DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Present invention relates to an arrangement facilitating storage, transportation and conversion of LNG stored in the transportable micro container. More specifically, the present invention relates to the supply system of RLNG through storage, transportation and conversion of LNG from a LNG container mounted over a pallet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the domain of extraction, conversion, and transportation of source of energy such as fossil fuels delivery chain addressing transportation of fuels in liquid and/or gaseous form plays a vital role in overall cost associated with operating industrial or domestic equipment. Many sources of natural gas are located in remote areas, great distances from any commercial markets for the gas. Sometimes a pipeline is available for transporting produced natural gas to a commercial market. When pipeline transportation to a commercial market is not feasible, produced natural gas is often processed into LNG for transport to market.

The LNG is typically transported via specially built tanker ships, and then stored and re-vaporized at an import terminal near the market. The equipment used to liquefy, transport, store, and re-vaporize natural gas is generally quite expensive; and a typical conventional LNG project can cost from $5 billion to $10 billion, including field development costs. A typical "grass roots" LNG project requires a minimum natural gas resource of about 280 Gm3 (10 TCF (trillion cubic feet)) and the LNG customers are generally large utilities. Often, natural gas resources discovered in remote areas are smaller than 280 Gm3 (10 TCF). Even for natural gas resource bases that meet the 280 Gm3 (10 TCF) minimum, very long-term commitments of 20 years or more from all involved, i.e., the LNG supplier, the LNG shipper, and the large utility LNG customer, are required to economically process, store, and transport the natural gas as LNG.

Where potential LNG customers have an alternative source of gas, such as pipeline gas, the conventional LNG chain of delivery is often not economically competitive.

For natural gas, two conventional transport chains are known, namely pipeline and ship transport. It is of course possible to include elements from both pipeline and, ship transport in the same chain. In state-of-the-art pipeline transport, the natural gas is conditioned to dew point specifications and compressed before it is transported onshore in a pipeline, e.g. to a power plant. As noted above, gas power plants may be provided with CO2 capture in order to avoid CO2 emissions. Three main concepts for suitable onshore cycles are described in the literature: pre-combustion, post-combustion and Oxy-fuel. A comparison of different cycles can be found in Kvamsdal et al, 2004, “Benchmarking of gas-turbine cycles with CO2 capture”, proceedings, 7th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT-7), Vancouver.

U.S. patent US6085528A, entitled " System for Processing, Storing, and Transporting Liquefied Natural Gas", describe containers and tanker ships for storage and marine transportation of pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) at a pressure in the broad range of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature in the broad range of about -123° C. (-190° F.) to about -62° C. (-80° F).

Spain patent application ES2245863A1 refers to a mobile LNG / CNG supply by a tanker truck for the provisioning and subsequent refueling between a main terminal station and a satellite or secondary station, connecting any geographical supply point from any main terminal of the Inland or coastal territory, which consists of a mobile equipment formed by a tank truck that is provided with a series of components for the supply of LNG and CNG that comprise at least the container tank itself LNG, an LNG transfer tank that keeps LNG in the conditions to carry out gas refueling, a high-pressure pump that allows the CNG to be obtained from LNG, a high-pressure multi-cylinder set, a high vaporizer pressure that vaporizes the LNG by heating it to room temperature to be able to be supplied to a CNG tank, flow meters (CNG and LNG), and a control panel with PLC technology that automatically and safely performs gas refueling operations and receives and transmits signals for control and operation; in combination with a circuit of circulation and control of fluids and / or electrical-electronic signals between said components. The preset application main invention, unlike said invention a pallet-mounted LNG tanks, can be transported and installed autonomously, ready for a new displacement or removal if necessary.

LNG is compact, easy to transport, has the highest safety record in the industry and considered to be the purest form of Natural Gas with high calorific value and potential to eliminate pollution related problems at large and the fact that when handled accurately, it costs very low compared to heavier and polluting, unsafe fuels.

