Storage Of Solidified Or Liquified Gas (e.g., Cryogen) Patents (Class 62/45.1)
  • Publication number: 20090293503
    Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and releasing energy comprising directing inlet air into a vertical cold flue assembly having an air inlet at or near its top into which inlet air is directed and an exit at or near its bottom. The air is cooled within the cold flue assembly and a portion of moisture is removed from the air within the cold flue assembly. The air is directed out the exit of the cold flue assembly and compressed. The remaining moisture is substantially removed and the carbon dioxide is removed from the air by adsorption. The air is cooled in a main heat exchanger such that it is substantially liquefied using refrigerant loop air, the refrigerant loop air generated by a refrigerant loop process. The substantially liquefied air is directed to a storage apparatus. The refrigerant loop air is cooled by a mechanical chiller and by a plurality of refrigerant loop air expanders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Expansion Energy, LLC
    Inventor: David Vandor
  • Publication number: 20090211261
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a portable cryogenic treatment system comprises a transportable housing. The transportable housing comprises a plurality of side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a ceiling and a floor. The transportable housing includes a cryogenic liquid source and a cryogenic treatment chamber in fluid communication with the cryogenic liquid source. The cryogenic treatment chamber is configured to treat a treat able object using a cryogenic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: David Dillon, Robert Maclnnis
  • Publication number: 20090199591
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Han Lee, Young Sik Moon, Dong Kyu Choi, Young Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20090193815
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage device includes a main body and a door. The main body defines an opening and a compartment. The door is rotatably connected to an edge of the opening. An evaporator is positioned in the compartment and configured to produce cold air. A fan is positioned in the compartment and configured to drive the cold air to flow in the compartment. An illumination component is positioned in the compartment and includes several of light emitting diodes. A door switch is positioned on an edge of the opening and configured to detect if the door is opened or closed to turn on and off the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: HUNG-KUANG HSU, CHUN-WEI WANG
  • Patent number: 7568352
    Abstract: A cryogenic propellant storage tank system and method are disclosed that thermally couple LO2 and LCH4 tanks together by using either a single tank compartmentalized by a common tank wall or two separate tanks that are coupled together with one or more thermal couplers having high thermal conductivity. Cryogenic cooling equipment may be located only in the LO2 tank while the LCH4 is cooled by the LO2 tank interface. Embodiments of the invention may employ both LO2 and LCH4 liquid acquisition devices (LADs) for low-gravity use. In further embodiments, only the LO2 LADs may be integrated with thermal cooling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Grayson, Michael L. Hand, Edwin C. Cady
  • Publication number: 20090186405
    Abstract: Successful cryopreservation by the vitrification method depends on high chilling speed. Practitioners of vitrification prefer to use liquid nitrogen as the chilling cryogen due to its inherent safety and low cost. Plunging vitrification cryocontainers in to a quiescent pool of liquid nitrogen invariably results in a chilling rate less than the theoretical potential. The shortfall is attributed to the well-known Leidenfrost effect. The purpose of this invention it to provide improve chilling rates during vitrification using liquid nitrogen. One feature of this invention is a contacting device that invokes convective heat transfer principles to increase chilling speed. In another feature of this invention, cryogen velocity is derived from a self-pressurized dewar containing a saturated cryogen. The self-pressurization is achieved by ambient heating of the dewar's contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Milton Chin
  • Patent number: 7562534
    Abstract: A method for establishing a cryogenic insulation system wherein aerogel is provided to a sealable insulation space which is pressurized and depressurized, preferably using carbon dioxide gas, and cooled to cryogenic temperatures typically by the application of refrigeration from cryogenic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard John Jibb, John Henri Royal, Norman Henry White, Steve Allan Schweichler, Wevone Hobbs
