Transition Parameter Computation for Liquefied Gas Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing pressure variations in sealed and unrefrigerated liquefied gas tanks lack real-time computational tools to optimize thermodynamic processes, leading to potential tank damage and inefficiencies in evaporation control.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method computes transition parameters such as duration, liquid bleeding rate, and vapour bleeding rate by completing mass and energy balances between initial and final states in sealed and unrefrigerated tanks, using sensors for data input and an equation-based computation approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If real-time computation of transition parameters is implemented, then evaporation losses are minimized and tank integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes mass and energy balance equations based on thermodynamic principles before actual operation. These equations are prepared in advance with all necessary parameters (initial masses, volumes, temperatures, pressures) defined, allowing rapid calculation of transition parameters when needed without complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex iterative computational methods with a direct algebraic solution approach. By substituting the mass balance equation (Eq. 1) and energy balance equation (Eq. 2) and solving them simultaneously, the system obtains transition parameters directly without requiring iterative numerical methods, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy
2Speed
If direct computation method is used, then calculation speed is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically compensates for measurement uncertainties by using ratios and relative changes in the balance equations. The mass balance and energy balance equations are formulated to cancel out common measurement errors, and the computation device automatically adjusts calculations based on the interrelationships between parameters, reducing the impact of individual measurement precision limitations
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
Enables real-time decision-making and optimization to minimize evaporation losses and maintain tank integrity by accurately characterizing thermodynamic behavior, allowing operators to manage pressure variations effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The method comprises the steps of: determining, for the liquid phase and the vapour phase in the initial state, initial mass densities ρl,i and ρv,i, and initial internal mass energies Ul,i and Uv,i
Implementation Method 2
determining, for the liquid phase and the vapour phase in the final state, final mass densities ρl,f and ρv,f, final internal mass energies Ul,f and Uv,f
Implementation Method 3
Heat ingress through the tank walls causes the liquefied gas to evaporate and the pressure in the gaseous ceiling to increase
Implementation Method 4
Heat ingress through the tank walls causes the liquefied gas to evaporate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method and system for computing a transition parameter of a liquefied gas storage medium, the storage medium having at least one sealed and unrefrigerated tank, the transition parameter characterizing an evolution of a two-phase mixture contained in the sealed and unrefrigerated tank between an initial state and a final state, the two-phase mixture including a liquid phase and a vapour phase, the transition parameter may be a duration of the transition, a liquid bleeding rate or a vapour bleeding rate.