Integrated LNG Cold Box Layout for Faster Modular Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modularized liquefied natural gas production units face high installation costs and safety risks due to the complexity of connecting cold boxes and other modules on-site, with numerous temperature instruments and custom piping requirements, leading to increased installation time and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the cold box with the refrigerant fluid closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycle module to form a single, self-contained unit, where most process, instrumentation, and electrical connections are completed and tested before site installation, reducing on-site work and simplifying the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cold box is transported separately to the installation site with its own foundations and custom piping connections, then the modularized liquefaction system can be assembled from pre-manufactured modules, but the installation complexity and time increase due to numerous temperature instruments and custom piping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cold box with the refrigeration cycle module by integrating the refrigeration cycle equipment directly inside the cold box casing. This combination eliminates the need for separate transportation and on-site connection of the cold box and refrigeration module, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining the benefits of pre-manufactured modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the liquefaction system into integrated refrigeration modules that combine multiple functions (cold box + refrigeration cycle + instrumentation) into single transportable units. This segmentation allows each module to be pre-assembled and tested at the manufacturer's facility, reducing on-site installation complexity
2Productivity
If the cold box is transported separately to the installation site, then the modularized liquefaction system enables faster installation with limited on-site work, but the installation costs increase due to custom piping connections and deviations compensation
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the cold box and refrigeration cycle module into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for custom piping connections and position deviation compensation that would otherwise be required when transporting separate modules. This merging maintains fast installation speed while reducing installation costs
3Device complexity
If the cold box is transported separately to the installation site, then the modularized liquefaction system allows for compact design and efficient thermal insulation, but the safety risks increase due to numerous temperature instruments and potential connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cold box with the refrigeration cycle module and integrates all instrumentation within the unified structure. This integration reduces the number of external connections and instrumentation points that need to be handled on-site, thereby maintaining compact design while reducing safety risks associated with connection errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary assembly and testing of all instrumentation and connections within the integrated module at the manufacturer's facility before transportation. This preliminary action ensures that all temperature instruments and connections are verified before reaching the installation site, reducing safety risks while maintaining the compact modular design
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 integrated approach significantly reduces on-site installation time, enhances safety by minimizing the risk of incorrect connections, and lowers overall installation costs by allowing pre-completion of critical connections and testing in a controlled environment.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between natural gas to be liquefied and a refrigerant fluid undergoing cyclic thermodynamic transformations
Implementation Method 2
the heat of the natural gas is transferred to a refrigerant fluid in controlled conditions through the use of heat exchangers
Implementation Method 3
cooling, condensation, expansion and vaporization
Implementation Method 4
cooling, condensation, expansion and vaporization
Data Source
AI summary
An optimized arrangement of a modularized liquefied natural gas production unit is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a cold box integral with the refrigerant fluid closed thermodynamic refrigeration cycle module.