BOG Processing System with Low-Pressure Engine for Reduced Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gas processing systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) face inefficiencies in utilizing Boil Off Gas (BOG), leading to environmental contamination and resource waste, and require high-pressure engines with complex configurations, which are costly and space-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A gas processing system that includes a BOG compressor, a forcing vaporizer, and a heater to efficiently process and utilize BOG, connecting the liquefied gas storage tank to a demand source, such as a low-speed two-stroke low-pressure injection engine, optimizing BOG compression and vaporization for efficient fuel supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If MEGI engine is used to utilize BOG, then BOG consumption is improved, but power consumption increases hugely and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOG consumption efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine from high-pressure (300 bars) MEGI engine to low-pressure engine, fundamentally altering the pressure parameter to reduce system complexity while maintaining BOG utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex high-pressure MEGI engine system with a simpler low-speed two-stroke low-pressure injection engine system, substituting mechanical complexity with a more efficient engine type that requires less complex fuel supply infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If MEGI engine is used to utilize BOG, then BOG consumption is improved, but installation cost increases and installation area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOG consumption efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing from high-pressure to low-pressure engine operation, the patent reduces the number and size of compression equipment, heat exchangers, and safety valves required, thereby reducing installation area and capital costs while maintaining effective BOG utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If BOG is discharged to outside and burned, then tank pressure safety is improved, but environment contamination increases and resource waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank pressure safetyVSAvoidenvironment contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful BOG discharge into a beneficial resource by utilizing it as fuel for the low-pressure engine, transforming an environmental problem into an energy solution that simultaneously manages tank pressure and generates propulsion power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The BOG processing system serves multiple functions: it maintains tank pressure safety, generates useful propulsion power, and eliminates environmental contamination, making the system multi-functional and highly efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If low-speed two-stroke low-pressure injection engine is used, then power consumption is reduced and system complexity is reduced, but fuel supply system development is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfuel supply system development

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fuel supply system into manageable components (BOG compressor, vaporizer, heater, fuel lines) that can be independently selected and integrated, making the development process more straightforward despite the new engine type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively supplies liquefied gas and BOG, improving stability and reliability, reducing power consumption, and simplifying the fuel supply system, while minimizing environmental impact and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a Boil Off Gas (BOG) compressor which is provided on the first supply line and has a capacity in which it is possible to process all of naturally generated BOG generated in the liquefied gas storage tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a forcing vaporizer which is provided on the second supply line, and compulsorily vaporizes liquefied gas stored in the liquefied gas storage tank to generate forced BOG(FBOG)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a heater which is provided on the second supply line, and increases a temperature of liquefied gas compulsorily vaporized by the forcing vaporizer before the liquefied gas is joined with the BOG compressed by the BOG compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10683831B2Gas treatment system and vessel including the same

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 HD HYUNDAI HEAVY IND CO LTD

AI summary

A gas processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heater which is configured to increase a temperature of liquefied gas compulsorily vaporized by a forcing vaporizer before the liquefied gas is joined with Boil Off Gas (BOG) compressed by a BOG compressor.