For delivering natural gas to densely populated areas within cities, rural areas, cluster of users away from main cities and towns, cluster of commercial users like restaurants on highways, hospitals, schools, canteens, eateries, laboratories, cellphone towers, users on the other side of the railway line, rivers, canals, creeks, mountains, valleys and all such difficult terrain areas where delivery of natural gas through pipeline has not happened so far and found to be difficult to happen in coming decades. The present invention provides pallet-mounted Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks accurate technical feasible and commercially viable solutions while ensuring utmost safety at all user interfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention if to provide a self-contained apparatus for facilitating transportation of cryogenic fluid in a micro-sized containers and converting the stored cryogenic fluid into a gaseous form for the usage at remote areas.

Consistent with the precedent object further object of the present invention is to facilitate supply of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas from the LNG contained in the micro sized transportable LNG container, in pump-less supply manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for storing LNG in a highly insulated cryogenic graded micro-sized container entailing a pressure building coil and a in-built vaporizer while the pallet structure is connected with its lower half occasionally engaging with lifting vehicle for displacement of said LNG container from motored vehicle to the point of use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a methodology for replenishment of LNG stored in a LNG container through exchange of said one or more LNG container for continuous supply of RLNG at locations having large targeted radius such as hilly and terrain based locations, remotely located villages, and small cluster of residential areas or food courts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for delivering purest form of natural gas at the point of use situated at the localities where CNG pipelines are not present at the ready disposal due to the remoteness or lack of development of said localities, with the safety and cost effectiveness being the primal concern.

In one aspect of the present invention an arrangement of LNG container mounted over a transportable pallet structure entailing an attachment surface at upper surface for preferably a permanent attachment with LNG container, a platform at the lower surface for positioning whole assembly of LNG container attached with pallet over the point of use, and a lifting port between the attachment surface and platform for detachable engagement with lifting means of lifting vehicle; wherein the said whole assembly further comprises at least one pressure regulating a pressure regulating valve connected with LNG container for regulating pressure of LNG contained inside the LNG container, at least one a primary safety valve and a secondary safety valve connected with the pressure regulator valve for flow of boil of gas from the LNG container to the ambience, a temperature & pressure sensor (151) connected with LNG container, and a controller connected with the pressure regulating valve, a primary safety valve, a secondary safety valve, a temperature & pressure sensor (151), an quick connect coupling and a locking mechanism (54) for controlling storage and transportation of LNG stored in the LNG container.

In further aspect of the present invention for supplying flow of RLNG converted from LNG stored in the LNG container to point of use by means of heating through communication with ambience or artificial source of heat; wherein at least one in-built vaporizer positioned at inner surface of the outer tank is configured to receive flow of LNG contained in inner tank of the LNG container and pressurized through operation of the pressure building coil for heating through heat communication with ambience, while a distal vaporizer connected with the pressure regulating valve is receiving supply of LNG at regulated pressure for second stage heating of the LNG being heated at the first stage by in-built vaporizer, in which the said distal vaporizer is configured to communicate with source of heat for converting supplied LNG into its gaseous form such as NG or RLNG being compatible to work with the routine domestic and/or industrial equipment.

In another aspect of the present invention a pressure building coil having a tubular structure is provided at the annular space formed between the inner tank and the outer tank which receives marginal flow of LNG from inner tank through opening in the pipe/coil passing through interior of the inner tank, in which amount of LNG received from the inner tank is heated using atmospheric heat available in ambience so as to increase temperature thereby the volume of the involved LNG, after which the LNG having increased volume after passing through pressure building coil is fed to the inner tank, for adiabatic mixing resulting into the nominal increase in the overall temperature of NLG contained in LNG container with significant increase in the pressure of said contained LNG; in turn eliminating role of compressor or pump required for the flow of LNG from LNG container to the point of use so as to account for the frictional irreversibility present in the flow of LNG, thereby eliminating necessity of active power supply for continuous operation of the present invention.

