Cryogenic fluid distribution system with thermal management

Abstract

To provide an advantageous cryogenic liquid dispensing system that overcomes disadvantages of the prior art dispensing systems.SOLUTION: A cryogenic fluid dispensing system having a tank that holds cryogenic liquid and manages heat within the system is disclosed. The cryogenic liquid dispensing system optionally includes a basin and / or a heat exchanger within the tank for managing heat within the system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 036,560, filed June 9, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to cryogenic fluid distribution systems, and more particularly, to cryogenic fluid distribution systems with the ability to manage heat within the system. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Cryogenic fluids, i.e., fluids that generally have a boiling point below -150°C at atmospheric pressure, are used in a variety of applications, such as automotive and industrial applications. Cryogenic fluids are typically stored as liquids to reduce volume, thus allowing container designs of more practical and economical to be used. The liquid is often stored in double-walled bulk reservoirs or containers, with a vacuum between the walls of the inner and outer containers as insulation to reduce heat transfer from the surrounding environment into the cryogenic liquid.

[0004]

[0004] The distribution of cryogenic fluids, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), is typically required intermittently, for example, when LNG-fueled vehicles arrive at an LNG refueling station to receive refueling.

[0005] Thermal management is one of the most important factors in the operability of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution system, such as a fueling station. During use of the system, thermal energy heats the tank contents and generates boil-off gas (BOG). BOG from LNG must be dealt with within the system, rather than released, as methane is considered harmful to the environment. BOG can be stored in cryogenic tanks, but the storage pressure capacity is often insufficient, necessitating some external means of BOG dealt with. BOG can be recondensed using liquid nitrogen, or possibly compressed into high pressure cylinders as compressed natural gas (CNG). Both options for BOG dealt with add complexity and expense to the distribution system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,787,940 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,771,946 Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0006] Example embodiments disclosed herein provide an advantageous cryogenic liquid distribution system that overcomes shortcomings of prior art distribution systems. The disclosed cryogenic liquid distribution system is able to better manage heat generation within the system and utilize warmer LNG, rather than cooling the system.

[0008] In one aspect, a cryogenic fluid distribution system includes a reservoir defining an area for holding a cryogenic liquid, a basin in fluid communication with the reservoir defining an area configured to hold the cryogenic liquid at an elevation above a lower portion of the reservoir, and a pump. The system further includes a first supply line in fluid communication with a lower portion of the reservoir configured to selectively direct the cryogenic liquid from the reservoir to the pump, a conditioning heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid, a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and configured to direct the cryogenic liquid from the pump to an inlet of the conditioning heat exchanger, a product line configured to direct the liquid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger to a use device, a recycle line configured to direct the fluid from the outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger or from the product line to the reservoir, a recycle valve in fluid communication with the recycle line, and a second supply line in fluid communication with the lower portion of the basin configured to selectively direct the liquid from the basin to the pump.

[0009] In a further aspect, a cryogenic fluid distribution system includes a reservoir defining an area for holding a cryogenic liquid, a pump, and a regulating heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid. The system further includes a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and the regulating heat exchanger, the distribution line traveling through an upper portion of the reservoir. The system further includes a reservoir heat exchanger disposed on the distribution line in the upper portion of the reservoir, a product line configured to direct the liquid to a user device, a circulation process line configured to selectively direct fluid from an outlet of the regulating heat exchanger or the product line to the reservoir, and a circulation process valve in fluid communication with the circulation process line.

[0010]

[0009] In yet a further aspect, there is provided a process for controlling heat in a cryogenic fluid distribution system comprising the steps of storing cryogenic liquid in a reservoir, pumping the cryogenic liquid to a regulating system, distributing the regulated cryogenic fluid from the regulating system through a product line to a use device, and circulating the fluid from the regulating system or the product line to a receiving tray positioned in the head space of the reservoir such that vapor in the head space is caused to condense.

[0011]

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not restrictive of the subject matter claimed. Additional features and objects of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the appended claims.

