Apparatus and method for transferring a fluid from a subcritical gaseous state into a supercritical state
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation units often return fluids in a subcritical gaseous state, which is not suitable for further use in storage or long-distance transportation, necessitating a method to transfer the fluid into a supercritical state.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus combining a compressor unit, pump unit, and liquefaction unit, driven by a common drive unit, compresses and liquefies the fluid to achieve the supercritical state efficiently, reducing complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate compressors and pumps are used to transfer fluid from subcritical to supercritical state, then the fluid can be transformed to the required state, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor and pump into a single integrated unit that can handle both gaseous and liquid phases. The compressor unit compresses the subcritical gaseous fluid to a first predetermined pressure level, then the liquefaction unit condenses it to liquid state, and finally the pump unit further compresses it to the second predetermined pressure level for supercritical state. This merging eliminates the need for separate equipment for each phase, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid state transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus is designed to universally handle different phases of the same fluid (gaseous and liquid) within a single system. The compressor unit can compress gaseous fluid, the liquefaction unit transforms it to liquid, and the pump unit further compresses the liquid. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to perform what previously required multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate units are used for compression and pumping, then complete fluid transformation is achieved, but the space requirements and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the compression and pumping functions into a single integrated apparatus with shared infrastructure (common drive unit, integrated control system), the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The single apparatus requires fewer materials, less assembly, and lower installation costs compared to multiple separate units, while the integrated design ensures precise control over fluid state transformation through coordinated operation of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal design of the apparatus, which can handle both gaseous and liquid phases in one system, simplifies manufacturing compared to producing multiple specialized units. The single apparatus with multi-functional capabilities reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost, while maintaining the precision needed for fluid state control through integrated sensing and actuation systems.
3Device complexity
If a common drive unit is used for both compressor and pump, then the apparatus complexity is reduced, but the operational flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The common drive unit serves both the compressor and pump functions, reducing the overall number of motors and drive systems needed. This merging simplifies the electrical infrastructure, control systems, and mechanical mounting, reducing device complexity. The drive unit can be designed with variable speed capabilities to provide operational flexibility despite the unified drive architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The common drive unit is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing variable speed operation and adjustable torque delivery to both the compressor and pump. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and fluid requirements, maintaining operational flexibility while using a single drive unit. The control system can independently regulate the operation of each component driven by the common unit.
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 apparatus effectively transforms subcritical fluids into supercritical fluids with reduced complexity, space, and cost, enabling applications such as long-distance transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor unit (110) is configured to compress the fluid from a first subcritical gaseous state, expediently from its initial state with an initial pressure level, to a first predetermined pressure level of a second subcritical gaseous state
Implementation Method 2
The liquefaction unit (120) is configured to reduce the temperature of the correspondingly compressed fluid in the second subcritical gaseous state downstream of the compressor unit (110) to a predetermined temperature level such that the fluid is transferred from the second subcritical gaseous state to a liquid state
Implementation Method 3
The pump unit (130) is configured to compress the correspondingly liquefied fluid in the liquid state downstream of the liquefaction unit (120) to a second predetermined pressure level such that the fluid is transferred from the liquid state to the supercritical state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a fluid, particularly CO2, from a subcritical gaseous state into a supercritical state, the apparatus comprising a compressor unit, a pump unit, a drive unit and a liquefaction unit, wherein the compressor unit and the pump unit are commonly driven by the drive unit, and wherein the liquefaction unit is provided downstream of the compressor unit and upstream of the pump unit, wherein the compressor unit is configured to compress the fluid from a first subcritical gaseous state to a first predetermined pressure level of a second subcritical gaseous state, wherein the liquefaction unit is configured to reduce the temperature of the compressed fluid in the second subcritical state downstream of the compressor unit to a predetermined temperature level such that the fluid is transferred from the second subcritical gaseous state to a liquid state.