  • Patent number: 7553996
    Abstract: A solid clathrate hydrate comprising lactate anion and a calcium cation. The clathrate hydrate serves as a sponge that can be used to store a gas such as hydrogen, methane, oxygen, or carbon dioxide. The presence of carboxylate anion (lactate) stabilizes the clathrate so that it is solid and stable at relatively mild temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Conant
  • Patent number: 7546744
    Abstract: A storage tank defines a cryogen space for storing a cryogenic liquid. The storage tank comprises a combined fill and vent assembly, which comprises a conduit having a first end with an opening disposed within an upper part of the cryogen space, and a second end outside of the cryogen space that is connected to a receptacle, to which a re-filling nozzle can be attached. A check valve disposed in the conduit allows flow only in the direction of filling the cryogen space with cryogenic liquid from the receptacle. A by-pass line is provided around the check valve with a valve disposed in the by-pass line that is operable to open or close to control flow through the by-pass line. The method comprises attaching a re-filling nozzle to the receptacle and opening the by-pass valve to vent vapor from the cryogen space to reduce vapor pressure therein and to cool the conduit, receptacle, re-filling nozzle, and fill line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Harper, Randall Mark
  • Patent number: 7546873
    Abstract: A method of forming and maintaining a low temperature zone around at least a portion of a subsurface treatment area is described. The method includes reducing a temperature of heat transfer fluid with a refrigeration system. The heat transfer fluid is circulated through freeze well canisters and placed in a formation around at least a portion of the subsurface treatment area. An initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied to a first freeze well canister is in a range from about ?35 ° C. to about ?55 ° C. At least one of the well canisters includes carbon steel. The heat transfer fluid is returned to the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dong Sub Kim, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7540159
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present technique provides a method of transporting a cryogenic device between first and second facilities. The exemplary method includes actively maintaining cryogen in the device within desired parameters. According to another embodiment, the present technique provides a portable resource supply, which provides resources to a cryogenic imaging device during transportation. Advantageously, the portable supply unit may actively maintain cryogen in the imaging device within desired parameters. Moreover, the portable supply unit may reduce the likelihood of a loss of cryogen and a loss of superconductivity in the imaging device. Furthermore, the present technique provides a maintenance system for cryogenic imaging devices. As one example, the maintenance system may include an intermediate facility having resources for maintaining a cryogenic imaging device during transportation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Peter Chan
  • Publication number: 20090114656
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to insulate a vessel includes placing a plurality of shells on all sides of the vessel without providing a direct energy pathway from outer walls of the vessel to the inner walls of the vessel; placing the shells under a vacuum; cryogenically cooling the shells to a cryogenic temperature; and while under vacuum, allowing the shell temperature to rise from the cryogenic temperature to ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: John Dain, Boyd Bowdish, Nick Henneman
  • Publication number: 20090071174
    Abstract: A storage tank assembly for storage of cryogenic liquids comprising a first outer tank and a second, inner tank, the first and second tanks being spaced apart from one another to form an insulation space, each of the first and second tanks having a first end, and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end, and a wall extending from the first end to the second end, the assembly further comprising a pipe work system comprising a plurality of pipes and a first connector extending through the wall of the first tank, the pipe work being connectable to the first connector such that the pipe work is spaced apart from the wall of the first tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: T. BADEN HARDSTAFF LTD.
