Cryogenic Transfer Pump Vaporizer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring cryogenic fluids like LNG require large, expensive pumps to achieve high flow rates and pressure differentials, which are inefficient and costly, and are not suitable for smaller tanks or autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cryogenic pump and vaporizer to partially vaporize the fluid, increasing pressure in the storage tank, allowing for high flow transfer with a smaller pump, and using renewable energy sources like photovoltaic panels for power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cryogenic pump is used to provide high flow rates and pressure differentials for cryogenic fluid transfer, then the transfer performance is improved, but the pump size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vaporizer as an intermediary device between the pump and the transfer line. The pump only needs to handle a small flow of cryogenic liquid, which is then vaporized to generate large volumes of gas that provide the necessary pressure differential for high-rate transfer, eliminating the need for a large high-pressure pump
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameter of the cryogenic fluid from liquid to gas phase. By vaporizing the pumped liquid, the volume expands dramatically (by a factor of hundreds), creating the pressure differential needed for high-flow transfer without requiring a large pump
2Productivity
If a cryogenic pump is used to provide high flow rates and pressure differentials, then the transfer performance is improved, but the system cost increases due to expensive custom-made pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer acts as a mediator that allows the use of small, inexpensive, off-the-shelf cryogenic pumps. The pump's small flow capability is converted into high transfer performance through vaporization, avoiding the need for expensive custom-made high-flow pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, commercially available cryogenic pumps instead of expensive custom-engineered pumps. The small pump is a standard component that can be readily manufactured and replaced, significantly reducing system cost
3Productivity
If a large cryogenic pump is used to achieve high transfer flows, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer serves as an energy-efficient intermediary that converts a small amount of pumped liquid into a large volume of pressurized gas. This eliminates the need for a large high-power pump, dramatically reducing the electrical power required for the transfer operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cryogenic liquid itself as the working fluid for pressurization. The pumped liquid vaporizes and expands to push the transfer flow, eliminating the need for external high-power compression systems
4Stress or pressure
If a cryogenic pump is used to provide high pressure differential for transfer, then the transfer capability is improved, but the pump becomes too large for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer is introduced as a compact intermediary device that generates high pressure differentials through phase change rather than mechanical compression. This allows a small pump to achieve the same pressure differential that would otherwise require a large high-pressure pump
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the phase transition from liquid to gas in the vaporizer. This phase change creates a large volume expansion and pressure differential, enabling compact pump design while maintaining high transfer pressure capability suitable for mobile applications
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 approach reduces the size and cost of the transfer system, enables efficient high-flow transfers with lower power consumption, and allows for autonomous operation using smaller, standard pumps, while leveraging free energy sources like seawater or ambient air for vaporization.
Implementation Method 1
vaporising at least partially the pumped cryogenic liquid
Implementation Method 2
The cryogenic fluid that is pumped from the supply tank would go through a water or ambient air vaporizer/exchanger
Implementation Method 3
the transfer device according to the invention will be able to be supplied only with photovoltaic panels
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transferring cryogenic fluid from a storage tank (2; 12; 16) to a receiver (6; 8; 10; 14; 16; 18) like a receiving tank or to an application device, according to the invention comprises the steps of: a—pumping cryogenic liquid from the storage tank (2; 12; 16), b—vaporising at least partially the pumped cryogenic liquid, c—pressurising the storage tank (2; 12; 16) with the vaporised cryogenic liquid, and d—transferring cryogenic fluid to the receiver (6; 8; 10; 14; 16; 18) with cryogenic fluid from the storage tank (2; 12; 16) through a feed line (4) between the storage tank (2; 12; 16) and the receiver (6; 8; 10; 14; 16; 18).