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EP2912365B1 - Method and equipment for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid - Google Patents

Method and equipment for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2912365B1
EP2912365B1 EP13785515.1A EP13785515A EP2912365B1 EP 2912365 B1 EP2912365 B1 EP 2912365B1 EP 13785515 A EP13785515 A EP 13785515A EP 2912365 B1 EP2912365 B1 EP 2912365B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
station
filling
double
storage 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.)
Active
Application number
EP13785515.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2912365A2 (en
Inventor
Willy Frederick
Marc GRAVIER
Jean-Pierre Bernard
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.)
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP2912365A2 publication Critical patent/EP2912365A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2912365B1 publication Critical patent/EP2912365B1/en
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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
    • F17C6/00—Methods and apparatus for filling vessels not under pressure with liquefied or solidified gases
    • 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
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/018—Supporting feet
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0364—Pipes flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0367—Arrangements in parallel
    • 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
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • 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
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2225/0161—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
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/033—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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0121—Propulsion of the fluid by gravity
    • 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
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0626—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
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/025—Reducing transfer time
    • 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
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • 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
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refuelling vehicle fuel tanks
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations
    • 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
    • F17C2270/0171—Trucks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of methods for filling a downstream tank with cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, from an upstream storage facility.
  • cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen
  • one of the techniques used in this type of truck uses one (or more) heat exchanger(s) located inside the enclosure, in which a cryogenic fluid is circulated, the enclosure also being equipped with an air circulation system (fans) bringing this air into contact with the cold walls of the exchanger, which thus makes it possible to cool the air inside the cold room of the truck, the cryogenic fluid supplying the exchanger(s) comes from a cryogen tank traditionally located under the truck, a tank which must therefore be filled regularly as the rounds progress.
  • an air circulation system fans
  • One of the problems posed here is related to the fact that during filling, a significant part of the cryogenic liquid is transformed into gaseous phase in the tank.
  • the filling installations of such tanks traditionally include valves controlling on the one hand the supply of cryogenic liquid to the tank and on the other hand the gas outlet from the tank, the end of filling can be recognized automatically by suitable means or manually by the operator.
  • the cryogenic fluid for example liquid nitrogen
  • a large capacity upstream storage connected to the tank to be filled downstream such as the tank of a truck, the upstream storage containing, under a storage pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the cryogenic fluid in liquid phase at the bottom of the tank and in gas phase at the top of the tank, this storage being adapted to, on the one hand, supply the tank to be filled downstream with liquid which is drawn off at the bottom of the storage, and on the other hand to be supplied from the outside with fluid.
  • cryogenic pump To quickly transfer the fluid between this upstream storage and such a downstream tank to be filled, it is possible to consider using a cryogenic pump, to increase the upstream pressure during the transfer to the cryogenic tank located downstream.
  • a cryogenic pump can have disadvantages in terms of cost, maintenance requirements, and specific operational constraints such as cooling before use.
  • a cryogenic pump includes rotating parts that require specific maintenance.
  • the gas outlet line of the tank is opened or closed using a manual valve on the tank.
  • This valve allows complete opening/closing.
  • the manual valve is opened, the gas is evacuated and the tank is then at atmospheric pressure.
  • the present invention therefore seeks to propose a new technical solution for filling a downstream tank with cryogenic liquid (such as liquid nitrogen), from an upstream storage facility, making it possible to resolve the technical drawbacks listed above.
  • cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen
  • the present invention then relates to a method of filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid, as in accordance with claim 1 below.
  • the invention also relates to an installation for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid, as in accordance with claim 9 below.
  • This figure 2 allows you to view liquid nitrogen storage 1, as well as the contents of filling station 5, as well as the lines crossing it or ending there: the cryogenic liquid supply line (to 2), the gas return line (from 3) and the various pieces of equipment present on these lines.
  • the two connections of the two double connectors have been separated in space (in references 4) in this figure, but as will be clear to those skilled in the art, these two double connectors must be understood as a first double connector on the storage side, for example a male double “socket”, and a second double connector on the tank side, for example a female “housing”, i.e. a double acceptance path for the male double socket facing it.
  • a purge line 30 is present, as connected in its upstream part to the cryogenic nitrogen line, purge line to which the gas return line is connected, this purge line is equipped with a purge solenoid valve 31 and a silencer 33.
  • the temperature probe 23 installed on the gas return line in the filling station, makes it possible to detect - via an abnormally significant drop in the temperature of this gas return - the presence of liquid nitrogen in the gas return, indicating that the tank is completely filled.
  • This detection information is sent to the data acquisition and processing unit present in the station, a unit which then orders the filling to stop (closing of valve 10, closing of valve 20 to avoid a loss of pressure in the tank and its untimely degassing).
  • FIG 3 illustrates a comparative embodiment where the gas return does not include a discharger, the filling and the pressure achieved in the tank being controlled only by the sole presence of the solenoid valve 20 (we will see in the context of the figure 4 that two parallel solenoid valves 20 and 40 can preferably be implemented on this gas return).
  • filling is carried out normally until the probe 22 detects a pressure in the gaseous air of the tank that is too high, in which case the automaton orders the opening of the solenoid valve 20 to bring this pressure below the set point, once this pressure has been brought below the set point, the automaton orders the closing of the solenoid valve 20.
  • the controller orders the solenoid valve 10 to close (thus stopping the cryogen supply).
  • the mode of the figure 4 is identical in almost every way to that of the figure 3 , except that for this mode, the gas return is equipped with not one but two solenoid valves in parallel: XV03 / 20, and XV05 / 40.
  • This figure 2 allows you to view the liquid nitrogen storage 1, as well as the contents of the filling station 5, as well as the lines crossing it or ending there: the cryogenic liquid supply line (to 2), the gas return line (from 3) and the various pieces of equipment present on these lines.
  • the two connections of the two double connectors have been separated in space (in references 4) in this figure, but as will be clear to those skilled in the art, these two double connectors must be understood as a first double connector on the storage side, for example a male double “socket”, and a second double connector on the tank side, for example a female “housing”, i.e. a double acceptance path for the male double socket facing it.
  • a purge line 30 is present, as connected in its upstream part to the cryogenic nitrogen line, purge line to which the gas return line is connected, this purge line is equipped with a purge solenoid valve 31 and a silencer 33.
  • the temperature probe 23 installed on the gas return line in the filling station, makes it possible to detect - via an abnormally significant drop in the temperature of this gas return - the presence of liquid nitrogen in the gas return, indicating that the tank is completely full.
  • This detection information is sent to the data acquisition and processing unit present in the station, which then orders the filling to stop (closing of valve 10, closing of valve 20 to avoid a loss of pressure in the tank and its untimely degassing).
  • FIG 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, where the gas return does not include a discharger, the filling and the pressure achieved in the tank being controlled only by the sole presence of the solenoid valve 20 (we will see in the context of the figure 4 that two parallel solenoid valves 20 and 40 can preferably be implemented on this gas return).
  • filling is carried out normally until the probe 22 detects a pressure in the gaseous air of the tank which is too high. high, in which case the automaton orders the opening of the solenoid valve 20 to bring this pressure below the setpoint, once this pressure has been brought below the setpoint the automaton orders the closing of the solenoid valve 20.
  • the controller orders the solenoid valve 10 to close (thus stopping the cryogen supply).
  • the mode of the figure 4 is identical in almost every way to that of the figure 3 , except that for this mode, the gas return is equipped with not one but two solenoid valves in parallel: XV03 / 20, and XV05 / 40.

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

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des procédés de remplissage en liquide cryogénique, tel l'azote liquide, d'un réservoir aval, à partir d'un stockage amont.The present invention relates to the field of methods for filling a downstream tank with cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, from an upstream storage facility.

Elle s'intéresse plus particulièrement aux méthodes permettant un remplissage rapide.She is particularly interested in methods enabling rapid filling.

