[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1137895A1 - Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks - Google Patents

Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks

Info

Publication number
EP1137895A1
EP1137895A1 EP99955976A EP99955976A EP1137895A1 EP 1137895 A1 EP1137895 A1 EP 1137895A1 EP 99955976 A EP99955976 A EP 99955976A EP 99955976 A EP99955976 A EP 99955976A EP 1137895 A1 EP1137895 A1 EP 1137895A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
valve
boil
pressure
conversion unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99955976A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefan Sprickmann-Kerkerinck
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Messer Griesheim GmbH
Original Assignee
Messer Griesheim GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Messer Griesheim GmbH filed Critical Messer Griesheim GmbH
Publication of EP1137895A1 publication Critical patent/EP1137895A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/12—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures
    • F17C13/123—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures for gas bottles, cylinders or reservoirs for tank vehicles or for railway tank wagons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/043—Localisation of the removal point in the gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/07—Actions triggered by measured parameters
    • F17C2250/072—Action when predefined value is reached
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/044—Avoiding pollution or contamination
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/03—Treating the boil-off
    • F17C2265/031—Treating the boil-off by discharge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/07—Generating electrical power as side effect
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23K—FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS
    • F23K2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for fuel supplies
    • F23K2900/05001—Control or safety devices in gaseous or liquid fuel supply lines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for converting gases that escape from an overflow device of cryogenic fuel tanks.
  • Devices of this type are used in particular in cryo-fuel tanks of vehicles which are operated, for example, with liquefied hydrogen or liquefied natural gas.
  • the devices can also be used for stationary fuel tanks of cryogenic fuels and also for other tanks with flammable or otherwise dangerous or environmentally damaging evaporating media which can be defused by burning or other chemical-physical reactions.
  • Cryogenic fuels include cryogenic liquid hydrogen or natural gas.
  • Vacuum-insulated pressure vessels are preferably used to store the cryogenic fuel.
  • Vacuum-insulated pressure vessels usually consist of an outer and an inner vessel.
  • the cryogenic fuel is stored in the inner container.
  • the inner container is connected to the outer container via a suspension.
  • piping is provided, which is led from the inner container through the outer container to the environment.
  • heat enters the inner container via the inner container suspension and the piping.
  • the cryogenic liquid fuel is heated and partially evaporated, as a result of which the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises.
  • An overflow device can be designed such that when it responds, a small amount of unburned cryogenic fuel, which corresponds to the amount evaporating due to the heat, is released to the environment.
  • a small amount of unburned cryogenic fuel which corresponds to the amount evaporating due to the heat
  • is released to the environment a small amount of unburned cryogenic fuel, which corresponds to the amount evaporating due to the heat
  • Such an arrangement has disadvantages.
  • First of all there may be a fire hazard in the vicinity of the cryogenic fuel tank due to the outflow of the unburned fuel.
  • various cryogenic fuels, such as natural gas have considerable potential for damaging the atmosphere in their unburned state, so that unburned release to the environment is harmful to the environment.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device and a method for the safe conversion of the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks, which treats the boil-off gas to such an extent that there is neither fire risk nor relevant risk from the gas flowing out of the overflow device Atmospheric damage.
  • the device In vehicles equipped with cryogenic fuel tanks, the device should be independent of other elements of the vehicle, in particular the on-board battery.
  • This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks, which has at least one shut-off, externally operated valve and a gas conversion unit, both of which are connected to a control device.
  • the gas conversion unit the gas is converted chemically, preferably catalytically, or burned with a flame. This prevents the relevant damage to the atmosphere and the environment from being exposed to fire.
  • a pressure reducer is connected upstream of the valve. This reduces the pressure upstream of the valve and thus reduces the actuation energy required to switch the valve.
  • an overflow valve is connected upstream of the valve. With this valve, boil-off gas can be removed from the fuel tank and its pressure reduced at the same time.
  • a buffer container can be arranged between the overflow valve or the pressure reducer.
  • the valve of the device according to the invention is highly sealed to the environment and requires a low actuation energy. This applies in particular if the valve is a solenoid valve according to a further teaching of the invention.
  • the use of a solenoid valve with pilot control is particularly advantageous.
  • the gas conversion unit has an energy converter. So the energy made available by the energy converter can be used to convert
  • the energy obtained can be used to keep the valve open.
  • the gas conversion unit contains a fuel cell.
  • the gas conversion unit has an ignition electrode and a burner. When the boil-off gas is burned, the energy can then be converted by means of at least one thermocouple.
  • control device of the gas conversion unit is provided with an autonomous auxiliary energy store.
  • an auxiliary energy store makes the gas conversion unit independent of the other elements of the vehicle, in particular the on-board battery, when used in suitably equipped vehicles. This is particularly advantageous if the reason for decommissioning the vehicle when the fuel tank is full is a repair visit in which the on-board battery must be removed. In such a case, one would be connected to the on-board battery
  • auxiliary energy store is particularly expedient if its energy content allows at least one complete tank filling to be implemented in the gas conversion unit.
  • the self-sufficient auxiliary energy store can advantageously be charged via an energy converter of the gas conversion unit.
  • the auxiliary energy storage preferably consists of a dry accumulator or a high-capacity capacitor.
  • control unit has an ignition device.
  • the boil-off gas is fed via a shut-off, externally operated valve to a gas conversion unit in which the boil-off gas is chemically converted and / or burned, whereby the gas conversion unit is activated by a control unit.
  • the chemical gas conversion is preferably carried out chemically and physically with the aid of a catalyst.
  • control unit activates the gas conversion unit after a pressure switch switches at a fixed upper switching pressure.
  • This fixed switching pressure can be a certain tank pressure or a fixed pressure behind the overflow valve.
  • a pressure reducer upstream of the valve is controlled by the back pressure.
  • the boil-off gas is reduced to a low admission pressure upstream of the valve.
  • the boil-off gas can also be supplied to the valve via an overflow valve controlled by the upstream pressure.
  • the conversion of the gas in the gas conversion unit can be monitored.
  • the gas ionization process is suitable for this when the gas is burned.
  • the monitoring of the gas conversion can advantageously be used during the combustion of the gas to determine how long ignition energy must be supplied to the gas conversion unit in order to ignite the combustion.
  • Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention and schematic representation
  • Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention schematic representation.
  • a fuel tank 1 shows, in a first embodiment of the invention, a fuel tank 1, a pressure reducer 2, a valve 3, preferably designed as a solenoid valve, and a gas conversion unit 4.
  • the vacuum-insulated fuel tank 1 is connected to the pressure reducer 2 via a line.
  • the valve 3 is connected downstream of the pressure reducer 2 via a further line in the flow direction. From the valve 3, a line continues to lead to the flow direction
  • Gas conversion unit 4 which is shown in FIG. 1 and in this respect preferred exemplary embodiments is shown as a combustion unit.
  • the gas conversion unit 4 contains a thermocouple 5 as an energy converter, an ignition electrode 6 and a burner 7.
  • the thermocouple 5 and the ignition electrode 6 are connected to the control device 8 via cables.
  • the burner 7 is connected to the line leading from the valve 3 to the gas conversion unit 4.
  • the control device 8 consists of an ignition device 9 and a
  • the ignition electrode 6 is connected to the ignition device 9 and the thermocouple 5 to the auxiliary energy store 10 of the control device 8.
  • the auxiliary energy store 10 is electrically connected to the ignition device 9 and the valve 3 via a pressure switch 11.
  • the pressure switch 11 is connected with its pressure side to the line between the fuel tank 1 and the pressure reducer 2. 2 shows a further embodiment of the device using the same reference numerals for corresponding components.
  • the vacuum-insulated fuel tank 1 is connected via a line to an overflow valve 12, from which a line leads to the valve 3 and to a buffer tank 13.
  • thermocouple 5 The line from the valve 3 to the gas conversion unit 4 and the configuration of the gas conversion unit 4, the thermocouple 5, the ignition electrode 6 and the control device 8 correspond to FIG. 1.
  • the pressure switch 11 is connected with its pressure side to the line from the overflow valve 12 to the valve 3.
  • the fuel stored therein is vaporized by the incidence of heat in the fuel tank 1. As a result of this evaporation, the pressure in the fuel tank 1 rises. When the pressure in the fuel tank 1 reaches a predetermined switching pressure, the pressure switch 11 closes. Energy is removed from the auxiliary energy store 10 by closing the pressure switch 11, and the valve 3 is thus opened.
  • valve 3 When the valve 3 is open, there is a pressure drop between the fuel tank 1, which has a high pressure level due to the vaporized fuel, and the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4, which is essentially at atmospheric pressure.
  • the boil-off gas flows from the fuel tank 1 via the pressure reducer 2 through the valve 3 to the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4.
  • the pressure of the outflowing boil-off gas in the pressure reducer 2 is reduced.
  • the ignition device 9 is activated.
  • the ignition device 9 takes energy from the auxiliary energy store 10 and ignites the ignition electrode 6.
  • the gas flowing out of the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4 is ignited and burned by the ignition electrode 6.
  • thermocouple 5 generates energy for charging the auxiliary energy store 10 during the combustion.
  • the pressure switch 11 opens and thus interrupts the energy supply to the valve 3 and the ignition device 9.
  • the valve 3 closes and interrupts the gas supply to the gas conversion unit 4.
  • the fuel stored in the fuel tank 1 is vaporized by the heat and thus increases the pressure in the fuel tank 1.
  • the pressure switch 11 closes and connects the auxiliary energy store 10 to the valve 3 and the ignition device 9. This opens the valve 3 and that from the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4 flowing boil-off gas ignited by means of the ignition electrode 6, as explained in the description of FIG. 1.
  • the valve 3 closes and cuts off the gas supply to the gas conversion unit 4.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks (1). Overflow devices for cryo fuel tanks that release nonburned boil-off gas to the environment are known per se. This is unsuitable because of the risk of fire and the potentially harmful effect that nonburned fuel can have on the environment. In order to solve this problem, the boil-off gas is fed to the cryo fuel tank (1) on the basis of pressure via a pressure reducer (2) and a shut-off externally actuated valve (3) pertaining to a gas converter unit (4), where it is chemically converted or burnt. Preferably, devices of this kind are used in motor vehicles that are operated, for instance, with liquid hydrogen or liquid natural gas.

Description

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Umwandeln des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo- KraftstofftanksDevice and method for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Umwandeln von Gasen, die aus einer Überströmeinrichtung von Kryo-Kraftstofftanks entweichen. Derartige Einrichtungen finden ihren Einsatz insbesondere bei Kryo-Kraftstofftanks von Fahrzeugen, die beispielsweise mit verflüssigtem Wasserstoff oder verflüssigtem Erdgas betrieben werden. Die Einrichtungen können aber auch für stationäre Kraftstofftanks von Kryo-Kraftstoffen verwendet werden sowie auch für andere Tanks mit brennbaren oder sonstig gefährlichen oder umweltschädigenden verdampfenden Medien, die sich durch Verbrennen oder andere chemischphysikalische Umsetzungen entschärfen lassen.The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for converting gases that escape from an overflow device of cryogenic fuel tanks. Devices of this type are used in particular in cryo-fuel tanks of vehicles which are operated, for example, with liquefied hydrogen or liquefied natural gas. However, the devices can also be used for stationary fuel tanks of cryogenic fuels and also for other tanks with flammable or otherwise dangerous or environmentally damaging evaporating media which can be defused by burning or other chemical-physical reactions.