[0012] In describing the preferred example embodiment, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like parts have like reference numerals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0015] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014]

[0016] It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale. Some mechanical details of the example distribution system and alternative configurations have not been included, but such details are believed to be well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. It should further be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

[0015]

[0017] Some ingress of heat or thermal energy into the distribution system may not be prevented even if insulation is used. There are several operations associated with LNG distribution systems, such as use as a fueling station, that store additional heat into the system. If the vehicle storage pressure is too high, the pressure will be released into the system's storage, which will raise the temperature of the fluid in the storage. The temperature may be further raised during distribution system cool-down, where the liquid natural gas is circulated by a pump back to the storage storage until the LNG parameters are suitable for the vehicle storage. Furthermore, the distribution system may contain warmed fluid after distribution is completed, such as in the conditioning heat exchanger and / or the product line extending from the conditioning heat exchanger outlet to the distribution outlet, that is pumped back to the storage. The disclosed embodiments include a system designed to better manage heat within the distribution system. Although the embodiment is described as an LNG refueling station, the techniques of this disclosure may be applied to alternative types of distribution systems containing alternative types of fluids.

[0016]

[0018] A first embodiment of a cryogenic fluid distribution system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is generally designated 1010 in FIG. 1 and is shown diagrammatically as an LNG refueling station. The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1010 includes a reservoir 1012 defining an area that holds a cryogenic liquid 1014 along with a vapor head space 1016 above the cryogenic liquid 1014. A first supply conduit or line 1018 is in liquid communication with a lower portion of the reservoir 1012 via a first end 1018a and in liquid communication at a second end 1018b with a pump 1020 that is submerged in a separate container or sump 1022. Liquid from the reservoir 1012 flows into the sump 1022 so as to be in liquid communication with an inlet of the pump 1020 and to submerge the pump 1020 in liquid to maintain adequate cooling of the pump 1020. A first supply valve 1024 is disposed in the first supply line 1018 between a first end 1018a of the first supply line 1018 at the lower portion of the reservoir 1012 and a second end 1018b of the first supply line 1018 at the pump 1020.

[0017]

[0019] A drip pan 1034 is provided that defines an area configured to hold cryogenic liquid 1035 at an elevated height above a lower portion of the reservoir 1012, the drip pan 1034 being in fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 1012. The drip pan 1034 is hung within the reservoir 1012, within an upper portion of the reservoir 1012, such as within the reservoir headspace, and has an upwardly facing opening.

[0018]

[0020] A circulating process conduit or line 1026 is in fluid communication at a first end 1026a with the regulation system 1050 and at a second end 1026b with the basin 1034. A circulating process valve 1028 is disposed within the circulating process line 1026 between the first end 1026a of the circulating process line 1026 at the regulation system 1050 and the second end 1026b at the basin 1034.

[0019]

[0021] A distribution conduit or line 1040 is in fluid communication with the pump 1020 at a first end 1040a and with the regulation system 1050 at a second location 1040b.

[0022] The conditioning system 1050 is connected to a product line 1030 for distributing the cryogenic liquid to a vehicle or other use device.

[0020]

[0023] It will be appreciated that the conditioning system 1050 may be of any configuration known in the art for such systems. Specific non-limiting examples are saturation on the fly (SOF) systems such as those illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,787,940 to Bonn et al. and U.S. Patent No. 5,771,946 to Kooy et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The conditioning system 1050 comprises at least a conditioning heat exchanger 1052 configured to warm a cryogenic liquid, and may include various additional lines / conduits, sensors, controls, and valve configurations not illustrated.

