High energy density storage of methane in light hydrocarbon solutions
US6111154A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10L3/06
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method for storing methane in light hydrocarbons at moderate temperatures and pressures such that the resulting solution has a high energy density. The method includes combining methane at a 50 to 80 mole percent concentration with a light hydrocarbon, such as butane, propane or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Then the resulting solution is maintained at a temperature of between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. and a pressure of between 8 and 14 MPa. Under these parameters, the solution has an energy density which is 40 to 67 percent that of gasoline. A motor vehicle fuel storage apparatus for the method includes an insulated storage tank containing the 50 to 80 mole percent methane solution and a cooling mechanism for maintaining the methane solution between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. The cooling mechanism may be an arrangement of expansion valves, or connection to the air conditioning system of the vehicle, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.