    Inventors: Darryl William Hylands, Aik Beng Lua
  • Publication number: 20080314451
    Abstract: Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for: (a) treating the fluid to reduce its hazardous condition; (b) storing and/or transporting the treated fluid in such a manner that the risk of its hazardous condition remains reduced; (c) thereafter retreating the fluid to restore it to its original hazardous condition so that the fluid may be used in its restored condition. The hazardous fluid may be treated by adding a substance to, or removing a substance from, the fluid, or by changing the state of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a fuel, it may be treated by cooling it to near or below its freezing temperature to reduce its combustibility, volatility, explosivity and/or ease of ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 7448511
    Abstract: A double-wall tank for storing and shipping cryogenic media, which consists of an inner tank that contains the medium, an outer casing spaced some distance from the inner tank, and an evacuated space located between the inner tank and the outer casing, such that at least one permanent magnet is installed in the evacuated space and is arranged opposite a high-temperature superconductor, so that the inner tank is supported in the casing without contact, has the following features: the high-temperature superconductor (8) is located in the evacuated space (5), both the inner tank (1) and the casing (2) have a neck (3, 4), and the necks (3, 4) are arranged concentrically to each other, the neck (3) of the inner tank (1) is a spirally corrugated metal tube (3), whose outer end is attached to the neck (4) of the casing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventor: Klaus Schippl
  • Publication number: 20080250793
    Abstract: A cryogenic magnet system, comprising a cryogenic vessel (1) housing a magnet winding, a vacuum jacket (3) enclosing the cryogenic vessel and a refrigerator (4) at least partially housed within the vacuum jacket and thermally linked (6) to the cryogenic vessel. In particular, the system further comprises an electromagnetic shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Magnet Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy John Hughes, Keith White, Stephen Joseph Shelford Lister
  • Publication number: 20080216487
    Abstract: Apparatus for heat exchange in a high pressure gas storage tank wherein a heat absorbent gas media circulates within the tank and absorbs or radiates the heat resulting from compression and expansion of gas stored in the on board tank depending upon the mode of operation of the vehicle, the gas media is circulated through a heat exchange unit external to the tank whereby heat is radiated to or absorbed from an environment external to the tank, and an in situ heat exchange device installed within the tank absorbs or radiates the heat from or to the gas stored in the tank as a result of heat exchange through a unit external to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Handa
  • Publication number: 20080209916
    Abstract: Methods for loading a compressed fluid, such as natural gas, into and discharging the compressed fluid out of containment are provided. The compressed fluid is injected into a bottom portion of a container system for storage and/or transport until a target pressure is reached after which gas is withdrawn from an upper portion of the container system at a rate to maintain the target pressure while the compressed fluid is injected in the bottom portion. The compressed fluid is cooled through an expansion valve and by refrigerated chillers or by injecting a cold liquid of the same chemical composition as the compressed fluid, such as liquid natural gas, into the compressed fluid prior to injection into the container system. Withdrawal or discharge from the container system to a receiving facility begins with blow down from the bottom portion of the container system without a displacement fluid and continues until pressure falls below an acceptable differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: EnerSea Transport LLC
    Inventor: Charles N. White
  • Publication number: 20080209915
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage tank comprises a partition that divides a cryogen space into a main storage space and an auxiliary space. A valve disposed inside the cryogen space is associated with a first fluid passage through the partition. The valve comprises a valve member that is actuatable by fluid forces within the cryogen space. A second fluid passage through the partition comprises a restricted flow area that is dimensioned to have a cross-sectional flow area that is smaller than that of a fill conduit such that there is a detectable increase in back-pressure when the main storage space is filled with liquefied gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Charles Harper, Adrian Post
  • Publication number: 20080210305
    Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) sump is provided for a gravity based structure (GBS). The sump includes a sump containment structure having a predetermined volume and floor surface area. The volume and floor surface area are selected in order to allow spilled LNG contained within the sump containment structure to vaporize at a predetermined, safe rate. A trough is provided for collecting spilled LNG on the GBS, such as at the processing area and on a jetty, and delivering the spilled LNG to the sump containment structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Aker Kvaerner, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Kolodziej, John A. Mills, Jennifer C. Adams-Smith
  • Patent number: 7413585
    Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jader Matos Da Silva, Markus Lindner, Rainer Immel
  • Publication number: 20080134691
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for cryogenic cooling comprising: a main reservoir (1) for a two-phase cryogenic fluid wherein is immersed a superconductor device (4) to be cooled; an auxiliary reservoir (9); and a hydrostatic duct between the bases of the main and auxiliary reservoirs; the auxiliary reservoir being arranged relative to the main reservoir and being dimensioned so as to be able to receive at least a large part of the cryogenic fluid present in liquid form (2) in the main reservoir; restricting means (11) being incorporated in an output manifold (7a) connected to the main reservoir; thus, when the superconductor gets rapidly heated, cryogenic liquid from the main reservoir is delivered, by the vaporized cryogenic fluid pressure, into the auxiliary reservoir wherefrom it flows again by gravity towards the main reservoir when the pressure of the vaporized fluid decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Philippe Lebrun, Bruno Vullierme