[0021]

[0024] An example regulation system 1050 includes a portion of a distribution line 1040 configured to direct cryogenic liquid to an inlet of a regulation heat exchanger 1052. The regulation system may further include a bypass line 1060 having a bypass line inlet 1060a connected to the distribution line and a bypass line outlet 1060b. There may further be a bypass valve arrangement configured to receive liquid from the pump and selectively direct the received liquid through the regulation heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet 1060a, or both the regulation heat exchanger 1052 and the bypass inlet 1060a. The bypass valve arrangement includes at least one valve and may include two or more valves. A single valve may be disposed at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line. Alternatively, a pair of valves (1054, 1056) may be present on the distribution line and the bypass line, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0022]

[0025] The regulation system may further include a distribution valve arrangement. The distribution valve arrangement is in fluid communication with the regulation heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet 1060b and is configured to selectively direct the received liquid through the circulation process line 1026 or the product line 1030. The distribution valve arrangement includes at least one valve and may include two or more valves. A single valve may be located at the junction 1029 of the product line and the circulation process line inlet. Alternatively, a pair of valves (1032, 1058) may be present on the product line and the circulation process line, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0023]

[0026] A second supply conduit or line 1036 is in fluid communication with a lower portion of the basin 1034 at a first end 1036a and in fluid communication with the pump 1020 at a second end 1036b. A second supply valve 1038 is disposed in the second supply line 1036 between the first end 1036a at the lower portion of the basin 1034 and the second end 1036b at the pump 1020. One will appreciate that the first and second supply valves 1024 and 1038 may optionally be replaced by three-way valves.

[0024]

[0027] When dispensing of cryogenic liquid 1014 is not desired, pump 1020 is not operating and is maintained at a cryogenic condition by the liquid in reservoir 1022 with first supply valve 1024 in an open position.

[0025]

[0028] There are several processes that benefit from a modified layout design of the distribution system of the first embodiment. If the pressure in the storage reservoir of the user vehicle is too high, the user vehicle can dump fluid into the reservoir 1012. This higher pressure, warmer fluid is dumped through the product line 1030 into the circulation process line 1026 and directed into the receiver 1034. Furthermore, before dispensing to the user vehicle, the system may need to be cooled down so that the cryogenic liquid parameters are suitable for the user vehicle. To accomplish the cool down of the system, the cryogenic liquid from the reservoir is circulated through the system. More specifically, the cryogenic liquid is drawn from the lower part of the reservoir through the first supply line 1018 to the pump 1020. The cryogenic liquid is then pumped through the distribution line 1040 to the regulation system 1050 and the resulting warmed fluid is circulated through the circulation process line 1026 into the receiver 1034 of the reservoir 1012. Once the conditioning system reaches optimal cryogenic liquid parameters, the cryogenic liquid may be distributed to the user vehicle via product line 1030. Additionally, the fluid in the portion of the system following the conditioning system heat exchanger will be warmed and / or evaporated after distributing the cryogenic liquid to the user vehicle. The warmed and / or evaporated liquid is sent back to the receiver 1034 via circulation process line 1026. The liquid level in the receiver 1034 should be maintained to allow condensation of vapor from the user vehicle and / or conditioning system and / or product line that travels back to storage through circulation process line 1026.

[0026]

[0029] A second embodiment of a cryogenic liquid distribution system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated generally at 1110 in Figure 2 and is shown generally as an LNG refueling station. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and operates in the same general manner as the first embodiment, however, the system 1110 includes a reservoir heat exchanger 1144 located within the cryogenic reservoir basin 1134 to help manage heat within the system. The second embodiment does not incorporate a second supply line, but rather utilizes a different routing for the distribution lines.

[0027]

[0030] The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1110 includes a reservoir 1112 defining an area for holding cryogenic liquid 1114 along with a vapor head space 1116 above the cryogenic liquid 1114. A first supply conduit or line 1118 is in liquid communication with a lower portion of the reservoir 1112 via a first end 1118a and in liquid communication at a second end 1118b with a pump 1120 that is submerged in a separate container or sump 1122. Liquid from the reservoir 1112 flows into the sump 1122 so as to be in liquid communication with an inlet of the pump 1120 and so as to submerge the pump 1120 in liquid to maintain adequate cooling of the pump 1120. A first supply valve 1124 is disposed in the first supply line 1118 between a first end 1118a of the first supply line 1118 at the lower portion of the reservoir 1112 and a second end 1118b of the first supply line 1118 at the pump 1120.

