Natural gas liquid modular terminal

Abstract

A natural gas liquid interconnected large pipe storage facility for natural gas liquid wholesale transfer with a proprietary modular manufacturing pipe interface for vapor recovery to aid in the transfer of liquified petroleum gas on an exceptionally small footprint. The natural gas liquid modular terminal may comprise a lower pipe, an upper pipe located above and running parallel to the lower pipe where the upper pipe is in fluid communication with the lower pipe, one or more bulkheads, one or more compressors, and one or more pumps, where the lower pipe, upper pipe, bulkheads, compressors, and pumps are modular and capable of being assembled onsite according to the needs of a user. The natural gas liquid modular terminal may comprise a vapor diffuser inside of the lower pipe.

Description

NATURAL GAS LIQUID MODULAR TERMINALBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCross Reference.

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 536,536 filed September 5, 2023.Field of the Invention.

[0002] This invention relates generally to a natural gas liquid modular terminal and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a natural gas liquid interconnected pipe facility for natural gas liquid wholesale transfer with a proprietary modular pipe interface for vapor recovery to aid in the transfer of liquified petroleum gas on an exceptionally small footprint.Description of the Related Art,

[0003] Natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), which are hydrocarbons and may include ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and pentane, are widely used for a variety of purposes. NGLs are sometimes referred to as liquified petroleum gas. When NGLs are transported via railcar, vapor may be unrecoverable during the transfer process. This is dangerous, as NGL vapor is highly flammable and can pose a significant risk if not handled properly. It is also economically undesirable, as it results in lost product. NGL vapor discharged to atmosphere is additionally an environmental risk, as NGLs are fossil fuels and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

[0004] Based on the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a terminal design that is focused on the temporary storage and transfer of NGLs while recovering residual vapor.

[0005] It is further desirable for the terminal to be modular.

[0006] It is further desirable for the terminal to have a small footprint.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a natural gas liquid modular terminal comprising a lower pipe, an upper pipe located above and running parallel to the lower pipe and where the upper pipe is in fluid communication with the lower pipe, one or more bulkheads, one or more compressors, and one or more pumps, where the lower pipe, upper pipe, bulkheads, compressors, and pumps are modular and capable of being assembled onsite according to the needs of a user.

[0008] The natural gas liquid modular terminal may further comprise one or more of the of the following: one or more rail towers; one or more gangways; and one or more stairways; where the rail towers, gangways, and / or stairways are modular and capable of being assembled onsite according to the needs of the user. The natural gas liquid modular terminal may further comprise a pair of vapor lines.

[0009] The natural gas liquid modular terminal may further comprise one or more liquid loading arms in fluid communication with the upper pipe and one or more vapor loading arms in fluid communication with a vapor line that connects to the one or more compressors. The natural gas liquid modular terminal may further comprise a safety cage at least partially surrounding the loading arms.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is top perspective view of the natural gas liquid modular terminal on site;

[0011] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0012] Figure 3 is a top view of a first section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of the first section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0015] Figure 6 is a top view of a second section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0016] Figure 7 is a side view of the second section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0017] Figure 8 is a top view of a third section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0018] Figure 9 is a side view of the third section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0019] Figure 10 is a top view of a fourth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0020] Figure 11 is a side view of the fourth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0021] Figure 12 is a top view of a fifth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0022] Figure 13 is a side view of the fifth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0023] Figure 14 is a top view of a sixth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0024] Figure 15 is a side view of the sixth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0025] Figure 16 is a top view of a seventh section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0026] Figure 17 is a side view of the seventh section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0027] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the single saddle;

[0028] Figure 19 is a top view of the single saddle;

[0029] Figure 20 is a side view of the single saddle;

[0030] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the double saddle;

[0031] Figure 22 is a top view of the double saddle;

[0032] Figure 23 is a side view of the double saddle;

[0033] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the double saddle;

[0034] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the A-frame saddle;

[0035] Figure 26 is a top view of the A-frame saddle;

[0036] Figure 27 is a side view of the A-frame saddle;

[0037] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the A-frame saddle;

[0038] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the rail tower bottom;

[0039] Figure 30 is a side view of the rail tower bottom;

[0040] Figure 31 is a front view of the rail tower bottom;

