Flow Reversal Device for Natural Gas Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas distribution networks, particularly those of types V and VI, face challenges in consuming biomethane during low-demand periods like summer, leading to inefficiencies and the need for costly connection works to higher-pressure networks for biomethane introduction, as existing systems only allow one-way gas flow from higher to lower pressure.
Innovation Solution
A device that reverses gas flow by integrating a compressor unit between medium/high pressure and local distribution lines, allowing excess gas to be compressed and sent back to higher-pressure networks, enabling two-way gas flow based on user consumption, thus utilizing existing infrastructure without extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas flow is restricted to one-way direction from high pressure to low pressure networks, then network operation is simple and reliable, but renewable gas introduction is limited during low consumption periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by enabling gas to flow in the opposite direction (from low pressure to high pressure networks) during low consumption periods. This is achieved by installing compression means in the reduction cabin that can reverse the pressure gradient, allowing excess renewable gas to be pushed back into higher pressure networks instead of being wasted or requiring costly connection works to distant networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static one-way flow configuration to a dynamic two-way flow capability. The reduction cabin is equipped with both pressure reduction means (for normal operation) and compression means (for reverse flow), allowing the network to adapt its flow direction based on real-time consumption patterns and renewable gas production levels.
2Ease of manufacture
If biomethane is introduced into local distribution networks with limited consumption capacity, then connection costs are reduced, but excess gas cannot be consumed during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction cabin serves as an intermediary node that normally reduces pressure for local distribution but can now also function as a compression station. By installing compression means in this intermediary location, the system enables excess biomethane to be pushed back into higher pressure networks, effectively using the reduction cabin as a bidirectional gateway that resolves the mismatch between local production and consumption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction cabin is transformed into a multi-functional unit that can operate in at least two modes: pressure reduction mode for normal gas distribution and compression mode for excess gas reversal. This universal design allows a single infrastructure element to handle both high and low consumption scenarios without requiring separate dedicated facilities.
3Productivity
If connection works are performed to higher pressure networks to ensure biomethane consumption, then consumption capacity is guaranteed, but infrastructure costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the high pressure network infrastructure to reach distant consumption points (which would require new pipelines and facilities), the patent extracts the compression function and places it at the existing reduction cabin location. This eliminates the need for extensive new infrastructure while achieving the same goal of enabling excess gas to reach higher pressure networks for 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
Enables the introduction of biomethane into networks with limited consumption periods, enhances network dynamism, reduces connection costs, and allows full exploitation of distribution network capacity without restricting renewable gas introduction due to surplus natural gas production.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor unit (14) designed to change the pressure of the excess gas present in the local distribution line LL at a pressure Pd, to a pressure equal to or greater than the pressure Pa of the gas present in the medium/high pressure supply line LD
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Described is a device for reversal of flow in natural gas distribution networks, wherein between a medium/high pressure supply line (LD) of gas and a local gas distribution line (LL) of said gas, in which the gas is supplied with a pressure suitable for the user device (100) less than said medium/high supply pressure, there are means for reducing the gas pressure (12) from the values present in said medium/high pressure supply line (LD) to the values present for said local distribution line (LL), said device (10) being characterised in that it is interposed between said medium/high pressure gas supply line (LD) and said local distribution line (LL), and it comprises gas compression means (14) designed to change the pressure of said gas to the values present in said medium/high pressure supply line (LD), said compression means (14) being activated at the same time as an increase in the pressure of the gas in the local distribution line (LL).