[0028]

[0031] A drip pan 1134 is provided that defines an area configured to hold cryogenic liquid 1135 at an elevated height above a lower portion of the reservoir 1112, the drip pan 1134 being in liquid communication with the reservoir 1112. The drip pan 1134 is hung within the reservoir 1112, within an upper portion or headspace of the reservoir 1112, and has an upwardly facing opening.

[0029]

[0032] A distribution conduit or line 1140 is in fluid communication with the pump 1120 and the regulation system 1150. The distribution line 1140 proceeds from a first end 1140a at the pump 1120, into the reservoir 1112 at location 1140c, and after exiting the reservoir at location 1140d, to the regulation system, which includes a regulation heat exchanger, at location 1140b.

[0030]

[0033] A portion of the distribution line within the reservoir 1112 includes a reservoir heat exchanger 1144 disposed within the basin 1134. As shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir heat exchanger may be a multi-flow heat exchanger, but may also be any heat exchanger known in the art, including but not limited to a single-flow heat exchanger or a heat exchanger coil. Additionally, the reservoir heat exchanger may be a separate component that receives liquid from and returns liquid to the distribution line 1140.

[0031]

[0034] A circulation process conduit or line 1126 is in fluid communication at a first end 1126a with a conditioning system 1150 including a conditioning heat exchanger to allow recirculation of the cryogenic liquid if desired, and in fluid communication at a second end 1126b with a receiver 1134. A circulation process valve 1128 is disposed within the circulation process line 1126 between the first end 1126a of the circulation process line 1126 at the conditioning system 1150 and the second end 1126b at an upper location above the reservoir 1112.

[0032]

[0035] As in the first embodiment of Figure 1, a conditioning system 1150 is connected to the product line 1130 for distribution of the cryogenic liquid to a user vehicle and functions to condition the temperature of the cryogenic liquid prior to distribution. As with the conditioning system 1050 of Figure 1, the conditioning system 1150 includes a conditioning heat exchanger 1152 for heating the cryogenic liquid.

[0033]

[0036] The second embodiment system 1110 may be operated in a similar manner to the first embodiment system 1010, except that the cryogenic liquid may instead be drawn from a single supply line from the bottom of the reservoir 1112, with any excess liquid from the basin 1134 spilling over into the liquid in the reservoir below, cooled as described below. Alternatively, a second supply conduit or line (such as line 1036 in FIG. 1) may be provided between the bottom of the basin and the pump, and a second supply valve (such as valve 1038 in FIG. 1) may be provided. In addition, liquid traveling through the distribution line travels back through the reservoir 1112 and reservoir heat exchanger 1144 in the basin 1134 before proceeding to the conditioning system.

[0034]

[0037] When distribution of cryogenic liquid is desired in the system of FIG. 2, the cryogenic liquid may be pumped through the pump and into the distribution line. The cryogenic liquid flows through the distribution line and is warmed in a heat exchanger in the upper portion of the reservoir. As a result, the cryogenic liquid in the pan is cooled, which thus improves the ability of the pan liquid to condense vapor from the vehicle reservoir and / or distribution system that travels through the circulation process line back to the station reservoir. The warmed cryogenic liquid travels to the conditioning system and through the conditioning heat exchanger of the conditioning system before being distributed to the service vehicles through the product line.

[0035]

[0038] Figures 3-4 illustrate variations of the system of Figure 2. The systems in Figures 3-4 differ from the system of Figure 2 with respect to the configuration of the reservoir, pan, and distribution lines, but each still includes a reservoir heat exchanger on the distribution lines in the reservoir, as in the system shown in Figure 2.

[0036]

[0039] A third embodiment of a cryogenic liquid distribution system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is generally designated 1210 in FIG. 3 and is shown diagrammatically as an LNG fuel refilling station. Assuming sufficient temperature stratification in the station bulk storage tank (as would be expected in a vertical tank rather than a horizontal tank), the pan of the previous embodiment may be omitted and heat may be exchanged between the cryogenic liquid in the heat exchanger and the warm vapor in the tank head space. The third embodiment is therefore similar to the second embodiment, but the system 1210 does not include an elevated pan in the tank. Instead, the distribution lines run through a tank heat exchanger 1244 that is located in the upper portion or head space of the tank 1212.

