Dual-Fuel Compressor System for Utility Pipe Gas Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors for evacuating natural gas from utility pipes are limited by their reliance on a single fuel source, large size, difficulty in portability, venting or burning off evacuated gas, potential for pipe damage due to high injection temperatures, and lack of emission measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dual-fuel engine-powered compressor system that uses natural gas and propane, with a controller to switch between fuel sources, includes an aftercooler to manage temperature, and provides real-time emission data and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-fuel compressor is used to evacuate natural gas from pipes, then the compressor can operate with a simple fuel system, but the compressor cannot function once the fuel is depleted and lacks operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor engine is designed to accept multiple fuel types (natural gas and propane) through a multi-fuel system that includes separate fuel tanks and a fuel selection mechanism. This allows the same compressor unit to operate on different fuels depending on availability, eliminating the need for multiple specialized compressors while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Power
If a large compressor is used to evacuate natural gas from pipes, then the compressor has sufficient power to perform the evacuation, but the compressor becomes difficult to transport and relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system is divided into separate modular components including the engine, compressor unit, fuel tanks, and control systems. This modular design allows the system to be disassembled into manageable sections for easier transport while maintaining full operational capability when reassembled at the work site.
3Productivity
If the evacuated natural gas is vented to the ambient environment, then the gas removal process is simple, but greenhouse gas emissions increase and consumer complaints arise due to unpleasant smells
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of venting the evacuated natural gas to the atmosphere, the system captures and stores the gas in pressurized storage tanks. The captured gas can then be reused as fuel for the compressor engine or transferred to other locations, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and unpleasant odors while maintaining evacuation productivity.
4Productivity
If the natural gas is injected back into the pipe at high temperatures, then the gas can be quickly reinjected, but plastic pipes may melt and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling system is integrated into the gas reinjection process to pre-cool the compressed natural gas before it contacts the plastic piping. This preliminary cooling action prevents thermal damage to the pipes while maintaining efficient gas transfer, addressing the temperature issue before it can cause harm.
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
Ensures continuous operation with multiple fuel options, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by storing and reinjecting gas safely, and monitors and reports emission reductions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The dual-fuel engine is adapted to operate using the first fluid in a first operational mode and the second fluid in a second operational mode
Implementation Method 2
The system includes an aftercooler in fluid communication with the compressor, the aftercooler adapted to lower the temperature of the first fluid before the first fluid is received in the first fuel bottle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method of a compressor in fluid communication with the system inlet to receive a first fluid from the gas utility pipe. The compressor system and method further including a first fuel bottle in fluid communication with the compressor to receive the first fluid from the compressor, a second fuel bottle adapted to receive a second fluid that is different than the first fluid, and a dual-fuel engine coupled with the compressor to provide input power to the compressor, the dual-fuel engine coupled with the first fuel bottle and the second fuel bottle. The dual-fuel engine is adapted to operate using the first fluid in a first operational mode and the second fluid in a second operational mode.