In another aspect of the present invention the control device governing the process variables for flow rates, pressure values, and temperature values along with a telemetry module provides audio and/or visual signal for the parameters such as but not limited to state of attachment of quick connect coupling with LNG container, state of mode of pressure regulator modules and safety devices, level of LNG, formation & expel of Boil-Off-Gas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates schematic diagram of LNG container and its connectivity with pallet, pressure regulating valve, and safety valves;
Fig. 2 illustrates top view of the LNG container and its connectivity with other process accessories;
Fig. 3 illustrates features of LNG container and its connectivity with other process accessories;
Fig. 4 illustrates 3D view of the LNG container mounted over the pallet;
Fig. 5 illustrates the circuit diagram for the flow of RLNG to the point of use;
Fig. 6 illustrates top view of series of LNG containers mounted over pallet and its connectivity with distal vaporizer;
Fig. 7 illustrates front view of series of LNG containers mounted over pallet and its connectivity with support structure and common vent.
Like reference numerals and names refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in a specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the diagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations in the invention.

As used herein, the term “plurality? refers to the presence of more than one of the referenced item and the terms “a”, “an”, and “at least” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not prelude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The term ‘LNG’ is interchangeably used to show presence of the ‘Liquefied Natural Gas’ in the present disclosure, and relates to essentially the same subject matter.

The term ‘RLNG’ is interchangeably used to show presence of the ‘Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas’ in the present disclosure, and relates to essentially the same subject matter.

The term ‘CNG’ is interchangeably used to show presence of the ‘Compressed Natural Gas’ in the present disclosure, and relates to essentially the same subject matter.

The term ‘NG’ is interchangeably used to show presence of the ‘Natural Gas’ in the present disclosure, and relates to essentially the same subject matter.

Fig. 1 to 7 shows the detailed features, along with relative connectivity and placements of the various elements essential for embodying the present invention, which proposes an apparatus for delivering the flow of RLNG to the point of use from LNG stored in transportable micro-sized LNG containers, which comprises:
a double walled highly insulated micro-sized LNG container (30) comprised of an inner tank (61) containing LNG, an outer tank (62) enclosing the inner tank (61), and annular space (250) formed between inner tank (61) and the outer tank (62); a pallet (40) being the transportable structure attached with the lower half of LNG container (30), a support structure (240) at the perimeter of the pallet (40), at least one in-built vaporizer (90) placed at outer surface of the inner tank (61), at least one pressure building coil (80) placed at inner surface of the outer tank (62), a pressure regulating valve (102) for regulating pressure of LNG inside the inner tank (61), at least one distal vaporizer (180) placed in the vicinity of point of use (70) receiving flow of LNG from LNG container (30), a vent regulator valve (104), a control device (150), an odorization system (190), plurality of quick connect/Quick dis-connect couplings (260) connected with LNG container (30) and communicating with common header (161) and common vent (160), plurality of analog/digital pressure and temperature gauges (105), a telemetry system (140), a spark arrestor, and plurality of LNG transfer lines (120).

The term ‘point of use’ is defined as delivery/supply point of RLNG involving utilization of said RLNG as one or other form, alternatively defined as point of application of RLNG converted from the LNG stored in the LNG container (30) and converted using in-built vaporizer (90) and distal vaporizer (180); according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The term ‘ambience’ is defined as surrounding of LNG container which is selected from but not limited to atmosphere and artificially created industrial environment; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The term ‘heterogeneous mixture’ is defined as a mixture formed inside the LNG container (30) of LNG and NG though operation of pressure building coil (80) and in-built vaporizer (90), wherein composition of LNG present inside the NG or composition of NG inside the LNG in resulting mixture is in the range of 0.1% to 99.99% without deviating from scope of the present invention; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the Fig.1 illustrating schematic diagram of LNG container (30) along with its connectivity with pallet (40), pressure regulating valve (102), a primary safety valve (131), and a secondary safety valve (132) being connected using plurality of LNG transfer lines (120) facilitating supply of LNG towards point of use (70), and expelling formed Boil-Off-Gas to the ambience.