On trouve de telles opérations de remplissage par exemple pour le remplissage de réservoirs présents dans des camions utilisés pour le transport et la distribution de produits thermosensibles, tels les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits alimentaires.Such filling operations are found, for example, in the filling of tanks present in trucks used for the transport and distribution of heat-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals and food products.

En effet, une des techniques utilisées dans ce type de camions dite « injection indirecte » utilise un (ou plusieurs) échangeur(s) de chaleur situé(s) à l'intérieur de l'enceinte, dans lequel on fait circuler un fluide cryogénique, l'enceinte étant par ailleurs munie d'un système de circulation d'air (ventilateurs) mettant en contact cet air avec les parois froides de l'échangeur, ce qui permet ainsi de refroidir l'air interne à la chambre froide du camion, le fluide cryogénique alimentant le ou les échangeur(s) provient d'un réservoir de cryogène traditionnellement situé sous le camion, réservoir qu'il faut donc remplir régulièrement au fur et à mesure des tournées.Indeed, one of the techniques used in this type of truck called "indirect injection" uses one (or more) heat exchanger(s) located inside the enclosure, in which a cryogenic fluid is circulated, the enclosure also being equipped with an air circulation system (fans) bringing this air into contact with the cold walls of the exchanger, which thus makes it possible to cool the air inside the cold room of the truck, the cryogenic fluid supplying the exchanger(s) comes from a cryogen tank traditionally located under the truck, a tank which must therefore be filled regularly as the rounds progress.

Un des problèmes posés ici est lié au fait que lors du remplissage, une partie non négligeable du liquide cryogénique est transformé en phase gazeuse dans le réservoir. Ainsi les installations de remplissage de tels réservoirs comprennent traditionnellement des vannes contrôlant d'une part l'alimentation en liquide cryogénique du réservoir et d'autre part la sortie gaz du réservoir, la fin du remplissage peut être reconnue automatiquement par des moyens adaptés ou encore manuellement par l'opérateur.One of the problems posed here is related to the fact that during filling, a significant part of the cryogenic liquid is transformed into gaseous phase in the tank. Thus, the filling installations of such tanks traditionally include valves controlling on the one hand the supply of cryogenic liquid to the tank and on the other hand the gas outlet from the tank, the end of filling can be recognized automatically by suitable means or manually by the operator.

De façon traditionnelle, le fluide cryogénique, par exemple l'azote liquide, est disponible dans un stockage amont de grande capacité, raccordé au réservoir à remplir en aval tel le réservoir d'un camion, le stockage amont contenant sous une pression de stockage supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, le fluide cryogénique en phase liquide au fond du réservoir et en phase gazeuse au sommet du réservoir, ce stockage étant adapté pour d'une part alimenter le réservoir à remplir en aval en liquide qui est soutiré au fond du stockage, et d'autre part pour être approvisionné depuis l'extérieur en fluide.Traditionally, the cryogenic fluid, for example liquid nitrogen, is available in a large capacity upstream storage, connected to the tank to be filled downstream such as the tank of a truck, the upstream storage containing, under a storage pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, the cryogenic fluid in liquid phase at the bottom of the tank and in gas phase at the top of the tank, this storage being adapted to, on the one hand, supply the tank to be filled downstream with liquid which is drawn off at the bottom of the storage, and on the other hand to be supplied from the outside with fluid.

On utilise le plus couramment des stockages dits « à basse pression de stockage », c'est-à-dire dont la pression maximale atteinte au sommet du réservoir est en général inférieure à environ 4 bars absolus, classiquement 1,5 bar relatif de pression au sommet du stockage, mais l'on trouve aussi dans ce domaine technique des stockages montant jusqu'à 17 bar pour une pression d'utilisation en aval se situant par exemple à 4.5 bar.The most commonly used storage systems are those with so-called "low storage pressure", i.e. the maximum pressure reached at the top of the tank is generally less than approximately 4 bars absolute, typically 1.5 bars relative pressure at the top of the storage, but in this technical field we also find storage systems with pressures of up to 17 bars for a downstream operating pressure of, for example, 4.5 bars.

Pour procéder au transfert rapide du fluide entre ce stockage amont et un tel réservoir aval à remplir, on peut envisager d'utiliser une pompe cryogénique, pour augmenter la pression amont lors du transfert vers le réservoir cryogénique situé en aval. Mais on sait que l'utilisation de telles pompes cryogéniques peut présenter des inconvénients en termes de coût, d'obligations de maintenance, et de contraintes opérationnelles spécifiques telles que la mise en froid avant utilisation. Une pompe cryogénique comprend en effet des pièces tournantes qui nécessitent un entretien spécifique.To quickly transfer the fluid between this upstream storage and such a downstream tank to be filled, it is possible to consider using a cryogenic pump, to increase the upstream pressure during the transfer to the cryogenic tank located downstream. However, it is known that the use of such cryogenic pumps can have disadvantages in terms of cost, maintenance requirements, and specific operational constraints such as cooling before use. A cryogenic pump includes rotating parts that require specific maintenance.

Une autre solution a été proposée qui consiste à utiliser une capacité intermédiaire de transfert qui sera pressurisée avant le transfert final vers le réservoir aval. Cette solution implique alors l'utilisation d'un réservoir additionnel, d'où une contrainte d'encombrement et un mode de fonctionnement qui va fortement dépendre du procédé en aval (mise en pression avant utilisation et gestion du remplissage lorsqu'il est vide....).Another solution has been proposed which consists of using an intermediate transfer capacity which will be pressurized before the final transfer to the downstream tank. This solution then involves the use of an additional tank, hence a space constraint and an operating mode which will strongly depend on the downstream process (pressurization before use and management of filling when it is empty, etc.).

Une autre solution a été proposée qui consiste à maintenir le stockage cryogénique en amont à la pression d'utilisation lors du transfert mais on sait qu'alors, du fait des caractéristiques de comportement des fluides cryogéniques, dans ces conditions le fluide tendra à se diriger vers la température d'équilibre à la pression du stockage, ce qui donnera lieu à la création de diphasique lors du transfert donc à une réduction du débit lié à la présence du gaz dans l'écoulement.Another solution has been proposed which consists of maintaining the cryogenic storage upstream at the operating pressure during the transfer but we know that then, due to the behavioral characteristics of cryogenic fluids, under these conditions the fluid will tend to move towards the equilibrium temperature at the storage pressure, which will give rise to the creation of two-phase flow during the transfer and therefore to a reduction in the flow rate linked to the presence of gas in the flow.

D'autres modes de gestion actuels de cette opération de remplissage sont résumés ci-dessous :

  1. a) selon une première approche, la station de remplissage consiste en une simple vanne manuelle. Un flexible pour le transfert de l'azote liquide relie la station de remplissage (i.e dire la vanne manuelle) et le réservoir. Le gaz créé lors de l'injection est évacué du réservoir vers l'extérieur d'une manière non contrôlée. L'opérateur décide de mettre fin au remplissage lorsque, visuellement, il détecte des particules liquides dans les gaz évacués du réservoir. Après interruption du remplissage, une purge du flexible est effectuée par l'opérateur.
Other current management methods for this filling operation are summarized below:
  1. a) according to a first approach, the filling station consists of a simple manual valve. A hose for the transfer of liquid nitrogen connects the filling station (i.e. the manual valve) and the tank. The gas created during the injection is evacuated from the tank to the outside in an uncontrolled manner. The operator decides to stop the filling when, visually, he detects liquid particles in the gases evacuated from the tank. After stopping the filling, a purge of the hose is carried out by the operator.

