RISING MAINS AND RELATED DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A system may include a rising main discharge pipe assembly, the rising main discharge pipe assembly having a first end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a cryogenic pump located at or near a bottom of a pump column. The rising main discharge pipe assembly may include a second end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of the pump column located at or near a top of the pump column. The rising main discharge pipe assembly may include a fluid channel for directing fluid from the fluid outlet of the cryogenic pump to the fluid outlet of the pump column. A modular pipe segment for a rising main discharge pipe assembly may include a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid handling systems for use with fluids, such as cryogenic fluids. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to fluid handling systems for pump assemblies that may be positioned in pump columns and used in the liquefaction, transportation, and/or regasification of cryogenic fluids, such as refrigerated methane liquid, liquefied natural gas, and/or related light hydrocarbon liquids and/or other cryogenic fluids such as liquid hydrogen and/or liquid ammonia, and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Pumps may be utilized to control the flow of fluids in various hydraulic processes. For example, some pumps may be used to increase (e.g., boost) the pressure in a hydraulic system, while other pumps may be used to move the fluids from one location to another.

Such devices may be implemented in cryogenic applications including, for example, the liquefaction, transportation and regasification of refrigerated methane liquid, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and/or related light hydrocarbon liquids or other refrigerated liquids like liquid ammonia and/or liquid hydrogen. For example, cryogenic submerged pumps may be used in the LNG supply industry where pumps are used to transfer the product from storage tanks to LNG carriers at the production plant, from the carriers to shore-side storage tanks, and then pumped at high pressure through vaporizers to pipelines.

When submerged cryogenic pumps are utilized in large storage tanks, the tanks may be provided with a pump column extending from the top of the tank to, or near to, the bottom of the tank. The pump column will have a diameter large enough to accommodate the installation and removal of the submerged cryogenic pump therein. The bottom of the pump column may include a foot valve that may allow the pump column to be sealed from the rest of the tank when a pump is not mounted to the foot valve. Accordingly, when the submerged cryogenic pump is installed or removed (or accessed for other reasons) the foot valve may seal the pump column from the rest of the tank and the cryogenic fluid surrounding the pump may be removed from the pump column without having to empty the entire tank. The top of tank the column may include a cover with a pipe extending therethrough to direct fluid from the pump column into a pipeline.

During operation, the pump may draw fluid from the bottom of the tank and direct the fluid out of the pump and into the pump column. After the pump column is filled, the fluid in the pump column may then be directed into a pipe extending through the column cover. There are many problems, however, associated with this arrangement.

For example, a mechanical failure of the foot valve may cause extreme difficulty as the foot valve is located at the bottom of the pump column, and thus the bottom of the tank. A failure of the foot valve may require that the entire tank be drained in order for repairs to be made, which may be extremely costly and time consuming.

For another example, a pump may experience instability during startup while the pump column fills with fluid, as there may be insufficient back pressure on the pump and the pump may operate outside of the designed steady-state condition for a significant amount of time. This lack of back pressure for a prolonged period of time (e.g., 2 minutes or more) while the pump column fills with fluid may cause sufficient pump instability to cause pump damage and/or failure.

For yet another example, stabilizing structures utilized on lifting cabling systems used to manage the cables running down the pump column to the pump may be rigid and may be sized to be close to the diameter of the pump column. These stabilizing structures may become stuck on features within the pump column if these pump column features extend within the inner diameter of the rest of the pump column, such as weld beads in the pump column and/or other inconsistent features of the pump column.

