Centralized cargo handling system for cryogenic vessels

Patent · Tue Nov 19 04:00:00 EST 1974

OSTI ID:6470101

Tarossi, F J

Exxon Research and Engineering CO.'s new design eliminates the need for cargo pumps in LNG tanks by means of a centralized cargo-handling system consisting of a central pumping station located aft of the cargo area and a piping system within the tanks. All of the electrical and mechanical devices such as the safe loading and discharge of the liquefied cargo are centralized at the pumping station. The inert atmosphere required is maintained throughout the pump room, and provision is made for aeration to facilitate inspection, maintenance, and repair. Conventional requirements that can be eliminated include (1) nitrogen inerting of access and interbarrier spaces, (2) gas analysis of the access and interbarrier spaces, (3) temperature sensing of the access and interbarrier spaces, (4) drainage of the access and interbarrier spaces, (5) separate discharge pumps for each tank, and (6) a significant portion of the on-deck cargo piping. By eliminating the installation of motor-driven submerged pumps within each of the tanks and the corresponding potential source of ignition, warm-up and cooldown operations then may be carried out without the intermediate inert-gas-purging operation now required.

• Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3848559
• OSTI ID: 6470101
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
032000* -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
CONTAINERS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CRYOGENICS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LIQUEFIED GASES
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
NATURAL GAS
PUMPS
TANKS
VALVES