Compressed natural gas storage and transportation system
US11725780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0173
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for storing and transporting compressed natural gas includes source and destination facilities and a vehicle, each of which includes pressure vessels. The pressure vessels and gas therein may be maintained in a cold state by a carbon-dioxide-based refrigeration unit. Hydraulic fluid (and/or nitrogen) ballast may be used to fill the pressure vessels as the pressure vessels are emptied so as to maintain the pressure vessels in a substantially isobaric state that reduces vessel fatigue and lengthens vessel life. The pressure vessels may be hybrid vessels with carbon fiber and fiber glass wrappings. Dip tubes may extend into the pressure vessels to selectively expel/inject gas from/into the top of the vessels or hydraulic fluid from/into the bottom of the vessels. Impingement deflectors are disposed adjacent to the dip tubes inside the vessels to discourage fluid-induced erosion of vessel walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.