In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to improve existing cryogenic fluid handling systems, cryogenic tanks and pump columns, and related systems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, the rising main discharge pipe assembly including: a first end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a cryogenic pump located at or near a bottom of a pump column; a second end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of the pump column located at or near a top of the pump column; a plurality of modular pipe segments located between the first end and the second end; and a fluid channel for directing fluid from the fluid outlet of the cryogenic pump, through the plurality of modular pipe segments, and to the fluid outlet of the pump column.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including an expansion joint configured to compress and expand in an axial direction to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein the expansion joint is configured to accommodate at least a two-inch (5.08 cm) change in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein the expansion joint includes a bellows to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein the bellows are included of at least one of stainless steel or aluminum.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein the pressure actuated support piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, each piston of the plurality of pistons configured to extend in response to an internal pressurization of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and engage an inner surface of the pump column to stabilize the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein each piston of the pressure actuated support piston assembly includes a biasing member to retract the pistons when the internal pressure of the rising main discharge pipe assembly falls below a threshold level.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including a lifting bracket configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a lifting device for lifting or lowering at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and the cryogenic pump coupled thereto in the pump column.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including a support bracket configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a temporary support structure for temporarily holding an axial position of at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and the cryogenic pump coupled thereto in the pump column.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including a power cable bracket for securing power cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including an instrumentation cable bracket for securing instrumentation cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, further including: a pump mounted spool for coupling the rising main discharge pipe assembly to the outlet of the cryogenic pump; a column mounted spool for coupling the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a headplate of the pump column; and a plurality of modular pipe segments extending between the pump mounted spool and the column mounted spool.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a rising main discharge pipe assembly, wherein each of the plurality of modular pipe segments are substantially identical, each of the plurality of modular pipe segments including a lifting bracket, a support bracket, and a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular pipe segment for a rising main discharge pipe assembly, the modular pipe segment including a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular pipe segment, further including a lifting bracket and a support bracket.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a modular pipe segment, further including a power cable bracket and an instrument cable bracket.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of installing a cryogenic pump into a pump column, the method including: connecting a first modular pipe segment including a first lifting bracket and a first support bracket to the cryogenic pump; connecting a lifting device to the first lifting bracket of the first modular pipe segment and lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device; connecting a temporary support structure to the first support bracket at a top end of the pump column; temporarily holding an axial position of the cryogenic pump and the first modular pipe segment in the pump column with the temporary support structure while coupling a second modular pipe segment including a second lifting bracket and a second support bracket to the first modular pipe segment; disconnecting the lifting device from the first lifting bracket; connecting the lifting device to the second lifting bracket; disconnecting the temporary support structure from the first support bracket; and further lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including maintaining pistons of a pressure actuated support piston assembly of at least one of the first modular pipe segment or the second modular pipe segment in a retracted position while lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including maintaining a cloud of inert gas in the pump column over a cryogenic fluid located in the pump column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a rising main discharge pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure connected to a submerged motor cryogenic pump located within a pump column of a cryogenic fluid storage tank.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a column mounted spool of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a modular pipe segment of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of a piston of an actuated support piston assembly of the modular pipe segment FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a pump mounted spool of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the submerged motor cryogenic pump connected to a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1 and suspended in a pump column by a lifting device during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the submerged motor cryogenic pump connected to a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1 and suspended in the pump column by a support structure during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a second modular pipe segment of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1 suspended by the lifting device during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the second modular pipe segment of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 8 suspended by the lifting device and connected to the assembly of FIG. 7 during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a headplate coupled to the column mounted spool of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1 suspended by the lifting device during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the headplate coupled to the column mounted spool of FIG. 10 connected to a final modular pipe segment of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 1 during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the headplate of FIG. 11 coupled to the pump column during an installation and/or removal process.

FIG. 13 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a rising main discharge pipe assembly having an expansion joint configured as a slip joint according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional detail view of the expansion joint of the rising main discharge pipe assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular fluid handling device, tank, pump column, rising main, pump or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “bottom,” etc., are generally used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and do not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or” means and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “lateral” refer to the orientations as depicted in the figures.

As used herein, the term “substantially” or “about” in reference to a given parameter means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least 90% met, at least 95% met, at least 99% met, or even 100% met.

As used herein, the term “fluid” may mean and include fluids of any type and composition. Fluids may take a liquid form, a gaseous form, or combinations thereof, and, in some instances, may include some solid material. In some embodiments, fluids may convert between a liquid form and a gaseous form during a cooling or heating process as described herein. In some embodiments, the term fluid includes gases, liquids, and/or pumpable mixtures of liquids and solids.

As used herein, the term “modular” may mean and include assemblies, subassemblies, and/or devices that are interchangeable and/or include interchangeable components that may be assembled to and separated from an assembly and/or subassembly in modular units and included in multiple and various numbers in an assembly and/or subassembly.

While embodiments of the disclosure may discuss LNG and/or related light hydrocarbon liquids, embodiments of the disclosure may also be used with other fluids, such as, for example, liquid hydrogen or liquid ammonia.

FIG. 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure connected to a submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 located within a pump column 112 of a cryogenic fluid storage tank 114.

The cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 may include the pump column 112 to segregate a portion of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 for the installation and removal of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110. Accordingly, the pump column 112, which may be substantially cylindrical in shape, may have a length determined by the depth of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 and a diameter determined by a diameter of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110. The pump column 112 may be a segmented pipe extending from the bottom (or near to the bottom) of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 and out of the top of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the pump column 112 may include an opening for fluid flow from the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, for example, the bottom of the pump column 112 may be spaced (e.g., offset) a relatively short distance from the bottom of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114. The bottom of the pump column 112 may include a conical seal plate 116 configured to create a seal between the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and the pump column 112. The top of the pump column 112 may include a headplate 118 to seal the top of the pump column 112 from the outside environment (e.g., from ambient air). The headplate 118 may include a pipe 120 extending therethrough defining a fluid outlet for the pump column 112 to facilitate the passage of fluid from the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 into a fluid pipeline (not shown). Additionally, the pump column 112 may include openings 122 in a sidewall located to be positioned above the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 to ensure that the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 remains submerged in fluid, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to the operation below, and may include a sealed passthrough 124 for power cables 126 and instrumentation cables 128, and a vent 130 for gas.

The submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 may be located at or near the bottom of the pump column 112, an end plate 134 with a nozzle 136 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 may be sealed against the conical seal plate 116, and a fluid inlet 140 defined by the nozzle 136 may be open to the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114. In some embodiments, the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 may be a single modular submerged motor cryogenic pump or multiple modular submerged motor cryogenic pumps in series, such as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/651,901 filed on May 25, 2024 to Chalmers et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

The rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 may comprise a first end 142 coupled to a fluid outlet 152 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and a second end 144 coupled to the headplate 118 at the top end of the pump column 112 and a fluid channel 146 extending from the first end 142 to the second end 144 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 for directing fluid from the fluid outlet of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 out of the headplate 118 via the fluid outlet at the top end of the pump column 112.

The rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 may include a pump mounted spool 150 coupled to the fluid outlet 152 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, a column mounted spool 154 coupled to the headplate 118 of the pump column 112, and a plurality of modular pipe segments 160. The pump mounted spool 150, the plurality of modular pipe segments 160, and the column mounted spool 154 may be joined together with sealed connectors 162, such as V-band style flanges with pressure energized seals. For example, the sealed connectors 162 may utilize Vector Techlok® joints and Vector Slimlok™ clamps available from Freudenberg Flow Technologies of Wolfratshausen, Germany.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the column mounted spool 154 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The column mounted spool 154 may comprise a coupler 164 at a first end sized and configured to couple to the headplate 118, a coupler 166 at a second end configured to couple to a modular pipe segment 160, and an expansion joint 168 located between the coupler 164 and the coupler 166. The expansion joint 168 may be configured to compress and expand in an axial direction to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, such as, for example, changes in axial length due to a difference in temperature such as temperature differences between operating and non-operating conditions. In some embodiments, the expansion joint 168 may comprise bellows, as shown, which may consist of a plurality of convolutions or folds, to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and be able to accommodate the internal pressure of fluid being pumped through the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100. For example, the expansion joint 168 may comprise bellows comprised of at least one of stainless steel or aluminum and may accommodate a gage pressure of at least 2000 psi.

In further embodiments, the expansion joint 168 may be another arrangement, such as a slip joint and/or a telescoping joint (such as expansion joint 368 described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14) wherein an inner pipe portion may be nested within an outer pipe portion and the inner pipe portion may slide relative to the outer pipe portion to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100.

The column mounted spool 154 may additionally include a length limiting device 170 that may span the length of the expansion joint 168 and prevent the expansion joint 168 from expanding beyond a predetermined length, which may prevent the expansion joint 168 from failing during operations wherein the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 is removed or installed and the weight of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 is supported by the expansion joint 168.

In some embodiments, the length limiting device 170 may comprise collars 172 located on each side of the expansion joint 168. Rods 174 (e.g., bolts) may be positioned to extend through apertures in each of the collars 172, and each end of the rods 174 may include stops 176 (e.g., bolt heads at one end and nuts positioned on a threaded portion) located thereon that may prevent the ends of the rods 174 from passing through the apertures in the collars 172. Accordingly, the collars 172 may slide along the rods 174 within the bounds of the stops 176 at the ends of the collars 172, thus the expansion joint 168 may expand and contract only within a range defined by the distance between the stops 176 at each end of the rods 174.

In some embodiments, the expansion joint 168 may be configured to accommodate at least a one-inch (2.54 cm) change in the axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100. In further embodiments, the expansion joint 168 may be configured to accommodate at least a two-inch (5.08 cm) change in the axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100. In yet further embodiments, the expansion joint 168 may be configured to accommodate at least a three-inch (7.62 cm) change in the axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of one of the modular pipe segments 160 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, each modular pipe segment 160 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 may be substantially similar or identical and a number of modular pipe segments 160 may be selected and assembled to form a rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of a desired length.

As shown, the modular pipe segment 160 may comprise a length of pipe 180 having a coupler 182 at each end. The couplers 182 may be configured to connect the modular pipe segment 160 to other modular pipe segments 160 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160, the pump mounted spool 150, and/or the column mounted spool 154. For example, the couplers 182 may be V-style or tapered couplers and the coupler 182 at one end may be substantially identical to the coupler 182 at the other end.

The modular pipe segment 160 may additionally comprise a lifting bracket 184 and a support bracket 186 that may be utilized to facilitate the installation and/or removal of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and/or the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 within the pump column 112. The lifting bracket 184 may be configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 to a lifting device for lifting or lowering at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and the cryogenic pump 110 coupled thereto in the pump column 112. The support bracket 186 may be configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 to a temporary support structure for temporarily holding the axial position of at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and the cryogenic pump 110 coupled thereto in the pump column 112. The installation/removal process will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to FIGS. 6-12.

In some embodiments, the lifting bracket 184 may include two portions extending from opposing sides of the pipe 180 as shown. In further embodiments, the lifting bracket 184 may be a single structure attached to the pipe 180, or another configuration. The lifting bracket 184 may be coupled to the pipe 180 of the modular pipe segment 160, such as by one or more of welding, brazing, fasteners, and/or adhesives.

The lifting bracket 184 may include one or more coupling features 190 sized and configured for coupling the lifting bracket 184 to a lifting device (e.g., a winch and/or crane). For example, the one or more coupling feature 190 may be one or more aperture sized for the attachment of a hook, shackle, bolt, chain, and/or cable.

Like the lifting bracket 184, in some embodiments, the support bracket 186 may include two portions extending from opposing sides of the pipe 180 as shown. In further embodiments, the support bracket 186 may be a single structure attached to the pipe 180, or another configuration. The support bracket 186 may be coupled to the pipe 180 of the modular pipe segment 160, such as by one or more of welding, brazing, fasteners, and/or adhesives.