Kryogene Kraftstoffe sind unter anderem tiefkalt flüssiger Wasserstoff oder Erdgas. Für die Speicherung des tiefkalten Kraftstoffs werden bevorzugt vakuum-isolierte Druckbehälter eingesetzt. Vakuum-isolierte Druckbehälter setzen sich in der Regel aus einem Außen- und einem Innenbehälter zusammen. Der tiefkalte Kraftstoff wird im Innenbehälter gespeichert. Der Innenbehälter wird über eine Aufhängung mit dem Außenbehälter verbunden. Zur Entnahme des Kraftstoffs ist eine Verrohrung vorgesehen, die vom Innenbehälter durch den Außenbehälter zur Umgebung geführt wird. Trotz der Vakuum-Isolation tritt über die Innenbehälter-Aufhängung und die Verrohrung Wärme in den Innenbehälter ein. Durch einen solchen Wärmeeinfall wird der tiefkalt flüssige Kraftstoff erwärmt und teilweise verdampft, wodurch der Innendruck des Kraftstofftanks steigt.Cryogenic fuels include cryogenic liquid hydrogen or natural gas. Vacuum-insulated pressure vessels are preferably used to store the cryogenic fuel. Vacuum-insulated pressure vessels usually consist of an outer and an inner vessel. The cryogenic fuel is stored in the inner container. The inner container is connected to the outer container via a suspension. To remove the fuel, piping is provided, which is led from the inner container through the outer container to the environment. Despite the vacuum insulation, heat enters the inner container via the inner container suspension and the piping. As a result of such heat, the cryogenic liquid fuel is heated and partially evaporated, as a result of which the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises.
Neben einem als Berstschutz eingesetztem Sicherheitsventil zur Vermeidung von Schäden am Kraftstofftank, die durch Überdruck entstehen, weisen derartige Druckbehälter eine bei niedrigerem Druck ansprechende Überströmeinrichtung auf. Mittels dieser Überströmeinrichtung wird das durch den Wärmeeinfall verdampfende Gas, das im allgemeinen als Boil-Off-Gas bezeichnet wird, in die Umgebung abgeführt, bevor das Sicherheitsventil anspricht. Da aufgrund der hohen Wirksamkeit der eingesetzten Isolationstechnik die Menge des verdampfenden Gases gering ist, ist ein derartiges Abführen des verdampften Gases erst nach einer längeren Standzeit ohne Entnahme von Kraftstoff aus dem Behälter nötig. Bei regelmäßiger Entnahme von Kraftstoff aus dem Kraftstofftank beispielsweise eines entsprechend ausgerüsteten Kraftfahrzeugs wird ein solcher Zustand, bei dem verdampftes Gas abgeführt werden muß, nicht erreicht. Allerdings ist in Fällen, bei denen dieses Kraftfahrzeug außer Betrieb genommen wurde, ohne daß der Kryo-Kraftstofftank entleert wurde, oder bei stationären Kryo-Kraftstofftanks mit entsprechenden Standzeiten mit einer stetigen, geringen Verdampfung im Innenbehälter zu rechnen, so daß es zu einem steigenden Druck im Kraftstofftank kommt. In diesen Fällen spricht die Überströmeinrichtung an.In addition to a safety valve used as a burst protection to prevent damage to the fuel tank caused by excess pressure, such pressure vessels have an overflow device which responds at a lower pressure. By means of this overflow device, the gas evaporating due to the heat, which is generally referred to as the boil-off gas, is discharged into the environment before the safety valve responds. Since the amount of the evaporating gas is small due to the high effectiveness of the insulation technology used, such evacuation of the evaporated gas is only necessary after a long standing time without removing fuel from the container. With regular withdrawal of fuel from the fuel tank, for example of a suitably equipped motor vehicle, such a state in which vaporized gas must be removed is not reached. However, in cases where this motor vehicle was taken out of operation without the cryo-fuel tank being emptied, or in the case of stationary cryo-fuel tanks with corresponding service lives, steady, low evaporation in the inner container is to be expected, so that there is an increasing pressure comes in the fuel tank. In these cases, the overflow device responds.
Eine Überströmeinrichtung kann so ausgestaltet sein, daß bei ihrem Ansprechen eine geringe, der durch den Wärmeeinfall verdampfenden Menge entsprechende Menge unverbrannten Kryo-Kraftstoffs an die Umgebung abgegeben wird. Eine solche Ausgestaltung ist allerdings mit Nachteilen verbunden. Zunächst kann in der Umgebung des Kryo-Kraftstofftanks durch das Ausströmen des unverbrannten Kraftstoffs Brandgefahr entstehen. Weiter haben verschiedene Kryo-Kraftstoffe, wie zum Beispiel Erdgas, in ihrem unverbrannten Zustand ein erhebliches atmosphärenschädigendes Potential, so daß eine unverbrannte Abgabe an die Umgebung umweltschädigend ist.An overflow device can be designed such that when it responds, a small amount of unburned cryogenic fuel, which corresponds to the amount evaporating due to the heat, is released to the environment. However, such an arrangement has disadvantages. First of all, there may be a fire hazard in the vicinity of the cryogenic fuel tank due to the outflow of the unburned fuel. Furthermore, various cryogenic fuels, such as natural gas, have considerable potential for damaging the atmosphere in their unburned state, so that unburned release to the environment is harmful to the environment.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zur gefahrlosen Umwandlung des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo- Kraftstofftanks vorzuschlagen, die das Boil-Off-Gas soweit behandelt, daß von dem aus der Überströmeinrichtung ausströmenden Gas weder Brandgefahr noch relevante Atmosphärenschädigungen ausgehen. Darüber hinaus ist es erwünscht, die Vorrichtung und das Verfahren möglichst einfach zu gestalten. Bei mit Kryo- Kraftstofftanks ausgerüsteten Fahrzeugen soll die Vorrichtung von anderen Elementen des Fahrzeugs, insbesondere der Bordbatterie, unabhängig sein. Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß von einer Vorrichtung zum Umwandeln des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo-Kraftstofftanks gelöst, die mindestens ein absperrendes, fremdbetätigtes Ventil und eine Gasumwandlungseinheit aufweist, die beide mit einer Steuereinrichtung verbunden sind. In der Gasumwandlungseinheit wird das Gas chemisch, vorzugsweise katalytisch, umgewandelt oder mit einer Flamme verbrannt. Hierdurch wird die relevante Atmosphärenschädigung sowie eine Gefährdung der Umgebung durch Brandgefahr verhindert.The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device and a method for the safe conversion of the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks, which treats the boil-off gas to such an extent that there is neither fire risk nor relevant risk from the gas flowing out of the overflow device Atmospheric damage. In addition, it is desirable to make the device and the method as simple as possible. In vehicles equipped with cryogenic fuel tanks, the device should be independent of other elements of the vehicle, in particular the on-board battery. This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks, which has at least one shut-off, externally operated valve and a gas conversion unit, both of which are connected to a control device. In the gas conversion unit, the gas is converted chemically, preferably catalytically, or burned with a flame. This prevents the relevant damage to the atmosphere and the environment from being exposed to fire.