The arrangement shown in said Fig. 1 moreover depicts construction providing means for storage and transportation of LNG entailing a primary safety valve (131), a secondary safety valve (132), a pressure regulator (102), a non-return valve (103), a vent valve (104), a gas withdrawal valve (108), a liquid fill valve (109), a gas recovery valve (110), an excess flow valve (101) connected to substantially the upper part of the LNG container (30) through LNG transfer lines (120) for transfer of LNG contained inside the LNG container (30) to the point of use (70).

Wherein the LNG container (30) as depicted in Fig. 1-4 is essentially a double-walled container employed for storage and transportation of cryogenic liquid such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); Further, the said LNG container is made of an inner tank (61) and outer tank (62) constructed preferentially from but not limited to stainless steel or variant of its family. While the annular space (250) created between said inner tank (61) and the outer tank (62) is configured to be of multi-layer super insulated evacuated region facilitating high degree of vacuum, which provides higher thermal insulation efficiency in order to store LNG at such low temperature in the cryogenic range; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Further, the LNG container is designed to minimize heat leakage into the stored LNG, i.e., to minimize vaporization of the stored LNG, so that most of the stored LNG remains in the liquid state for delivery; with consideration of the Dewar concept and principle of Daltan’s law of partial pressure for determining the resultant pressure exerted by the heterogeneous mixture of cryogenic fluid contained inside LNG container (30) to the internal walls of the said internal tank (61), whereas the said outer tank (62) can function as a secondary barrier and/or can be part of the isolation system containing vacuum.

The pallet (40) mounted LNG container (30) as depicted in Fig. 1-4 essentially provides means for easy handling of the LNG container (30) mounted onto it, by means of employing a lifting vehicle or lifting hooks (230) communicating with lifting port (50) addressing square or rectangular insertions space for inserting lifting arms/hooks/pins etc. of lifting vehicle such as but not limited to a hydra or a forklift, for the LNG container (30) loaded on a motored vehicle implying present of small sized truck or any other vehicle having engagement surface and capable for moving loads for one place to another.

At the point of use the pallet (40) mounted LNG container (30) can be installed on any flat base and connected to a discharge system whereby LNG supply can be connected to a ground mounted distal vaporizer (180) to get a continuous output of RLNG. Wherein the said distal vaporizer (180) is configured to receive flow of LNG from LNG container (30) and conversion of said received LNG into its gaseous form known to be RLNG or NG is performed using the heat either from the ambience or electrical heater or water-heat recovery system, in which the most preferable mode is designated as ambience, essentially involving communication of LNG enclosed in LNG transfer line (120) with atmospheric air, thus, using atmospheric type finned pipe or surface or flat plate heat exchanger.

The transportable pallet structure (40) carrying the LNG container (30) uses mode of connections selected from but not limited to welding between lower part of the LNG container (30) and attachment surface (51) of pallet (50), permanent fastening, temporary fastening, snap lock, and frictional lock; while welding being the most preferable mode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Wherein, the term ‘pallet’ (40) relates to a flat surfaced frame structure exhibiting minimal deformation when subjected to static loads when being employed for carrying LNG container (30), which can be interchangeably replaced with but not limited to a skid, or chassis, or any other structural element entailing at least one surface for attachment with LNG container (30), at least one surface for placement upon the point of use, and at least one recess for insertion of lifting means of lifting vehicle specifically for vertical orientation of micro sized containers, without deviating scope of the present invention; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Apart from that, the LNG transfer lines (120) as prescribed in the foregoing disclosure functioning to convey LNG in a complete fluid state or in the form of heterogeneous mixture resulting due to the operation of pressure building coil (80) and in-built vaporizer (90) preferably a cryo-graded pipelines/conduits such as MDPE pipelines, without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, said MDPE pipes are known to be possessing lightweight, are cost effective in manufacturing, corrosion free and likely to be non-permeable to fluids.

