Point-of-Use CO2 Liquefier for Stable High-Pressure Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to prevent parasitic evaporation of liquid CO2 during storage and transportation to a user station, especially when the system is shut down, leading to gas accumulation that can cause operational disturbances and damage to pumps when use resumes, due to heat inputs and the proximity to the critical point of CO2, which requires effective management of gas and liquid equilibrium.
Innovation Solution
A liquefier is positioned close to the point of use, specifically at the inlet of the compressor, to liquefy the gas generated from evaporation, using a cold unit and heat exchanger to efficiently transfer heat and maintain the CO2 in a subcooled state, thereby preventing gas from reaching the user station and minimizing the risk of pump malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid CO2 is stored close to the critical point at high pressure, then the CO2 is ready for high-pressure applications with minimal additional pressurization needed, but parasitic evaporation occurs during shutdown periods causing gas accumulation that can damage pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing a liquefier at the inlet of the compressor that proactively liquefies any gas formed during shutdown periods before the compressor operates. This prevents gas accumulation and ensures the compressor always receives liquid CO2, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high-pressure readiness and preventing pump damage from gas accumulation.
2Reliability
If a liquefier is added to the system to prevent gas accumulation, then pump reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the CO2 itself provides the cooling needed for liquefaction. The evaporated CO2 gas is compressed and then expands through a Joule-Thomson effect or expansion valve, creating cold that automatically liquefies the gas without requiring external refrigeration equipment. This minimizes device complexity while ensuring pump reliability.
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
This solution effectively prevents gas from entering the user station, ensuring a clear liquid supply, reduces the need for refrigeration, and maintains a stable operation with minimal electricity consumption, achieving a final temperature of 5 to 15°C, which is sufficient for high-pressure CO2 applications.
Implementation Method 1
using a cold unit and heat exchanger to efficiently transfer heat and maintain the CO2 in a subcooled state
Implementation Method 2
to liquefy the gas generated from evaporation
Implementation Method 3
parasitic evaporation of liquid CO2 during storage and transportation to a user station, especially when the system is shut down, leading to gas accumulation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A supply installation for a user station with pure or substantially pure liquid CO2, at high pressure, preferably in the range of 50 to 60 bar, from a source of liquid CO2, the installation comprising a means of compressing the liquid CO2 located between the source and the user station, characterized in that there is a liquefier (C) of the fluid circulating between the source and the means of compression, the liquefier which is positioned at the inlet of the means of compression.