[0037]

[0040] The cryogenic liquid distribution system 1210 includes a reservoir 1212 defining an area that holds cryogenic liquid 1214 along with a vapor headspace 1216 above the cryogenic liquid 1214. A first supply conduit or line 1218 is in liquid communication with a lower portion of the reservoir 1212 via a first end 1218a and in liquid communication at a second end 1218b with a pump 1220 that is submerged in a separate container or sump 1222. Liquid from the reservoir 1212 flows into the sump 1222 so as to be in liquid communication with an inlet of the pump 1220 and to submerge the pump 1220 in liquid to maintain adequate cooling of the pump 1220. A first supply valve 1224 is disposed in the first supply line 1218 between a first end 1218a of the first supply line 1218 at the lower portion of the reservoir 1212 and a second end 1218b of the first supply line 1218 at the pump 1220.

[0038]

[0041] 2, except that the reservoir heat exchanger 1244 directly cools the vapor in the headspace of the reservoir instead of liquid in a dedicated pan. The warmed vapor transfers heat through the heat exchanger 1244 to the cryogenic liquid therein, which removes heat from the reservoir headspace and thus the distribution system.

[0039]

[0042] A distribution conduit or line 1240 is in fluid communication with the pump 1220 and a conditioning system 1250 that includes a conditioning heat exchanger. The distribution line 1240 proceeds from the pump 1220 into the reservoir 1212 at location 1240c and exits the reservoir at location 1240d before heading to the conditioning heat exchanger at location 1240b. The distribution line extends through an upper portion of the reservoir 1212. This portion of the distribution line may include a heat exchanger 1244. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchanger may be a multi-flow heat exchanger, but may also be any heat exchanger known in the art.

[0040]

[0043] A circulation process conduit or line 1226 is in fluid communication at a first end 1226a with a regulation system 1250, specifically a regulation heat exchanger, to allow recirculation of the cryogenic liquid if desired, and in fluid communication at a second end 1226b with an upper portion of the reservoir 1212. A circulation process valve 1228 is disposed in the circulation process line 1226 between the first end 1226a of the circulation process line 1226 at the regulation system 1250 and the second end 1226b at an upper location above the reservoir 1212.

[0041]

[0044] As in the previous embodiment, a regulation system 1250 is connected to a product line 1230 for distributing the cryogenic liquid to a user vehicle.

[0045] A fourth embodiment of a cryogenic liquid distribution system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated generally at 1310 in Figure 4 and is shown generally as an LNG refueling station. The fourth embodiment of Figure 4 is similar to the second embodiment of Figure 2, except that the system 1310 of Figure 4 arranges a pump 1320 in the cryogenic storage tank 1312.

[0042]

[0046] The fourth embodiment system 1310 may be operated in a similar manner to the second embodiment system 1110, but the pump is located inside the reservoir as opposed to outside the reservoir and in a sump. The pump is therefore cooled by the cryogenic liquid in the reservoir and does not require the sump of FIGS. 1-3 or other separate thermal management.

[0043]

[0047] Cryogenic liquid distribution system 1310 includes a reservoir 1312 that defines an area that holds cryogenic liquid 1314 along with a vapor head space 1316 above the cryogenic liquid 1314. Liquid from reservoir 1312 flows to an inlet of a pump 1320. The liquid from reservoir 1312 is utilized as a cooling solution for pump 1320.

[0044]

[0048] A drip pan 1334 is provided that defines an area configured to hold cryogenic liquid 1335 at an elevated height above a lower portion of the reservoir 1312, the drip pan 1334 being in fluid communication with the reservoir 1312. The drip pan 1334 is hung within the reservoir 1312, within an upper portion or headspace of the reservoir 1312, and has an upwardly facing opening.

