Abstract: A sorption cooling device includes at least one evaporator, a condenser and a sorption chamber.

Abstract: A heat pump including: a refrigerant accumulator in which a substance accumulating a refrigerant is disposed, the refrigerant accumulator having a heating means heating the substance in order to release the refrigerant; a flow path connected at one end thereof to the refrigerant accumulator, the flow path holding the refrigerant released from the substance in the refrigerant accumulator by capillary action; a first heat exchanger provided between the refrigerant accumulator and the flow path or around the flow path and exchanging heat with the refrigerant in order to condense the refrigerant; and a second heat exchanger provided around the flow path and exchanging cold energy generated by evaporation of the refrigerant from the other end of the flow path.

Abstract: A thermal compressive device provides energy-efficient heating or cooling by exploiting heat regeneration in a sorption system. The device comprises an array of generator modules (7) arranged in two banks (10, 11) to either side of a heating zone (13). Heat carrier fluid is driven past the modules in a reversible direction. During one phase, generators in the first bank (10) are cooled and therefore in various stages of sorbate re-adsorption. Sorbate in associated evaporator region(s) (26) will boil, enabling cooling of surrounding fluid (33). Generators (7) in the other bank (11) will be in various stages of desorption. Sorbate in associated condenser region(s) (21) will condense, enabling heating of its environment. During the other phase, each generator (7) switches function, but cooling remains at evaporator regions (26) and heating at condenser regions (21). Each module may be a self-contained unit comprising generator (7), condenser (21) and evaporator (26) sections.

Abstract: A method of cooling an aqueous liquid, which method comprises the steps of:a) placing said aqueous liquid in a vessel;b) reducing the pressure in said vessel to cause said aqueous liquid to boil;c) condensing at least some of the liquid in the vapour created as said aqueous liquid boils by heat exchange with a liquid cryogen; andd) using vapour from said liquid cryogen to at least assist in step (b).

Abstract: A self cooling beverage container or can. In one embodiment water (26) is maintained at low pressure such that the boiling point is reduced. The water (26) is caused to boil and the vapour to be absorbed by a desiccant. The boiling of the water (26) causes heat to be absorbed from the beverage. The desiccant may be carbon (28). The water (26) or carbon (28) (or other chemicals) in one embodiment are maintained within a blind bore (30) within the container. The water and carbon are separated by a burstable membrane (42).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for producing liquefied natural gas from the methane that is produced during natural gas liquids extraction. The process includes distilling the feed to extract methane, then cooling and expanding the methane to produce liquefied natural gas and cold methane vapor. The cold methane vapor is employed as a coolant to precool the feed and to cool the methane before expansion, and is then recompressed for reinjection into the well formation. The bottoms from the methane distillation may be further distilled to extract ethane, which may be cooled with the cold methane vapor and combined with the liquefied natural gas product. A portion of the recompressed methane may be diverted from the compressor train, cooled and expanded to produce additional liquefied natural gas and cold methane vapor.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a fuel tank configured to receive liquid natural gas. A first conduit extends from a vapor holding portion of the fuel tank to an economizer valve. A second conduit extends from a liquid holding portion of the fuel tank to the economizer valve. Fluid coupled to the economizer valve is a vaporizer which is heated by coolant from the engine and is positioned below the fuel tank. The economizer valve selectively withdraws either liquid natural gas or vaporized natural gas from the fuel tank depending on the pressure within the vapor holding portion of the fuel tank. A delivery conduit extends from the vaporizer to the engine. A return conduit having a check valve formed therein extends from the delivery conduit to the vapor holding portion of the fuel tank for pressurizing the fuel tank.

Abstract: A control vent system is disclosed for reducing volatile impurities in a gaseous product of ultra-high purity delivered from a storage vessel containing an inventory of a non-cryogenic liquid product, as well as a method and a system for delivering the product from the storage vessel. The control vent system includes a vent line attached to the storage vessel and a condenser in the vent line. Coolant (e.g., a refrigerant) is transferred between the condenser and a source of coolant, such as a refrigeration unit. The method of reducing volatile impurities includes three steps. The first step is to vent part of the gaseous vapor from the gaseous vapor space to a condenser. The second step is to cool the vented gaseous vapor in the condenser to a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid product and above the boiling points of the volatile impurities. As a result, a first portion of the vented gaseous vapor is condensed and a second portion of the vented gaseous vapor is not condensed.