Eine weitere Lehre der Erfindung sieht vor, daß dem Ventil ein Druckminderer vorgeschaltet ist. Dadurch wird der Druck vor dem Ventil reduziert und somit die zum Schalten des Ventils nötige Betätigungsenergie vermindert.Another teaching of the invention provides that a pressure reducer is connected upstream of the valve. This reduces the pressure upstream of the valve and thus reduces the actuation energy required to switch the valve.
In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist dem Ventil ein Überströmventil vorgeschaltet. Durch dieses Ventil kann dem Kraftstofftank Boil-Off-Gas entnommen und dessen Druck gleichzeitig reduziert werden.In a further embodiment of the invention, an overflow valve is connected upstream of the valve. With this valve, boil-off gas can be removed from the fuel tank and its pressure reduced at the same time.
Um den Energiebedarf für die Zündeinheit und die Ventilbetätigung zu verringern ist es vorteilhaft, die Taktzeiten des Ansprechens der Gasumwandlungseinheit zu verlängern. Dazu kann zwischen dem Überströmventil oder dem Druckminderer ein Pufferbehälter angeordnet sein.In order to reduce the energy requirement for the ignition unit and the valve actuation, it is advantageous to extend the cycle times of the response of the gas conversion unit. For this purpose, a buffer container can be arranged between the overflow valve or the pressure reducer.
Um zu verhindern, daß der Umgebung unverbranntes Gas zugeführt wird, weist das Ventil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung eine große Dichtheit zur Umgebung auf und benötigt eine geringe Betätigungsenergie. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn das Ventil gemäß einer weiteren Lehre der Erfindung ein Magnetventil ist. Besonders vorteilhaft ist der Einsatz eines Magnetventils mit Vorsteuerung.In order to prevent unburned gas from being supplied to the environment, the valve of the device according to the invention is highly sealed to the environment and requires a low actuation energy. This applies in particular if the valve is a solenoid valve according to a further teaching of the invention. The use of a solenoid valve with pilot control is particularly advantageous.
Eine weitere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor , daß die Gasumwandlungseinheit einen Energiewandler aufweist. So kann die vom Energiewandler zur Verfügung gestellte Energie dazu genutzt werden, denAnother embodiment of the invention provides that the gas conversion unit has an energy converter. So the energy made available by the energy converter can be used to
Eigenverbrauch der Vorrichtung zum Umwandeln von Boil-Off-Gas teilweise oder ganz zu decken. Insbesondere kann die gewonnene Energie dazu genutzt werden, das Ventil geöffnet zu halten.Partial or self-consumption of the device for converting boil-off gas to cover completely. In particular, the energy obtained can be used to keep the valve open.
Für die Energiegewinnung in der Gasumwandlungseinheit ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn die Gasumwandlungseinheit eine Brennstoffzelle enthält.For energy generation in the gas conversion unit, it is particularly advantageous if the gas conversion unit contains a fuel cell.
Für ein Umwandeln des Boil-Off-Gases mittels Verbrennung ist nach einer anderen Lehre der Erfindung vorgesehen, daß die Gasumwandlungseinheit eine Zündelektrode und einen Brenner aufweist. Bei der Verbrennung des Boil-Off- Gases kann die Energie dann mittels wenigstens einem Thermoelement umgewandelt werden.For converting the boil-off gas by means of combustion, another teaching of the invention provides that the gas conversion unit has an ignition electrode and a burner. When the boil-off gas is burned, the energy can then be converted by means of at least one thermocouple.
In einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Steuereinrichtung der Gasumwandlungseinheit mit einem autarken Hilfsenergiespeicher versehen. Ein solcher Hilfsenergiespeicher macht die Gasumwandlungseinheit beim Einsatz in entsprechend ausgerüsteten Fahrzeugen von den anderen Elementen des Fahrzeugs, insbesondere der Bordbatterie, unabhängig. Dies ist besonders dann vorteilhaft, wenn der Grund für die Außerbetriebnahme des Fahrzeugs bei gefülltem Kraftstofftank ein Reparaturaufenthalt ist, bei dem die Bordbatterie entfernt werden muß. In einem solchen Fall wäre eine an die Bordbatterie angeschlosseneIn a further embodiment of the invention, the control device of the gas conversion unit is provided with an autonomous auxiliary energy store. Such an auxiliary energy store makes the gas conversion unit independent of the other elements of the vehicle, in particular the on-board battery, when used in suitably equipped vehicles. This is particularly advantageous if the reason for decommissioning the vehicle when the fuel tank is full is a repair visit in which the on-board battery must be removed. In such a case, one would be connected to the on-board battery
Gasumwandlungseinheit unwirksam. Durch den autarken Hilfsenergiespeicher wird jedoch auch in diesem Fall eine sichere Umwandlung des Boil-Off-Gases gewährleistet.Gas conversion unit ineffective. However, the self-sufficient auxiliary energy storage ensures that the boil-off gas is converted safely in this case too.
Der Einsatz eines autarken Hilfsenergiespeichers ist insbesondere dann zweckmäßig, wenn sein Energieinhalt es erlaubt, mindestens eine vollständige Tankfüllung in der Gasumwandlungseinheit umzusetzen.The use of an autonomous auxiliary energy store is particularly expedient if its energy content allows at least one complete tank filling to be implemented in the gas conversion unit.
Der autarke Hilfsenergiespeicher kann vorteilhaft über einen Energiewandler der Gaswandlungseinheit aufgeladen werden. Der Hilfsenergiespeicher besteht vorzugsweise aus einem Trockenakkumulator oder einem Hochkapazitätskondensator.The self-sufficient auxiliary energy store can advantageously be charged via an energy converter of the gas conversion unit. The auxiliary energy storage preferably consists of a dry accumulator or a high-capacity capacitor.
Eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sieht vor, daß die Steuereinheit eine Zündeinrichtung aufweist.Another embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the control unit has an ignition device.