Les inconvénients de cette solution, somme toute très empirique, peuvent être résumés ainsi :

  • la solution est non ergonomique : toutes les séquences nécessitent une intervention manuelle de l'opérateur et l'appréciation de la fin du remplissage est faite au jugé par l'opérateur.
  • le risque d'effectuer des erreurs de manipulation et d'évaluation est élevé, par exemple :
    • i) Fermeture de la vanne avant le remplissage complet du réservoir.
    • j) Pas de fermeture ou fermeture tardive de la vanne après le remplissage complet, entraînant des projections d'azote liquide à l'extérieur, d'où d'une part le risque de brûlures des personnes présentes mais aussi des pertes de liquide cryogénique.
    • k) Pas de purge du flexible : risque d'éclatement/fouettement du flexible.
  • l'évacuation vers l'extérieur du gaz formé n'est pas contrôlée : le réservoir est en conséquence sans pression après la fin de remplissage, Il devra alors être pressurisé pour une future utilisation dans une application nécessitant une pression minimale immédiate.
The disadvantages of this solution, which is ultimately very empirical, can be summarized as follows:
  • the solution is not ergonomic: all sequences require manual intervention by the operator and the assessment of the end of filling is made by the operator's judgment.
  • the risk of making handling and evaluation errors is high, for example:
    • i) Closing the valve before the tank is completely filled.
    • j) No closing or late closing of the valve after complete filling, leading to splashes of liquid nitrogen outside, hence on the one hand the risk of burns to people present but also loss of cryogenic liquid.
    • k) No hose purge: risk of hose bursting/whiplash.
  • the evacuation to the outside of the gas formed is not controlled: the tank is consequently without pressure after the end of filling. It will then have to be pressurized for future use in an application requiring immediate minimum pressure.

En effet, dans le cas d'un tel remplissage manuel, la ligne de sortie gaz du réservoir est ouverte ou fermée à l'aide d'une vanne manuelle présente sur le réservoir. Cette vanne permet une ouverture/fermeture complète. Pendant le remplissage, la vanne manuelle est ouverte, le gaz est évacué et le réservoir est alors à pression atmosphérique.In fact, in the case of such manual filling, the gas outlet line of the tank is opened or closed using a manual valve on the tank. This valve allows complete opening/closing. During filling, the manual valve is opened, the gas is evacuated and the tank is then at atmospheric pressure.

Prenons l'exemple d'une application d'utilisation de l'azote liquide du réservoir nécessitant une pression minimale située entre 2 et 2,5 bar, on le voit bien alors cette procédure manuelle ne permet pas de délivrer cette pression minimale, il serait alors nécessaire d'attendre que les entrées de chaleur remontent la pression dans le réservoir, en pratique il est nécessaire d'installer un système de pressurisation (vaporisateur).Let's take the example of an application for using liquid nitrogen from the tank requiring a minimum pressure of between 2 and 2.5 bar. As we can see, this manual procedure does not allow this minimum pressure to be delivered. It would then be necessary to wait for the heat inputs to raise the pressure in the tank. In practice, it is necessary to install a pressurization system (vaporizer).

b) un autre type d'approche a été proposé, permettant de stopper le remplissage lorsque le réservoir est plein, ceci par exemple en adjoignant sur le réservoir des éléments du type électrovanne, sonde de température, et en transférant par un câble électrique des informations entre ces éléments et la station :

  • l'ergonomie de cette approche n'est que peu améliorée par rapport à la précédente, de nombreuses séquences restant manuellement pilotées par l'opérateur.
  • cette approche nécessite une liaison électrique entre la station et le réservoir qui peut s'avérer à terme un élément faible dans un tel environnement (les températures sont très basses, des risques d'arracher le câble, nécessité de brancher le câble sur le réservoir ce qui représente une perte d'ergonomie).
b) another type of approach has been proposed, allowing filling to be stopped when the tank is full, for example by adding elements such as a solenoid valve or temperature sensor to the tank, and by transferring information via an electric cable between these elements and the station:
  • The ergonomics of this approach are only slightly improved compared to the previous one, with many sequences remaining manually controlled by the operator.
  • This approach requires an electrical connection between the station and the tank which may ultimately prove to be a weak element in such an environment (temperatures are very low, risks of tearing the cable, need to connect the cable to the tank which represents a loss of ergonomics).

c) on a également proposé (on pourra se reporter pour cela au document EP-2 399 060 = FR2942293 ) l'infrastructure de remplissage suivante mettant en oeuvre un déverseur :

  • on dispose d'une station de remplissage au travers de laquelle transite une première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir à remplir et permettant le transfert de liquide cryogénique du stockage au réservoir, et une seconde voie reliant une sortie gaz du réservoir à la station de remplissage et permettant de ramener les gaz à évacuer du réservoir vers la station de remplissage où ils peuvent être évacués vers l'extérieur ;
  • la station comporte des moyens de détection de la présence de liquide cryogénique dans le gaz ramené vers la station, l'information de détection étant utilisée pour permettre l'arrêt automatique du remplissage quand le réservoir est considéré comme plein ;
  • la seconde voie, reliant une sortie gaz du réservoir à la station de remplissage, est munie d'un déverseur, déverseur réglé sur une valeur de pression de consigne amont permettant d'atteindre une pression minimum mais surtout fixe à l'intérieur du réservoir, nécessaire à une utilisation ultérieure du réservoir considéré sans nécessité de mise en oeuvre d'un système de remontée en pression.
c) it has also been proposed (for this, please refer to document EP-2 399 060 = FR2942293 ) the following filling infrastructure using a spillway:
  • there is a filling station through which passes a first path connecting the storage to the tank to be filled and allowing the transfer of cryogenic liquid from the storage to the tank, and a second path connecting a gas outlet from the tank to the filling station and allowing the gases to be evacuated from the tank to be returned to the filling station where they can be evacuated to the outside;
  • the station includes means for detecting the presence of cryogenic liquid in the gas returned to the station, the detection information being used to enable automatic stopping of the filling when the tank is considered to be full;
  • the second channel, connecting a gas outlet from the tank to the filling station, is equipped with a relief valve, a relief valve set to an upstream set pressure value making it possible to reach a minimum but above all fixed pressure inside the tank, necessary for subsequent use of the tank in question without the need to implement a pressure increase system.

Néanmoins, les expérimentations récentes effectuées à l'aide de cette installation munie d'un déverseur montrent qu'elle présente des inconvénients :

  • le déverseur fixe la pression du ciel gazeux du réservoir que l'on remplit à la valeur d'utilisation, par exemple 2,5 bar, donc la pression différentielle entre le stockage amont et le réservoir est limitée puisque la pression dans le réservoir est fixe.
However, recent experiments carried out using this installation equipped with a discharger show that it has drawbacks:
  • the discharger sets the pressure of the gaseous air in the tank that is filled to the usage value, for example 2.5 bar, so the differential pressure between the upstream storage and the tank is limited since the pressure in the tank is fixed.

Or, le débit étant proportionnel à la différence de pression (delta P), plus celle-ci est basse plus le débit est faible.

  • par ailleurs, le réglage étant « mécanique », il n'est pas modifiable en fonction des réservoirs, en d'autres termes pour un déverseur donné dans l'installation, on devra remplir tous les réservoirs se présentant au remplissage à la même pression, par exemple 2.5 bars, on ne pourra pas faire varier ces conditions pour répondre à des besoins et cahiers des charges différents.
However, the flow rate being proportional to the pressure difference (delta P), the lower the pressure difference, the lower the flow rate.
  • Furthermore, since the adjustment is "mechanical", it cannot be modified depending on the tanks; in other words, for a given spillway in the installation, all the tanks that are available for filling must be filled. at the same pressure, for example 2.5 bars, we will not be able to vary these conditions to meet different needs and specifications.

Ainsi en conservant l'exemple du réglage à 2.5 bars, lorsque qu'un réservoir nécessitant pour son utilisation ultérieure 1 bar se présente à cette station de remplissage, il est rempli à 2.5 bars, donc avec 1.5 bar en trop.So, keeping the example of the 2.5 bar setting, when a tank requiring 1 bar for its subsequent use arrives at this filling station, it is filled to 2.5 bars, therefore with 1.5 bar too much.