Abstract: Provided is a gas recovery unit which is more efficient in its recovery and less expensive to run. The gas recovery unit comprises a CVD device, an exhaust gas recovery part and an exhaust gas purification part. The exhaust gas recovery part is constructed so as to have an inert gas reservoir part capable of accommodating liquid nitrogen, to have an exhaust gas supply part for supplying an exhaust gas to said inert gas reservoir part so that it can be brought in gasliquid contact with the liquid nitrogen, and to have a recovered and liquefied gas discharge part for discharging the recovered and liquefied gas which has been liquefied in the inert gas reservoir part.

Abstract: In a refrigerating device consisting of a housing unit 1 and a cooling unit 2 the cooling unit 2 includes an evaporator 3, a condenser 4 and a reactor 5. The evaportor 3, the condenser 4 and the reactor 5 form a first closed system 27 in which ammonia is provided for as working liquid and manganese chloride 5 is provided for in the sorber part 6 of the reactor 5. The reactor 5 has an insulating shell 16 enclosing the sorber part 6, wherein a working chamber 17 filled with working liquid 18 is reserved between the insulating shell 16 and the sorber part 6. To the working chamber 17 a second closed system 19 is connected in the upper and lower region of the working chamber 17. The upper connection can be closed by means of a shut-off valve 24.

Abstract: A hydride bed structure includes a first and second set of separated hydride modules within a single hydrogen containing, sealed tank. Each set contains a hydride having a different equilibrium disassociation characteristic. Each set is thermally isolated from the other and the enclosing tank by a hydrogen permeable, thermally insulating material. The hydride in each set is divided into a plurality of spaced apart clusters with each cluster disposed in a respective concave cavity defined in one side of a sheet of thermally conductive material. A hydrogen porous, hydride impermeable member seals each cluster within the respective cavity. The convex side of the cavity protrudes into a thermal media transfer cavity on the opposite side of the sheet. The spacing and arrangement of the cavities/protrusions define a channel array between the protrusions. A pan member is bonded to the opposite side of the sheet and defines the thermal media cavity shaped to receive the protrusions therein.

Abstract: A method for condensation of gaseous hydrocarbons from a mixture of inert gas and gaseous hydrocarbons, particularly as found in storage tanks of an LPG/LEG ship. According to the method, the condensate and the cargo gas composition are heat exchanged with a part of its condensate, and with a cargo gas/inert gas mixture, which is to be released to the atmosphere or burned, in a separate condensation step.