[0041] Figure 32 is a top view of the rail tower bottom;

[0042] Figure 33 is a top view of the plate of the rail tower bottom;

[0043] Figure 34 is a front view of the X-shaped support of the rail tower bottom;

[0044] Figure 35 is a front view of the rail tower top and gateway assembly;

[0045] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the rail tower top and gateway assembly;

[0046] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the rail tower top;

[0047] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the rail tower stairs;

[0048] Figure 39 is a side view of the rail tower stairs;

[0049] Figure 40 is a perspective view of the gangway assembly;

[0050] Figure 41 is a side view of the gangway assembly;

[0051] Figure 42 is a front view of the gangway assembly;

[0052] Figure 43 is a side view of the gangway assembly in a horizontal position with the extension in;

[0053] Figure 44 is a side view of the gangway assembly in a horizontal position with the extension out;

[0054] Figure 45 is a side view of the gangway assembly in a 15° decline position with the extension in;

[0055] Figure 46 is a side view of the gangway assembly in a 15° decline position with the extension out;

[0056] Figure 47 is a side view of the gangway assembly in a stored position;

[0057] Figure 48 is an overhead view of the rail car safety cage;

[0058] Figure 49 is a side view of the rail car safety cage with the gangway assembly in the horizontal position;

[0059] Figure 50 is a side view of he rail car safety cage with the gangway assembly in the stored position;

[0060] Figure 51 is a perspective view of the loading arm;

[0061] Figure 52 is a side view of the loading arm;

[0062] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the bulkhead skid;

[0063] Figure 54 is an overhead view of the bulkhead skid;

[0064] Figure 55 is a side view of the bulkhead skid;

[0065] Figure 56 is a back view of the bulkhead skid;

[0066] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the small hose hook;

[0067] Figure 58 is a side view of the small hose hook;

[0068] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the large hose hook;

[0069] Figure 60 is a side view of the large hose hook;

[0070] Figure 61 is a perspective view of the compressor assembly;

[0071] Figure 62 is a top view of the compressor assembly;

[0072] Figure 63 is a top view of the compressor line junction;

[0073] Figure 64 is a front view of the compressor assembly;

[0074] Figure 65 is a side view of the compressor assembly;

[0075] Figure 66 is a perspective view of the pump skid;

[0076] Figure 67 is a top view of the pump skid;

[0077] Figure 68 is a front view of the pump skid;

[0078] Figure 69 is a side view of the pump skid;

[0079] Figure 70 is a top view of the pump;

[0080] Figure 71 is a side view of the pump;

[0081] Figure 72 is a top view of the MCC building; and

[0082] Figure 73 is a side view of the MCC building.

[0083] Figure 74 is a view of the difluser connection and diffuser inside of the lower pipe.

[0084] Figure 75 is a top perspective view of the natural gas liquid modular terminal with the diffuser location identified.

[0085] Figure 76 is a cross-sectional view of the single saddle interface with the rail tower base.

[0086] Figure 77 is a side view of the single saddle interface with the rail tower base.

[0087] Figure 78 is a perspective view of the upper and lower pipes running through the rail tower base.

[0088] Figure 79 is a top view of a second embodiment of a first section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0089] Figure 80 is a side view of the second embodiment of the first section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0090] Figure 81 is a top view of a second embodiment of a second section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0091] Figure 82 is a side view of the second embodiment of the second section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0092] Figure 83 is a top view of a second embodiment of a third section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0093] Figure 84 is a side view of the second embodiment of the third section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0094] Figure 85 is a top view of a second embodiment of a fourth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0095] Figure 86 is a side view of the second embodiment of the fourth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0096] Figure 87 is a top view of a second embodiment of a fifth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0097] Figure 88 is a side view of the second embodiment of the fifth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0098] Figure 89 is a top view of a second embodiment of a sixth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0099] Figure 90 is a side view of the second embodiment of the sixth section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0100] Figure 91 is a top view of a second embodiment of a seventh section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0101] Figure 92 is a side view of the second embodiment of the seventh section of the natural gas liquid modular terminal;

[0102] Other advantages and features will be apparent from the following description and from the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0103] The devices and methods discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use this invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting in scope.