Erfindungsgemäß wird bei dem Verfahren zur Umwandlung des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo-Kraftstofftanks das Boil-Off-Gas über ein absperrendes, fremdbetätigtes Ventil einer Gasumwandlungseinheit zugeführt, in der das Boil-Off-Gas chemisch umgewandelt und/oder verbrannt wird, wobei die Gasumwandlungseinheit von einer Steuereinheit aktiviert wird. Die chemische Gasumwandlung erfolgt vorzugsweise chemisch-physikalisch mit Hilfe eines Katalysators.According to the invention, in the method for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks, the boil-off gas is fed via a shut-off, externally operated valve to a gas conversion unit in which the boil-off gas is chemically converted and / or burned, whereby the gas conversion unit is activated by a control unit. The chemical gas conversion is preferably carried out chemically and physically with the aid of a catalyst.
Gemäß einer weiteren Lehre der Erfindung aktiviert die Steuereinheit die Gasumwandlungseinheit, nachdem ein Druckschalter bei einem festgelegten oberen Schaltdruck schaltet. Dieser festgelegte Schaltdruck kann ein bestimmter Behälterdruck oder ein festgelegter Druck hinter dem Überströmventil sein.According to a further teaching of the invention, the control unit activates the gas conversion unit after a pressure switch switches at a fixed upper switching pressure. This fixed switching pressure can be a certain tank pressure or a fixed pressure behind the overflow valve.
In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird ein dem Ventil vorgeschalteter Druckminderer vom Hinterdruck gesteuert. Durch denIn a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure reducer upstream of the valve is controlled by the back pressure. By the
Druckminderer wird das Boil-Off-Gas auf einen niedrigen Vordruck vor dem Ventil reduziert. Alternativ kann das Boil-Off-Gas auch über ein vom Vordruck gesteuertes Überströmventil dem Ventil zugeführt werden.The boil-off gas is reduced to a low admission pressure upstream of the valve. Alternatively, the boil-off gas can also be supplied to the valve via an overflow valve controlled by the upstream pressure.
Um die Umsetzung des Boil-Off-Gases zu kontrollieren, kann die Umwandlung des Gases in der Gasumwandlungseinheit überwacht werden. Hierfür eignet sich bei einer Verbrennung des Gases das Gasionisationsverfahren. Die Überwachung der Gasumwandlung kann bei der Verbrennung des Gases vorteilhaft dazu verwendet werden, festzustellen, wie lange der Gasumwandlungseinheit Zündenergie zum Zünden der Verbrennung zugeführt werden muß. Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigen:In order to control the conversion of the boil-off gas, the conversion of the gas in the gas conversion unit can be monitored. The gas ionization process is suitable for this when the gas is burned. The monitoring of the gas conversion can advantageously be used during the combustion of the gas to determine how long ignition energy must be supplied to the gas conversion unit in order to ignite the combustion. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:
Fig. 1 eine erste Ausführungsform der Erfindung schematischer Darstellung undFig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention and schematic representation
Fig. 2 eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung schematischer Darstellung.Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention schematic representation.
Fig. 1 zeigt in einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung einen Kraftstofftank 1 , einen Druckminderer 2, ein bevorzugt als Magnetventil ausgebildetes Ventil 3 und eine Gasumwandlungseinheit 4. Der vakuum-isolierte Kraftstofftank 1 ist über eine Leitung mit dem Druckminderer 2 verbunden. Dem Druckminderer 2 über eine weitere Leitung in Strömungsrichtung nachgeschaltet ist das Ventil 3. Von dem Ventil 3 führt weiterhin in Strömungsrichtung eine Leitung zur1 shows, in a first embodiment of the invention, a fuel tank 1, a pressure reducer 2, a valve 3, preferably designed as a solenoid valve, and a gas conversion unit 4. The vacuum-insulated fuel tank 1 is connected to the pressure reducer 2 via a line. The valve 3 is connected downstream of the pressure reducer 2 via a further line in the flow direction. From the valve 3, a line continues to lead to the flow direction
Gasumwandlungseinheit 4, die in Fig. 1 dargestellten und insoweit bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiele als Brenneinheit dargestellt ist.Gas conversion unit 4, which is shown in FIG. 1 and in this respect preferred exemplary embodiments is shown as a combustion unit.
Der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4 enthält ein Thermoelement 5 als Energiewandler, eine Zündelektrode 6 und einen Brenner 7. Das Thermoelement 5 und die Zündelektrode 6 sind über Kabel mit der Steuereinrichtung 8 verbunden. Der Brenner 7 ist mit der Leitung, die vom Ventil 3 zur Gasumwandlungseinheit 4 führt, verbunden.The gas conversion unit 4 contains a thermocouple 5 as an energy converter, an ignition electrode 6 and a burner 7. The thermocouple 5 and the ignition electrode 6 are connected to the control device 8 via cables. The burner 7 is connected to the line leading from the valve 3 to the gas conversion unit 4.
Die Steuereinrichtung 8 besteht aus einer Zündeinrichtung 9 und einemThe control device 8 consists of an ignition device 9 and a
Hilfsenergiespeicher 10. Die Zündelektrode 6 ist an die Zündeinrichtung 9 und das Thermoelement 5 an den Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 der Steuereinrichtung 8 angeschlossen. Der Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 ist elektrisch über einen Druckschalter 11 mit der Zündeinrichtung 9 und dem Ventil 3 verbunden. Der Druckschalter 11 ist mit seiner Druckseite an die Leitung zwischen Kraftstofftank 1 und Druckminderer 2 angeschlossen. Fig. 2 stellt unter Verwendung der gleichen Bezugszeichen für übereinstimmende Bauelemente eine weitere Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung dar. Der vakuum-isolierte Kraftstofftank 1 ist über eine Leitung mit einem Überströmventil 12 verbunden, von dem eine Leitung zum Ventil 3 und zu einem Pufferbehälter 13 führt.Auxiliary energy store 10. The ignition electrode 6 is connected to the ignition device 9 and the thermocouple 5 to the auxiliary energy store 10 of the control device 8. The auxiliary energy store 10 is electrically connected to the ignition device 9 and the valve 3 via a pressure switch 11. The pressure switch 11 is connected with its pressure side to the line between the fuel tank 1 and the pressure reducer 2. 2 shows a further embodiment of the device using the same reference numerals for corresponding components. The vacuum-insulated fuel tank 1 is connected via a line to an overflow valve 12, from which a line leads to the valve 3 and to a buffer tank 13.