Referring to Fig. 2-7 in the light of Fig. 1, in the aspect of the safety feature provided in the present invention the disclosed pallet mounted LNG container (30) a safety device comprising a primary safety valve (131) and a secondary safety valve (132) is configured to release part of the boil-off gas of the LNG from the LNG container (30) when a vapor pressure within the said container exceeds a cut-off pressure of the said safety valves, wherein the safety valves are configured to adjust the cut-off pressure within a range between and a controller device (150) configured to monitor settings of the cut-off pressure of the safety valve based on a currently allowable cut-off pressure of the safety valve computed using a volume of the LNG contained in the LNG container (30).

The present invention as can be referred from Fig. 1 is employing at least one primary safety valve (131) and at least one secondary safety valve (132), wherein the said valves have enough capacity to contain the tank pressure within limit even in case of loss of insulation and external fire; also, a safety valve is likely to be equipped in annular space (250) remained between inner tank (61) and the outer tank (62) of the LNG container (30). While, as the result of using combined arrangement of primary and secondary safety valves a provision of limiting internal pressure of LNG container (30) can be kept within a pre-defined limit even in case of process upset conditions such as loss of vacuum with external fire; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Additionally, the present invention comprises a vent valve (104) to reduce tank pressure in case of emergency, an analogue pressure gauge (105) and level indicator to show tank pressure and level, an excess flow valve (101) connected with distal vaporizer (80) so as to account for the excess flow rate of LNG, a non-return check valve (103) for unidirectional flow of LNG, withdrawal valve (106) connected with lower half of the LNG container (30) for supply of LNG in pure liquid state for indication and/or prevention of downstream line failure; along side a temperature & pressure sensor (151) and a methene gas detector to exercise an audio-visual alarm indicating presence of bottleneck in the functioning of present invention; in order to limit the internal pressure of LNG container (30) within a pre-defined limit even in case of process upset conditions such as loss of vacuum with external fire.

Similarly, an Emergency Shutdown valve (107) [i.e. ESD valve or SD valve] is provided on the gas delivery line, which functions to shut off supply in case a cold RLNG having temperature below -10 degree centigrade is delivered, so as to avoid any damage in the downstream piping. Further, the said ESD valve (107) has to be reset manually after cause of such incidence until it is checked and duly repaired. Consistent with that, a local ESD push button is provided for shut-off the flow inside the LNG transfer line (120) and initiate audiovisual local alarm and remote messaging in case any incidence is observed locally.

Plurality of quick connect couplings (260) connected with LNG functions to provide a secure connection between LNG container (30) and LNG transfer line (120); wherein, a locking mechanism (54) situated at the lifting port (50) of pallet (40) is configured such that, unless the said coupling (260) is removed/detached/dis-engaged from the LNG container (30) lifting means of a lifting vehicle cannot be connected/engaged with lifting port (50); which avoids occurrence of leakage and damage to LNG transfer line (120) at the time of engagement or dis-engagement of said coupling (260); according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Wherein, locking mechanism (54) being situated between attachment surface and the platform in the vicinity of lifting port is essentially a lever operated mechanism configured to receive lifting arms or hooks of the lifting vehicle, which upon insertion trips/grips/holds part of the lifting means for establishing engagement between pallet and lifting vehicle, through instruction provided by the controller.

Further in the security aspect, a vent regulator for venting-off the small amount of RLNG formed inside LNG container due no usage of stored fluid for longer durations, and for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary actuation of safety valves.

Further, the LNG container comprises an automatic pressure regulation system, which functions to keep the tank pressure constant when delivering RLNG to user; while the level gauges/indicators connected with said tank functions to indicate level as well as pressure of the RLNG flowing through the LNG transfer lines (120).

