The liquefied gas utilization facility according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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