STEAMER WITH DEFROST FUNCTION

MX431235BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-25CHART INC
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
MX2022014114
Authority / Receiving Office
MX · MX
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-05-13
Filing Date
2022-11-10
Publication Date
2026-02-25
Estimated Expiration
2041-05-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Frost or ice accumulation on the outer surface of vaporizers used to convert liquefied gases to a gaseous state can cause damage and negatively affect coil performance and heat transfer, necessitating an effective defrosting solution.

Method used

A vaporizer system with a defrost function utilizing a first and second vaporizer, trim heaters, and a series of valves to regulate fluid flow, allowing heated steam from one vaporizer to defrost the other, thereby preventing frost buildup.

Benefits of technology

Effectively defrosts vaporizers, maintaining system integrity and enhancing heat transfer efficiency by using heated steam to melt frost, ensuring continuous operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure MX431235B0
    Figure MX431235B0
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A vaporizer system (1) includes a defrosting function along with the ability to convert liquefied gas into a usable gas. The vaporizer system includes a first (10) and a second (20) vaporizers and piping (11) that transfers the fluid from an inlet port (80) to an outlet port (90), with a portion of the piping located between the first and second vaporizers. The system also includes a trimmer heater (30) and a number of valves (51-54, 61-64) to regulate the flow of fluid through the transfer piping. The valves can be arranged in a first configuration in which the vapor from the first vaporizer is heated and directed to the second vaporizer, thereby defrosting the second vaporizer, and in a second configuration in which the vapor from the second vaporizer is heated and directed to the first vaporizer, thereby defrosting the first vaporizer.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