The support bracket 186 may include one or more coupling features 192 sized and configured for coupling the support bracket 186 to a temporary support structure for temporarily holding the axial position of support bracket 186 in the pump column 112. For example, the one or more coupling feature 192 may be one or more aperture sized for sliding support rods therethrough.

The modular pipe segment 160 may additionally comprise a pressure actuated support piston assembly 196 that may comprise a plurality of pistons 198, each piston 198 configured to extend in response to an internal pressurization of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and engage an inner surface of the pump column 112 to stabilize the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 during operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110. In some embodiments, the pressure actuated support piston assembly 196 may comprise three pistons 198 oriented to extend in a radial direction relative to the axis of the pipe 180 and spaced at 120-degree intervals. In further embodiments, more than three pistons 198 may be utilized, or less than three pistons 198 may be utilized.

In some embodiments, the actuated support piston assembly 196 may include a power cable bracket 200 for securing power cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and an instrumentation cable bracket 202 for securing instrumentation cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100. The power cable bracket 200 may comprise grooves 204 sized to receive power cables therein and at least one retaining member 206 to secure the cables in the grooves 204. Likewise, the instrumentation cable bracket 202 may comprise grooves 208 sized to receive instrumentation cables therein and at least one retaining member 210 to secure the cables in the grooves 208. In further embodiments, the power cable bracket 200 and/or the instrumentation cable bracket 202 may be located on the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 separate from the actuated support piston assembly 196.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of one of the pistons 198 of the actuated support piston assembly 196 of FIG. 3. As shown, each piston 198 may include a piston housing 220 that may be coupled to a main body 222 of the actuated support piston assembly 196. Each piston 198 may include a piston rod 226 positioned in and extending from a bore of piston housing 220, and a piston seal 228 providing a seal between the piston rod 226 and the piston housing 220. Each piston 198 may additionally include a bumper 230 located at an end of the piston rod 226 to interface with the inner surface of the pump column 112, and a biasing member 232, such as a compression spring, that may be poisoned between a shoulder of piston housing 220 and an end plate of the piston rod 226 and configured to apply a biasing force to the piston rod 226 biasing the piston rod 226 to a retracted position within piston housing 220.

A fluid channel 236 in the main body 222 of the actuated support piston assembly 196 may extend from the fluid channel 146 in the modular pipe segment 160 to the bore of piston housing 220. Accordingly, when the fluid within the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 became pressurized by the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, the fluid pressure may be transmitted to the bore of the piston housing 220 and to the end plate of the piston rod 226. When the force applied to the end plate of the piston rod 226 by the fluid pressure within the modular pipe segment 160 exceeds the biasing force of the biasing member 232, the biasing member 232 may become compressed between the end plate of the piston rod 226 and the shoulder of the piston housing 220 and the piston rod 226 may extend from the piston housing 220. In view of the foregoing, the pistons 198 of the actuated support piston assembly 196 may be selectively actuated when the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 is operated and the fluid within the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 becomes pressurized beyond a threshold level (gage pressure). Additionally, the biasing member 232 may apply a sufficient biasing force to the piston rod 226 to retract the pistons 198 when the internal pressure of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 falls below the threshold level.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional isometric view of the pump mounted spool 150 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The pump mounted spool 150 may comprise a coupler 240 at a first end sized and configured to couple to the fluid outlet 152 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 (e.g., to an outlet fluid manifold), and a coupler 242 at a second end configured to couple to a modular pipe segment 160. Additionally, the diameter of the pump mounted spool 150 may vary over its length, as the diameters of the coupler 240 and the coupler 242 may be different to accommodate the relative sizes in diameters of the fluid outlet 152 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and the plurality of modular pipe segments 160.

In some embodiments, the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 may each be substantially similar or identical and all of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 may have substantially the same length, and the column mounted spool 154 may have a standard length. Accordingly, to achieve a desired overall length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 for a specific application, the pump mounted spool 150 may be manufactured to a customized length.

Optionally, the pump mounted spool 150 may include a lifting bracket and/or a support bracket, which may be substantially the same as the lifting bracket 184 and/or the support bracket 186 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160, to facilitate the installation and/or the removal of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 within the pump column 112.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 connected to a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1 and suspended in the pump column 112 by a lifting device 250 (e.g., a winch and/or crane) during an installation and/or removal process.

Prior to insertion into the pump column 112, the coupler 240 of the pump mounted spool 150 may be connected to the fluid outlet 152 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110. For example, a seal may be provided between the coupler 240 and a fluid outlet manifold of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and a flange of the coupler 240 may be bolted to the fluid outlet manifold of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110. Additionally, the coupler 242 of the pump mounted spool 150 may be connected to a coupler 182a of a first modular pipe segment 160a. For example, a seal may be positioned between the coupler 242 of the pump mounted spool 150 and the coupler 182a of the modular pipe segment 160a, the coupler 242 and the coupler 182a may be positioned adjacent to one another, and a clamp 254 may be positioned over the coupler 242 and the coupler 182a and secure the connection of the coupler 242 and the coupler 182a together.