Further referring to the Fig. 1 illustrating LNG container (30) accountable for storage of LNG inside inner tank (61), and a heating & pressurizing LNG stored in said inner tank (61) using in-built vaporizer (90) and the pressure building coil (80).

Wherein, said pressure building coil (80) is situated at the annular space (250) formed between the inner tank (61) and the outer tank (62) of the LNG container (30) in order to increase the pressure inside LNG container (30) without using any external compressor and/or pump unit.

Wherein, the pressure-building coil (80) is defined as a tubular structure having an opening situated at lower half of the inner tank (61) through which flow of LNG enters into coils of the pressure-building coil (80) getting heated through interaction with atmospheric heat in turn increasing temperature of the LNG thereby volume. Further in the cycle through another opening in the pressure building coil (80) LNG having increased temperature and volume is supplied to the upper half of the inner tank (61), in which it adiabatically mixes with LNG already contained in LNG container (30). Said phenomenon leads to increase in the volume of overall LNG mixture contained in the inner tank thereby the increased volume of gas present in the inner tank (61) in conformation with Daltan’s law imparts partial pressure on the LNG present in the liquid state, therefore increases overall pressure of the said inner tank facilitating easy ejection of heterogeneous mixture [after operation of the in-built vaporizer] containing at least some part of the LNG in gaseous form and some part of LNG in liquid form; according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The increase pressure in the LNG container (30) is regulated by means of pressure regulator (102) optionally connected with LNG transfer lines (120) of the pressure-building coil (80) and in-built vaporizer (90) for ensuring smooth & regulated flow of heterogeneous mixture moreover at constant pressure into the LNG transfer lines (120) leading to the distal vaporizer (180).

The term ‘lower part’ is defined as part of LNG container (30) mounted over the pallet (40); and the term ‘upper part’ is defined as part of LNG container (30) positioned opposite to the said lower part.

Wherein, “RLNG’ describes presence of gaseous form of LNG which can alternatively replaced by ‘NG’ as both of the addresses moreover the identical structural requirements and process variables; without deviating from actual scope of the present invention according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to the lifting port plurality of lifting hooks (230) are also provided for safe handling of the LNG containers (30); also, for increase in the safety consideration all the available vents are likely to be connected to a common vent stack (160) with a flame arrestor.

Furthermore in the Fig. 1, a coil-like in-built vaporizer (90) arranged at the inner surface of outer tank (62) of the LNG container (30) functions to further increase the heat content of LNG stored inside the inner tank (61) through facilitating communication of LNG with ambience; which in turn increase the gas quotient in the heterogeneous mixture contained inside LNG container (30).

Referring to the Fig. 5 which describes overall circuit diagram illustrating connectivity between pallet (40) mounted LNG containers (30) and point of use (70) through plurality of LNG transfer lines (120) and involving presence of plurality of distal vaporizers (180), an odorization system (190), and several valves/gauges directing/regulating/governing flow of RLNG converted from LNG.

Said Fig. 5 depict exemplary arrangement of LNG containers (30) mounted over transportable pallet (40) structure in the count ranging from at least one to maximum five with preferable being three on a single pallet (40); the said figure further describes use of distal vaporizers (180) connected with LNG container (30) and receiving heat from ambience or any other readily available source of heat for converting change of phase of LNG supplied from the LNG container (30) to the gaseous form i.e. RLNG or NG. Notably, the in-built vaporizer (90) provides first stage of heating to the LNG and distal vaporizer (180) provides second stage of heat to the said LNG for its complete conversion into RLNG.

Further in the circuit of the, through odorization panel (190) after gaining a distinguishable smell characteristics RLNG reaches to the point of use (70), which consumes energy vested with supplied RLNG for the domestic or industrial application.