Die Leitung vom Ventil 3 zur Gasumwandlungseinheit 4, sowie die Ausgestaltung der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4, des Thermoelements 5, der Zündelektrode 6 und der Steuereinrichtung 8 entsprechen der Fig.1.The line from the valve 3 to the gas conversion unit 4 and the configuration of the gas conversion unit 4, the thermocouple 5, the ignition electrode 6 and the control device 8 correspond to FIG. 1.
Der Druckschalter 11 ist mit seiner Druckseite an die Leitung vom Überströmventil 12 zum Ventil 3 angeschlossen.The pressure switch 11 is connected with its pressure side to the line from the overflow valve 12 to the valve 3.
Im folgenden wird die Funktionsweise des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels beschrieben.The mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is described below.
Durch einen Wärmeeinfall in den Kraftstofftank 1 wird der darin gespeicherte Kraftstoff verdampft. Dieser Verdampfung zufolge steigt der Druck im Kraftstofftank 1. Erreicht der Druck im Kraftstofftank 1 einen vorher festgelegten Schaltdruck, schließt der Druckschalter 11. Durch das Schließen des Druckschalters 11 wird dem Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 Energie entnommen und somit das Ventil 3 geöffnet.The fuel stored therein is vaporized by the incidence of heat in the fuel tank 1. As a result of this evaporation, the pressure in the fuel tank 1 rises. When the pressure in the fuel tank 1 reaches a predetermined switching pressure, the pressure switch 11 closes. Energy is removed from the auxiliary energy store 10 by closing the pressure switch 11, and the valve 3 is thus opened.
Bei geöffnetem Ventil 3 stellt sich ein Druckgefälle zwischen dem Kraftstofftank 1 , der aufgrund des verdampften Kraftstoffs ein hohes Druckniveau hat, und dem Brenner 7 der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4 ein, bei dem im wesentlichen Atmosphärendruck anliegt.When the valve 3 is open, there is a pressure drop between the fuel tank 1, which has a high pressure level due to the vaporized fuel, and the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4, which is essentially at atmospheric pressure.
Durch das Druckgefälle strömt das Boil-Off-Gas von dem Kraftstofftank 1 über den Druckminderer 2 durch das Ventil 3 zum Brenner 7 der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4. Dabei wird der Druck des ausströmenden Boil-Off-Gases im Druckminderer 2 reduziert. Durch das Schließen des Druckschalters 11 wird nicht nur das Ventil 3 geöffnet, sondern auch die Zündeinrichtung 9 aktiviert. Die Zündeinrichtung 9 entnimmt dem Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 Energie und zündet die Zündelektrode 6. Das aus dem Brenner 7 der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4 strömende Gas wird von der Zündelektrode 6 entzündet und verbrannt.Due to the pressure gradient, the boil-off gas flows from the fuel tank 1 via the pressure reducer 2 through the valve 3 to the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4. The pressure of the outflowing boil-off gas in the pressure reducer 2 is reduced. By closing the pressure switch 11, not only the valve 3 is opened, but also the ignition device 9 is activated. The ignition device 9 takes energy from the auxiliary energy store 10 and ignites the ignition electrode 6. The gas flowing out of the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4 is ignited and burned by the ignition electrode 6.
Durch das Thermoelement 5 wird während der Verbrennung Energie zur Aufladung des Hilfsenergiespeichers 10 gewonnen.The thermocouple 5 generates energy for charging the auxiliary energy store 10 during the combustion.
Durch das aus dem Kryo-Kraftstofftank 1 strömende Boil-Off-Gas sinkt sein innerer Druck. Fällt der Druck im Kryo-Kraftstofftank 1 unter einen festgelegten unteren Schaltdruck öffnet der Druckschalter 11 und unterbricht damit die Energiezufuhr des Ventils 3 und der Zündeinrichtung 9. Das Ventil 3 schließt und unterbricht die Gaszufuhr zu der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4.Due to the boil-off gas flowing out of the cryo-fuel tank 1, its internal pressure drops. If the pressure in the cryogenic fuel tank 1 falls below a predetermined lower switching pressure, the pressure switch 11 opens and thus interrupts the energy supply to the valve 3 and the ignition device 9. The valve 3 closes and interrupts the gas supply to the gas conversion unit 4.
Die Funktionsweise des in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung wird im folgenden beschrieben.The mode of operation of the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 is described below.
Der im Kraftstofftank 1 gespeicherte Kraftstoff wird durch den Wärmeeinfall verdampft und erhöht somit den Druck in dem Kraftstofftank 1.The fuel stored in the fuel tank 1 is vaporized by the heat and thus increases the pressure in the fuel tank 1.
Sobald der Druck im Kraftstofftank 1 den Ansprechdruck des Überströmventils 12 erreicht, öffnet dieses und das Boil-Off-Gas strömt aus dem Kraftstofftank 1 durch die Leitung zwischen dem Überströmventil 12 und dem Ventil 3 in den Pufferbehälter 13.As soon as the pressure in the fuel tank 1 reaches the response pressure of the overflow valve 12, this opens and the boil-off gas flows out of the fuel tank 1 through the line between the overflow valve 12 and the valve 3 into the buffer tank 13.
Erreicht der Druck in dem Pufferbehälter 13 und in der Leitung zwischen dem Überströmventil 12 und dem Ventil 3 durch das zuströmende Boil-Off-Gas den oberen Schaltdruck des Druckschalters 11 , schließt dieser und verbindet den Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 mit dem Ventil 3 und der Zündeinrichtung 9. Hierdurch wird das Ventil 3 geöffnet und das aus dem Brenner 7 der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4 strömende Boil-Off-Gas mittels der Zündelektrode 6 gezündet, so wie dies die Beschreibung zur Fig. 1 erläutert.When the pressure in the buffer tank 13 and in the line between the overflow valve 12 and the valve 3 reaches the upper switching pressure of the pressure switch 11 through the inflowing boil-off gas, the pressure switch 11 closes and connects the auxiliary energy store 10 to the valve 3 and the ignition device 9. This opens the valve 3 and that from the burner 7 of the gas conversion unit 4 flowing boil-off gas ignited by means of the ignition electrode 6, as explained in the description of FIG. 1.