  • Publication number: 20080134693
    Abstract: A storage tank defines a cryogen space for storing a cryogenic liquid. The storage tank comprises a combined fill and vent assembly, which comprises a conduit having a first end with an opening disposed within an upper part of the cryogen space, and a second end outside of the cryogen space that is connected to a receptacle, to which a re-filling nozzle can be attached. A check valve disposed in the conduit allows flow only in the direction of filling the cryogen space with cryogenic liquid from the receptacle. A by-pass line is provided around the check valve with a valve disposed in the by-pass line that is operable to open or close to control flow through the by-pass line. The method comprises attaching a re-filling nozzle to the receptacle and opening the by-pass valve to vent vapor from the cryogen space to reduce vapor pressure therein and to cool the conduit, receptacle, re-filling nozzle, and fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Harper, Randall Mark
  • Publication number: 20080092556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cryo temperature cooling device (1)comprising 5 a tank (2), being filled up at least in part with a coolant (3), and a heat conducting element (4), whereas the heat conducting element (4) can be brought into thermal contact with the coolant (3), so that the coolant has a phase transition occurring below a temperature of ?100° C., so that the cryogenic cooling device more or less consumes no coolant during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Target Systemelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Stein, Guntram Pausch
  • Patent number: 7343747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of storing a liquefied gas in a container containing a metal-organic framework material, the container filled with such a gas, a process for filling container and the use of the container to release the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ulrich Müller, Michael Hesse, Hermann Pütter, Omar M. Yaghi
  • Patent number: 7337811
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing gases and liquids having a high trans-migration rate through containment surfaces due to their molecular size. An inner pressurized retaining enclosure for the storage of gas and liquids has a second enclosure wall about the first enclosure defining a gap between the respective enclosure surfaces which is filled with a containment gas or liquid having a molecular size greater than the porosity of the storage wall and stored gas or liquid. The containment gas effectively impedes the transmission of the storage gas and liquid through the first inner pressure retainer enclosure by creating a pressure barrier on its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Charles P. Keip
  • Patent number: 7337616
    Abstract: A system for sampling cryogenic liquids, and an air separation unit provided with at least one such system. The cryogenic liquid is introduced into a vaporizer, through heat exchange with the compressed air. The liquid passes through the vaporizer generally downwards. The walls of the vaporizer that are intended to come into contact with the cryogenic liquid are maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature or the boiling point of the least volatile impurity contained in this liquid. Downstream of the vaporizer, a gaseous phase coming from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is withdrawn and at least some of the gaseous phase is sent to an analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: David Meneses, Jean-Yves Thonnelier, Jean-Yves Lehman
  • Patent number: 7305836
    Abstract: A cryogenic container includes an inner vessel for containing a cryogenic fluid, and an outer vessel for insulating the cryogenic fluid from the environment. The inner vessel includes a superconductive layer formed of a material having superconducting properties at the temperature of the cryogenic fluid. The superconductive layer forms a magnetic field around the cryogenic container, that repels electromagnetic energy, including thermal energy from the environment, keeping the cryogenic fluid at low temperatures. The cryogenic container has a portability and a volume that permits its' use in applications from handheld electronics to vehicles such as alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs). A SMES storage system includes the cryogenic container, and a SMES magnet suspended within the cryogenic fluid. The SMES storage system can also include a recharger and a cryocooler configured to recharge the cryogenic container with the cryogenic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eden Innovations Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Egan
  • Patent number: 7299641
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage system for cryogenic storage using liquid refrigerant is provided. The cryogenic storage system includes first and second vacuum vessels, a vacuum source, a quantity of a liquid refrigerant, and at least one temperature control assembly. An insulating wall may be provided on an interior surface of one of the vessels. A common vacuum condition is provided in voids that are present in the wall of the first and second vessels as well as in the insulating wall. The at least one temperature control assembly includes a power supply, a temperature sensor, a heater, and a conductive element. The at least one conductive element provides a link or thermal coupling between a space defined in the first vessel and the liquid refrigerant stored in the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Stasis Foundation
    Inventors: Michael Iarocci, Stephen Valentine, Brian Wowk
  • Patent number: 7293417
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage/processing system which includes a tank for storing the cryogenic fluid, and a containment wall surrounding the tank and defining an impoundment area. The system further includes a vaporizer for regasification of the cryogenic fluid. Piping is discharges the vaporizer heating medium into the impoundment area, and/or routes it beneath the tank to heat the ground beneath the tank. Further, the system provides for all liquid hydrocarbons to be contained within the impoundment area with the pumps inside and the vaporizers mounted on the containment walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mustang Engineering, L.P.
