Sliding-Piston Gas Trailer for Natural Gas and CO2 Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transportation of natural gas and CO2 requires separate infrastructure, which is inefficient, time-consuming, and costly due to the need for separate tank trailers and round-trip journeys for empty tanks.
Innovation Solution
A dual gas transport system with a trailer featuring tanks divided by a sliding piston and controlled by an electronic control module, allowing simultaneous transport and delivery of natural gas and CO2 using the same infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tank trailers are used for natural gas and CO2 transport, then each gas can be transported independently, but infrastructure cost and time consumption increase due to separate round-trip journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate transport functions (natural gas delivery and CO2 removal) into a single integrated tank trailer system. The trailer sequentially receives natural gas at the well site, transports it to the processing facility, then returns to receive CO2 at the same facility, and finally delivers CO2 to the storage site. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate round-trip journeys and separate infrastructure for each gas transport operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank trailer is designed as a universal platform capable of performing multiple functions: transporting natural gas from well sites to processing facilities, and transporting CO2 from processing facilities to storage sites. The same physical infrastructure (trailer, tanks, pumping equipment) serves both transport purposes sequentially, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated separate infrastructure for each gas type.
2Reliability
If separate infrastructure is used for natural gas and CO2 transport, then each gas can be handled by dedicated equipment, but overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the infrastructure requirements for natural gas and CO2 transport into a single integrated system. The same tank trailer, pumping equipment, and control systems are used for both gas types, reducing the total amount of infrastructure needed while maintaining reliable transport capabilities through sequential operation and proper cleaning procedures between gas types.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport infrastructure is designed as a universal system that can handle both natural gas and CO2 transport functions. The tank trailer and associated equipment are configured to perform multiple roles, reducing infrastructure complexity and cost while maintaining the reliability needed for safe transport of different gas types through proper operational procedures.
3Ease of operation
If separate tank trailers are deployed for each gas, then dedicated transport is ensured, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operational sequences for natural gas and CO2 transport into a single integrated workflow using one tank trailer. The system performs natural gas delivery, returns to receive CO2, and then delivers CO2 to storage, creating an efficient combined operational cycle that maximizes resource utilization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control and standardized procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a dual gas transport system includes a trailer, one or more tanks mounted on the trailer, wherein each of the one or more tanks includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the first and second compartments being separated from each other by a sliding piston, and an electronic control module configured to control operations of the one or more tanks.