La présente invention souhaite alors proposer une nouvelle solution technique de remplissage en liquide cryogénique (tel l'azote liquide) d'un réservoir aval, à partir d'un stockage amont, permettant de résoudre les inconvénients techniques listés ci-dessus.The present invention therefore seeks to propose a new technical solution for filling a downstream tank with cryogenic liquid (such as liquid nitrogen), from an upstream storage facility, making it possible to resolve the technical drawbacks listed above.

Comme on le verra plus en détails dans ce qui suit, on propose selon la présente invention de remplacer, sur la seconde ligne de retour gaz vers la station, le déverseur de l'art antérieur par plusieurs électrovannes en parallèle sur ce retour gaz, en d'autres termes le retour gaz est dépourvu de déverseur, et l'on propose un mode de gestion par automate du remplissage grâce à la présence de telles électrovannes.As will be seen in more detail below, it is proposed according to the present invention to replace, on the second gas return line to the station, the prior art discharger with several solenoid valves in parallel on this gas return, in other words the gas return is without a discharger, and a mode of automatic management of the filling is proposed thanks to the presence of such solenoid valves.

La présence de ces électrovannes permet notamment les actions et avantages suivants :

  • cette électrovanne sur le retour gaz est « normalement fermée » (NF) elle permet de dépressuriser autant que nécessaire le réservoir et donc d'obtenir une différence de pression Delta P souhaitée, et notamment maximale, d'où un débit maximum.
  • la différence de pression Delta P étant évaluée par rapport à une pression dans le réservoir très faible, voire presque nulle, la pression dans le stockage amont peut être abaissée si nécessaire à des valeurs habituelles, de 2.9 bar par exemple.
  • l'électrovanne permet de régler la pression du réservoir à remplir à une pression souhaitée, ceci pour chaque réservoir qui se présente au remplissage, cette pression finale n'est pas figée (ce que créait le déverseur) elle peut être différente d'un réservoir à l'autre qu'il faut remplir, selon l'application du cryogène stocké dans ce réservoir notamment.
The presence of these solenoid valves allows in particular the following actions and advantages:
  • This solenoid valve on the gas return is "normally closed" (NC) and allows the tank to be depressurized as much as necessary and therefore to obtain a desired pressure difference Delta P, and in particular maximum, hence a maximum flow rate.
  • the pressure difference Delta P being evaluated in relation to a very low or almost zero pressure in the reservoir, the pressure in the upstream storage can be lowered if necessary to usual values, for example 2.9 bar.
  • the solenoid valve allows the pressure of the tank to be filled to be adjusted to a desired pressure, this for each tank that is presented for filling, this final pressure is not fixed (which was created by the overflow valve) it can be different from one tank to another that must be filled, depending on the application of the cryogen stored in this tank in particular.

A titre purement illustratif et pour mieux expliciter l'invention on peut donner les exemples de conditions opératoires suivantes :

  • °pour un réservoir situé sous un camion de transport cryogénique la pression finale du réservoir rempli peut varier typiquement de 1 à 4.5 bar, mais le plus souvent elle va de 1 à 2.5 bars.
  • le Delta P entre l'amont et l'aval est donc un paramètre important, notamment pour favoriser un fort débit, on recherche donc un Delta P élevé, avec une pression aval (réservoir) très faible voire proche du 0 bar relatif.
  • comme on l'a vu ci-dessus, l'utilisation de plusieurs électrovannes en parallèles permettra de remplir des réservoirs différents, avec des caractéristiques de pressions différentes, et avec précision, par exemple des réservoirs à 1 bar et des réservoirs à 2.5 bars avec la même installation.
For purely illustrative purposes and to better explain the invention, the following examples of operating conditions can be given:
  • °for a tank located under a cryogenic transport truck the final pressure of the filled tank can typically vary from 1 to 4.5 bar, but most often it goes from 1 to 2.5 bar.
  • The Delta P between upstream and downstream is therefore an important parameter, in particular to promote a high flow rate, we are therefore looking for a high Delta P, with a very low downstream pressure (reservoir) or even close to 0 bar relative.
  • as seen above, the use of several solenoid valves in parallel will allow to fill different tanks, with different pressure characteristics, and with precision, for example tanks at 1 bar and tanks at 2.5 bars with the same installation.

La présente invention concerne alors un procédé de remplissage par un liquide cryogénique d'un réservoir, telle que conforme à la revendication 1 ci-après.The present invention then relates to a method of filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid, as in accordance with claim 1 below.

L'invention concerne également une installation de remplissage par un liquide cryogénique d'un réservoir, telle que conforme à la revendication 9 ci-après.The invention also relates to an installation for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid, as in accordance with claim 9 below.

L'invention pourra par ailleurs adopter l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques techniques suivantes :

  • lesdits moyens de détection sont constitués par une sonde de température située sur ladite seconde voie, indiquant une baisse de température anormalement élevée dans le gaz ramené vers la station.
  • les liaisons entre stockage et réservoir d'une part, et entre la sortie gaz du réservoir et la station d'autre part, s'effectuent par un système de deux doubles- raccords à emboîtement male/femelle :
    • un premier double - raccord (« coté stockage ») où abouti une portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir, et dont est issue une portion flexible de la seconde voie reliant la sortie gaz du réservoir à la station ;
    • un second double - raccord (« coté réservoir ») où abouti une portion flexible de la seconde voie reliant la sortie gaz du réservoir à la station et dont est issue une portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir;
    • l'un des deux doubles - raccords étant de type male tandis que l'autre des doubles - raccords est de type femelle, la connexion des deux doubles - raccords assurant la continuité de fluides sur la première voie d'une part reliant le stockage au réservoir, et sur la seconde voie d'autre part, ramenant la sortie gaz du réservoir vers la station.
  • ledit second double - raccord est en connexion de fluides avec la partie haute du réservoir.
  • on dispose d'une ligne de purge, munie d'une électrovanne, ligne de purge qui est connectée en sa partie amont sur ladite première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir, et à laquelle est avantageusement connectée la seconde voie qui ramène les gaz à évacuer vers la station de remplissage, permettant ainsi d'évacuer via cette ligne de purge vers l'extérieur les gaz évacués du réservoir et ramenés vers la station.
  • on effectue une purge d'au moins une portion de ladite première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir après arrêt du remplissage, par le fait qu'après un temps prédéfini t1 la portion de première voie que l'on souhaite purger est purgée par l'ouverture de l'électrovanne située sur la ligne de purge.
  • on effectue une purge de la portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au premier double - raccord, selon l'une ou l'autre des techniques suivantes :
    • Après un temps prédéfini t1, le flexible est purgé par l'ouverture d'une électrovanne située sur une ligne de purge qui est connectée en sa partie amont sur ladite première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir.
    • on dispose d'un capteur de détection du bon positionnement dudit premier double-raccord sur un élément de raccrochage présent sur la station de remplissage et le raccrochage dudit premier double-raccord sur cet élément lance automatiquement la purge de la portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au premier double - raccord.
  • le réservoir est présent sur un camion utilisé pour le transport et la distribution de produits thermosensibles, tels les produits pharmaceutiques et les produits alimentaires.
The invention may also adopt one or more of the following technical characteristics:
  • said detection means consist of a temperature probe located on said second channel, indicating an abnormally high drop in temperature in the gas returned to the station.
  • the connections between storage and tank on the one hand, and between the gas outlet of the tank and the station on the other hand, are made by a system of two double male/female interlocking connectors:
    • a first double connection (“storage side”) where a flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the tank ends, and from which a flexible portion of the second line connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station comes;
    • a second double connection (“tank side”) where a flexible portion of the second line connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station ends and from which a flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the tank comes;
    • one of the two double-fittings being of the male type while the other of the double-fittings is of the female type, the connection of the two double-fittings ensuring the continuity of fluids on the first path on the one hand connecting storage in the tank, and on the second track on the other hand, bringing the gas outlet from the tank back to the station.
  • said second double-connection is in fluid connection with the upper part of the tank.
  • there is a purge line, equipped with a solenoid valve, purge line which is connected in its upstream part to said first line connecting the storage to the tank, and to which is advantageously connected the second line which brings the gases to be evacuated back to the filling station, thus making it possible to evacuate via this purge line to the outside the gases evacuated from the tank and brought back to the station.
  • a purge is carried out of at least a portion of said first line connecting the storage to the tank after stopping the filling, by the fact that after a predefined time t1 the portion of the first line which it is desired to purge is purged by opening the solenoid valve located on the purge line.
  • the flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the first double connector is purged using one of the following techniques:
    • After a predefined time t1, the hose is purged by opening a solenoid valve located on a purge line which is connected in its upstream part to said first line connecting the storage to the tank.
    • there is a sensor for detecting the correct positioning of said first double connector on a connection element present on the filling station and the connection of said first double connector to this element automatically initiates the purging of the flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the first double connector.
  • The tank is present on a truck used for the transport and distribution of heat-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals and food products.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement dans la description suivante, donnée à titre illustratif mais nullement limitatif, faite en relation avec les dessins annexés pour lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente de façon schématique une installation connue de remplissage du réservoir d'un camion de transport frigorifique permettant de visualiser la présence de la station de remplissage entre stockage et réservoir ;
  • La figure 2 est une vue de détail du contenu de la station de remplissage selon un des modes de réalisation de l'art antérieur (présence d'un déverseur sur le retour gaz).
  • La figure 3 est une vue de détail du contenu de la station de remplissage selon un mode comparatif mettant en oeuvre une seule électrovanne sur le retour gaz (retour gaz dépourvu de déverseur).
  • La figure 4 est une vue de détail du contenu de la station de remplissage selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention mettant en oeuvre deux électrovannes en parallèle sur le retour gaz (retour gaz dépourvu de déverseur).
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the following description, given for illustrative purposes but in no way limiting, made in relation to the appended drawings for which:
  • There figure 1 schematically represents a known installation for filling the tank of a refrigerated transport truck, making it possible to visualize the presence of the filling station between storage and tank;
  • There figure 2 is a detailed view of the contents of the filling station according to one of the embodiments of the prior art (presence of a discharger on the gas return).
  • There figure 3 is a detailed view of the contents of the filling station according to a comparative mode using a single solenoid valve on the gas return (gas return without a discharger).
  • There figure 4 is a detailed view of the contents of the filling station according to an embodiment of the present invention using two solenoid valves in parallel on the gas return (gas return without a discharger).

