Modular Compressor System for High-Pressure CNG Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high pressure requirements for natural gas in vehicles pose challenges in its delivery, as traditional fueling systems are not equipped to handle the elevated pressures needed for natural gas, creating obstacles in its distribution and use.
Innovation Solution
A modular compressor system is deployed in a standardized shipping container, which compresses gas from a field gas pipeline and stores it in a transport vessel, allowing for efficient transportation and dispensing at remote locations, including wellsites, with pressures exceeding 3000 psig.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional fueling systems are used, then atmospheric pressure fuel delivery is achieved, but high pressure natural gas delivery (exceeding 3000 psig) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a compressor unit that pressurizes natural gas to exceed 3000 psig, a storage tank for holding compressed gas, and a dispensing system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for high pressure operation independently from traditional atmospheric pressure fueling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary compressed gas storage tank as a buffer between the natural gas source and the vehicle fueling system. This intermediary vessel enables pressure transformation and decoupling, allowing natural gas to be compressed to high pressures (exceeding 3000 psig) for delivery without requiring modification of traditional fueling system components.
2Stress or pressure
If natural gas is compressed to high pressure (exceeding 3000 psig) for vehicle fueling, then vehicle fueling requirements are met, but traditional fueling systems cannot handle the elevated pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The fueling system is segmented into a mobile high-pressure compression and storage unit that can be deployed independently. The compressor and storage tank form a self-contained module that operates at high pressures (exceeding 3000 psig) while connecting to vehicles through adapted dispensing equipment, thereby maintaining operational simplicity despite high pressure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric pressure in traditional fueling to high pressure (exceeding 3000 psig) for natural gas. This parameter change is achieved through integrated compression technology that maintains ease of operation by automating the pressurization process and providing user-friendly high-pressure dispensing interfaces compatible with existing vehicle fueling ports.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular compressor system is deployed in a standardized shipping container, then transportability to remote locations is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized shipping container serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing for the compressor and storage system, enables transportable deployment to remote locations, offers standardized interfaces for installation and maintenance, and provides integrated safety and control systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the compressor, storage tank, control systems, and safety equipment into a single integrated modular unit housed in a standardized shipping container. This consolidation combines multiple functions into one deployable system, reducing the complexity of installation and operation at remote sites while maintaining adaptability to various locations including wellsites.
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 enables the efficient and safe delivery of compressed natural gas to vehicles by maintaining high pressures during transport and dispensing, addressing the delivery challenges associated with traditional fueling systems.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the natural gas prior to dispensing it to the vehicle... compressing the field gas with the modular compressor to form compressed gas... The pressure in the field gas pipeline can range from around 900 psig to around 1200 psig... The pressure at a discharge of the modular compressor can be at about 4000 psig
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of receiving field gas from a compressor station pipeline, and compressing the gas at a remote location with a modular compressor. The compressed gas is collected in a container and transported to a wellsite for use at the wellsite. The gas from the pipeline is directed to the container, and diverted to the modular compressor when pressure in the container approaches pressure in the pipeline. The modular compressor discharge is piped to the container, so that the container is filled with additional gas and at the discharge pressure of the modular compressor.