Cryogenic Fluid Transfer with Heated Gas Bypass Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid transfer systems face issues with performance control due to weather dependence, stratification, quality degradation, prolonged pressurization times, manual operations, and inefficiencies in gas recycling, particularly in delivering liquefied hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A device with a bypass portion equipped with a heater and valves to control gas temperature, combined with a temperature sensor and electronic control unit, allows for precise temperature regulation and efficient fluid transfer between tanks, reducing the need for atmospheric heaters and improving delivery quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an atmospheric heater is placed beneath the delivery semi-trailer to pressurize and transfer cryogenic liquid, then the transfer can be initiated, but the performance becomes difficult to control due to weather conditions (temperature, wind, humidity)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled heating system using trace heating cables installed within the tank structure, mediated through the tank wall, to replace the unreliable atmospheric heater. This intermediary heating mechanism provides stable, weather-independent temperature control for pressurization and transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical atmospheric heater system with an electrical heating system using trace heating cables. This substitution eliminates dependence on external weather conditions and provides precise, controllable heating through electrical energy input.
2Productivity
If an atmospheric heater is used for pressurization, then transfer can occur, but stratification occurs in the gas headspace leading to increased gas temperature and heating of the delivered liquid hydrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating through trace heating cables positioned specifically at the liquid level and in the gas headspace region, rather than uniform atmospheric heating. This localized approach prevents excessive temperature rise in the gas headspace while maintaining necessary pressurization conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or controlled heating cycles through the trace heating system, activating heating only when and where needed during the transfer process. This prevents continuous heating that would cause stratification and temperature increase in the gas headspace.
3Productivity
If an atmospheric heater is used for pressurization, then transfer can be initiated, but the delivery tank requires prolonged pressurization time ranging from 15 min to 60 min
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary heating of the delivery tank using trace heating cables before the transfer operation begins. This pre-heating action reduces the time required during actual transfer by ensuring the tank is already at optimal temperature and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the slow atmospheric heating process with rapid electrical heating through trace heating cables, which can quickly raise tank temperature and pressure. This substitution dramatically reduces pressurization time from 15-60 minutes to a much shorter duration.
4Stress or pressure
If an atmospheric heater is used, then pressurization can occur, but useful cryogenic liquid is consumed and manual operations are required for managing priming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated control system that manages the trace heating cables and transfer process without requiring manual intervention for priming. The system self-regulates temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage priming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual priming operations with an automated electrical heating and control system. The trace heating cables are electrically controlled and automatically managed, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electrical control.
5Stress or pressure
If an atmospheric heater is used beneath the delivery tank, then pressurization can occur, but cryogenic cloud and condensation of liquid oxygen forms beneath the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tank wall as an intermediary medium to transfer heat from internally mounted trace heating cables, rather than applying external atmospheric heating. This eliminates direct heating of the external environment that causes cryogenic cloud formation and liquid oxygen condensation beneath the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from the external atmospheric environment and relocates it internally within the tank structure through trace heating cables. This removes the source of harmful external heating that creates cryogenic clouds and condensation.
6Productivity
If an atmospheric heater is used for transfer, then liquid can be transferred, but boil-off gases generated in the receiving tank cannot be recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the trace heating cables not only provide pressurization heating but also enable boil-off gas recycling through controlled heating of the receiving tank. This universal heating system serves multiple functions: pressurization, temperature control, and gas recycling management.
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
Enhances delivery quality by stabilizing pressure and temperature, optimizing transfer efficiency, and enabling gas recycling, while minimizing boil-off losses and reducing manual operations.
Implementation Method 1
the first pipe comprises a bypass portion equipped with a heater and a set of one or more valves configured to make it possible to modify the temperature of the flow of gas transferred from the second tank to the first tank via the first pipe
Implementation Method 2
a pump comprising an inlet connected to the first tank and an outlet connected to the second tank, the pump and the first valve being configured to place the upper parts of the first and second tanks in fluidic communication
Implementation Method 3
at least part of the first pipe is thermally insulated, for example via vacuum insulation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cryogenic fluid transfer device comprising a first tank storing a cryogenic fluid, a second cryogenic receiving tank, a fluid transfer circuit connecting the tanks and comprising a first pipe that connects the upper parts of the first and second tanks and has a first valve, a second pipe that connects the lower part of the first tank to the second cryogenic tank and has a pump, the pump and the first valve being configured to place the upper parts of the first and second tanks in fluidic communication, the first pipe comprising a bypass portion equipped with a heater and a set of one or more valves configured to make it possible to modify the temperature of the flow of gas transferred from the second cryogenic tank to the first tank via the first pipe.