[0104] While the devices and methods have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the details of the construction and the arrangement of the devices and components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the devices and methods are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification.

[0105] In general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a natural gas liquid modular terminal. The terminal design may be focused on the storage and transfer of NGLs, specifically propane in the initial application, using an interconnected large high pressure pipe temporary storage interface. The use of an interconnected pipe temporary storage system may allow for more efficient use of space, which may be important given the limited footprint of the terminal. The interconnected pipes may be two or more pipes of any configuration. By way of example but not limitation, the two interconnected pipes may be configured with one pipe located above the other.

[0106] The terminal design may feature a proprietary modular manufacturing pipe interface for vapor recovery and high-capacity liquid transfer. This interface may be designed to aid in transferring of NGLs by providing a way to recover excess vapor volume that may be unrecoverable in a railcar during the transfer process. This is an important safety feature, as liquified propane gas vapor is highly flammable and can pose a significant risk if not handled properly. Railcars may be fully emptied once released back to the railroad. This may also be economically advantageous for the purchaser of the railcar product.

[0107] The modular manufacturing aspect of the pipe interface may allow for more efficient assembly and disassembly of the system, which may be useful for maintenance, redeployment of the asset, and upgrades.

[0108] In terms of overall terminal design, there are several other important factors to consider beyond just the temporary storage and transfer of NGLs. For example, safety is a critical concern, as NGLs can be dangerous if not handled properly. The terminal may be designed with all appropriate safety measures utilized today in a standard NGL distribution system. Further, without the need for large storage tank fields there is less volume at risk should an emergency situation arise. Environmental impact is another important consideration. NGLs are fossil fuels and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so this terminal design may limit the environmental footprint needed for NGL distribution with measures in place to minimize emissions. Further, since the terminal can be placed in advantageous rail sites across North America, the terminal design could aid in the use of low-emission vehicles for transport and energy-efficient lighting and heating systems in the surrounding marketplaces where deployed.

[0109] Finally, the terminal design takes into account the logistical requirements of the NGL wholesale transfer process. This could include factors such as access to transportation infrastructure, proximity to potential customers, and the availability of skilled labor in the area.

[0110] Specifically, as shown in the drawings, the NGL modular terminal 1 may be constructed of a variety of modular components. Which components are used and in what configuration may depend on the particular site and its needs. Typically, the NGL modular terminal 1 may be located running along side railroad tracks 2. In most cases, the NGL modularterminal 1 may comprise interconnected pipes such as a lower pipe 3 and an upper pipe 4. The two pipes 3 and 4 may be interconnected, with the upper pipe 4 located above and running parallel to the lower pipe 3. The pipes 3 and 4 may each be a unitary pipe or may actually be a plurality of pipe segments of any desired length, joined together by any desired attachment device or devices.[01 1 1 ] One or more gangways 5 may be spaced periodically along the length of the pipes 3 and 4. Other components may include one or more bulkheads 6, miser compressors 7, and pump skids 8. In addition, a motor control center building 9 and / or a truck scale 10 may be located alongside the pipes 3 and 4.

[0112] The lower pipe 3 may be supported periodically by a plurality of saddles 11, each mounted atop a skid plate 12 on a foundation 13. The upper pipe 4 may be supported periodically by a plurality of double saddles 14. The double saddles 14 may be located between the lower pipe 3 and the upper pipe 4, such that the double saddles 14 rest atop the lower pipe 3 and the upper pipe 4 rests atop the double saddles 14. The double saddles 14 may correspond to and align with the saddles 1 1, such that one double saddle 14 is located above each of the saddles 11, if desired.

[0113] One or more rail tower bases 15 may be spaced periodically along the length of the pipes 3 and 4. Each rail tower base 15 may rest atop a foundation 16. A transportation / support bracket 17 may be located atop one or more of the rail tower bases 15.

[0114] A plurality of relief valves 18 may be located periodically along the top of the upper pipe 4. A plurality of connection pipes 19 may be located periodically along the length of the pipes 3 and 4 and may be in fluid communication with both the lower pipe 3 and the upper pipe 4, such that pipes 3 and 4 may be in fluid communication with each other via the connection pipes 19. The pipes 3 and 4 may each terminate on either end in a pipe cap 145 or blind flange 25, as desired. Sections of the pipes 3 and 4 may be joined together via connection fittings 21 . Spares 22 may be located as desired in the tops and / or sides of the pipes 3 and 4.