Fällt der Druck im Kryo-Kraftstofftank 1 unter den Ansprechdruck des Überströmventils 12 ab, schließt dieses und unterbricht die Gaszufuhr zum Pufferbehälter 13 und der Gasumwandlungseinheit 4. Die Gasumwandlung des im Pufferbehälter 13 befindlichen Gases wird soweit fortgesetzt, bis der Druck in der Leitung zwischen Überströmventil 12 und Ventil 3 unter den unteren Schaltdruck des Druckschalters 11 sinkt. Dadurch öffnet der Druckschalter 11 und unterbricht die Verbindung zwischen demIf the pressure in the cryo-fuel tank 1 drops below the response pressure of the overflow valve 12, this closes and interrupts the gas supply to the buffer tank 13 and the gas conversion unit 4. The gas conversion of the gas in the buffer tank 13 is continued until the pressure in the line between the overflow valve 12 and valve 3 drops below the lower switching pressure of the pressure switch 11. This opens the pressure switch 11 and interrupts the connection between the
Hilfsenergiespeicher 10 und dem Ventil 3 sowie der Zündeinrichtung 9. Das Ventil 3 schließt und unterbricht die Gaszufuhr zur Gasumwandlungseinheit 4. Auxiliary energy store 10 and the valve 3 and the ignition device 9. The valve 3 closes and cuts off the gas supply to the gas conversion unit 4.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Vorrichtung zum Umwandeln des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo-Kraftstofftanks (1 ), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Kryo-Kraftstofftank (1 ) mindestens ein absperrendes, fremdbetätigtes1. Device for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks (1), characterized in that the cryogenic fuel tank (1) has at least one shut-off, externally operated
Ventil (3) und eine Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) aufweist, die beide mit einer Steuereinrichtung (8) verbunden sind.Has valve (3) and a gas conversion unit (4), both of which are connected to a control device (8).
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß dem Ventil (3) ein Druckminderer (2) vorgeschaltet ist.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (3) is preceded by a pressure reducer (2).
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß dem Ventil (3) ein Überströmventil (12) vorgeschaltet ist.3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve (3) is preceded by an overflow valve (12).
4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwischen dem Kryo-Kraftstofftank (1 ) und dem Ventil (3) ein Pufferbehälter (13) angeordnet ist.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a buffer container (13) is arranged between the cryogenic fuel tank (1) and the valve (3).
5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Ventil (3) ein Magnetventil ist.5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve (3) is a solenoid valve.
6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) einen Energiewandier aufweist. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gas conversion unit (4) has an energy converter.
7. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) mindestens eine Brennstoffzelle enthält.7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the gas conversion unit (4) contains at least one fuel cell.
8. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) eine Zündelektrode (6) und einen Brenner (7) aufweist.8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the gas conversion unit (4) has an ignition electrode (6) and a burner (7).
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Energiewandler mindestens ein Thermoelement (5) enthält.9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the energy converter contains at least one thermocouple (5).
10. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Steuereinrichtung (8) mit einem autarken Hilfsenergiespeicher (10) versehen ist.10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control device (8) is provided with an autonomous auxiliary energy store (10).
1 1 . Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Hilfsenergiespeicher (10) ein Trockenakkumulator oder ein Hochkapazitätskondensator ist.1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the auxiliary energy store (10) is a dry accumulator or a high-capacity capacitor.
12. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 1 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Steuereinrichtung (8) eine Zündeinrichtung (9) aufweist. O 00/3146112. Device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the control device (8) has an ignition device (9). O 00/31461
- 12 -- 12 -
13. Verfahren zur Umwandlung des Boil-Off-Gases von Kryo-Kraftstofftanks (1) bei dem das Boil-Off-Gas über ein absperrendes, fremdbetätigtes Ventil (3) einer Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) zugeführt wird, in der das Boil-Off-Gas chemisch umgewandelt und/oder verbrannt wird, wobei die Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) von einer Steuereinrichtung (8) aktiviert wird.13. A method for converting the boil-off gas from cryo-fuel tanks (1), in which the boil-off gas is fed via a shut-off, externally operated valve (3) to a gas conversion unit (4) in which the boil-off gas Gas is chemically converted and / or burned, the gas conversion unit (4) being activated by a control device (8).
14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Aktivierung erfolgt, nachdem ein Druckschalter (11) bei einem festgelegten Schaltdruck schaltet.14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the activation takes place after a pressure switch (11) switches at a fixed switching pressure.
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Druck des dem Kryo-Kraftstofftanks (1) entweichenden Boil-Off-Gases in einem dem Ventil (3) vorgeschalteten und hinterdruckgesteuerten15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the pressure of the cryo-fuel tank (1) escaping boil-off gas in a valve (3) upstream and back pressure controlled
Druckminderer (2) reduziert wird.Pressure reducer (2) is reduced.
16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Boil-Off-Gas der Gasumwandlungseinheit (4) über ein vordruckgesteuertes Überströmventil (12) zugeführt wird. 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the boil-off gas of the gas conversion unit (4) is supplied via a pressure-controlled overflow valve (12).
