Cryogenic Fluid Odorization Process Preventing Crystallization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional odorization techniques for cryogenic fluids are ineffective due to the crystallization of odorants at low temperatures, leading to clogging and contamination issues, and require the use of solvents like propane that can pollute the fluid.
Innovation Solution
A process involving continuous feeding of an odorizing agent in liquid or gaseous form into a feed zone, then to a buffer zone where it is cooled to match the cryogenic fluid's temperature, and finally into a contact zone where it dissolves in the fluid, allowing controlled odorization without solvent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional odorants are introduced into cryogenic fluids, then odorization is achieved, but the odorants crystallize and cause clogging and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the odorant by using it in gaseous form rather than liquid form, and introduces it after the cryogenic fluid has been warmed to above its crystallization temperature, preventing crystallization and clogging while maintaining odorization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent warms the cryogenic fluid to above its crystallization temperature before introducing the odorant, creating favorable conditions for odorant dissolution without crystallization. This preliminary temperature adjustment prevents the harmful crystallization effect before it can occur
2Reliability
If spray introduction of odorizing agent is used, then odorization is achieved, but instantaneous solidification causes clogging and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the cryogenic fluid to above its crystallization temperature before odorant introduction, and introduces the odorant in gaseous form, preventing instantaneous solidification and eliminating clogging risks while maintaining effective odorization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a carrier gas as an intermediary to transport the odorant into the cryogenic fluid stream, allowing controlled introduction and mixing without direct contact that would cause instantaneous solidification and clogging
3Ease of operation
If diluent solutions are used for odorization, then odorant delivery is improved, but fluid contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the diluent component from the odorization system, using only the pure odorant in gaseous form introduced directly into the warmed cryogenic fluid, thereby achieving controlled odorant delivery without fluid contamination from diluents like propane
4Reliability
If odorants are introduced at ambient temperature, then odorization is achieved, but temperature mismatch causes incompatibility with cryogenic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent warms the cryogenic fluid to above its crystallization temperature before odorant introduction, creating a temperature-compatible environment that accepts the ambient temperature odorant without causing crystallization or incompatibility issues
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 process ensures effective and safe odorization of cryogenic fluids, preventing clogging and contamination, while allowing for continuous operation and precise control of odorant concentration, suitable for large-scale industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
feeding said odorizing agent in liquid or gaseous form from step a) into a buffer zone in which the liquid or gaseous odorizing agent is brought to a temperature of about the temperature of the cryogenic fluid
Implementation Method 2
feeding said odorizing agent cooled in step b) into the contact zone, wherein said odorizing agent comes into contact with said cryogenic fluid to be odorized
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for odorizing a cryogenic fluid, comprising a step a) of continuously feeding an odorizing agent in liquid or gaseous form into a feed zone, said feeding being carried out at a temperature above the temperature of the cryogenic fluid and above the crystallization temperature of the odorizing agent, a step b) of feeding said odorizing agent in liquid or gaseous form from step a) into a buffer zone in which the liquid or gaseous odorizing agent is brought to a temperature of about the temperature of the cryogenic fluid, and a step c) of feeding said odorizing agent cooled in step b) into the contact zone, wherein said odorizing agent comes into contact with said cryogenic fluid to be odorized.The present invention also relates to an odorizing device for implementing said odorizing process.