Liquid Nitrogen Conversion Tank for Compressor-Free Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require compressors to convert low-pressure liquid nitrogen to high-pressure gaseous nitrogen, leading to increased nitrogen consumption and maintenance costs, while lacking efficiency and flexibility in pressure conversion.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a non-insulated conversion tank to evaporate liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen using ambient heat, eliminating the need for compressors and reducing energy consumption, maintenance, and capital expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid nitrogen is stored at high pressure to supply gaseous nitrogen without a compressor, then the nitrogen can be supplied directly to instruments, but the ability to cool down the LNG storage decreases and nitrogen consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of liquid nitrogen storage between high pressure (for direct gas supply) and low pressure (for efficient cooling), allowing optimization of nitrogen consumption based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a dynamic system that can switch between different pressure storage modes and operational states, enabling flexible adaptation between cooling mode and direct supply mode to minimize overall nitrogen consumption
2Stress or pressure
If a compressor is used to convert low-pressure liquid nitrogen to high-pressure gaseous nitrogen, then the fluid can be pressurized, but the energy consumption, maintenance costs, and capital expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical compressor system with a thermal-based phase change system, using heat input to evaporate liquid nitrogen and generate pressure through the phase transition process rather than mechanical compression
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition from liquid to gas state of nitrogen, where the evaporation process and subsequent pressure equalization naturally generate the required high pressure without mechanical compression, eliminating the need for compressors and associated energy costs
3Quantity of substance
If liquid nitrogen is stored at low pressure for efficient cooling, then the cooling ability is maximized, but the fluid cannot be directly supplied as pressurized gas to instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the nitrogen supply function into separate operational modes: one for cooling (low pressure liquid) and one for direct gas supply (high pressure gas), allowing each function to operate at its optimal pressure level without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic switching capability between different pressure states and operational modes, enabling the system to transition from low-pressure cooling mode to high-pressure direct supply mode based on real-time operational requirements
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
Efficient conversion of liquid nitrogen to high-pressure gaseous nitrogen without compressors, reducing nitrogen consumption and maintenance costs, while maintaining low energy consumption and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
In the conversion tank, the amount of fluid in the conversion tank is evaporated and thereby converted from its liquid state at the first pressure level into its gaseous state at a second pressure level
Implementation Method 2
The working principle of the invention is mainly based on the vaporisation of a liquified gas within a chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a method for converting a fluid from its liquid state into its gaseous state, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus (100) comprising an inlet port (151), an outlet port (152), and a conversion tank (110); connecting the inlet port (151) with a storage tank (180) for storing the fluid in its liquid state at a first pressure level and connecting the outlet port (152) with a gas consuming unit (190); transferring an amount of the fluid in its liquid state at the first pressure level from the storage tank (180) into the conversion tank (110); evaporating the amount of fluid in the conversion tank (110) and converting the fluid from its liquid state at the first pressure level into its gaseous state at a second pressure level higher than the first pressure level; transferring an amount of the fluid in its gaseous state at the section pressure level from the conversion tank (110) to the gas consuming unit (190).