Refrigerant accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant accumulators in LNG facilities require large spaces due to their size and elevation requirements, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant accumulator design comprising a plurality of pipes disposed on multiple planes, allowing for efficient separation of refrigerant streams into vapor and liquid phases using gravity, reducing the overall size and elevation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigerant accumulators are used, then reliable refrigerant separation is achieved, but large space and elevation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal or vertical accumulator designs to a multi-planar pipe configuration where pipes are arranged on multiple vertical planes. This dimensional reorganization allows the system to achieve separation functionality in a more compact footprint by utilizing vertical stacking of pipe planes rather than requiring large horizontal areas or tall single-plane structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator is segmented into multiple pipe planes with each plane containing specific pipe configurations for receiving, separating, and withdrawing refrigerant streams. The segmentation into first and second planes allows independent optimization of each plane's function while maintaining overall system compactness, with vapor withdrawal from upper planes and liquid withdrawal from lower planes.
2Reliability
If conventional refrigerant accumulators are used, then reliable refrigerant separation is achieved, but large elevation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging pipes on multiple vertical planes rather than a single tall structure, the patent distributes the elevation requirement across several compact planes. The multi-planar configuration achieves the necessary gravitational separation with reduced overall elevation by utilizing horizontal spacing between planes in addition to vertical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe planes are nested or stacked in a compact arrangement where multiple functional planes are positioned close together vertically. This nesting approach allows the system to achieve reliable separation with reduced total elevation by efficiently stacking functional elements in a compact vertical hierarchy.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-planar pipe configuration is used, then space requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pipe plane serves multiple functions: receiving refrigerant streams, performing gravitational separation, and providing withdrawal points for both vapor and liquid phases. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the multi-planar configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of reception, separation, and withdrawal into an integrated multi-planar pipe system rather than using separate dedicated vessels for each function. By combining these functions into a unified pipe structure, the system achieves space reduction while keeping complexity manageable through functional integration.
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 new design provides efficient separation with reduced space requirements, enabling better system stability and surge time, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in LNG facilities.
Implementation Method 1
separating the refrigerant stream by the refrigerant accumulator into a first refrigerant portion and a second refrigerant portion, the first refrigerant portion comprising vapor and the second refrigerant portion comprising liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant accumulator operable to receive a refrigerant. The refrigerant accumulator may include a plurality of elongated pipes. The plurality of pipes may include a first portion of the plurality of pipes disposed on a first plane and a second portion of the plurality of pipes disposed on a second plane.