STEAMER WITH DEFROST FUNCTION FIELD OF INVENTION This description refers in general to vaporizers for cryogenic fluids and, more particularly, to a vaporizer with a defrosting function for use with a cryogenic tank or system to convert liquefied gas into usable gas. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Industrial gases, such as natural gas, are advantageously stored or transported in a liquefied state because they occupy a much smaller volume (natural gas, for example, is 1 / 600th of its gaseous state). Liquefied gases are then re-vaporized back into a gaseous state for use at a site or system. Several types of vaporizers can be used to convert this liquefied gas into a usable gaseous state. Cryogenic systems may use ambient air, circulating water, electric, fuel, steam, or water bath vaporizers. Ambient air vaporizers are desirable due to their low maintenance requirements and minimal environmental impact. Ambient air vaporizers use jets or fans to force air in to heat the liquefied gases and convert them to a gaseous state. When the cooled liquid (in the case of the gas) Ref. 340184 natural ~-160°C) enters the vaporizer(s) from ambient air and the vaporization system. Frost or ice may accumulate on the outer surface of the vaporizer(s) due to interaction with the humid ambient air. Prolonged freezing or frosting can damage the vaporizer and the vaporization system piping and may also negatively affect coil performance and heat transfer. It is desirable to provide a vaporizer system with an effective defrosting function to provide a solution for frosted and / or frozen vaporizers and / or vaporization systems and to convert liquefied gas into usable gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Several aspects of the subject matter herein may be incorporated separately or jointly into the methods, devices, and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be used alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects as a whole is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or the claim of such aspects separately or in different combinations as set forth in the appended claims. In one aspect, a vaporization system includes a first vaporizer, a second vaporizer, piping, at least one trim heater, and a plurality of valves. The piping is configured to transfer fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port, with a portion of the piping between the first and second vaporizers. The plurality of valves serves to regulate the flow of fluid through the piping. The valves can be arranged in a first configuration where the vapor from the first vaporizer is heated and directed to the second vaporizer to defrost it, and in a second configuration where the vapor from the second vaporizer is heated and directed to the first vaporizer to defrost it. In another aspect, a method for defrosting a vaporizer in a vaporization system having at least a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer includes placing a plurality of vaporization system valves in a first configuration, directing a fluid from the system inlet port through the first vaporizer and a trim heater to produce a first heated fluid, defrosting the second vaporizer by passing the first heated fluid through the second vaporizer, and directing the first heated fluid to the system outlet port, placing a plurality of vaporization system valves in a second configuration, directing a fluid from the inlet port through the second vaporizer and a trim heater to produce a second heated fluid, defrosting the first vaporizer by passing the second heated fluid through the first vaporizer,and directing the second heated fluid to the system's outlet port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of one modality of a vaporizer system of the present description. Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of one mode of the defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 1 of the present description. Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of one mode of a defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 1 of the present description. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of another modality of a vaporizing system of the present description. Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of one mode of a defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 4 of the present description. Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of one mode of a defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 4 of the present description. Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of another modality of a vaporizing system of the present description. Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of one mode of a defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 7 of the present description. Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of one mode of a defrosting operation of the vaporization system of Fig. 7 of the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One version of the description provides a vaporizer system with a defrosting function, eliminating the problem of frozen or frosted vaporizers. The vaporizer also functions to convert liquefied gas into a gas for use in a cryogenic system. A first modality of the vaporizer system of the present description is indicated in general in 1 in Figure 1. Vaporizer system 1 has a first vaporizer 10 and a second vaporizer 20. Although two vaporizers are shown, more vaporizers can be included in vaporizer system 1. The vaporizer system 1 includes pipes 11 that connect various system components. The pipes can be made of any material suitable for handling the temperature range, including, but not limited to, metals or plastics. In certain configurations, the pipes may be insulated. The cross-sections of this pipe and other structures can have various shapes, such as a circle, ellipse, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, polygon, and other shapes. The pipe includes an inlet port 80 and an outlet port 90. Although specific details are not shown in the Figures, both the inlet and outlet ports of the pipe (80 and 90) may feature a number of specific fittings. For example, each may include a removable and reusable seal. Each outlet may also include a valve or a vent. The vaporizer system 1 includes a series of valves, including the inner valves 61, 62, 63 and 64 and the outer valves 51, 52, 53 and 54. The inner and outer valves can be of different types. Internal valves 61, 62, 63, and 64 can be either one-way or check valves, allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. The valves may have two openings, one for fluid to enter and one for it to exit. As shown in Figure 1, valves 61 and 62 allow fluid to flow inward, and valves 63 and 64 allow fluid to flow outward. Fluid will flow toward one valve rather than the other due to pressure differences across the valves. If the pressure on the outlet side of the valve is higher than on the inlet side, the valve will close. Examples of valve types include, but are not limited to, ball check valves, swing disc check valves, reciprocating check valves, and shut-off check valves. External valves 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be isolation valves that regulate the flow of liquid in a pipeline. The valve can operate to start and stop the flow of liquid as desired. This function can be accomplished by an