[0045]

[0049] A distribution conduit or line 1340 is in fluid communication with the pump 1320 and a conditioning system 1350 including a conditioning heat exchanger. The distribution line 1340 proceeds from a first end 1340a at the pump 1320 inside the reservoir 1312, to a basin 1334 at location 1340c, and exits the reservoir 1312 at location 1340d. A portion of the distribution line within the reservoir 1312 is within the basin 1334. This portion of the distribution line may include a reservoir heat exchanger 1344. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger may be a multi-flow heat exchanger, but may also be any heat exchanger known in the art.

[0046]

[0050] A circulation process conduit or line 1326 is in fluid communication at a first end 1326a with a regulation system 1350, specifically a regulation heat exchanger, to allow recirculation of the cryogenic liquid if desired, and in fluid communication at a second end 1326b with an upper portion of the reservoir 1312. Preferably, the circulation process line is in fluid communication with a receiver 1334. A circulation process valve 1328 is disposed within the circulation process line 1326 between the first end 1326a of the circulation process line 1326 at the regulation system 1350 and the second end 1326b at an upper location above the reservoir 1312.

[0047]

[0051] The conditioning system 1350 is connected to a product line 1330 for distributing the cryogenic liquid to a vehicle or other use device.

[0052] In summary, including a reservoir heat exchanger within the upper portion of the cryogenic reservoir and routing cooling liquid to the reservoir heat exchanger via a distribution line helps dissipate heat into the pumped cryogenic liquid, such as LNG, for distribution to the utilization vehicles.

[0048]

[0053] It will be further appreciated that while these solutions resulting in better thermal management within the reservoir may be applied to any horizontal reservoir for use in a cryogenic liquid distribution system, the above solutions may be applied to any vertical reservoir (a reservoir having a vertical cross-sectional area that is greater than its horizontal cross-sectional area) for use in a cryogenic fluid distribution system.

[0049]

[0054] The cross-sections of the tubes / conduits of the present disclosure may have a variety of shapes, such as circles, ellipses, squares, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, polygons, and other shapes.

[0055] The distribution system, specifically the reservoirs and pipes / conduits, may be made from copper alloys, nickel alloys, carbon, stainless steel, or any other material known in the art.

[0050]

[0056] The dispensing systems disclosed above may include devices or gauges for reading different characteristics of the reservoirs. These devices or gauges may indicate pressure, temperature, differential pressure, liquid level, and others.

[0051]

[0057] The reservoir of the distribution system described above includes at least one pipe for injecting or withdrawing liquefied natural gas from the reservoir. In one embodiment, there is a separate injector pipe and a separate withdrawer pipe. There may also be other paths from the reservoir inner vessel for injecting and removing liquid. The injector and withdrawer pipes may be any suitable conduit for carrying or allowing the flow of fluid therethrough.

[0052]

[0058] The valves disclosed in the above embodiments may be automatic valves. The valves disclosed in the above embodiments may optionally be one-way or check valves, allowing fluid to flow in one direction. The valves may have two openings, one for the fluid to flow in and one for the fluid to flow out. By way of example only, but not limited to, the valves may be ball check valves, tilted disk check valves, swing check valves or stop-check valves. The valves may also be isolation valves that regulate the flow of fluid in a piping system. The valves may function to start and stop the flow of liquid when desired. This function may be performed by an open / close setting. There are a number of different types of isolation valves that may be used. By way of example only, but not limited to, the isolation valves may be globe valves, ball valves and gate valves.

