Cryogenic Fluid Transfer Pump With Gas-Phase Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring cryogenic fluids face challenges such as difficulty in controlling performance due to weather conditions, stratification heating the delivered fluid, prolonged pressurization times, and inefficiencies in pump technologies that add heat and require gas venting, leading to reduced quality and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a pump system with specific valve configurations and pressure balancing to connect the upper parts of two tanks, allowing gas exchange between them during liquid transfer, minimizing heat introduction and optimizing pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pressure differential liquid delivery system is used with atmospheric heater pressurization, then liquid transfer from delivery tank to storage tank is achieved, but performance control becomes difficult due to weather conditions and stratification heating the delivered fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the atmospheric heater-based thermal pressurization system with a mechanical pump system. The pump directly pressurizes the delivery tank to enable liquid transfer, eliminating dependence on weather conditions and atmospheric heating. This mechanical substitution provides reliable, controllable performance independent of environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressurization mechanism from thermal energy input (atmospheric heater) to mechanical energy input (pump). By controlling pump operation and using valves to regulate pressure differential, the system achieves stable, controllable liquid transfer performance that is not affected by weather conditions or atmospheric stratification heating.
2Productivity
If atmospheric heater is used for pressurization, then liquid transfer is enabled, but pressurization time becomes prolonged from 15 to 60 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow thermal pressurization process with a fast mechanical pump system. The pump can rapidly pressurize the delivery tank and initiate liquid transfer, reducing the pressurization time from 15-60 minutes to a much shorter duration, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
3Productivity
If pump is used to transfer liquid, then transfer flow rate increases, but pump adds heat to fluid and requires gas venting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas phase intermediary system with interconnected gas spaces between the delivery tank and storage tank. The valves connecting these gas spaces allow for pressure equalization and compensation during liquid transfer, enabling the pump to operate at high flow rates without causing excessive temperature increase or requiring gas venting. The gas phase acts as a buffer and mediator in the transfer process.
4Productivity
If pump provides large flow rate to customer tank, then transfer efficiency improves, but significant gas venting is required to make room for incoming liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the interconnected gas phase as an intermediary that absorbs the volume displacement caused by incoming liquid. The valves connecting the gas spaces allow gas to flow between tanks, automatically making room for incoming liquid without requiring venting. This eliminates substance loss while maintaining high transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of venting gas to the atmosphere (discarding), the patent recovers and relocates the displaced gas through the interconnected gas phase system. The gas that would otherwise be lost is instead transferred or redistributed within the closed system, preventing substance loss while accommodating the incoming liquid volume.
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
Improves thermal and hydraulic efficiency, enhances fluid quality, reduces downtime, and increases transfer flow rates while minimizing vaporization losses and mechanical constraints, independent of weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the second transfer pipe comprises a pump comprising an inlet connected to the first reservoir and an outlet connected to the second reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the second tank comprises a tank pressurization system comprising a conduit connecting the lower and upper portions of the tank and provided with a heater
Implementation Method 3
housing a cryogenic fluid with a liquid phase in the lower part and a gaseous phase in the upper part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Method and device for transferring cryogenic fluid, comprising a first reservoir (2) for distributing cryogenic fluid, a second receiving cryogenic reservoir (3) accommodating a cryogenic fluid, a fluid-transfer circuit connecting the first (2) and the second (3) reservoir, the transfer circuit comprising a first pipe (4) connecting the upper parts of the first (2) and second (3) reservoirs and comprising at least one valve (5), the transfer circuit comprising a second (6) pipe connecting the lower part of the first (2) reservoir to the second (3) reservoir, the second (6) transfer pipe comprising a pump (7) comprising an inlet connected to the first (2) reservoir and an outlet connected to the second (3) reservoir, and wherein the pump (7) and the at least one valve (5) of the first pipe (4) are configured to fluidically connect the upper parts of the first (2) and second (3) reservoirs by opening the at least one valve (5) when liquid is being transferred from the first reservoir (2) to the second reservoir (3) by the pump (7).