La figure 1 comporte deux parties :

  • en partie haute une vue globale permettant de visualiser le stockage d'azote liquide, la station de remplissage, le camion de transport de denrées muni de son réservoir d'azote liquide sous le châssis, ainsi qu'une vue non détaillée des deux lignes d'alimentation du réservoir en azote liquide et de retour de l'évacuation gaz du réservoir vers la station, deux doubles raccords assurant la continuité de fluides ;
  • en partie basse de cette figure 1, la vue des deux voies permettant d'alimenter le réservoir en liquide, et d'évacuer le gaz formé dans le réservoir vers la station est plus détaillée, et on y visualise la présence des deux doubles- raccords à emboîtement male/femelle, par exemple :
    • un premier double - raccord (« coté stockage ») où abouti une portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir, et dont est issue une portion flexible de la seconde voie reliant la sortie gaz du réservoir à la station ;
    • un second double - raccord (« coté réservoir ») où abouti une portion flexible de la seconde voie reliant la sortie gaz du réservoir à la station et dont est issue une portion flexible de la première voie reliant le stockage au réservoir;
    • la connexion des deux doubles - raccords assurant la continuité de fluides sur la première voie d'une part reliant le stockage au réservoir, et sur la seconde voie d'autre part, ramenant la sortie gaz du réservoir vers la station, le second double - raccord (« coté réservoir ») étant en liaison fluidique avec la partie haute (« gazeuse ») du réservoir.
There figure 1 consists of two parts:
  • in the upper part an overall view showing the liquid nitrogen storage, the filling station, the food transport truck equipped with its liquid nitrogen tank under the chassis, as well as a non-detailed view of the two lines supplying the liquid nitrogen tank and returning the gas evacuation from the tank to the station, two double connectors ensuring the continuity of fluids;
  • in the lower part of this figure 1 , the view of the two channels for supplying the tank with liquid and evacuating the gas formed in the tank to the station is more detailed, and we can see the presence of the two double male/female connectors, for example:
    • a first double connection (“storage side”) where a flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the tank ends, and from which a flexible portion of the second line connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station comes;
    • a second double connection (“tank side”) where a flexible portion of the second line connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station ends and from which a flexible portion of the first line connecting the storage to the tank comes;
    • the connection of the two double connectors ensuring the continuity of fluids on the first line on the one hand connecting the storage to the tank, and on the second line on the other hand, bringing the gas outlet from the tank to the station, the second double connector (“tank side”) being in fluid connection with the upper (“gas”) part of the tank.

On va examiner de façon plus détaillée grâce à la figure 2 le contenu d'une station de remplissage conforme à l'art antérieur qui utilisait un déverseur sur le retour gaz.We will examine in more detail thanks to the figure 2 the contents of a filling station conforming to the prior art which used a discharger on the gas return.

Cette figure 2 permet de visualiser le stockage 1 d'azote liquide, ainsi que le contenu de la station de remplissage 5, ainsi que les lignes la traversant ou y aboutissant : la ligne d'alimentation en liquide cryogénique (vers 2), la ligne de retour gaz (en provenance de 3) et les différents éléments d'équipement qui sont présents sur ces lignes.This figure 2 allows you to view liquid nitrogen storage 1, as well as the contents of filling station 5, as well as the lines crossing it or ending there: the cryogenic liquid supply line (to 2), the gas return line (from 3) and the various pieces of equipment present on these lines.

Pour une meilleure lisibilité on a séparé dans l'espace (en références 4) de cette figure les deux connections des deux doubles raccords mais comme il apparaîtra clairement à l'homme du métier, ces deux doubles raccords doivent s'entendre comme un premier double raccord coté stockage, « prise » double par exemple male, et un second double raccord coté réservoir, « boîtier » par exemple femelle i.e double voie d'acceptation de la prise double male lui faisant face.For better readability, the two connections of the two double connectors have been separated in space (in references 4) in this figure, but as will be clear to those skilled in the art, these two double connectors must be understood as a first double connector on the storage side, for example a male double “socket”, and a second double connector on the tank side, for example a female “housing”, i.e. a double acceptance path for the male double socket facing it.

On a positionné les doubles raccords en dehors de la sphère symbolisant la station mais c'est un point secondaire, effet de définition, on peut considérer que ces doubles raccord font ou non partie de la station.The double connections have been positioned outside the sphere symbolizing the station, but this is a secondary point, a definition effect, we can consider that these double connections are or are not part of the station.

On reconnaît sur la première voie, azote liquide, la présence d'une électrovanne 10 et d'un capteur de pression 12.On the first channel, liquid nitrogen, we recognize the presence of a solenoid valve 10 and a pressure sensor 12.

On reconnaît sur la seconde voie de retour gaz la présence d'une électrovanne 20 et d'un déverseur 21, on note aussi la présence d'un capteur de température 23 (dont le rôle est de détecter la présence de liquide dans le retour gaz et donc de permettre sur la base de cette information l'arrêt du remplissage), ainsi que d'un capteur de pression 22.On the second gas return path, we recognize the presence of a solenoid valve 20 and a discharger 21, we also note the presence of a temperature sensor 23 (whose role is to detect the presence of liquid in the gas return and therefore to allow the filling to be stopped on the basis of this information), as well as a pressure sensor 22.

