Gas liquefaction column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for liquefying gases like biogas from landfill sites or methanation processes are costly, space-intensive, and often located far from gas production sites, requiring a more efficient and compact solution for on-site liquefaction.
Innovation Solution
A gas liquefaction apparatus using a series of balloons with double-piston bases that undergo consecutive compression and expansion, creating a Joule-Thomson effect for cooling, allowing for efficient liquefaction within a compact and portable system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional compressors and refrigeration systems are used for gas liquefaction, then reliable liquefaction can be achieved, but the installation cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas liquefaction process into multiple sequential stages using several expansion cylinders (first, second, third expansion cylinders) with progressively lower temperatures. Each stage handles a portion of the cooling requirement, allowing the system to achieve deep cooling without requiring a single large, complex refrigeration unit. This segmented approach reduces the overall space and cost while maintaining reliable liquefaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal compressor-based systems to a vertical columnar structure where expansion cylinders are stacked one above another. The gas flows vertically through each stage, utilizing gravitational flow and vertical heat exchange surfaces. This dimensional change allows for more compact packaging and better heat transfer efficiency, reducing the installation footprint while maintaining reliable operation.
2Temperature
If traditional refrigeration systems are used for gas liquefaction, then effective cooling can be achieved, but construction time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic expansion of compressed gas directly within the expansion cylinders to achieve cooling, eliminating the need for complex mechanical refrigeration compressors and refrigerants. The high-pressure gas from the compression stage is routed to expansion cylinders where it expands adiabatically, absorbing heat and cooling the incoming gas stream. This pneumatic approach simplifies the mechanical complexity while achieving effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure and temperature parameters of the gas through controlled expansion stages. By adjusting the pressure differential across each expansion cylinder and the flow rates, the system achieves progressive cooling to the required liquefaction temperature. This parameter-based control is simpler to implement and adjust than traditional refrigeration systems, reducing construction complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
3Productivity
If gas liquefaction facilities are located far from gas production sites, then centralized processing can be achieved, but transportation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-contained and self-powered, using the gas itself as both the working fluid and the energy source for compression and expansion. The apparatus can be deployed as a modular unit at or near gas production sites, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation to centralized facilities. The self-service nature of the system makes it economically viable to locate at distributed gas sources, reducing transportation time and costs while maintaining processing efficiency.
4Temperature
If multiple expansion stages are used for efficient liquefaction, then cooling effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression and expansion cylinders serve multiple functions within the system. The compression cylinders not only compress the incoming gas but also act as heat exchangers pre-cooling the gas. The expansion cylinders serve both to expand the gas for cooling and to drive the refrigeration cycle. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering device complexity while maintaining effective cooling through multiple stages.
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
This solution reduces construction costs and space requirements, enabling on-site liquefaction of gases by leveraging the Joule-Thomson effect for efficient cooling and liquefaction, making it feasible to process gases closer to their production sources.
Implementation Method 1
A gas liquefaction apparatus using a series of balloons with double-piston bases that undergo consecutive compression and expansion, creating a Joule-Thomson effect for cooling
Implementation Method 2
balloons maintained in radial expansion by the interior vacuum of a tower that envelops them
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and process for the compression, expansion, evaporation, and liquefaction of gases or gaseous mixtures consisting of a gas liquefaction column comprising successive chambers made of balloons resembling those used in pneumatic suspensions, and double-piston bases in between the upper and lower end of each chamber. Some of the double-piston bases are fixed while others in between are mobile. The group of mobile double-piston bases is activated in a linear to-and-fro vertical stroke while the other group of double-piston bases remains stationary. This results in consecutive suction and compression of the chambers, creating a Joule-Thomson effect at each of them. This results in the cooling and liquefaction of the gas or gaseous mixture. The apparatus also comprises humidity extractors, and different types of valves and piping.