Additionally, power cables 126 may be coupled to the motor of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and instrumentation cables 128 may be coupled to instruments (e.g., measurement instruments, such as accelerometers). The power cables 126 may then be secured to a power cable bracket 200a of the modular pipe segment 160a and the instrumentation cables 128 may be secured to an instrumentation cable bracket 202a of the modular pipe segment 160a. An assembly 256 comprising the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, the pump mounted spool 150, and the modular pipe segment 160a may then be ready to be inserted into the pump column 112.

If the pump column 112 contains a cryogenic fluid, such as LNG, an inert gas, such as nitrogen from a cryogenic source, may be fed into the pump column 112 and a cloud of inert gas may be maintained in the pump column 112 over the cryogenic fluid located in the pump column 112 while the pump column 112 is open during the installation process. The cloud of inert gas may substantially prevent gases emanating from the cryogenic fluid in the pump column 112 from exiting the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 through opening at the top of the pump column 112.

The lifting device 250 may then be connected to the lifting bracket 184a of the modular pipe segment 160a. For example, one or more cables 258 of the lifting device 250 may be secured to the lifting bracket 184a, such as by one or more hook, shackle, chain, fastener, chain, cable and/or harness. The lifting device 250 may then be utilized to lift the assembly 256 over an opening at the top of the pump column 112, and lower the assembly 256 into the pump column 112. The assembly 256 may be lowered until the support bracket 186a of the modular pipe segment 160a is positioned just over the top of the opening of the pump column 112.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the assembly 256 suspended in the pump column 112 by a support structure (e.g., support rods 260) during an installation and/or removal process.

When the support bracket 186a of the modular pipe segment 160a is positioned just over the top of the opening of the pump column 112 a temporary support structure for temporarily holding the axial position of the assembly 256 in the pump column 112. For example, support rods 260 may be inserted into apertures of the support bracket 186a and then the lifting device 250 may lower the modular pipe segment 160a until the weight of the assembly 256, including the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, the pump mounted spool 150, and the modular pipe segment 160a, is supported by the support rods 260 resting on an upper surface of the pump column 112.

After the weight of the assembly 256 is supported by the support rods 260, the lifting device 250 may be disconnected from the lifting bracket 184a of the modular pipe segment 160a. Additionally, one or more temporary cover plate 264 may be placed over the opening at the top of the pump column 112 to assist in preventing tools, debris, and/or other items from falling into the pump column 112.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a second modular pipe segment 160b of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1 suspended by the lifting device 250 during an installation and/or removal process.

Next, the lifting device 250 may be connected to a lifting bracket 184b of a second modular pipe segment 160b, which may be substantially identical to the first modular pipe segment 160a. The second modular pipe segment 160b may be moved with the lifting device 250 to a location above the modular pipe segment 160a.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the second modular pipe segment 160b suspended by the lifting device 250 and connected to the assembly 256 of FIG. 8 during an installation and/or removal process.

A coupler 182b of the second modular pipe segment 160b may be coupled to a coupler 182a of the first modular pipe segment 160a. For example, a seal may be provided between the coupler 182a and the coupler 182b. The coupler 182a and the coupler 182b may be positioned adjacent to one another, and a clamp 254 may be positioned over the coupler 182a and the coupler 182b and secure the connection of the coupler 182a and the coupler 182b together. Additionally, the power cables 126 may be coupled to a power cable bracket 200b of the modular pipe segment 160b and the instrumentation cables 128 may be coupled to an instrumentation cable bracket 202b of the modular pipe segment 160b. An assembly 270 comprising the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, the pump mounted spool 150, and a plurality of modular pipe segments 160a, 160b may then be lifted to raise the support rods 260 off of the pump column 112.

After the weight of the assembly 270 is taken off of the support rods 260, the support rods 260 may be removed from the support bracket 186a and the one or more temporary cover plate 264 may be removed from the top of the pump column 112. The lifting device 250 may then be utilized to lower the assembly 270 further into the pump column 112, and the assembly 270 may be lowered until the support bracket 186b of the modular pipe segment 160b is positioned just over the top of the opening of the pump column 112, such as shown in FIG. 7.

When the support bracket 186b of the modular pipe segment 160b is positioned just over the top of the opening of the pump column 112 the support rods 260 may be inserted into apertures of the support bracket 186b and then the lifting device 250 may lower the modular pipe segment 160b until the weight of the assembly 270 is supported by the support rods 260 resting on an upper surface of the pump column 112.

After the weight of the assembly 270 is supported by the support rods 260, the lifting device 250 may be disconnected from the lifting bracket 184b of the modular pipe segment 160b and the one or more temporary cover plate 264 may be placed over the opening at the top of the pump column 112.

This process, described with reference to FIGS. 7-9, may be repeated with additional modular pipe segments 160 until the desired number of modular pipe segments 160 have been connected together and the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 is located near the bottom of the pump column 112. After a final modular pipe segment 160c (see FIG. 11) of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 may be supported by the support rods 260, the lifting device 250 may be disconnected from a lifting bracket 184c of the final modular pipe segment 160c and the one or more temporary cover plates 264 may be placed over the opening at the top of the pump column 112, similarly to the modular pipe segment 160b shown in FIG. 7.