On visualise également sur cette figure 2 les moyens d'évacuation vers l'extérieur des gaz évacués du réservoir et ramenés vers la station : une ligne 30 de purge est présente, telle que connectée en sa partie amont sur la voie azote cryogénique, ligne de purge sur laquelle vient se connecter la voie du retour gaz, cette ligne de purge est munie d'une électrovanne de purge 31 et d'un silencieux 33.We also visualize on this figure 2 the means of evacuating to the outside the gases evacuated from the tank and returned to the station: a purge line 30 is present, as connected in its upstream part to the cryogenic nitrogen line, purge line to which the gas return line is connected, this purge line is equipped with a purge solenoid valve 31 and a silencer 33.

On note également sur la figure 2 la présence de vannes manuelles de « by-pass » sur chacune des lignes, vannes 11, 24, et 32, pensées pour permettre un fonctionnement de secours pendant un temps limité en cas de disfonctionnement de la station.It is also noted on the figure 2 the presence of manual “by-pass” valves on each of the lines, valves 11, 24, and 32, designed to allow emergency operation for a limited time in the event of a station malfunction.

Comme déjà signalé, la sonde de température 23, installée sur la ligne de retour gaz dans la station de remplissage permet de détecter -via une chute anormalement importante de la température de ce retour gaz- la présence d'azote liquide dans le retour gaz, indiquant un remplissage complet du réservoir. Cette information de détection est envoyée vers l'unité d'acquisition et de traitement de données présente dans la station, unité qui ordonne alors l'arrêt du remplissage (fermeture de la vanne 10, fermeture de la vanne 20 pour éviter une perte de pression dans le réservoir et son dégazage intempestif).As already indicated, the temperature probe 23, installed on the gas return line in the filling station, makes it possible to detect - via an abnormally significant drop in the temperature of this gas return - the presence of liquid nitrogen in the gas return, indicating that the tank is completely filled. This detection information is sent to the data acquisition and processing unit present in the station, a unit which then orders the filling to stop (closing of valve 10, closing of valve 20 to avoid a loss of pressure in the tank and its untimely degassing).

Dès que l'opérateur désaccouple le double-raccord « coté stockage » (on peut dire aussi « coté station »), les deux clapets (lignes liquide et gaz) du raccord sont fermés et du liquide va être enfermé entre le clapet de la ligne liquide et l'électrovanne 10 sur la ligne liquide. Pour permettre la purge, la vanne 31 sur la ligne de purge 30 doit être ouverte et donc commandée. A titre illustratif, deux événements peuvent être utilisés pour ordonner l'ouverture de cette vanne 31 :

  • la station peut par exemple détecter la présence du double-raccord « stockage » qui est ramené après désaccouplage sur son support d'accrochage sur la station ;
  • l'unité peut aussi compter la fin d'une temporisation (par exemple de 2 minutes) après qu'elle (l'unité) ait ordonné l'arrêt du remplissage.
As soon as the operator uncouples the double coupling "storage side" (one can also say "station side"), the two valves (liquid and gas lines) of the coupling are closed and liquid will be trapped between the valve of the liquid line and the solenoid valve 10 on the liquid line. To allow purging, the valve 31 on the purge line 30 must be open and therefore controlled. As an illustration, two events can be used to order the opening of this valve 31:
  • the station can for example detect the presence of the double “storage” connection which is returned after uncoupling to its attachment support on the station;
  • the unit can also count the end of a timer (for example 2 minutes) after it (the unit) has ordered the filling to stop.

Selon cet art antérieur, du fait de la présence du déverseur 21, on maintient dans le réservoir une pression fixe et minimale (par exemple de 2 bar), l'électrovanne 20, normalement fermée, étant commandée en fonction de la pression requise dans le réservoir pour évacuer du gaz si nécessaire.According to this prior art, due to the presence of the discharger 21, a fixed and minimum pressure (for example 2 bar) is maintained in the tank, the solenoid valve 20, normally closed, being controlled according to the pressure required in the tank to evacuate gas if necessary.

Venons en maintenant à la figure 3 qui illustre un mode de réalisation comparatif où le retour gaz ne comprend pas de déverseur, le remplissage et la pression réalisée dans le réservoir n'étant contrôlés que par la seule présence de l'électrovanne 20 (on verra dans le cadre de la figure 4 que l'on peut mettre en oeuvre de façon préférée deux électrovannes 20 et 40 parallèles sur ce retour gaz).Now let's come to the figure 3 which illustrates a comparative embodiment where the gas return does not include a discharger, the filling and the pressure achieved in the tank being controlled only by the sole presence of the solenoid valve 20 (we will see in the context of the figure 4 that two parallel solenoid valves 20 and 40 can preferably be implemented on this gas return).

On l'aura compris, le remplissage s'effectue normalement jusqu'à ce que la sonde 22 détecte une pression dans le ciel gazeux du réservoir trop élevée, auquel cas l'automate ordonne l'ouverture de l'électrovanne 20 pour ramener cette pression en deçà de la consigne fixée, une fois cette pression ramenée en deçà de la consigne l'automate ordonne la fermeture de l'électrovanne 20.As will be understood, filling is carried out normally until the probe 22 detects a pressure in the gaseous air of the tank that is too high, in which case the automaton orders the opening of the solenoid valve 20 to bring this pressure below the set point, once this pressure has been brought below the set point, the automaton orders the closing of the solenoid valve 20.

De façon connue lorsque la sonde 23 détecte du liquide dans le retour gaz, l'automate ordonne la fermeture de l'électrovanne 10 (arrêtant ainsi l'arrivé de cryogène).In a known manner, when probe 23 detects liquid in the gas return, the controller orders the solenoid valve 10 to close (thus stopping the cryogen supply).

Le mode de la figure 4 est identique presque en tout point à celui de la figure 3, si ce n'est que pour ce mode, le retour gaz est muni non pas d'une seule mais de deux électrovannes en parallèle : XV03 / 20, et XV05 / 40.The mode of the figure 4 is identical in almost every way to that of the figure 3 , except that for this mode, the gas return is equipped with not one but two solenoid valves in parallel: XV03 / 20, and XV05 / 40.

L'homme du métier comprend bien alors le fonctionnement de cet arrangement à deux électrovannes et la façon dont, selon le réservoir qui se présente au remplissage et le cahier des charges qui lui est attaché, l'automate va mettre en oeuvre l'une ou chacune de ces électrovannes pour dépressuriser si nécessaire le réservoir sur détection d'une pression de ciel trop élevée.The person skilled in the art then understands the operation of this arrangement with two solenoid valves and the way in which, depending on the tank being filled and the specifications attached to it, the automaton will implement one or each of these solenoid valves to depressurize the tank if necessary upon detection of excessively high overhead pressure.

Cette figure 2 permet de visualiser le stockage 1 d'azote liquide, ainsi que le contenu de la station de remplissage 5, ainsi que les lignes la traversant ou y aboutissant : la ligne d'alimentation en liquide cryogénique (vers 2), la ligne de retour gaz (en provenance de 3) et les différents éléments d'équipement qui sont présents sur ces lignes.This figure 2 allows you to view the liquid nitrogen storage 1, as well as the contents of the filling station 5, as well as the lines crossing it or ending there: the cryogenic liquid supply line (to 2), the gas return line (from 3) and the various pieces of equipment present on these lines.

Pour une meilleure lisibilité on a séparé dans l'espace (en références 4) de cette figure les deux connections des deux doubles raccords mais comme il apparaîtra clairement à l'homme du métier, ces deux doubles raccords doivent s'entendre comme un premier double raccord coté stockage, « prise » double par exemple male, et un second double raccord coté réservoir, « boîtier » par exemple femelle i.e double voie d'acceptation de la prise double male lui faisant face.For better readability, the two connections of the two double connectors have been separated in space (in references 4) in this figure, but as will be clear to those skilled in the art, these two double connectors must be understood as a first double connector on the storage side, for example a male double “socket”, and a second double connector on the tank side, for example a female “housing”, i.e. a double acceptance path for the male double socket facing it.

