LNG Regasification Pump Control for Variable Outlet Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for regasifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) are inflexible and require significant downtime and costs when pressure changes are needed, as they are designed for narrowly defined pressures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first pump unit for removing LNG from storage, a second pump unit with a variable-speed drive motor to increase pressure independently of inlet pressure, and an optional routing unit with flow paths for separation, allowing for flexible pressure adjustment without modifying existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the regasification process is designed for narrowly defined pressures, then the process can be optimized for specific operating conditions, but the system lacks flexibility when pressure changes are needed, requiring significant downtime and additional CAPEX and OPEX costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump system adjustable rather than fixed. The pump pressure ratio can be dynamically changed to match different LNG inlet pressures, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions without requiring downtime for reconfiguration or replacement of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the pump system by allowing the pressure ratio to be adjusted according to the inlet pressure conditions. This parameter flexibility enables the same equipment to handle different pressure scenarios, eliminating the need for downtime and additional costs associated with pressure changes in conventional fixed-ratio systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump pressure ratio is fixed, then the equipment design is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate different LNG inlet pressures without modification or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the pressure ratio to be changed based on inlet pressure conditions. This dynamic capability provides pressure flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture, avoiding the need for multiple fixed-ratio pump sets or complex replacement procedures.
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 approach increases process flexibility, reduces downtime and costs by enabling pressure changes without replacing pumps, and allows for maintenance of separation columns without shutting down the entire regasification unit.
Implementation Method 1
removing liquefied natural gas from a storage tank using a first pump unit
Implementation Method 2
increasing the pressure of the liquefied natural gas in the second pump unit thereby obtaining pressurized liquefied natural gas
Implementation Method 3
vaporizing the pressurized liquefied natural gas thereby obtaining gaseous natural gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the regasification of liquefied natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of: a) removing liquefied natural gas (10) from a storage tank (2) using a first pump unit (3); b) passing the removed liquefied natural gas (20) to and feeding it into a second pump unit (4) at an inlet pressure; c) increasing the pressure of the liquefied natural gas in the second pump unit (4) thereby obtaining pressurized liquefied natural gas (50); d) vaporizing the pressurized liquefied natural gas (50) thereby obtaining gaseous natural gas (60); wherein the second pump unit (4) discharges the pressurized liquefied natural gas (50) at a pre-selected pressure value, regardless of the inlet pressure at the second pump unit (4).