Abstract: A cooling system is configured to control the flow of a refrigerant by controlling the rate at which the refrigerant is heated, thereby providing an efficient and reliable approach to cooling a load (e.g., magnets, rotors). The cooling system includes a conduit circuit connected to the load and within which a refrigerant circulates; a heat exchanger, connected within the conduit circuit and disposed remotely from the load; a first and a second reservoir, each connected within the conduit, each holding at least a portion of the refrigerant; a heater configured to independently heat the first and second reservoirs. In a first mode, the heater heats the first reservoir, thereby causing the refrigerant to flow from the first reservoir through the load and heat exchanger, via the conduit circuit and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: Method of reliquefying gaseous helium produced when transferring liquid helium from a donor container (R1) to a receiver container (R2), characterized in that a stream of gaseous helium is bled off from a point in a compression unit (10) intended for charging with gaseous helium under pressure, this stream of gaseous helium is cooled by heat exchange with the gaseous helium intended for the compression unit (10) and the compressed gaseous helium thus cooled is expanded in order to obtain reliquefied helium.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing a multi-component cryogenic mixture as a liquid. The multi-component cryogenic mixture of interest contains at least first and second components. The first component is more volatile than the second component and the second component has a bubble point temperature atmosphere pressure, lower than that of the first component at an above atmosphere pressure. A container is provided in the apparatus for storing the cryogenic mixture. An inevitable heat leakage causes a cryogenic mixture to vaporize so that the vapor phase of the mixture is enriched in the first component and the liquid phase in the mixture is enriched in the second component.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for removing residual oil and other contaminants from the refrigerant stream flowing to low-temperature stages of a cryogenic refrigerator. A stream of vapor and liquid refrigerant is injected into a cyclone chamber ?32! through the inlet tube ?34!. While the liquid drains down a conical section ?36! and out through a liquid line ?38!, the vapor phase moves up into a packing of metal platelets ?42! which is, in a particular embodiment, cooled by a returning stream of cold vapor passing through a tube ?48! wrapped around the column. A portion of the vapor condenses on the platelets and is maintained in equilibrium with the vapor. Since high-molecular-weight contaminants are more soluble in the liquid phase, they are carried down the column with the drops of condensate and are swept out with the liquid fraction through the liquid line ?38!.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a dewar and a refrigerator/liquefier which meets the variable demands of a superconducting magnet within the dewar. The system is sized to meet average loads over a defined duty cycle, and is variably operable to meed demands. In the preferred embodiment, a first supply of fluid circulates through a "condenser" element positioned in a dewar ullage to liquefy a separate supply of fluid in the dewar, and to refrigerate a pulsed cryogenic load therein, such as a superconducting magnet. A portion of the first supply of fluid may be diverted to refrigerate a second pulsed cryogenic load, such as magnet current leads permanently connected to the magnet. The dewar includes a cold gas vapor storage chamber separate from the dewar ullage, and the chamber is preferably located within the inner core of a solenoid superconducting magnet for compact and thermally efficient design. Responsive, independent adjustment of refrigeration to pulsed cryogenic loads is made possible.

Abstract: The refrigeration system according to the invention includes a vacuum jacketed pressure vessel which contains both a spray heat exchanger and a shell and tube heat exchanger. The spray heat exchanger includes one or more nozzles for directing a first refrigerant at a heat exchanger element conveying a second refrigerant. The first refrigerant is sprayed in a fine mist from the nozzles onto the heat exchanger element conveying the second refrigerant. The first refrigerant then evaporates and cools the second refrigerant within the heat exchanger element. The shell and tube heat exchanger is a counter current heat exchanger which includes an inner tube for conveying the second refrigerant to the spray heat exchanger, and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube for conveying the first refrigerant recovered from the interior of the vacuum jacketed pressure vessel out of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system is disclosed wherein fuel supplied to the fuel filler pipe of a vehicle is cooled by a container of a coolable phase change material. The phase change material is cooled by a thermoelectric cooling element powered by the vehicle electrical system. A heat exchange member is disposed in the filler pipe in heat conducting relation to the container containing the phase change material. The heat exchanger and container are preferably retained in the filler pipe by thermally insulative supporting members to minimize heat transfer between the container phase change material and the filler pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for recycling a halocarbon composition which generally removes a halocarbon composition from a first source to purify the halocarbon composition and injects the halocarbon composition to a second source. The present invention is particularly useful for recovering and recharging of a commonly used halocarbon composition, Halon 1301. The invention comprises a first line having a first and second end where the first end of the first line is connected to the first source. The first source has the halocarbon composition contained therein. A vapor recovery unit connects to the second end of the first line for permitting the halocarbon composition to be transported from the first source to the vapor recovery unit for compression. A second line connects the vapor recovery unit to a recovery bottle. The recovery bottle is cooled by a cooling system integrally connected thereto for separating the nitrogen from the halocarbon composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a multi-component cryogenic liquid in which headspace vapor in a storage tank is condensed in an external condensation tank through indirect heat exchange with liquid being vented from the storage tank. The resulting condensate can then be re-introduced into the storage tank through a pressure building circuit applied to the external condensation tank. In such manner, the pressure within the storage tank is regulated and the composition of the liquid stored within the storage tank is held with some degree of consistency. The use of an external condensation tank allows prior art cryogenic storage tanks and dewars to be retrofitted to store a multi-component cryogenic liquids.