On a positionné les doubles raccords en dehors de la sphère symbolisant la station mais c'est un point secondaire, effet de définition, on peut considérer que ces doubles raccord font ou non partie de la station.The double connections have been positioned outside the sphere symbolizing the station, but this is a secondary point, a definition effect, we can consider that these double connections are or are not part of the station.

On reconnaît sur la première voie, azote liquide, la présence d'une électrovanne 10 et d'un capteur de pression 12.On the first channel, liquid nitrogen, we recognize the presence of a solenoid valve 10 and a pressure sensor 12.

On reconnaît sur la seconde voie de retour gaz la présence d'une électrovanne 20 et d'un déverseur 21, on note aussi la présence d'un capteur de température 23 (dont le rôle est de détecter la présence de liquide dans le retour gaz et donc de permettre sur la base de cette information l'arrêt du remplissage), ainsi que d'un capteur de pression 22.On the second gas return path, we recognize the presence of a solenoid valve 20 and a discharger 21, we also note the presence of a temperature sensor 23 (whose role is to detect the presence of liquid in the gas return and therefore to allow the filling to be stopped on the basis of this information), as well as a pressure sensor 22.

On visualise également sur cette figure 2 les moyens d'évacuation vers l'extérieur des gaz évacués du réservoir et ramenés vers la station : une ligne 30 de purge est présente, telle que connectée en sa partie amont sur la voie azote cryogénique, ligne de purge sur laquelle vient se connecter la voie du retour gaz, cette ligne de purge est munie d'une électrovanne de purge 31 et d'un silencieux 33.We also visualize on this figure 2 the means of evacuating to the outside the gases evacuated from the tank and returned to the station: a purge line 30 is present, as connected in its upstream part to the cryogenic nitrogen line, purge line to which the gas return line is connected, this purge line is equipped with a purge solenoid valve 31 and a silencer 33.

On note également sur la figure 2 la présence de vannes manuelles de « by-pass » sur chacune des lignes, vannes 11, 24, et 32 , pensées pour permettre un fonctionnement de secours pendant un temps limité en cas de disfonctionnement de la station.It is also noted on the figure 2 the presence of manual “by-pass” valves on each of the lines, valves 11, 24, and 32, designed to allow emergency operation for a limited time in the event of a station malfunction.

Comme déjà signalé, la sonde de température 23, installée sur la ligne de retour gaz dans la station de remplissage permet de détecter -via une chute anormalement importante de la température de ce retour gaz- la présence d'azote liquide dans le retour gaz, indiquant un remplissage complet du réservoir. Cette information de détection est envoyée vers l'unité d'acquisition et de traitement de données présente dans la station, unité qui ordonne alors l'arrêt du remplissage (fermeture de la vanne 10, fermeture de la vanne 20 pour éviter une perte de pression dans le réservoir et son dégazage intempestif).As already reported, the temperature probe 23, installed on the gas return line in the filling station, makes it possible to detect - via an abnormally significant drop in the temperature of this gas return - the presence of liquid nitrogen in the gas return, indicating that the tank is completely full. This detection information is sent to the data acquisition and processing unit present in the station, which then orders the filling to stop (closing of valve 10, closing of valve 20 to avoid a loss of pressure in the tank and its untimely degassing).

Dès que l'opérateur désaccouple le double-raccord « coté stockage » (on peut dire aussi « coté station »), les deux clapets (lignes liquide et gaz) du raccord sont fermés et du liquide va être enfermé entre le clapet de la ligne liquide et l'électrovanne 10 sur la ligne liquide. Pour permettre la purge, la vanne 31 sur la ligne de purge 30 doit être ouverte et donc commandée. A titre illustratif, deux événements peuvent être utilisés pour ordonner l'ouverture de cette vanne 31 :

  • la station peut par exemple détecter la présence du double-raccord « stockage » qui est ramené après désaccouplage sur son support d'accrochage sur la station ;
  • l'unité peut aussi compter la fin d'une temporisation (par exemple de 2 minutes) après qu'elle (l'unité) ait ordonné l'arrêt du remplissage.
As soon as the operator uncouples the double coupling "storage side" (one can also say "station side"), the two valves (liquid and gas lines) of the coupling are closed and liquid will be trapped between the valve of the liquid line and the solenoid valve 10 on the liquid line. To allow purging, the valve 31 on the purge line 30 must be open and therefore controlled. As an illustration, two events can be used to order the opening of this valve 31:
  • the station can for example detect the presence of the double “storage” connection which is returned after uncoupling to its attachment support on the station;
  • the unit can also count the end of a timer (for example 2 minutes) after it (the unit) has ordered the filling to stop.

Selon cet art antérieur, du fait de la présence du déverseur 21, on maintient dans le réservoir une pression fixe et minimale (par exemple de 2 bar), l'électrovanne 20, normalement fermée, étant commandée en fonction de la pression requise dans le réservoir pour évacuer du gaz si nécessaire.According to this prior art, due to the presence of the discharger 21, a fixed and minimum pressure (for example 2 bar) is maintained in the tank, the solenoid valve 20, normally closed, being controlled according to the pressure required in the tank to evacuate gas if necessary.

Venons en maintenant à la figure 3 qui illustre un mode de réalisation de l'invention, où le retour gaz ne comprend pas de déverseur, le remplissage et la pression réalisée dans le réservoir n'étant contrôlés que par la seule présence de l'électrovanne 20 (on verra dans le cadre de la figure 4 que l'on peut mettre en oeuvre de façon préférée deux électrovannes 20 et 40 parallèles sur ce retour gaz).Now let's come to the figure 3 which illustrates an embodiment of the invention, where the gas return does not include a discharger, the filling and the pressure achieved in the tank being controlled only by the sole presence of the solenoid valve 20 (we will see in the context of the figure 4 that two parallel solenoid valves 20 and 40 can preferably be implemented on this gas return).

On l'aura compris, le remplissage s'effectue normalement jusqu'à ce que la sonde 22 détecte une pression dans le ciel gazeux du réservoir trop élevée, auquel cas l'automate ordonne l'ouverture de l'électrovanne 20 pour ramener cette pression en deçà de la consigne fixée, une fois cette pression ramenée en deçà de la consigne l'automate ordonne la fermeture de l'électrovanne 20.As you will have understood, filling is carried out normally until the probe 22 detects a pressure in the gaseous air of the tank which is too high. high, in which case the automaton orders the opening of the solenoid valve 20 to bring this pressure below the setpoint, once this pressure has been brought below the setpoint the automaton orders the closing of the solenoid valve 20.

De façon connue lorsque la sonde 23 détecte du liquide dans le retour gaz, l'automate ordonne la fermeture de l'électrovanne 10 (arrêtant ainsi l'arrivé de cryogène).In a known manner, when probe 23 detects liquid in the gas return, the controller orders the solenoid valve 10 to close (thus stopping the cryogen supply).

Le mode de la figure 4 est identique presque en tout point à celui de la figure 3, si ce n'est que pour ce mode, le retour gaz est muni non pas d'une seule mais de deux électrovannes en parallèle : XV03 / 20, et XV05 / 40.The mode of the figure 4 is identical in almost every way to that of the figure 3 , except that for this mode, the gas return is equipped with not one but two solenoid valves in parallel: XV03 / 20, and XV05 / 40.

L'homme du métier comprend bien alors le fonctionnement de cet arrangement à deux électrovannes et la façon dont, selon le réservoir qui se présente au remplissage et le cahier des charges qui lui est attaché, l'automate va mettre en oeuvre l'une ou chacune de ces électrovannes pour dépressuriser si nécessaire le réservoir sur détection d'une pression de ciel trop élevée.The person skilled in the art then understands the operation of this arrangement with two solenoid valves and the way in which, depending on the tank being filled and the specifications attached to it, the automaton will implement one or each of these solenoid valves to depressurize the tank if necessary upon detection of excessively high overhead pressure.