    Inventor: Ned Baudat
  • Patent number: 7278278
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for the cryogenic storage of biological material. Devices of the invention are useful for storing material at a cryogenic temperature. The devices include a temperature chamber defined by a thermally-conductive container and at least one layer of thermal insulation surrounding the thermally-conductive container. Some embodiments utilize one or more heat sources thermally connected to the thermally conductive container. Other embodiments are arranged so that no net flow of heat occurs from the temperature chamber when the temperature chamber is at a set target temperature. Also provided are methods of using the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: 21st Century Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Wowk, Michael Iarocci
  • Patent number: 7263839
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling method for cooling a superconducting coil assembly in a MR apparatus, wherein the superconducting coil assembly 10 is cooled using a cooling agent 41, 42 which is in thermal contact with the superconducting coil assembly in a cooling chamber 20, the cooling agent being cooled by a refrigerator 50. The method comprises the steps of transferring (S2) cooling agent from the cooling chamber to a cooling agent storage when a predetermined temperature is exceeded in at least a part of the cooling agent in the cooling chamber, and returning (S4) cooling agent from the cooling agent storage to the cooling chamber when the temperature of at least a part of the cooling agent in the cooling chamber is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature. The invention also relates to a cooling device for performing the cooling method and to an MR apparatus with such a cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Adrianus Overweg
  • Patent number: 7257952
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe is calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vehicle for transporting the gas. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in an enclosure having a nitrogen atmosphere. A displacement fluid may be used to offload the gas from the gas storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: EnerSea Transport LLC
    Inventors: William M. Bishop, Charles N. White, David J. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 7240498
    Abstract: A method for providing inventory for expedited loading and transport of compressed natural gas entails obtaining pressurized high-energy content gas; separating the high-energy gas into saturated gas and liquids; and removing impurities from the saturated gas. Water is removed from the gas forming a dry pressurized gas. The dry gas is cooled forming a two-phase gas. The gas is loaded into a storage element located on a floating vessel, while the liquids are loaded into the storage element forming a mixture. One or more storage elements are collected on the land to create an inventory that is quicker to load than comparable loading of natural gas unto the floating vessel. The floating vessel transports the inventory to a desired location at a lower cost than comparable submarine pipeline transport costs for distances of less than about 2500 nautical miles while utilizing the vapor phase during transit to power the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Magee Shivers, III
  • Patent number: 7240499
    Abstract: A method for preventing explosions while transporting compressed natural gas by a floating vessel entails obtaining pressurized high-energy content gas; separating the pressurized product stream into saturated gas and liquids; and removing impurities from the saturated gas. The saturated gas is dehydrated forming a dry pressurized gas that is subsequently cooled forming a two-phase gas. The two-phase gas, natural gas liquid, and condensate are loaded onto a storage element forming a mixture. The storage elements are loaded onto the deck to provide open ventilation of the storage element. The floating vessel transports the storage elements to a desired location at a lower cost than comparable submarine pipeline transport costs for distances of less than about 2500 nautical miles while utilizing the vapor phase during transit to power the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Magee Shivers, III
  • Patent number: 7237391
    Abstract: A method for processing and transporting compressed natural gas by a floating vessel with a power plant entails obtaining pressurized high-energy content gas, separating the pressurized product stream into saturated gas and liquids, and removing impurities from the saturated gas. Water is removed from the gas forming a dry pressurized gas. The dry pressurized gas is cooled forming a two-phase gas. The gas is loaded into a storage element located on a floating vessel, while the liquids are loaded into the storage element forming a mixture. The floating vessel transports the storage modules and elements to a desired location at a lower cost than comparable submarine pipeline transport costs for distances of less than about 2500 nautical miles while utilizing the vapor phase during transit to power the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Magee Shivers, III
  • Patent number: 7165408