[0115] A plurality of vapor lines 23 may run parallel to the pipes 3 and 4. For example, as shown, two vapor lines 23 may run parallel to the upper pipe 4 to the side of the upper pipe 4 closes to the tracks 2. Specifically, the vapor lines 23 may comprise a vapor header railcar / compressor and a vapor header compressor / diffuser. The vapor lines 23 may be supported by a plurality of pipe supports 24 extending perpendicularly outward from pipe 3, pipe 4, the saddles 11, the double saddles 14, the rail tower bases 15, and / or any other desired element of the NGL modular terminal 1 . The vapor lines 23 may each terminate on either end with a blind flange 25 or may connect, as necessary, to the diffuser 142.

[0116] A rail tower top 26 may be mounted atop one or more of the rail tower bases 15. Gangways 5 may extend outward from the rail tower tops 26. Boom arms 27 may likewise besupported by the rail tower tops 26. The rail tower top 26 may be accessible via stairs 28 extending upward from a stair landing 29. A tie-in 30 may connect one of the vapor lines 23 to a bulkhead 6. A vapor header compressor / diffuser tie-in 31 may connect one of the vapor lines 23 to the diffuser 142.

[0117] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 79 through 92, a single vapor line 23 may terminate adjacent to a first gangway 5, where a tie-in 30 connects to the vapor line 23. The single vapor line 23 may extend along the length of the two pipes 3 and 4, past a second gangway 5. Before reaching a third gangway 5, a second vapor line 23 may tie in to the first vapor line 23. A ball valve on the first vapor line 23 may be positioned adjacent to the tie in. The two vapor lines 23 may run parallel down the remaining length of the two pipes 3 and 4. At any point beyond the last gangway 5 the first vapor line 23 may terminate at a blind flange 25. The second vapor line 23 may then tie in to the diffuser 142.

[0118] The diffuser 142 may be one or more pipes parallel to and inside of the lower pipe 3. The diffuser 142 may connect to one or more vapor lines 23 by a vapor header compressor / diffuser tie-in 31. A diffuser tie-in valve 143 may be modulated to regulate the flow of vapor to the diffuser 142. The diffuser 142 may comprise a diameter smaller than the diameter of the lower pipe 3. The diffuser 142 may extend either partially or completely through the length of the lower pipe 3.

[0119] The diffuser 142 may be submerged partially or completely in NGL within the lower pipe 3. A plurality of holes in the diffuser 142 may be spaced along the diffuser 142. As vapor enters the diffuser 142, the vapor may bubble from the holes in the diffuser 142 through the NGL, cooling and condensing some or all of the vapor into the NGL. This condensed vapor may be recovered along with the NGL. The remaining vapor may be recovered from either the lower pipe 3 or upper pipe 4 as necessary.

[0120] By way of example but not limitation, the diffuser 142 may be approximately 120 ft. in length. The diffuser 142 may comprise three 40 ft. sections. The three sections may be Schedule 40 pipe. The first section may comprise 40 ft. of 3-inch diameter pipe with 3 / 8-inch holes drilled in the top of the pipe every 13 inches. The second section may reduce down to 2- inch diameter pipe with 3 / 8-inch holes drilled in the top of the pipe at every 17 inches. Finally, the third section may reduce down to 1 ! -inch pipe with 3 / 8-inch holes drilled in the top of the pipe at every 40-inches. The diffuser 142 may terminate with a cap comprising a A-inch hole drilled in the center of the cap. Casing spacers may be placed every 20-ft. along the diffuser 142 to keep the diffuser 142 off of the bottom of the lower pipe 3. The diffuser 142 maybe at a located 144 along NGL modular terminal 1 as shown in Fig. 74.

[0121] A thermowell access port 31 and a liquid level access port 32 may be located in the side of the lower pipe 3, while a pressure access port 33 and a liquid level access port 34 may be located in the side of the upper pipe 4. A plurality of pump bypass tie-ins 35 may be located in the top of the upper pipe 4, while a plurality of pump liquid out tie-ins 36 may be located in the bottom of the lower pipe 3.