Abstract: A system for vaporizing liquefied gas fuel supplied from a fuel tank and supplying it to an internal combustion engine includes a release path for releasing spontaneously evaporated fuel gas in said tank out of the tank. A catalytic burner is disposed in the release path for decomposing the fuel gas into hot steam and carbon dioxide. A release control valve disposed between the catalytic burner and the fuel tank selectively causes the burner and the fuel tank to communicate and to be decoupled from each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying a gaseous raw material to plural users. A liquid raw material is evaporated by a single evaporation means and supplied to a gaseous raw material takeout portion provided with a plurality of takeout ports. The gas pressure is varied according to amounts of the gaseous raw material taken out of the takeout ports. The pressure variations are regulated by a main pressure-adjusting means mounted downstream of the gaseous raw material takeout portion. Extra gaseous raw material is sent to a gaseous raw material-condensing means, where the material is liquified. Then, the liquified material is fed back to the evaporation means. Thus, a closed circulatory loop circuit is formed. The gas pressure in the gaseous raw material takeout portion is regulated. The gaseous raw material is distributed to plural users at any desired time at their respective flow rates such that supply of the raw material to each individual user is carried out independent of supply to other users.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering and reusing volatile organic compounds and pad gases when such mixtures of gases are discharged from marine vessels during loading. Pad gases containing volatile organic compounds are removed from marine vessel storage tanks, compressed using a reciprocating compressor, cooled in multiple stages to condense out the volatile organic compounds, then stored in pressure tanks. The pad gases stored in these pressure tanks are then reused as needed to pad the marine vessel cargo.

Abstract: An absorber fluid circuit is provided for a volatile liquid vapor recovery system. The vapor recovery system includes at least one adsorbent bed for capturing volatile liquid vapor, a vacuum pump for regenerating the adsorbent bed, a heat exchanger for cooling the vacuum pump, an absorber tower for condensing volatile liquid vapor and an absorber fluid source. The absorber fluid circuit includes an absorber fluid supply pump and a first conduit for directing absorber fluid from the absorber fluid source to the supply pump. A second conduit directs absorber fluid from the supply pump to both the heat exchanger and absorber tower. A third conduit returns spent absorber fluid from the heat exchanger and absorber tower back to the absorber fluid source.

Abstract: A device for indirect cold production for a compression, absorption, adsorption or chemical refrigerating system comprises an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with the fluid to be cooled in one or more condensers, themselves in direct heat exchange relationship with the evaporator or the refrigeration circuit reactor, circulation between the evaporator and the condenser being established by gravity flow using a phase change fluid and separate vapour and liquid pipes.

Abstract: A refrigerating and heating apparatus using a solid sorbent includes at least one compartmentalized reactor having solid sorbents able to fix at least one refrigerating fluid and in contact with a heat exchanger, a mechanism for the alternate circulation of a heat transfer fluid between hot and cold sources, by use of the exchanger, in order to create in the sorbent a temperature front passing through the compartments, a condenser and an evaporator. The thermal conductivity and permeability of the sorbent are lower parallel to the displacement of the heat transfer fluid in the exchanger than perpendicular thereto. Gaseous refrigerating fluid circulating means create a pressure front passing through the compartments with the temperature front.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for recovering volatile liquid vapors from an air-volatile liquid vapor mixture. The process includes: (1) cooling the mixture to condense volatile liquid vapors and moisture; (2) collecting the condensed volatile liquid vapors and moisture; (3) circulating the cooled and dehumidified mixture through a bed of adsorbent; and (4) desorbing and recovering the volatile liquids from the bed. The apparatus includes a refrigeration unit, a cooler for cooling the mixture, a reaction vessel including a bed of adsorbent, a pump, an absorber tower and a conduit system for circulating the mixture from the cooler to the vessel to the pump to the absorber tower. Heat may be recovered from the refrigerant and used to heat the bed during desorption.

