Double-Pipe Gas Supply Air Circulation Using a Steam Ejector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation systems for double-walled pipes in ships and offshore structures, particularly those handling LNG, are costly and energy-intensive, requiring explosion-proof electrical fans for air circulation, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a steam ejector to circulate air through the outer pipe, where steam is converted into condensate water and reused, with a gas detector to monitor and safely discharge leaks, reducing the need for high-cost fans and enhancing resource efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fan is used to circulate air through the outer pipe, then air circulation is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fan system with a steam-based air circulation system. Steam is injected into the outer pipe to create buoyancy-driven airflow, eliminating the need for electrical fans and significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective air circulation for gas leakage detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses steam injection to create pneumatic movement of air through the outer pipe. The steam acts as a driving fluid that generates buoyancy forces to circulate air, replacing the mechanical fan with a thermodynamic-pneumatic system that is more energy-efficient
2Reliability
If an explosion-proof fan is used for air circulation, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electrical components (fans) from the air circulation system and replaces them with a steam-based thermal system. This substitution inherently improves explosion safety by removing ignition sources while simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The steam system utilizes the natural buoyancy of hot steam to drive air circulation without requiring complex control systems or explosion-proof certifications. The system self-regulates through thermal dynamics, reducing device complexity
3Productivity
If steam is introduced into the steam ejector, then air circulation is enhanced, but steam consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a steam recovery system where condensate from the steam ejector is collected and fed back to the steam generation system. This closed-loop approach recovers the water component of steam, significantly reducing overall steam consumption while maintaining high air circulation rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of steam from vapor to condensate through phase change, allowing the water to be recovered and reused. This parameter change (condensation) enables resource recovery and reduces steam consumption
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
The system operates in a simpler, more efficient configuration, reducing costs and energy consumption while ensuring safe and efficient gas leak monitoring and control, using existing steam circulation systems for resource-efficient air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
the steam introduced into the steam ejector may be converted into condensate water and sent to a cascade tank
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for circulating air through double pipes for supplying gas, the system including: double pipes connected to a gas handling device and supplied with gas; a gas supply unit for supplying gas to the gas handling device through an inner pipe of the double pipes; an air supply unit for supplying air through an outer pipe of the double pipes; and an air suctioning means for suctioning and circulating the air, which is supplied to the outer pipe by the air supply unit, by the introduction of a high pressure fluid. According to the present invention, rather than circulating air through the outer pipe of the double pipes by a fan as in the prior art, air can be circulated through the double pipes for gas supply by a simpler structure and more effective configuration.