open / close adjustment. There are several types of isolation valves that can be used. By way of example only, isolation valves can be, but are not limited to, globe valves, ball valves, and gate valves. In certain configurations, globe valves are used. The vaporizer system 1 also includes at least one adjustment heater 30. The vaporizer system 1 may also include an optional adjustment heater 40. The adjustment heater 30 may be located in a section of tubing 11 between vaporizers 10 and 20. Adjustment heaters 30 and 40 may be of any effective heater type. Adjustment heaters may be electric, gas, air, or liquid-filled. In one embodiment of this description, the adjustment heaters are electric heaters. The vaporizer system 1 may also include one or more line safety devices 70. The line safety device 70 may be a vent system or valve that activates when pressure builds up within the system and requires release. These vents or valves may be located along the vaporizer system at various points and, in the case of vents, may vent directly to the atmosphere or route through additional piping for further processing. A control system may include a controller and, optionally, several sensors (such as pressure and temperature sensors) placed on or within the system. The controller can be used to control various parts of the vaporization system, such as the adjustment heaters, valves, inlet ports, and outlet ports. The controller may be wired or wireless and communicates with the optional sensors and the system components it controls. The controller includes a processor or other computer device and may be programmable to regulate or initiate processes based on certain events or status information, including setting the system to the configurations described below. The controller may also provide information such as historical data or various types of indicators to a user. Although not shown in the Figures, one or more cryogenic tanks can be connected to the inlet port 80 to serve as a liquid source and gas destination. The cryogenic tank can store a variety of cryogenic liquids. For example, cryogenic liquids can be at least one of the following: nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, krypton, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and oxygen, although other types of gases are within the scope of this description. In a preferred embodiment, the cryogenic tank is used to store liquefied natural gas. The cryogenic tank supplies cryogenic liquid to the inlet port 80, and the vaporization system can direct a resulting use gas to a process or device through the outlet port 90. Inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporization system 1 may be connected to the cryogenic tank(s) (or other liquid source) and / or the device(s) in use by means of flexible hoses. As an alternative to flexible hoses, the system piping may be connected to the tanks, processes, and / or devices in use by any other known means of connection, including, but not limited to, insulated piping. The means of connection may be permanent or temporary and may consist of any suitable pipe, tube, hose, or conduit. In addition, inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporization system 1 may be connected to the tank(s), device(s) in use, and / or process(es) by lines that include one or more valves for directing the fluid. The vaporizer system 1 may include devices or gauges to read different tank characteristics. These devices or gauges can display pressure, temperature, differential pressure, liquid level, etc. The devices or gauges can communicate with the controller and trigger actions based on certain levels or readings. Figure 2 illustrates a first defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 1 described herein, with the fluid flow direction shown by arrows 100. Valves 51 and 54 are closed. When vaporizer 20 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted to gas, a liquid source (such as a cryogenic liquid tank) supplies liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 53 to vaporizer 10. The liquid vaporizes and is converted to gas through vaporizer 10 and is directed through internal valve 61 to the adjustment heater 30. The gas is heated in the adjustment heater 30 and passes through internal valve 64 to vaporizer 20. The heated gas defrosts vaporizer 20 and flows through the open external valve 52 to outlet 90.The gas can pass through the optional 40 adjustment heater and exit through outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature. In one mode, the appropriate temperature is approximately 21.11°C (70°F). ML / a / ZUZZ / U 14 114 Figure 3 illustrates a second defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 1 described herein, with the fluid flow shown by arrows 101. Valves 52 and 53 are closed. When the vaporizer 10 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted to gas, the liquid source provides liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 54 to the vaporizer 20. The liquid is vaporized and converted to gas through the vaporizer 20 and directed through the internal valve 62 to the adjustment heater 30. The gas is heated in the adjustment heater 30 and passes through the internal valve 63 to the vaporizer 10. The heated gas defrosts the vaporizer 10 and flows through the open external valve 51 to the outlet 90. The gas can pass through the optional adjustment heater 40 and exit through the outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature.In one mode, the appropriate temperature is approximately 21.11°C (70°F). A second modality of the vaporizer system of the present description is indicated in general in 2 in Figure 4. Vaporizer system 2 has a first vaporizer 10 and a second vaporizer 20. Although two vaporizers are shown, more vaporizers can be included in vaporizer system 2. The vaporizer system 2 includes pipes 11 that connect various system components. The pipes can be made of any material suitable for handling the temperature range, including, but not limited to, metals or plastics. In certain configurations, the pipes may be insulated. The cross-sections of this pipe and other structures can have various shapes, such as a circle, ellipse, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, polygon, and other shapes. The pipe includes an inlet port 80 and an outlet port 90. Although specific details are not shown in the Figures, both the inlet and outlet ports of pipe 80 and 90 may feature a number of specific fittings. For example, each may include a removable and reusable seal. Each outlet may also include a valve or a vent. The vaporizer system 2 includes a series of valves, including the inner valves 61, 62, 63 and 64 and the outer valves 51, 52, 53 and 54. The inner and outer valves can be of different types. Internal valves 61, 62, 63, and 64 can be either one-way or check valves, allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. The valves may have two openings, one for fluid to enter and one for it to exit. As shown in Figure 4, valves 61 and 62 allow fluid to flow inward, and valves 63 and 64 allow fluid to flow outward. Fluid will flow toward one valve rather than the other due to pressure differences across the valves. If the pressure on the outlet side of the valve is higher than on the inlet side, the valve will close. Examples of valve types include, but are not limited to, ball check valves, swing disc