[0122] The saddles 1 1 may each be a single saddle as shown in Figure 18 through 20, an A-frame saddle as shown in Figures 25 through 28, or any other desired style of saddle, as appropriate. The saddles 11 may be made of steel or any other desired material. The saddles 11 may be mounted atop the skid plates 12 on foundations 13, with the lower pipe 4 resting atop the saddles 11.

[0123] If one or more of the saddles 11 are single saddles, they may comprise an arched upper surface 37, where the arched upper surface 37 defines an upward-facing circular arc sufficiently sized to correspond to the lower pipe 3, a flat bottom surface 38, and a body 39 connecting the upper surface 37 and the bottom surface 38. The body 39 may span the width of the saddle 11 and may have a front face 40, an opposing back face 41, and a plurality of vertical ribs 42 projecting perpendicularly from the front face 40 and / or the back face 41, where at least a portion of the vertical ribs 42 extend from the arched upper surface 37 to the flat bottom surface 38, providing structure and reinforcement to the saddle 11. The A-frame saddle may have the same components, but may be taller, with a larger distance from the upper surface 37 to the bottom surface 38, and the bottom surface 38 may be both wider and deeper than the upper surface 37 such that the sides 43 of the saddle 11 and the vertical ribs 42 angle inward as they extend upward.

[0124] The plurality of double saddles 14 may be located between the lower pipe 3 and the upper pipe 4, such that the double saddles 14 rest atop the lower pipe 3 and the upper pipe 4 rests atop the double saddles 14. Each of the double saddles 14 may comprise an arched lower surface44, where the lower surface 44 defines a downward-facing circular arc sufficiently sized to correspond to the lower pipe 3; an arched upper surface 45, where the upper surface 45 defines an upward-facing circular arc sufficiently sized to correspond to the upper pipe 4; and a body 46 connecting the lower surface 44 and the upper surface 45. The body 46 may span the width of the double saddle 14 and may have a font face 47, an opposing back face 48, and a plurality of vertical ribs 49 projecting perpendicularly from the front face 47 and / or the back face 48, where at least a portion of the vertical ribs 49 extend from the arched lower surface 44 to the arched upper surface45, providing structure and reinforcement to the double saddle 14.

[0125] The rail tower base 15 may be comprised of four vertical legs 50 spaced in a rectangular configuration. Each of the legs 50 may be made of square steel tubing, or any other desired material. On each of the long sides of the rectangle, a lower horizontal cross member 51may extend between two of the legs 50 and may be supported by an angled support 52 on each end. On each of the short sides of the rectangle, the two legs 50 may be connected by an X-shaped support 53. A plate 54 may be located on each end of each of the legs 50.

[0126] Each rail tower top 26 may support a gangway 5, which may be surrounded by railing 55, which may be detachable. Each rail tower top 26 may likewise support one or more liquid loading arms 56 and one or more vapor loading arms 57. Each may feature an emergency shutdown valve 58. The liquid loading arms 56 may connect to and be in fluid communication with the upper pipe 4 via a liquid site flow valve 59, flex loops 60, and one or more valve assemblies 61. For example, each valve assembly 61 may include a backcheck 62 and an angled globe valve 63, as shown, or any other desired components. The vapor loading arms 57 may connect to and be in fluid communication with the vapor line 23 that connects the railcar to the compressor 7 via a flex hose 64. The loading arms 56 and 57 may be at least partially surrounded by a safety cage 65.

[0127] Each of the load arms 56 and 57 may comprise consecutively, a loading swivel arm 66; a neck flange 67; a pipe 68; a reducer 69; a second pipe 70; a half coupling with MTR 71; a hose 72; a valve 73, which may be a globe valve; a nipple 74; an elbow 75; a hose cup 76, and a rail car attachment 77.