EP99955976A 1998-11-26 1999-11-11 Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks Withdrawn EP1137895A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19854581 1998-11-26
DE19854581A DE19854581A1 (en) 1998-11-26 1998-11-26 Device and method for converting the boil-off gas from cryogenic fuel tanks
PCT/EP1999/008681 WO2000031461A1 (en) 1998-11-26 1999-11-11 Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1137895A1 true EP1137895A1 (en) 2001-10-04

Family

ID=7889105

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99955976A Withdrawn EP1137895A1 (en) 1998-11-26 1999-11-11 Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1137895A1 (en)
DE (1) DE19854581A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000031461A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4050019B2 (en) * 2001-08-09 2008-02-20 本田技研工業株式会社 Boil-off gas processing equipment
DE10202165B4 (en) * 2002-01-22 2014-08-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle with a cryogenic tank
DE10238856A1 (en) * 2002-08-24 2004-03-04 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Method of emptyig cryotank especially from a vehicle in an emergency involves evacuating pipe, transfer chamber, or expansion disc
DE10304165A1 (en) * 2003-02-03 2004-08-05 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Cryotank system for stored fuel, especially hydrogen for vehicle, has valve for changing over without additional energy to enable path to exhaust gas utilization device with maximum thermal effect
DE10310319A1 (en) * 2003-03-10 2004-09-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Fuel tank for cryogenically stored fuel has heat pipe extending from geodetically lower internal space region with mainly liquid fuel to upper region in which fuel is mainly in gaseous state
DE102004005305A1 (en) * 2004-02-03 2005-08-11 Linde Ag Process for reliquefying a gas
DE102004035319A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-02-16 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Cryo tank structure for motor vehicle has heat conducting connection between inner and outer tanks, and in which para-ortho catalyst is provided
DE102004045267A1 (en) * 2004-09-17 2006-03-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Device for converting boil-off gas of cryogenic fuel tank has transport device for combustion air required for conversion process and/or heater for line carrying cryogenic fuel and/or boil-off gas provided as electrical load
DE102006009081A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-08-30 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Cryo fuel tank`s boil-off gas dissipating device for motor vehicle, has thermoelectric generator for obtaining electrical energy, where warm side of generator is supplied with heat and other side with cold boil-off gas
JP2009528207A (en) 2006-02-28 2009-08-06 バイエリッシェ モートーレン ウエルケ アクチエンゲゼルシャフト A motor vehicle equipped with a unit operated using fuel stored at cryogenic temperatures
DE102006025658B4 (en) * 2006-06-01 2022-10-06 Cryomotive GmbH Method of operating a device for cryogenic storage of fuel
ITMI20090418A1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2010-09-19 C S M Compagnia San Marco S R L SAFETY DEVICE TO BE APPLIED TO THE SAFETY VALVE OF A TANK FOR FLAMMABLE COMPRESSED GAS
GB201121931D0 (en) 2011-12-20 2012-02-01 Mann Christopher M Self contained,standalone,liquid methane storage system
DE102016209426A1 (en) 2015-07-07 2017-01-12 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Process for the regeneration of a catalytic fuel converter
CN108291489A (en) 2015-11-13 2018-07-17 沃尔沃卡车集团 Method and apparatus for controlling the internal combustion engine with spraying high-pressure gas
EP3649002B1 (en) * 2017-07-05 2021-03-31 Volvo Truck Corporation A gas tank arrangement for an internal combustion engine
DE102018129507A1 (en) * 2018-11-23 2020-05-28 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Device and method for regulating the emissions of a motor vehicle
FR3137670A1 (en) * 2022-07-08 2024-01-12 Airbus Operations (S.A.S.) Anti-overpressure system for cryogenic tank.
DE102023201447A1 (en) * 2023-02-20 2024-08-22 Magna Energy Storage Systems Gesmbh Cryogenic tank device with a boil-off management system

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3022802C2 (en) * 1980-06-19 1982-11-11 Deutsche Forschungs- Und Versuchsanstalt Fuer Luft- Und Raumfahrt E.V., 5300 Bonn Device for storing liquid hydrogen
US4484458A (en) * 1983-11-09 1984-11-27 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Apparatus for condensing liquid cryogen boil-off
DE4029715A1 (en) * 1990-09-19 1992-03-26 Zink John Gmbh TORCH BURNER
US5540208A (en) * 1994-09-13 1996-07-30 Nabco Limited Liquefied gas fuel supply system
DE19533863A1 (en) * 1995-09-13 1997-03-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Liquefied gas e.g. LNG fuel supply unit for IC engine

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0031461A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE19854581A1 (en) 2000-06-08
WO2000031461A1 (en) 2000-06-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1137895A1 (en) Device and method for converting boil-off gas from cryo fuel tanks
EP3123074B1 (en) System for storing a pressurized gas and method for emptying a storage container for a pressurized gas
DE102006017541B4 (en) Method for discharging high-pressure storage containers
DE19847297A1 (en) Fire protection system
EP2035739B1 (en) Method for operating a device for filling a container with cryogenically stored fuel
DE4436493A1 (en) Method for filling a tank
DE102020108176A1 (en) Fuel supply system and motor vehicle
DE102016222668A1 (en) Pressure tank arrangement for a vehicle
DE19916386C2 (en) Fuel cell system and method for regenerating a filter element in a fuel cell system
EP1307363A1 (en) Gas generator and restraint system for a vehicle
DE102015218986A1 (en) A method of removing fuel from a pressure vessel system by an external fuel line and pressure vessel system
DE102021104334A1 (en) Connection element, pressure vessel assembly and motor vehicle
EP4013991B1 (en) System for releasing pressure in a pressure vessel
DE102021102183A1 (en) pressure vessel system and motor vehicle
DE102012218856A1 (en) Fuel storage system for motor vehicle, has auxiliary storage downstream check valve in supply line, which is closed during filling process of mail tank, and is attached toe supply line in such way that consumer is operated by fuel
DE102010006516A1 (en) High pressure gas i.e. high pressure hydrogen gas, storing device for use in vehicle, has deflation unit deflating storage vessel with breaking point that is disrupted by ignition of explosive charge under formation of discharge opening
EP1172545B1 (en) Ignition system for combustion chambers in rocket engines
WO2019233676A1 (en) Device for the temperature pressure relief of a fuel tank
DE102017001039A1 (en) Method for safely refueling a gas storage tank
DE102014007013A1 (en) Process for heating a catalyst
EP4619678A1 (en) Method for operating a fuel gas tank system, and control device
DE102022109097A1 (en) Method and device for supplying consumers with hydrogen
DE102007034148A1 (en) Device for storing inflammable gases such as hydrogen as reaction medium for fuel cell system for motor vehicle, has one or multiple drain pipes, in which emergent inflammable gas passes
DE102022116436A1 (en) High-voltage storage
DE102020120493A1 (en) Pressure vessel arrangement, fuel supply device and motor vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010626

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MESSER GRIESHEIM GMBH

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020905

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20030116