[0053]

[0059] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made in those embodiments without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims that follow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1010 Cryogenic fluid distribution system, cryogenic liquid distribution system, system 1012 Storage tank 1014 Cryogenic Liquid 1016 Steam head gap 1018 First supply conduit or line, first supply line 1018a first end 1018b Second end 1020 Pump 1022 Separate container or reservoir, reservoir 1024 First supply valve 1026 Circulation treatment conduits or pipelines, circulation treatment pipelines 1026a first end 1026b Second end 1028 Circulation treatment valve 1029 Joint 1030 Product line 1032 Valve 1034 Saucer 1035 Cryogenic Liquids 1036 Second supply conduit or pipeline, second supply pipeline, pipeline 1036a first end 1036b second end 1038 Second supply valve, valve 1040 Distribution ducts or pipelines, distribution pipe lines 1040a first end 1040b Second place, location 1050 Adjustment System 1052 Regulated heat exchanger 1054 Valve 1056 Valve 1058 Valve 1060 Detour pipe 1060a Detour pipeline entrance, detour entrance 1060b Detour pipe outlet 1110 Cryogenic liquid distribution system, system 1112 Storage tank 1114 Cryogenic Liquids 1116 Vapor head gap 1118 First supply conduit or pipeline, first supply pipeline 1118a First end 1118b Second end 1120 Pump 1122 Separate container or reservoir, reservoir 1124 First supply valve 1126 Circulation treatment conduits or pipelines, circulation treatment pipelines 1126a first end 1126b Second end 1128 Circulation treatment valve 1130 Product line 1134 saucer 1135 Cryogenic Liquids 1140 Distribution ducts or pipelines, distribution pipe lines 1140a first end 1140c location 1140d Location 1144 Storage tank heat exchanger 1150 Adjustment System 1152 Regulated heat exchanger 1210 Cryogenic liquid distribution system, system 1212 Storage tank 1214 Cryogenic Liquids 1216 Vapor head space 1218 First supply conduit or pipeline, first supply pipeline 1218a First end 1218b Second end 1220 Pump 1222 Separate container or reservoir, reservoir 1224 First supply valve 1226 Circulation treatment conduits or pipelines, circulation treatment pipelines 1226a First end 1226b Second end 1228 Circulation treatment valve 1230 Product line 1240 Distribution ducts or pipelines, distribution pipe lines 1240b Location 1240c Location 1240d Location 1244 Storage tank heat exchanger, heat exchanger 1250 Adjustment System 1310 Cryogenic liquid distribution systems, systems 1312 Cryogenic storage tanks, storage tanks 1314 Cryogenic Liquids 1316 Vapor head gap 1320 Pump 1326 Circulation treatment conduits or pipelines, circulation treatment pipelines 1326a First end 1326b Second end 1328 Circulation treatment valve 1330 Product line 1334 saucer 1335 Cryogenic Liquids 1340 Distribution ducts or pipelines, distribution pipe lines 1340a First end 1340c Location 1340d Location 1344 Storage tank heat exchanger 1350 Adjustment System

Claims

1. a reservoir defining an area for holding a cryogenic liquid; a basin in fluid communication with the reservoir, the basin defining an area configured to hold a cryogenic liquid at an elevated height above a lower portion of the reservoir; A pump, a first supply line in fluid communication with the lower portion of the reservoir and configured to selectively direct cryogenic liquid from the reservoir to the pump; a regulating heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid; a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and configured to direct cryogenic liquid from the pump to an inlet of the regulating heat exchanger; a product line configured to direct liquid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger to a use device; a circulation process line configured to selectively direct fluid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger or from the product line to the receiving pan; a circulation process valve in fluid communication with the circulation process line; a second supply line in fluid communication with a lower portion of the basin and configured to selectively direct liquid from the basin to the pump; 1. A cryogenic fluid distribution system comprising:

2. a bypass pipeline having a bypass pipeline inlet connected to the distribution pipeline and a bypass pipeline outlet; a bypass valve arrangement configured to receive liquid from the pump and selectively direct the received liquid through the conditioning heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet, or both the conditioning heat exchanger and the bypass line inlet; a distribution valve arrangement in fluid communication with the conditioning heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet and configured to selectively direct received liquid through the circulation process line or the product line; The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2 , wherein the diversion valve arrangement includes at least two valves.

4. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 3 , wherein at least one valve is disposed on said distribution line and at least one valve is disposed on said bypass line.

5. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2 , wherein the diversion valve arrangement includes a single valve.

6. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 5 , wherein the single valve is disposed at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line.

7. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2 , wherein the distribution valve arrangement includes at least two valves.

8. 8. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 7, wherein at least one valve is disposed on the product line and at least one valve is disposed on the circulating process line.

9. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 2 , wherein the distribution valve arrangement includes a single valve.

10. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 9, wherein the single valve included in the distribution valve arrangement is positioned at the junction of the product line and the circulating process line.

11. 11. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is a horizontal reservoir.

12. 12. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the second supply line is in liquid communication with the first supply line at a location between the pump and a first supply valve.

13. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the drip pan is disposed inside the reservoir.

14. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 13 , wherein the drip pan is connected to an upper portion of the reservoir.

15. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 13 , wherein the drip pan is connected to a side wall of the reservoir.

16. a reservoir defining an area for holding a cryogenic liquid; A pump, a regulating heat exchanger configured to warm the cryogenic liquid; a distribution line in fluid communication with the pump and the regulating heat exchanger, the distribution line passing through an upper portion of the reservoir; a reservoir heat exchanger disposed on the distribution line within the upper portion of the reservoir; a product line configured to direct the liquid to a use device; a circulation process line configured to selectively direct fluid from an outlet of the conditioning heat exchanger or from the product line to the reservoir; a circulation process valve in fluid communication with the circulation process line; 1. A cryogenic fluid distribution system comprising:

17. a supply line in fluid communication with a lower portion of the reservoir and with the pump; a supply valve disposed in the supply line between the lower portion of the reservoir and the pump; 20. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, further comprising:

18. 18. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16 or 17, further comprising a basin in liquid communication with the reservoir, the basin defining an area configured to hold cryogenic liquid at an elevated height above a lower portion of the reservoir.

19. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the drip pan is within the reservoir.

20. 20. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the reservoir heat exchanger is disposed within the basin.

21. 21. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the reservoir heat exchanger is a coil heat exchanger.

22. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16 , wherein the pump is disposed within the reservoir.

23. 23. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 22, wherein the pump is in a lower portion of the reservoir.

24. a bypass pipeline having a bypass pipeline inlet connected to the distribution pipeline and a bypass pipeline outlet; a bypass valve arrangement configured to receive liquid from the pump and selectively direct the received liquid through the conditioning heat exchanger, the bypass line inlet, or both the conditioning heat exchanger and the bypass line inlet; a distribution valve arrangement in fluid communication with the conditioning heat exchanger outlet and the bypass line outlet and configured to selectively direct received liquid through the circulation process line or the product line; 20. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 16, further comprising:

25. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 24 , wherein the diversion valve arrangement includes at least two valves.

26. 26. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 25, wherein at least one valve is disposed on said distribution line and at least one valve is disposed on said bypass line.

27. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 24 , wherein the diversion valve arrangement includes a single valve.

28. 30. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 27, wherein the single valve is disposed at the junction of the bypass line inlet and the distribution line.

29. 29. A cryogenic fluid distribution system as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the distribution valve arrangement includes at least two valves.

30. 30. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 29, wherein at least one valve is disposed on the product line and at least one valve is disposed on the circulating process line.

31. 29. A cryogenic fluid distribution system as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the distribution valve arrangement comprises a single valve.

32. 32. The cryogenic fluid distribution system of claim 31, wherein the valve is located at a junction of the product line and the circulating process line.

33. 33. A cryogenic fluid distribution system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 32, wherein the reservoir is a horizontal reservoir.

34. 1. A method for controlling heat in a cryogenic fluid distribution system, comprising: a. storing a cryogenic liquid in a reservoir; b. pumping the cryogenic liquid into a regulation system; c. distributing the regulated cryogenic fluid from said regulation system through a product line to a user device; d. circulating fluid from said regulating system or said product line to a receiver disposed in the headspace of said reservoir so as to condense vapor within the headspace of said reservoir; A method comprising:

35. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising cooling the fluid in the basin.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the fluid in the basin is cooled using a cryogenic liquid as the cryogenic liquid is pumped into the regulating system in step b.

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