[0128] Each bulkhead 6 may comprise a plurality of hose hooks 78 mounted on a frame 79. In particular, as shown, the bulkhead 6 may comprise three hose hooks 78. One hose hook 78 may be smaller than the other two and may connect to an assembly comprising, consecutively, a flex with union 80, a nipple 81, an emergency shutdown valve 82, another nipple 81, a ball valve 83, another nipple 81, and a neck flange 84. The two larger hose hooks 78 may join together via a tee 85 and connect to an assembly comprising, consecutively, a threadolet 86, a hydrostatic relief valve 87, an emergency shutdown valve 88, a ball valve 89, a flex with union 90, a reducer 91, and a flange 92. The hose hooks 78 themselves may comprise, consecutively, a pipe 93, an elbow 94, a pipe 95, an elbow 96, a coupling 97, a bushing 98, a hose 99, a globe valve 100, and either a MPT 101 and a plug 102 or a cap 103 with an adaptor 104.

[0129] Each compressor 7 may connect to three lines: two vapor header lines 105 and a vapor diffuser line 106. The compressor 7 may connect to the three lines via an assembly comprising, consecutively: two flex 107; two flanges 108; two 3-way valves 109; two nipples 110; a tee 111 and nipple 112 connecting to the vapor diffuser line 106; and a nipple 113 and threaded union 1 14 connecting to each of the vapor header lines 105.

[0130] Each pump skid 8 may comprise three pumps 115 connected to a header pipe 116, which in turn connects to the bulkhead 6, Each pump 115 may comprise: an elbow 117; a nipple 118; a back check valve 119; a flanged flex hose 120; a ball valve 121; a flange 122; an elbow123; a tee 124; a nipple 125; a bypass 126; a hydrostatic relief valve 127; a flex hose with union 128, which connects to the tank to return liquid from the pump 115 to the tank; a motor 129; a flange 130; a needle valve 131; a pump 132; a flange 133; a ball valve 134; and a flex hose 135, which connects to the tank to receive liquid from the tank to the pump 115.

[0131] The MCC building 9 may comprise an electrical room 136 and an office 137, and may feature a dividing wall 138 with a door 139 therebetween. The MCC building 9 may also have an exterior door 140 and a window 141.

[0132] The components of the NGL modular terminal 1 may be modular and thus may be capable of being manufactured offsite in a warehouse and assembled in situ on railroad property. The NGL modular terminal 1 may cost a fraction of the price of a comparable standard terminal, while taking up less land due to the interconnected pipes 3 and 4. The NGL modular terminal 1 may be suitable for use with any desired NGL, but particularly for use with propane.

[0133] Whereas, the devices and methods have been described in relation to the drawings and claims, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A natural gas liquid modular terminal comprising: a lower pipe; an upper pipe located above and running parallel to the lower pipe and where the upper pipe is in fluid communication with the lower pipe; one or more bulkheads; one or more compressors; and one or more pumps, where the lower pipe, upper pipe, bulkheads, compressors, and pumps are modular and capable of being assembled onsite according to the needs of a user.

2. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 1 further comprising one or more of the of the following: one or more rail towers; one or more gangways; and one or more stairways; where the rail towers, gangways, and / or stairways are modular and capable of being assembled onsite according to the needs of the user.

3. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 1 further comprising a pair of vapor lines.

4. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 1 further comprising: one or more liquid loading arms in fluid communication with the upper pipe; and one or more vapor loading anus in fluid communication with a vapor line that connects to the one or more compressors.

5. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 4 further comprising a safety cage at least partially surrounding the loading arms.

6. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 1 further comprising: at least one vapor line; and at least one diffuser; where the at least one vapor line is in fluid communication with the at least one diffuser.

7. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 6 where the at least one diffuser comprises: a pipe with a cross-sectional diameter smaller than a cross-sectional diameter of the lower pipe; and a plurality of holes in the pipe spaced along a length of the pipe: where the at least one diffuser is disposed within the lower pipe and extends parallel to the lower pipe-8. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 7 where the at least one diffuser is at least partially submerged in natural gas liquid.

9. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 8 where the at least one diffuser is a length less than the length of the lower pipe.

10. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 9 where the at least one diffuser further comprises a plurality of diffuser sections, where each diffuser section comprises a smaller cross- sectional diameter than a previous section.

11. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 9 where the at least one diffuser comprises a cap on a terminal end of the at least one diffuser.

12. The natural gas liquid modular terminal of Claim 11 where the cap comprises at least one hole extending entirely through the cap.

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