    Abstract: The present invention teaches methods of operating a pressurized cryogenic liquid gas storage tank that has a vent cooling shield around which fuel vented from a storage tank flows to cool the storage tank by reducing the influence of heat influx into the storage tank. The method of the present invention provides for reduction in the quantity of fuel loss during the venting operation and allows a greater volume of liquid fuel to be stored in the storage tank. The method includes allowing fuel in a storage tank to transition between a two-phase state of liquid and gas into a single-phase state of liquid and back into a two-phase state of liquid and gas. Additionally, the present invention allows filling a storage tank to a liquid level greater than about 95% of the capacity of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 7155918
    Abstract: A system for processing and transporting compressed natural gas having a separator for separating the pressurized high-energy content gas into saturated gas and liquids; a decontamination unit for removing impurities from the saturated gas to create a decontaminated saturated gas; a dehydration unit for dehydrating the decontaminated saturated gas to remove water forming a dry pressurized gas; a chiller for cooling the dry pressurized gas cooled from ambient temperature to between ?80 Fahrenheit and ?120 Fahrenheit forming a two-phase gas; a floating vessel; at least one storage module located on the floating vessel that maintains a pressure ranging from 800 psi and 1200 psi; and wherein the floating vessel transports at least one storage module a distance ranging between 500 nautical miles and 2500 nautical miles and utilizes the vapor phase during transit to power the floating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Magee Shivers, III
  • Patent number: 7146817
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage/processing system which includes a cement box in which is positioned a multiplicity of tanks arranged parallel in one or more layers and surrounded by perlite insulation, and in which is positioned a pump for filling/emptying the tanks. A vaporizer the vaporizing the tank contents is mounted on or adjacent to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mustang Engineering L.P.
    Inventor: Ned P. Baudat
  • Patent number: 7131277
    Abstract: A cryogenic vessel includes a first, outer vessel assembly having an outer vessel and a liquid fill line assembly and a second, ullage space vessel having a bottom and disposed within the first, outer vessel, adjacent to the top of the first, outer vessel. The liquid fill line assembly has a venturi assembly adjacent the bottom of the ullage space vessel. The venturi assembly is structured to create a low pressure zone, relative to the ullage space vessel, during a fill procedure whereby, during a fill procedure, fluid is drawn from within the ullage space vessel into the fill line assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Keith Hall, Justin Charles Gish, Karl Palframan
  • Patent number: 7066319
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Medi - Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T. K. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 7059138
    Abstract: A refrigeration system especially useful for refrigerating biological samples wherein a cryocooler, such as one employing a pressure wave from a pressure wave generator, is used to generate refrigeration for cooling liquid coolant or purging fluid, which is employed within hollow structures bordering an enclosed space of a storage unit or within the storage space of a storage unit and is subsequently cleaned of contaminants purged from the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dante Patrick Bonaquist, John Henri Royal, Bryce Rampersad, Richard J. Jibb
  • Patent number: 7040099
    Abstract: A cryostat having a connecting branch which is connected to a coolant chamber and is open on the end side. The connecting branch expands from an inside diameter to an outside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Huber, Rudolf Röckelein
  • Patent number: 7036323
    Abstract: A tank for storing a cryo fuel in a vehicle with an internal storage container, an external container enveloping the internal container, and an electromagnetically switch selectable thermal bridge element which can produce or interrupt a heat conducting connection between the wall of the internal container and the wall of the external container. The thermal bridge element may be designed such that in the closed state a spatial contact area is formed between a receiving element of the thermal switch affixed to the internal container and an output element of the thermal switch affixed to the outer container. The receiving element may have a smaller thermal capacity and/or size than the output element. Either the thermal bridge or a second thermal bridge element may be adapted to cool the internal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johann Schnagl
  • Patent number: 7036325
    Abstract: The Dual Gas Facility stores natural gas in one or more man-made salt caverns typically located in a single salt dome or in bedded salt. The Dual Gas Facility can access different sources of natural gas. A first gas source is from a natural gas pipeline(s) and a second gas source is from LNG. Depending on economic conditions, supply conditions and other factors, the Dual Gas Facility can receive gas from the natural gas pipeline(s) and/or from LNG to fill the salt caverns. Of course, the LNG must be warmed before being stored in a salt cavern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Conversion Gas Imports, L.P.
