Cryogenic Tank Ejector Pressurization for High Withdrawal Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid storage systems face limitations in maintaining pressure during high withdrawal rates due to limited vaporization capacities of pressurization devices, leading to significant pressure drops and inefficiencies in liquid withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an ejector on the injection line with a first inlet for pressurized gas and a second suction inlet connected to the withdrawal line, utilizing the venturi effect to draw in liquid and generate a controlled fluid flow for pressurization, reducing the need for excessive hot gas injection and minimizing re-condensation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an external atmospheric heat exchanger is used to meet high vaporization requirements, then the vaporization capacity increases, but the pressure drop across the external circuit becomes significantly greater than the hydrostatic pressure available in the storage tank
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector acts as an intermediary device that uses pressurized gas from the storage tank to create a controlled fluid flow. The ejector converts the available hydrostatic pressure into kinetic energy through the venturi effect, enabling efficient vaporization without requiring a large external heat exchanger that would cause excessive pressure drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing an ejector that operates on the venturi effect to control fluid flow. The pressurized gas flow through the ejector creates a suction effect that draws liquid from the storage tank and generates a controlled mixture flow, enabling efficient vaporization using the tank's own hydrostatic pressure without external high-pressure systems.
2Stress or pressure
If hot gas is injected into the tank to maintain pressure during liquid withdrawal, then the pressure is maintained, but re-condensation effects increase and gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector changes the parameters of the gas flow by using the venturi effect to create a controlled mixture of pressurized gas and vaporized liquid. This process optimizes the temperature and pressure parameters of the injected fluid, maintaining tank pressure while minimizing re-condensation and gas consumption through efficient heat exchange and flow control.
3Productivity
If the storage tank is equipped with a withdrawal pump, then the liquid withdrawal rate increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank system performs self-pressurization using the ejector that utilizes the tank's own hydrostatic pressure and the venturi effect to control fluid flow. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external withdrawal pumps, maintaining high liquid withdrawal rates while reducing device complexity through the use of the tank's inherent pressure differential.
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
Enables efficient pressurization of the tank at high flow rates with reduced gas consumption and minimized re-condensation, stabilizing pressure and optimizing liquid withdrawal rates.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of an ejector on the injection line with a first inlet for pressurized gas and a second suction inlet connected to the withdrawal line, utilizing the venturi effect to draw in liquid and generate a controlled fluid flow for pressurization
Implementation Method 2
the ejector having a first inlet for motive gas connected to a source of pressurized gas in the installation, a second suction inlet connected to another source of fluid, preferably liquefied, the outlet of the ejector being connected to the tank
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a cryogenic fluid storage and distribution installation, for example liquid hydrogen, comprising a cryogenic tank (2) equipped with a withdrawal line (3) configured to allow liquid to be withdrawn from the tank (2) and a tank (2) pressurization device comprising an injection line (5) connected to the tank (2) and configured to allow fluid to be injected into the tank (2) to pressurize the tank (2), for example to maintain the pressure in the tank (2) during liquid withdrawal, the pressurization device comprising an ejector (4) disposed on the injection line (5), the ejector (4) having a first inlet for motive gas connected to a source (6) of pressurized gas from the installation (1), a second suction inlet connected to another source of fluid preferably liquefied, the outlet of the ejector (4) being connected to the tank (2).