If there is relatively low overhead clearance between the top of the pump column 112 and the lifting device 250, the pump mounted spool 150 may include a lifting bracket and a support bracket (e.g., like the lifting bracket 184 and support bracket 186 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160) and the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and pump mounted spool 150 may be installed with the lifting device 250 and suspended by the rods 174 in the pump column 112 prior to installation of the first modular pipe segment 160a on the pump mounted spool 150.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the headplate 118 coupled to the column mounted spool 154 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1 suspended by the lifting device 250 during an installation and/or removal process.

Next, the column mounted spool 154 may be connected to the headplate 118. For example, a seal may be provided between the coupler 164 and a connector of the headplate 118 and a flange of the coupler 164 may be bolted to the headplate 118.

The lifting device 250 may be connected to a mounting bracket 274 of the headplate 118 and the lifting device 250 may be utilized to lift the headplate 118 and connected column mounted spool 154 and move the headplate 118 and column mounted spool 154 over the final modular pipe segment 160c, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of the headplate 118 coupled to the column mounted spool 154 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 of FIG. 1 suspended by the lifting device 250 during an installation and/or removal process.

A coupler 166 of the column mounted spool 154 may be coupled to a coupler 182c of the final modular pipe segment 160c. For example, a seal may be provided between the coupler 166 and the coupler 182c. The coupler 166 and the coupler 182c may be positioned adjacent to one another, and a clamp 254 may be positioned over the coupler 166 and the coupler 182c and secure the connection of the coupler 166 and the coupler 182c together.

The power cables 126 may be coupled to the power cable bracket 200c and the instrumentation cables 128 may be coupled to the instrumentation cable bracket 202c, and the power cables 126 and the instrumentation cables 128 may be routed through the sealed passthrough 124 of the pump column 112.

The submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, and the headplate 118 may then be lifted as an assembly 280 by the lifting device 250 to raise the support rods 260 off the pump column 112.

After the weight of the assembly 280 is taken off of the support rods 260, the support rods 260 may be removed from the support bracket 186c and the one or more temporary cover plate 264 may be removed from the top of the pump column 112. The lifting device 250 may then be utilized to lower the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 and the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 completely into the pump column 112, with the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110 resting on the conical seal plate 116 at the bottom of the pump column 112.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of the headplate 118 coupled to the pump column 112 of FIG. 1 during an installation and/or removal process.

A seal may be provided between the headplate 118 and the top of the pump column 112 and the headplate 118 may be coupled to the pump column 112. For example, a flange of the headplate 118 may be bolted to a flange of the pump column 112. Connecting the headplate 118 to the pump column 112 may apply a compressive force to the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, which may cause the expansion joint 168 of the column mounted spool 154 to become at least partially compressed.

A removal process may be similar to the installation process described with reference to FIGS. 6-12 performed in reverse, except that the first step may still involve introducing a cloud of inert gas into the pump column 112 over the cryogenic fluid within the pump column 112.

For the removal, referring to FIG. 12, after an inert gas is supplied to the pump column 112, the headplate 118 may be disconnected from pump column 112 and the lifting device 250 may be connected to the headplate 118.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the headplate 118, and the connected rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 and submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, may be lifted from the pump column 112 with the lifting device 250 until the support bracket 186c of the final modular pipe segment 160c is above the pump column 112. The support rods 260 may be inserted into apertures of the support bracket 186c and the assembly 280 may be lowered until the weight of the assembly 280 is supported by the support rods 260 and support bracket 186c.

The column mounted spool 154 may then be disconnected from the final modular pipe segment 160c and removed with the lifting device 250, as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the lifting device 250 may utilized to lift each segment of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 one by one. As shown, the lifting device 250 may be connected to the lifting bracket 184b of the modular pipe segment 160b and lift the modular pipe segment 160b until the support bracket 186a of the underlying modular pipe segment 160a is above the pump column 112. The support rods 260 may be inserted into apertures of the support bracket 186a and the assembly 270 may be lowered until the weight of the assembly 270 is resting on the support rods 260. The power cables 126 may be disconnected from the power cable bracket 200a and the instrumentation cables 128 may be disconnected from the instrumentation cable bracket 202a. The modular pipe segment 160b may then be disconnected from the underlying modular pipe segment 160a and removed with the lifting device 250, as shown in FIG. 8.

After each of the other modular pipe segments 160 have been removed and the first modular pipe segment 160a is resting on the pump column 112 via the support rods 260, as shown in FIG. 7, the lifting device 250 may be connected to the lifting bracket 184a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lifting device 250 may then lift the modular pipe segment 160a, and the attached pump mounted spool 150 and submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, from the pump column 112.