check valves, reciprocating check valves, and shut-off check valves. External valves 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be isolation valves that regulate the flow of liquid in a pipeline. The valve can operate to start and stop the flow of liquid as desired. This function can be accomplished by an open / close adjustment. There are several types of isolation valves that can be used. By way of example only, isolation valves can be, but are not limited to, globe valves, ball valves, and gate valves. In certain configurations, globe valves are used. Vaporizer System 2 also includes at least one adjustment heater. Vaporizer System 2 can use two adjustment heaters, 31 and 32. Adjustment heaters 31 and 32 can be any type of effective heater. As shown in Figure 4, vaporizers 10 and 20 can each have one adjustment heater (31 and 32) located inside the vaporizer. Although the adjustment heaters are shown near the top of the vaporizers, they can be arranged in multiple ways within the vaporizers. The heaters can be electric, gas, air, or liquid-powered. In one embodiment of the present description, the adjustment heaters are electric. The vaporizer system may also include one or more Line 70 safety devices. A Line 70 safety device may be a vent or valve that activates when pressure builds up within the system and requires release. These vents or valves may be located along the vaporizer system at various points and, in the case of vents, may vent directly to the atmosphere or route through additional piping for further processing. A control system may include a controller and, optionally, several sensors (such as pressure and temperature sensors) placed on or within the system. The controller can be used to control various parts of the vaporization system, such as the adjustment heaters, valves, inlet ports, and outlet ports. The controller may be wired or wireless and communicates with the optional sensors and the system components it controls. The controller includes a processor or other computing device and may be programmable to regulate or initiate processes based on certain events or status information, including setting the system to the configurations described below. The controller may also provide information such as historical data or various types of indicators to a user. Although not shown in the Figures, one or more cryogenic tanks can be connected to the inlet port 80 to serve as a liquid source and gas destination. The cryogenic tank can store a variety of cryogenic liquids. For example, the cryogenic liquid can be at least one of the following: nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, krypton, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and oxygen, although other types of gases are within the scope of this description. In a preferred embodiment, the cryogenic tank is used to store liquefied natural gas. The cryogenic tank supplies cryogenic liquid to the inlet port 80, and the vaporization system can direct a resulting use gas to a process or device through the outlet port 90. Inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporizer system 2 may be connected to the cryogenic tank(s) (or other liquid source) and / or the device(s) in use by means of flexible hoses. As an alternative to flexible hoses, the system piping may be connected to the tanks, processes, and / or devices in use by any other known means of connection, including, but not limited to, insulated piping. The means of connection may be permanent or temporary and may consist of any suitable pipe, tube, hose, or conduit. In addition, inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporizer system 2 may be connected to the tank(s), device(s) in use, and / or process(es) by lines that include one or more valves for directing the fluid. The vaporizer system 2 may include devices or gauges for reading different tank characteristics. These devices or gauges can display pressure, temperature, differential pressure, liquid level, etc. The devices or gauges can communicate with the controller and trigger actions based on certain levels or readings. Figure 5 illustrates a first defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 2 of the present description, with the direction of fluid flow shown by arrows 200. Valves 51 and 54 are closed. When vaporizer 20 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted into gas, a liquid source (such as a cryogenic liquid tank) supplies liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 53 to vaporizer 10. The liquid is vaporized and converted into gas through vaporizer 10 and is heated by the adjustment heater 31. The gas is then directed through the internal valve 61 to vaporizer 20. The gas passes through the internal valve 64 to vaporizer 20. The heated gas defrosts vaporizer 20 and is heated by the second adjustment heater 32. The heated gas then flows through the open external valve 52 to outlet 90.The gas exits through outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature. In one mode, the appropriate temperature is approximately 21.11°C (70°F). Figure 6 illustrates a second defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 2 of the present description, with the fluid flow shown by arrows 201. Valves 52 and 53 are closed. When vaporizer 10 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted into gas, a liquid source (such as a cryogenic liquid tank) supplies liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 54 to vaporizer 20. The liquid vaporizes and is converted into gas in vaporizer 20 and heated by the adjustment heater 32. The gas is then directed through the internal valve 62 to vaporizer 10. The gas passes through the internal valve 63 to vaporizer 20. The heated gas defrosts vaporizer 20 and is heated by the adjustment heater 31. The heated gas then flows through the open external valve 51 to outlet 90.The gas exits through outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature. In one mode, the appropriate temperature is approximately 21.11°C (70°F). A third modality of the vaporizer system of the present description is indicated in general at 3 in Figure 7. Vaporizer system 3 has a first vaporizer 10 and a second vaporizer 20. Although two vaporizers are shown, more vaporizers may be included in vaporizer system 3. The vaporizer system 3 includes pipes 11 that connect various system components. The pipes can be made of any material suitable for handling the temperature range, including, but not limited to, metals or plastics. In certain configurations, the pipes may be insulated. The cross-sections of this pipe and other structures can have various shapes, such as a circle, ellipse, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, polygon, and other shapes. The pipe includes an inlet port 80 and an outlet port 90. Although specific details are not shown in the Figures, both the inlet and outlet ports of pipe 80 and 90 may feature a number of specific fittings. For example, each may include a removable and reusable seal. Each outlet may also include a valve or a vent. The vaporizer system 3 includes a series of valves, including the inner valves 61, 62, 63 and 64 and the outer valves 51, 52, 53 and 54. The inner and outer valves can be of different types. Internal valves 61, 62, 63, and 64 can be either one-way valves or check valves, allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. The valves may have