    Inventors: William M. Bishop, Michael M. McCall
  • Patent number: 7036322
    Abstract: A storage tank for cryogenic liquids incorporates an ullage vessel that provides for an ullage space. The ullage vessel is in communication through an ullage line to a fill line that provides cryogen to a cryogen space. The junction where the ullage line and fill line meet is of a certain cross-sectional area. Downstream of the junction, the fill line is of a greater cross-sectional area than at the junction. This creates a pressure reduction at the junction during filling, which causes a net flow of material from the ullage space over the course of filling. Once the tank is liquid full, causing cryogen to be redirected down the ullage line, the smaller cross-sectional area of the ullage line compared to the fill line causes a reduction in flow of cryogen which is detected by the fill pump causing filling to stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Noble, Gregory C. Harper
  • Patent number: 7024868
    Abstract: A pressure vessel for transportation of liquefiable petroleum gas (LPG) is cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional profile. The wall thickness of the vessel (in meters) multiplied by a design strength of the material from which the vessel is made (in megapascals) is less than 0.8 times the internal diameter of the vessel (in meters). The design strength is the yield strength divided by 1.5 or the tensile strength divided by 2.5. The wall thickness is between 3 mm and 11 mm. The diameter is between 1 and 2.6 m. The vessel have have an external insulating and fire resistant cladding. It may also have a cooling plant for cooling the LPG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: African Oxygen Limited
    Inventors: Graham Christopher Pye, Donegal Harold Victor Carroll
  • Patent number: 6994104
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus for transporting compressed gas includes a gas storage system having a plurality of pipes connected by a manifold whereby the gas storage system is designed to operate in the range of the optimum compressibility factor for a given composition of gas. The pipe for the gas storage system is preferably large diameter pipe made of a high strength material whereby a low temperature is selected which can be withstood by the material of the pipe. Knowing the compressibility factor of the gas, the temperature, and the diameter of the pipe, the wall thickness of the pipe is calculated for the pressure range of the gas at the selected temperature. The gas storage system may either be modular or be part of the structure of a vehicle for transporting the gas. The gas storage system further includes enclosing the pipes in an enclosure having a nitrogen atmosphere. A displacement fluid may be used to offload the gas from the gas storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Enersea Transport, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Bishop, Charles N. White, David J. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 6988370
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage system for cryogenic storage using liquid refrigerant is provided. The cryogenic storage system includes first and second vacuum vessels, a vacuum source, a quantity of a liquid refrigerant, and at least one temperature control assembly. An insulating wall may be provided on an interior surface of one of the vessels. A common vacuum condition is provided in voids that are present in the wall of the first and second vessels as well as in the insulating wall. The at least one temperature control assembly includes a power supply, a temperature sensor, a heater, and a conductive element. The at least one conductive element provides a link or thermal coupling between a space defined in the first vessel and the liquid refrigerant stored in the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Iarocci, Stephen Valentine, Brian Wowk
  • Patent number: 6983611
    Abstract: A storage container (1) for cryogenic media (2), especially for liquid hydrogen, having an outside container (3), an inside container (4) and at least one extraction and fill line (6, 6?) is described. According to the invention in the storage container (1), there is at least one additional storage space (5, 5?) for a medium and at least the extraction line (6, 6?) is dynamically connected to the additional storage space (5, 5?). A shield (12) that preferably at least partially surrounds the inside container (4) can be assigned to the additional storage space (5, 5?) and can be in thermal contact with it. The additional storage space (5) can also be made in the form of a hollow chamber section and can at least partially surround the inside container (4). The invention makes it possible to greatly reduce the evaporation rate in storage containers (1) that are used to store cryogenic media (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Linde AG
    Inventors: Wilfried-Henning Reese, Joachim Wolf