Abstract: A vapor pressure control system for controlling the vapor pressure in a fuel storage tank is provided which comprises a cooling chamber for cooling the fuel vapor, wherein the temperature of the cooling chamber is maintained at a point slightly above the freezing point of water. Vapor intake and return lines provide for communication of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. A fan interposed in the intake line causes the circulation of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. The fan is operated by a pressure sensitive switch which causes the fan to run when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure falls below a certain minimum level, and which causes the fan to stop when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure rises above a certain, maximum level. The fan is shut off by a temperature sensitive switch when the ambient temperature approaches the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A process for preventing the accumulation of moisture and water in gasoline storage tanks at retail distribution sites and for reclaiming and recycling gasoline vapor that collects in the headspace of gasoline storage tanks at retail service stations comprising sealing the tank against ingress of atmospheric gases, introducing a selected inert gas into the storage tank as the liquid gasoline is extracted therefrom to establish an inert gas/gasoline vapor mixture in the headspace of the storage tank, periodically recovering the inert gas/gasoline vapor mixture from the storage tank, and processing the recovered mixture to condense the gasoline vapor to liquid gasoline, which is removed for subsequent use.

Abstract: A cryostat housing an ultra-low temperature medium includes a container for storing the ultra-low temperature medium, a pipe for communication between the inner and outer sections of the container, at least one tubular member interposedly arranged inside the pipe between the pipe and an opening, a heat anchor section for cooling the pipe, and a plate-shaped member positioned so that a gas layer of the ultra-low temperature medium inside the tubular member divides the tubular member longitudinally.

Abstract: A cooling plant bringing into play a reaction between a solid and a gas, comprises at least two solid-containing reactors connected to an evaporator and a condensor by means of tubes in which the gas flows. Means are provided for cooling the reactor. Said means comprise a heat exchanger filled with a refrigerating agent and connected by tubes to a condensor in heat exchange arrangement with a fan.

Abstract: A vapor recovery apparatus consumes a source of liquified gas to condense vapors in a source of vapors. The apparatus includes an economizing heat exchanger and a finishing heat exchanger. The economizing heat exchanger has a vapor path adapted to be connected to the source of vapors, and a recovery path for exchanging heat with, and cooling vapors in, the vapor path. The finishing heat exchanger has a finishing path connected downstream of the vapor path of the economizing heat exchanger, and a coolant path adapted to be connected to the source of liquified gas for cooling and condensing vapors in the finishing path. The coolant path is isolated from the finishing path to avoid interpath mixing. The finishing path is connected to feed the recovery path of the economizing heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a method for simultaneously carbonating and cooling liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure which is introduced under the liquid surface and is allowed to expand and dissolve in the liquid. Carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid is re-introduced under the liquid surface through a compressor and a cooler. A device for carrying out the method includes a closed vessel (1), a liquid inlet (2) opening into the vessel, a carbon dioxide inlet (12) opening into the vessel (1) under the liquid surface, a discharge conduit (5) for carbonated vessel, and, leading from the vessel (1) above the liquid surface, a re-circulation conduit (6,3) for carbon dioxide not dissolved in the liquid, compressor (7) and a cooler (8) being arranged in the re-circulation conduit (6,3).

Abstract: A process for reclaiming and recycling gasoline vapor that collects in the headspace of gasoline storage tanks at retail service stations comprises sealing the tank against ingress of atmospheric gases, introducing a selected inert gas into the storage tank as the liquid gasoline is extracted therefrom to establish an inert gas/gasoline vapor mixture in the headspace of the storage tank, periodically recovering the inert gas/gasoline vapor mixture from the storage tank, and processing the recovered mixture to condense the gasoline vapor to liquid gasoline, which is removed for subsequent use.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump apparatus is so formed that solution which has absorbed coolant vapor in absorber to increase in temperature, liquid coolant into which coolant vapor heat been condensed in a condenser, and coolant which has decreased in temperature through flash evaporation of coolant vapor in an evaporator are delivered directly to heat exchangers so as to exchange heat with the outdoor air, respectively. This arrangement makes the use of cold water and cooling water as well as equipment therefor and maintenance thereof unnecessary.