Claims (14)

  1. Method for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid from a storage unit (1), during which filling some of the cryogenic liquid is converted into a gaseous phase in the tank, and wherein, during filling, at least some of the gas thus formed is discharged, wherein use is made of a filling station (5) through which both a first path (2), connecting the storage unit to the tank and allowing cryogenic liquid to be transferred from the storage unit to the tank, and a second path (3), connecting a gas outlet of the tank to the filling station and allowing the gases that are to be discharged from the tank to be returned to the filling station from where they can be discharged to the outside, pass, the station comprising detection means (23) for detecting the presence of cryogenic liquid in the gas returned to the station, the detection data being transmitted to a data acquisition and processing unit that may or may not be internal to the station and that is able to allow the filling to stop automatically when the tank is considered to be full, and characterized in that the second line (3) for returning gas to the station does not have any back-pressure regulator but is equipped with a plurality of normally-closed solenoid valves (20, 40,...) arranged in parallel, the filling being controlled by action on at least one of said solenoid valves in order to open it for as long as necessary in order to obtain a pressure difference DeltaP between the storage unit and the tank that conforms to a desired setpoint DeltaP value, and a final pressure in the tank that conforms to a desired setpoint value Pfinal which setpoint Pfinal is associated with the relevant tank that is to be filled,
    and wherein said unit is able to operate one or each of the solenoid valves in order to relieve the pressure in the tank if necessary upon detection of an excessively high blanket-gas pressure.
  2. Filling method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said detection means consist of a temperature probe situated on said second path and indicating an abnormally high drop in temperature in the gas returned to the station.
  3. Filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections between, on the one hand, storage unit and tank and, on the other hand, the gas outlet of the tank and the station are made using a system of two male/female push-together double-couplings (4):
    - a first ("storage unit end") double-coupling which is the endpoint of a flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank, and which is the starting point for a flexible portion of the second path connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station;
    - a second ("tank end") double-coupling which is the endpoint of a flexible portion of the second path connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station, and which is the starting point for a flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank;
    one of the two double-couplings being of male type while the other of the double-couplings is of female type, connecting the two double-couplings providing the fluidic continuity along, on the one hand, the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank and, on the other hand, the second path returning the gas outlet from the tank to the station.
  4. Filling method according to Claim 3, characterized in that said second double-coupling is fluidically connected to the upper part of the tank.
  5. Filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that use is made of a purge line (30), fitted with a solenoid valve (31), which purge line is connected in its upstream part to said first path connecting the storage unit to the tank and to which purge line the second path which returns the gases that are to be discharged to the filling station is advantageously connected, thus allowing the gases discharged from the tank and returned to the station to be discharged to the outside via this purge line.
  6. Filling method according to Claim 5, characterized in that at least a portion of said first path connecting the storage unit to the tank is purged after filling stops in that after a predefined time t1, the portion of the first path that is to be purged is purged by opening the solenoid valve (31) situated on the purge line.
  7. Filling method according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the first double-coupling is purged using one or the other of the following techniques:
    - after a predefined time t1, the flexible pipe is purged by opening a solenoid valve situated on a purge line which is connected in its upstream part to said first past connecting the storage unit to the tank;
    - use is made of a sensor that detects the correct positioning of said first double-coupling on a hang-up element present on the filling station, and the hanging-up of said first double-coupling on this element automatically triggers the purging of the flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the first double-coupling.
  8. Filling method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank is present on a lorry used for transporting and distributing heat-sensitive products, such as pharmaceutical products and food products.
  9. Installation for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid from a storage unit (1), during which filling some of the cryogenic liquid is converted into a gaseous phase in the tank, and wherein, during filling, at least some of the gas thus formed is discharged, wherein:
    - the installation comprises a filling station (5);
    - the installation comprises a first fluid path (2) passing through the filling station, connecting the storage unit to the tank and allowing cryogenic liquid to be transferred from the storage unit to the tank;
    - the installation comprises a second fluid path (3) connecting a gas outlet of the tank to the filling station and allowing the gases that are to be discharged to be returned to the filling station;
    - the station comprises detection means (23) for detecting the presence of cryogenic liquid in the gas returned to the station,
    - the installation comprises a data acquisition and processing unit able to receive the detection information originating from said detection means and, on the basis of the information received, to order the filling to stop automatically when the information received indicates that the tank is full,
    characterized in that the second line for returning gas to the station does not have any back-pressure regulator but is equipped with a plurality of normally-closed solenoid valves (20, 40,...) arranged in parallel.
  10. Filling installation according to Claim 9, characterized in that said detection means consist of a temperature probe (23) situated on said second path and able to indicate an abnormally high drop in temperature in the gas returned to the station.
  11. Filling installation according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the connections between, on the one hand, storage unit and tank and, on the other hand, the gas outlet of the tank and the station are made using a system of two male/female push-together double-couplings (4) :
    - a first ("storage unit end") double-coupling which is the endpoint of a flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank, and which is the starting point for a flexible portion of the second path connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station;
    - a second ("tank end") double-coupling which is the endpoint of a flexible portion of the second path connecting the gas outlet of the tank to the station, and which is the starting point for a flexible portion of the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank;
    one of the two double-couplings being of male type while the other of the double-couplings is of female type, connecting the two double-couplings providing the fluidic continuity along, on the one hand, the first path connecting the storage unit to the tank and, on the other hand, the second path returning the gas outlet from the tank to the station.
  12. Filling installation according to Claim 11, characterized in that said second double-coupling is fluidically connected to the upper part of the tank.
  13. Filling installation according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a purge line (30), fitted with a solenoid valve (31), which purge line is connected in its upstream part to said first path connecting the storage unit to the tank and to which purge line the second path which returns the gases that are to be discharged to the filling station is advantageously connected, thus allowing the gases discharged from the tank and returned to the station to be discharged to the outside via this purge line.
  14. Filling installation according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the tank is present on a lorry used for transporting and distributing heat-sensitive products, such as pharmaceutical products and food products.
EP13785515.1A 2012-10-24 2013-10-01 Method and equipment for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid Active EP2912365B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1260124A FR2997165B1 (en) 2012-10-24 2012-10-24 METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR FILLING A RESERVOIR WITH A CRYOGENIC LIQUID
PCT/FR2013/052330 WO2014064355A2 (en) 2012-10-24 2013-10-01 Method and equipment for filling a tank with a cryogenic liquid

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EP2912365A2 EP2912365A2 (en) 2015-09-02
EP2912365B1 true EP2912365B1 (en) 2024-09-18

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ES (1) ES2996463T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2997165B1 (en)
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FR3041951B1 (en) * 2015-10-05 2020-09-04 Cryostar Sas PROCESS FOR DELIVERY OF CRYOGENIC LIQUID AND INSTALLATION FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS PROCESS
DE102017008210B4 (en) * 2017-08-31 2020-01-16 Messer France S.A.S. Device and method for filling a mobile refrigerant tank with a cryogenic refrigerant
FR3097614B1 (en) * 2019-06-21 2021-05-28 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Device for transferring a fluid from a feed tank to a receiving tank
CN115930095B (en) * 2022-12-23 2024-04-23 成都西南交通大学设计研究院有限公司 Liquid nitrogen filling device and method for magnetic levitation train
CN116906826A (en) * 2023-08-17 2023-10-20 厚普清洁能源集团成都科技服务有限公司 An automatic purging and unloading system and method to reduce losses

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NO20016354L (en) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-23 Thermo King Corp Filling station for filling fluids
FR2942293A1 (en) 2009-02-19 2010-08-20 Air Liquide METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR FILLING WITH A CRYOGENIC LIQUID OF A RESERVOIR

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PT2912365T (en) 2024-11-28
ES2996463T3 (en) 2025-02-12
EP2912365A2 (en) 2015-09-02
WO2014064355A3 (en) 2014-09-04
FR2997165B1 (en) 2015-05-15
FR2997165A1 (en) 2014-04-25
WO2014064355A2 (en) 2014-05-01

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