METHANE LIQUEFYING PLANT PRIMARILY FOR GAS-FILLING STATIONS OF VEHICLES Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: cryogenic engineering. SUBSTANCE: plant has delivery and return lines, high-pressure compressor, first and second counterflow methane heat-transfer apparatuses, first and second separators each built up of gas and liquid sections, first and second expansion devices; first expansion device is mounted between second counterflow methane heat- transfer apparatus and first separator and second expansion device, between first and second separators; in addition, plant is provided with independent freon refrigerating loop located on delivery line between first and second counterflow methane heat-transfer apparatuses and circulating line; first expansion device is, essentially, ejector wherein methane is cooled down to temperature not over 210 to 135 K or 154 K, when expanded to pressure of 5 or 12 atm, respectively; return line starts from gas section of first separator, passes through second and first counterflow methane heat-transfer apparatuses, and is brought to high-pressure compressor inlet; circulating line starts from gas section of second separator and is brought in communication with intake chamber of ejector; circulating line mounts flowmeter and control valves; circulating line is used to return gas phase of methane to ejector nozzle over delivery line; plant is also provided in addition with at least one vehicle priming device. Proposed plant incorporates provision for preventing emission of methane into atmosphere and also for using kinetic energy of the jet of liquefied methane which enhances its effectiveness and economic efficiency due to saving methane and reduces energy consumption. EFFECT: simplified design, reduced cost, enhanced reliability and service life, improved working conditions, safety in operation, and environmental friendliness of plant. 2 cl, 1 dwg