Abstract: A system for transportation and storage of liquid carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) at low pressures in the region of 1600-2300 KPa comprises a mobile supply tank (20a, 20b) and an on side storage tank (70). The mobile supply tank (20a, 20b) and the on site storage tank (70) are thermally insulated and each tank is refrigerated by a refrigeration system (71) with an evaporator located in the upper gas space of each tank. The on site storage tank (70) is filled with liquid CO.sub.2 by a conduit (36a) extending from near the bottom of the mobile supply tank (20a, 20b) via a filling port (72) on the on site storage tank to an opening near the bottom of the on site storage tank. A closed circuit system is achieved by a further conduit (37a) extending via an outlet port (73) from the gas space near the top of the site storage tank (70) to a gas space near the top of the mobile supply tank (20a, 20b).

Abstract: A substantially closed vapor control system is provided for recovering volatilized vapors released during the filling of storage and other types of tanks with hydrocarbons or other volatile chemicals. An inert gas is supplied to thetank and mixes with the volatilized vapors during loading of the hydrocarbon or chemical to produce an inflammable vapor mixture. The vapor mixture is then subjected to a two-stage compression and separation process to condense and separate the volatilized vapors from the inert gas. The condensed volatilized vapor is then returned to the storage tank while the inert gas is liquefied and stored for subsequent delivery to the storage tank when the hydrocarbon or chemical is unloaded from the tank.

Abstract: A system for drying and ventilating jet fuel tanks for reducing the fuel fume level from residual fuel in an emptied fuel tank operates in four modes. In a recirculation mode, a blower recirculates air through the tank in a closed loop. The blower suctions air from the tank and forces it through a vapor recovery unit having a cooling section with a refrigeration coil causing condensation of fuel vapor and a reheater section which reheats the air entering the tank to enhance evaporation of residual fuel. A heat recovery system circulates glycol/water mixture through a first heat recovery coil in the cooling section for absorbing heat from the air and a second heat recovery coil in the reheater section for returning the heat to the air. After fuel vapor has dried from the walls of the tanks, the system operates in a vacuum mode in which a vacuum hose, obtaining negative pressure through a pipe from the suction side of the blower, is used to remove residual puddles of fuel from the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for recovering and purifying a halocarbon composition, particularly halon. Forming a part of the present system is a liquid heat exchange unit filled with a liquid heat transfer medium. A recovery tank is submerged in the heat transfer medium and is coupled to an impure halocarbon source. The liquid heat exchange unit cools the recovery tank and the impure halocarbon composition within the tank to a sufficient temperature to cause nitrogen gas to separate from the halocarbon composition and form a vapor within the top portion of the recovery tank. Thereafter, the recovery tank is vented and a mixture of separated nitrogen gas and halon vapor is directed through a vent stream having a carbon adsorber. As the separated gas moves through the carbon adsorber, organic halocarbon vapor is adsorbed and effectively removed from the nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A fuel system for horizontal takeoff and hypersonic aerospace vehicles. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank is mixed with the liquid fuel from the tank. The mix is compressed and supplied to the engine system as usable fuel. The compressor used for compressing the combination gas and liquid can be driven from a turbo expansion cycle using aerodynamic heating of the vehicle. Several different embodiments for mixing the fuel vapor with liquid fuel are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the containment and recycle of organic vapors from an open container or tank that utilizes a chilled gas blanket over the surface of the organic liquid, with a continuous recirculaton of the chilled gas through a condenser heat exchanger for cooling the gas flow and condensing and returning the condensed vapor to the tank or container. Included are the means of distribution of the recirculated chilled gas, the means of collecting the recirculated chilled gas, the means of providing an enclosed chilled gas recirculation system, the apparatus for condensing the vapor to liquid, the apparatus for collecting and recycling the condensed vapor, the apparatus for providing a full open access to the top of the tank or container and the apparatus for control of the flow of the recirculated chilled gas.