two openings, one for fluid to enter and one for it to exit. As shown in Figure 7, valves 61 and 62 allow fluid to flow inward, and valves 63 and 64 allow fluid to flow outward. Fluid will flow toward one valve rather than the other due to pressure differences across the valves. If the pressure on the outlet side of the valve is higher than on the inlet side, the valve will close. Examples of valve types include, but are not limited to, ball check valves, swing disc check valves, reciprocating check valves, and shut-off check valves. External valves 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be isolation valves that regulate the flow of liquid in a pipeline. The valve can operate to start and stop the flow of liquid as desired. This function can be accomplished by an open / close adjustment. There are several types of isolation valves that can be used. By way of example only, isolation valves can be, but are not limited to, globe valves, ball valves, and gate valves. In certain configurations, globe valves are used. The vaporization system 3 also includes at least one adjustment heater. Preferably, as shown in Figure 7, the vaporization system 3 includes at least two adjustment heaters, 33 and 34. Adjustment heaters 33 and 34 can be located in a section of piping 11 between vaporizers 10 and 20. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 7, the adjustment heaters can be located between the outer valves 51 and 52 and the inner valves 61 and 62. Adjustment heaters 33 and 34 can be of any effective heater type. The adjustment heaters can be electric, gas, air, or liquid heaters. In one embodiment of the present description, the heaters are electric. The vaporizer system may also include one or more Line 70 safety devices. A Line 70 safety device may be a vent or valve that activates when pressure builds up within the system and requires release. These vents or valves may be located at various points in the vaporizer system and, in the case of vents, may vent directly to the atmosphere or route through additional piping for further processing. A control system may include a controller and, optionally, several sensors (such as pressure and temperature sensors) placed on or within the system. The controller can be used to control various parts of the vaporization system, such as the adjustment heaters, valves, inlet ports, and outlet ports. The controller may be wired or wireless and communicates with the optional sensors and the system components it controls. The controller includes a processor or other computing device and may be programmable to regulate or initiate processes based on certain events or status information, including setting the system to the configurations described below. The controller may also provide information such as historical data or various types of indicators to a user. Although not shown in the Figures, one or more cryogenic tanks can be connected to the inlet port 80 to serve as a liquid source and gas destination. The cryogenic tank can store a variety of cryogenic liquids. For example, cryogenic liquids can be at least one of the following: nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, krypton, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and oxygen, although other types of gases are within the scope of this description. In a preferred embodiment, the cryogenic tank is used to store liquefied natural gas. The cryogenic tank supplies cryogenic liquid to the inlet port 80, and the vaporization system can direct a resulting use gas to a process or device through the outlet port 90. Inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporizer system 3 may be connected to the cryogenic tank(s) (or other liquid source) and / or the device(s) in use by means of flexible hoses. As an alternative to flexible hoses, the system piping may be connected to the tanks, processes, and / or devices in use by any other known means of connection, including, but not limited to, insulated piping. The means of connection may be permanent or temporary and may consist of any suitable pipe, tube, hose, or conduit. In addition, inlet and outlet ports 80 and 90 of vaporizer system 3 may be connected to the tank(s), device(s) in use, and / or process(es) by lines that include one or more valves for directing the fluid. The vaporizer system 3 may include devices or gauges to read different tank characteristics. These devices or gauges can display pressure, temperature, differential pressure, liquid level, etc. The devices or pressure gauges can be in communication with the controller and trigger actions based on certain levels or readings. Figure 8 illustrates a first defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 3 of the present description, with the fluid direction shown by arrows 300. Valves 51 and 54 are closed. When vaporizer 20 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted into gas, a liquid source (such as a cryogenic liquid tank) supplies liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 53 to vaporizer 10. The liquid vaporizes and is converted into gas by the vaporizer 10 and is directed through the internal valve 61 to the adjustment heater 34. The gas is heated in the heater 34 and passes through the internal valve 64 to vaporizer 20. The heated gas defrosts the vaporizer 20 and flows through the open external valve 52 to outlet 90. The gas can then pass through the adjustment heater 33 and exit through outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature.In one mode, the appropriate temperature is approximately 21.11°C (70°F). Figure 9 illustrates a second defrosting configuration of the vaporizer system 3 of the present description, with the fluid flow shown by the arrows. 301. Valves 52 and 53 are closed. When vaporizer 10 needs to be defrosted and the liquid converted into gas, the liquid source provides liquid at the inlet port 80. The liquid passes through pipe 11 and the open external valve 54 to vaporizer 20. The liquid is vaporized and converted into gas through vaporizer 20 and directed through internal valve 62 to the adjustment heater 34. The gas is heated in heater 34 and passes through internal valve 63 to vaporizer 10. The heated gas defrosts vaporizer 10 and flows through the open external valve 51 to outlet 90. The gas can then pass through the adjustment heater 33 and exit through outlet 90 as a gas at the appropriate temperature. Although preferred modalities of the description have been shown and described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made to it without departing from the spirit of the description, the scope of which is defined in the following claims. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A vaporizing system, characterized in that it comprises: a first vaporizer; a second vaporizer; piping configured to transfer the fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port with a portion of the piping between the first and second vaporizers; at least one trim heater; and a plurality of valves for regulating the flow of the fluid through the transfer piping; wherein the valves can be arranged in a first configuration in which the vapor from the first vaporizer is heated and directed to the second vaporizer to defrost the second vaporizer, and a second configuration in which the vapor from the second vaporizer is heated and directed to the first vaporizer to defrost the first vaporizer.

2. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one heater is located in the transfer pipe portion between the first and second vaporizer.

3. The vaporizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one heater is within a first or second vaporizer.

4. The vaporizer system according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises an additional adjustment heater within a first or second vaporizer.

5. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an additional heater placed in the transfer pipe between the vaporizers and the outlet port.

6. The vaporizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of valves includes a set of inner valves and a set of outer valves.

7. The vaporizing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the internal assembly of valves are one-way valves.

8. The vaporizing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the internal assembly of valves are check valves.

9. The vaporizer system according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer valve assembly consists of isolation valves.

10. The vaporizing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer valve assembly consists of globe valves.

11. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first vaporizer is an ambient air vaporizer.

12. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second vaporizer is an ambient air vaporizer.

13. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second vaporizers are ambient air vaporizers.

14. The vaporizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a third vaporizer.

15. The vaporizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a controller.

16. The vaporizing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a safety valve.

17. A method for defrosting vaporizers in a vaporizer system having at least a first vaporizer and a second vaporizer, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: placing a plurality of vaporizer system valves in a first configuration; directing a fluid from a system inlet port through the first vaporizer and a trim heater to produce a first heated fluid; defrosting the second vaporizer by passing the first heated fluid through the second vaporizer; directing the first heated fluid to the system outlet port; placing a plurality of vaporizer system valves in a second configuration; directing a fluid from the system inlet port through the second vaporizer and a trim heater to produce a second heated fluid; defrosting the first vaporizer by passing the second heated fluid through the first vaporizer;and direct the second heated fluid towards the system's outlet port.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the fluid enters the inlet port as a liquid and exits the outlet port as a gas.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the plurality of valves is controlled by a controller.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises directing the heated fluid through a second heater.