As there is no significant gage pressure within the plurality of modular pipe segments 160 during the installation and/or removal procedures, the plurality of pistons 198 of each actuated support piston assembly 196 may be biased to a retracted position by the biasing members 232 (see FIG. 4) during the installation and/or removal processes.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 having an expansion joint 368 configured as a slip joint according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. The rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 may be substantially identical to the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, except that a second end 344 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 may differ from the second end 144 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100 to facilitate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 (e.g., changes in axial length due to a difference in temperature between operating and non-operating conditions) without bellows.

The rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 may be installed in a pump column 312 of a cryogenic fluid storage tank 314 that may be substantially identical to the pump column 112 and the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114 of FIG. 1 except as described otherwise herein, and may be coupled to a submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 located at or near the bottom of the pump column 312, an end plate 334 with a nozzle 336 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 may be sealed against a flat seal plate 316 directly and/or via an optional O-ring located between the end plate 334 and the flat seal plate 316. A fluid inlet 340 defined by the nozzle 336 may be open to the cryogenic fluid storage tank 314. In some embodiments, the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 may be a single modular submerged motor cryogenic pump or multiple modular submerged motor cryogenic pumps in series.

The rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 may comprise a first end 342 coupled to a fluid outlet 352 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 and a second end 344 extending through a headplate 318 at the top end of the pump column 312 and a fluid channel 346 extending from the first end 342 to the second end 344 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 for directing fluid from the fluid outlet of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 out of the headplate 318 via the fluid outlet at the top end of the pump column 312.

The rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 may include a pump mounted spool 350 coupled to the fluid outlet 352 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310, a discharge pipe 354 extending through the headplate 318 of the pump column 312, and a plurality of modular pipe segments 360, which may be substantially identical to the modular pipe segments 160. The pump mounted spool 350, the plurality of modular pipe segments 360, and a first end of the discharge pipe 354 may be joined together with sealed connectors 362, such as V-band style flanges with pressure energized seals. For example, the sealed connectors 362 may utilize Vector Techlok® joints and Vector Slimlok™ clamps available from Freudenberg Flow Technologies of Wolfratshausen, Germany.

The discharge pipe 354 may include a lifting bracket 384 and a second end of the discharge pipe 354 may be a substantially straight section of pipe cut to a length to extend beyond the headplate 318 a predetermined distance after the end plate 334 of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 is sealed against the flat seal plate 316 of the pump column 312.

After the submerged motor cryogenic pump 310 is resting on the flat seal plate 316 of the pump column 312, the headplate 318 may be positioned on the end of the pump column 312 with the second end of the discharge pipe 354 extending through an aperture in the headplate 318, and the headplate 318 may be coupled to the pump column 312, such as with bolts and nuts. A hub 394 may then be positioned over the headplate 318 with the second end of the discharge pipe 354 extending through a central aperture of the hub 394.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional detail view of the expansion joint 368 of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 300 of FIG. 13. As shown, a seal 395 may be positioned between the central aperture and the hub 394 and the second end of the discharge pipe 354. In some embodiments, the seal 395 may be a chevron seal positioned between the central aperture and the hub 394 and the second end of the discharge pipe 354 and held within a seal cavity formed in the hub 394 with an annular retainer plate 397 coupled to the hub 394, such as with bolts.

Accordingly, the second end of the discharge pipe 354 may move in an axial direction relative to the headplate 118, the hub 394, the seal 395, and the annular retainer plate 397, in response to expansion and/or contraction of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 300, while the seal 395 may maintain a fluid seal between the discharge pipe 354 and the hub 394. After the hub 394 and the seal 395 are installed, a pipe 320 (see FIG. 13) may be coupled to the hub 394, the pipe 320 defining a fluid outlet for the pump column 312 to facilitate the passage of fluid from the cryogenic fluid storage tank 314 into a fluid pipeline (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 13, the operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 attached to a rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be less prone to damage and/or failure, especially during startup procedures. As the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, 300 provides a relatively small fluid channel 146, 346 extending from the fluid outlet of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 to the headplate 118, 318, when compared to the large cavity within the pump column 112, 312, the fluid channel 146, 346 may fill relatively quickly (e.g., within a few seconds) when the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 is started, rather than taking many minutes to fill the pump column 112, 312. Accordingly, the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 may experience steady-state back pressure relatively quickly and may achieve steady-state operation within seconds, rather than after many minutes. This may significantly reduce the time that the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 is exposed to undesirable conditions that may be present during startup.

Since the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 is not required to fill the entire pump column 112, 312 during operation, certain features of the pump column 112, 312 may be provided to facilitate the submersion of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 during the operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310. The openings 122, 322 in the sidewall of the pump column 112, 312, located above the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310, may allow passage of cryogenic fluid between the pump column 112, 312 and the rest of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, 314.

When the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, 314 extends to a level above the openings 122, 322, the cryogenic fluid will freely flow therethrough and submerge the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310. Features of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 may facilitate the submersion of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 in cryogenic fluid in cases when the level of the cryogenic fluid in the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, 314 is below the openings 122, 322.

The submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 may be equipped with fluid outlets that may direct a portion of the cryogenic fluid pumped by the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 during operation into the pump column 112, 312. For example, a portion of the cryogenic fluid pressurized by the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 may be directed into the motor of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 to cool the motor during operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310. This portion of the cryogenic fluid may then be vented out of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 and into the pump column 112, 312. This portion of the cryogenic fluid may then fill the pump column 112, 312 until the cryogenic fluid reaches the openings 122, 322 at which point the cryogenic fluid will return to the main portion of the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, 314. Accordingly, even if the fluid level in the cryogenic fluid storage tank 114, 314 falls below the level of the openings 122, 322 in the pump column 112, 312, the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310 may be submerged in cryogenic fluid during the operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310.

Additionally, after the relatively short startup time of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310, the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, 300 may experience a significant pressure therein (gage pressure). This pressure may apply a force to the plurality of pistons 198, 398 of each actuated support piston assembly 196, 396 sufficiently high to overcome the biasing force of the biasing members 232 (see FIG. 4). Thus, during operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310, the plurality of pistons 198, 398 of each actuated support piston assembly 196, 396 may be extended so that the bumpers 230 may be pressed against the inner wall of the pump column 112, 312, and the actuated support piston assemblies 196, 396 of the plurality of modular pipe segments 160, 360 may provide stabilization of the rising main discharge pipe assembly 100, 300 during operation of the submerged motor cryogenic pump 110, 310.

Furthermore, because arrangements and methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure do not require the use of a foot valve, the bottom of the pump column 112, 312 may lack mechanical components that might fail and become difficult to repair or replace.

While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents thereof. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope of the disclosure as contemplated by the inventors.

Claims

1. A rising main discharge pipe assembly, the rising main discharge pipe assembly comprising:

a first end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a cryogenic pump located at or near a bottom of a pump column;

a second end configured to couple to a fluid outlet of the pump column located at or near a top of the pump column;

a plurality of modular pipe segments located between the first end and the second end; and

a fluid channel for directing fluid from the fluid outlet of the cryogenic pump, through the plurality of modular pipe segments, and to the fluid outlet of the pump column.

2. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising an expansion joint configured to compress and expand in an axial direction to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

3. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 2, wherein the expansion joint is configured to accommodate at least a two-inch (5.08 cm) change in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

4. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 2, wherein the expansion joint comprises a slip joint to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

5. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 4, wherein the slip joint comprises a portion of the second end of the rising main discharge pipe assembly extending through a headplate at the top of the pump column and into a hub coupled to the headplate, and a chevron seal positioned between the hub and the portion of the second end of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

6. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 2, wherein the expansion joint comprises a bellows to accommodate changes in axial length of the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

7. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 6, wherein the bellows are comprised of at least one of stainless steel or aluminum.

8. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

9. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 8, wherein the pressure actuated support piston assembly comprises a plurality of pistons, each piston of the plurality of pistons configured to extend in response to an internal pressurization of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and engage an inner surface of the pump column to laterally stabilize the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

10. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 9, wherein each piston of the pressure actuated support piston assembly comprises a biasing member to retract the plurality of pistons when the internal pressurization of the rising main discharge pipe assembly falls below a threshold level.

11. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lifting bracket configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a lifting device for lifting or lowering at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and the cryogenic pump coupled thereto in the pump column.

12. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support bracket configured to couple the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a temporary support structure for temporarily holding an axial position of at least a portion of the rising main discharge pipe assembly and the cryogenic pump coupled thereto in the pump column.

13. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a power cable bracket for securing power cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

14. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising an instrumentation cable bracket for securing instrumentation cable to the rising main discharge pipe assembly.

15. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a pump mounted spool for coupling the rising main discharge pipe assembly to the fluid outlet of the cryogenic pump;

a column mounted spool for coupling the rising main discharge pipe assembly to a headplate of the pump column; and

wherein the plurality of modular pipe segments extend between the pump mounted spool and the column mounted spool.

16. The rising main discharge pipe assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of modular pipe segments are substantially identical, each of the plurality of modular pipe segments comprising a lifting bracket, a support bracket, and a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

17. A modular pipe segment for a rising main discharge pipe assembly, the modular pipe segment comprising a pressure actuated support piston assembly.

18. The modular pipe segment of claim 17, further comprising a lifting bracket and a support bracket.

19. The modular pipe segment of claim 18, further comprising a power cable bracket and an instrument cable bracket.

20. A method of installing a cryogenic pump into a pump column, the method comprising:

connecting a first modular pipe segment comprising a first lifting bracket and a first support bracket to the cryogenic pump;

connecting a lifting device to the first lifting bracket of the first modular pipe segment and lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device;

connecting a temporary support structure to the first support bracket at a top end of the pump column;

temporarily holding an axial position of the cryogenic pump and the first modular pipe segment in the pump column with the temporary support structure while coupling a second modular pipe segment comprising a second lifting bracket and a second support bracket to the first modular pipe segment;

disconnecting the lifting device from the first lifting bracket;

connecting the lifting device to the second lifting bracket;

disconnecting the temporary support structure from the first support bracket; and

further lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining pistons of a pressure actuated support piston assembly of at least one of the first modular pipe segment or the second modular pipe segment in a retracted position while lowering the cryogenic pump into the pump column with the lifting device.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining a cloud of inert gas in the pump column over a cryogenic fluid located in the pump column.