Abstract: Refrigeration apparatus for cooling or freezing products such as protein materials includes a drum through which heat transfer fluid is circulated. A belt is wrapped around part of the drum surface and the product to be refrigerated is applied to the drum surface, being pressed thereagainst by the belt. Either liquid or triple point carbon dioxide is circulated through the drum to cool the product in contact therewith. Other heat transfer fluids such as D-Limonene or DOWTHERM may also be circulated through the drum. A tank and related apparatus for cooling the heat transfer fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated vapor recovery system is provided in which the absorption oil used is withdrawn from the tank saturated with the vapors. The absorption oil is then chilled to about 35.degree. to 40 .degree. F. to produce a lean oil for the absorption column. The absorption column is operated at substantially or below atmospheric pressure, such that the vapors are recovered substantially by absorption alone with very little condensation. The lower pressures also reduce the likelihoods of explosive mixtures.

Abstract: For use in processing an object refrigerant produced from an original refrigerant, a refrigerant processing system comprises a separating unit (18, 20, and 22) for separating the original refrigerant into a gaseous phase refrigerant component and a liquid phase refrigerant component. A first supplying pipe (12a) supplies the gaseous phase refrigerant component as the object refrigerant to a liquefying unit (24a and 24b), which liquefies the object refrigerant into a liquefied object refrigerant by the use of evaporation of a liquid refrigerant. A second supplying pipe (12b) supplies the liquid phase refrigerant component to the liquefying unit as the liquid refrigerant. The separating unit comprises a receiving unit (18) for receiving the original refrigerant as a received refrigerant, a condensing unit (20) for condensing the received refrigerant into a condensed refrigerant, and a separation vessel (22) comprising upper and bottom parts defining upper and bottom spaces, respectively.

Abstract: A method of producing a methane-rich liquid stream from a stream of natural gas predominantly consisting of methane and also containing nitrogen, entailing:(a) supplying said natural gas stream at a pressure above atmospheric pressure,(b) cooling and liquefying said natural gas stream using one or more refrigeration cycles, and(c) expanding said liquefied natural gas to lower pressure in two or more stages in series, phase separating the gas and liquid phases produced during the expansion, thereby concentrating the nitrogen into the vapor phase, and producing a methane-rich liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: The natural gas which is obtained from a maritime deposit is purified on a platform or ship and is then compressed and cooled while on the platform or ship before being delivered under pressure to a LNG tanker where liquefaction takes place by expansion. An expansion group is disposed on the tanker in order to obtain liquefied natural gas at approximately 1 bar while non-liquified residual gases are returned to the platform or ship via a return line.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the removal and recovery of hydrocarbons which are contained within the air/vapor mixture in bulk oil or gasoline storage tanks using fractional condensation with cryogenic cooling. The air/vapor mixture is flushed from the tank with fresh air and passed, successively, through several stages of a portable condenser train. When necessary, the first stage of the treatment comprises a caustic wash stage where the air/vapor mixture is contacted completely with a caustic solution to remove sulfur compounds. The desulfurized air/vapor mixture is then passed to the first condenser stage which condenses and removes substantially all moisture within the mixture. The de-humidified, desulfurized mixture is then passed to an intermediate stage where the heavier hydrocarbon fractions are condensed and separated and is then passed to a final condenser stage where it is cooled to a temperature of at least -100 degrees F., sufficient to condense substantially all hydrocarbon component therein.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is disclosed wherein the condensable organic compounds e.g., hydrocarbons or chemicals contained in hydrated air mixture are removed by first dehydrating the vapors by refrigeration then desiccation followed by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant gas at cryogenic temperatures in a chiller. The clean vapors from the system may be used to pre-cool the air mixture prior to contact in the chiller. Additionally, the clean, dry vapors may be used to regenerate the desiccant within the dehydrator. The rehydrated clean vapors may be dehydrated by returning them to the feed to the system.

Abstract: In order to provide for the drawing off of residual vapors of a low boiling liquid from a pressure system into a storage vessel, the pressure between the system and the storage vessel is first equalized, whereafter the pressure in the storage vessel is reduced and the pressure in the pressure system increased, thereby enabling passage of the low boiling liquid, and its associated vapors in the liquid state, into the storage vessel. This process can be repeated in order to draw off all liquid with its vapors from the pressure system.