Cryogenic Tank Ejector Injection for Stable High-Flow Withdrawal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid storage and dispensing systems face limitations in achieving high withdrawal flow rates due to limited vaporization capabilities of pressurization devices, leading to significant pressure drops and inefficiencies in maintaining tank pressure.
Innovation Solution
The installation incorporates an ejector on the injection line, utilizing a pressurized gas source and a second intake inlet connected to the withdrawal line, with pressure and temperature sensors to regulate the flow and temperature of the injected fluid, enhancing pressurization capabilities and maintaining tank pressure even at high withdrawal rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an external atmospheric exchanger is used to increase vaporization capability, then the nominal liquid withdrawal flow rate can be increased, but the pressure drop on the external circuit becomes significantly greater than the hydrostatic pressure available in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vaporizer as an intermediary device between the liquid withdrawal line and the atmospheric exchanger. This vaporizer pre-vaporizes a portion of the liquid using a heating element, reducing the vaporization burden on the atmospheric exchanger and allowing higher flow rates without excessive pressure drops in the external circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The vaporization process is segmented into two stages: first, partial vaporization in the vaporizer using electrical heating; second, completion of vaporization in the atmospheric exchanger. This segmentation allows each component to operate more efficiently and reduces the overall pressure drop requirement.
2Productivity
If the size of the atmospheric exchanger is increased to meet high withdrawal flow rate, then vaporization capability is improved, but the pressure drop generated is significantly greater than the hydrostatic pressure available in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporization function is divided between a vaporizer and an atmospheric exchanger. The vaporizer handles the high-flow rate requirement using electrical heating, while the atmospheric exchanger completes the vaporization process. This allows the atmospheric exchanger to be smaller and operate at lower pressure drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces part of the mechanical vaporization process (relying solely on atmospheric pressure and hydrostatic pressure) with an electrical heating system in the vaporizer. This substitution provides more efficient and controllable vaporization, reducing the pressure drop requirements for the external circuit.
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 solution enables high flow rates of cryogenic fluid withdrawal, reduces gas consumption, minimizes re-condensation, and stabilizes tank pressure, while avoiding excessive gas heating that could lead to liquefaction, thus optimizing the pressurization process.
Implementation Method 1
a device for pressurizing the tank comprising an ejector positioned on the injection line, the ejector having a first inlet for driving gas connected to a pressurized gas source of the installation and a second intake inlet connected to another source of fluid, preferably liquefied, the outlet of the ejector being connected to the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an installation for storing and dispensing cryogenic fluid, for example liquid hydrogen, comprising a cryogenic tank provided with a withdrawal line configured to make it possible to withdraw liquid from the tank, and a device for pressurizing the tank comprising an injection line connected to the tank and configured to make it possible to inject fluid into the tank in order to pressurize the tank, for example in order to maintain the pressure in the tank during the withdrawal of liquid, the pressurization device comprising an ejector positioned on the injection line, the ejector having a first inlet for driving gas connected to a pressurized gas source of the installation, and a second intake inlet connected to another source of fluid, preferably liquefied, the outlet of the ejector being connected to the tank.