Liquid conditioning for cryogen vessel fill station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogen liquids in storage tanks experience reduced flow rates due to temperature stratification and vaporization, leading to inefficient downstream processing and increased costs, as existing methods for re-conditioning are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with predictive capabilities monitors and controls the liquid's properties to re-condition cryogen liquids by adjusting pressure, thereby reducing temperature and condensing vapor, allowing for remote and automated re-pressurization to maintain consistent flow rates and tank efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual re-conditioning methods (subcooler, phase separator, or refilling) are used, then the liquid flow rate is restored, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated control that monitors liquid temperature and flow conditions, then automatically initiates re-conditioning cycles without operator intervention. The controller manages the subcooler operation, pressure regulation, and cycle timing, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating manual operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and flow rate measurements to determine when re-conditioning is needed. The controller continuously monitors liquid conditions and automatically triggers sub-cooling cycles when temperature rise or flow rate reduction is detected, optimizing the timing and duration of re-conditioning operations.
2Loss of energy
If the liquid is allowed to warm to saturation temperature, then energy is conserved by not actively cooling, but the liquid vaporizes into two-phase flow reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sub-cooling of the liquid before it reaches saturation temperature. By proactively cooling the liquid back to its initial subcooled state during periodic intervals, the system prevents vaporization and two-phase flow formation, maintaining high flow efficiency while using energy only when necessary.
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 maintains consistent liquid quality, reduces two-phase flow, and enhances cost efficiency by allowing the use of a larger tank volume, resulting in more consistent chill times and reduced capital expenditures on piping.
Implementation Method 1
reducing a pressure of the liquid cryogen in the tank for reducing a temperature of the liquid cryogen and condensing any vapor boil-off in the tank for reclaiming the liquid cryogen in the tank
Implementation Method 2
condensing any vapor boil-off in the tank for reclaiming the liquid cryogen in the tank
Implementation Method 3
re-pressurizing the liquid cryogen in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method for conditioning a liquid cryogen in a tank includes reducing a pressure of the liquid cryogen in the tank for reducing a temperature of the liquid cryogen and condensing any vapor boil-off in the tank for reclaiming the liquid cryogen in the tank. The liquid cryogen may be selected from the group consisting of liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid argon (LAR).