Referring to the Fig. 6 & 7 illustrating P&ID diagram of the present invention proposing pallet (40) mounted LNG micro-sized containers (30) with process accessories such as flow channel (280), quick connect coupling (260), and hose piping (320) along with structural elements such as canopy (270). Wherein, arrangement of pallet (40) mounted micro-sized LNG container (30) is described to been placed on flat/stationary base of the point of use (70) which is optionally made of concreate material.

As shown in said Fig. 6 & 7 LNG transfer lines (120) are connected to the common vent stack (160) through quick connect couplings (260) for the expel of produced Boil-Off-Gas above to the height of canopy (270) at a safe distance; further, a fencing is provided at the perimeter of the pallet (40); and a compact fire proof PLC (210) provided along the controller (150) which would function to control the overall LNG transportation and conversion system, and exercise necessary local and remote alarm, and keep record of process parameters.

Preferable mode of replacing LNG container positioned over point of use (70) lifting vehicle through lifting vehicle comprises the steps of:
a) dis-engaging quick connect coupling (260) from LNG container (30) placed over motored vehicle for permitting attachment of lifting port (50) of the pallet (40) with lifting vehicle;
b) displacing LNG container (30) mounted over a pallet (40) from motored vehicle to the point of use (70) through lifting vehicle, and withdrawing lifting vehicle from lifting port (50);
c) engaging quick connect coupling (260) with LNG container (30);
d) connecting LNG transfer line (120) between quick connect coupling (260) and distal vaporizer (180) for the flow of RLNG to the point of use (70).

Preferable mode of converting LNG into RLNG for the supply to the point of use comprises the steps of:
a) supplying flow of LNG from inner tank (61) to the pressure building coil (80) for the heating of received LNG through heat communication with ambience, and supplying the flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the inner tank (61) for increasing pressure inside the inner tank (61);
b) supplying flow of LNG from inner tank (61) to the in-built vaporizer (90) for heating of received LNG through heat communication with ambience, and supplying back the flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the inner tank (61) for first stage of heating of the LNG;
c) supplying flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the distal vaporizer (180) through at regulated pressure through pressure regulator (102);
d) converting heterogeneous mixture of LNG into the RLNG in distal vaporizer (180) though the second stage of heating of the LNG;
e) supplying flow of RLNG to the point of use (70).

The arrangement of pallet mounted LNG container as prescribed in the foregoing disclosure in exemplary case is compatible to provide uninterrupted supply of RLNG at 4 bar pressure being adequately suitable for supply to various applications; Further, the pressure regulating valve functions to supply RLNG at constant pressure at least of 4 bar. Further, the LNG container mounted over pallet in exemplary case is designed for the working pressure in the range of 1 to 35 bar [gauge], for the working temperature range of -196 ° C to 40 ° C and designed to carry about 100 liters to 2000 liters of LNG.

In an exemplary case, the LNG conversion component facilitating convention of LNG into RLNG involves length of around 20 feet, width of around 12 feet, and height of around 10 feet; without limiting the scope of the present invention.

The transportable structure mounted LNG container comprises a pressure gauge and a LNG level gauge analog as well as electronic type with option of Telemetry in order to support data transfer for easier operations, recording consumptions, safety and logistics planning, as a part of process accessories; for the transmission of process data to remote locations.

The pallet mounted LNG container contains process components, containers, and pipes of this invention are advantageously used for containing and transporting pressurized, cryogenic temperature fluids or cryogenic temperature fluids at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the process components, containers, and pipes of this invention are advantageously used for containing and transporting pressurized, non-cryogenic temperature fluids.

Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in steps and their sequences may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas comprises:
a) at least one LNG container (30) containing LNG connected with an attachment surface (51) of a pallet (40);
b) the pallet (40) having the attachment surface (51) connected with LNG container (30), a platform (52) situated over the point of use (70), and a lifting port (50) between the attachment surface (51) and the platform (52);
c) a pressure regulating valve (102) connected with LNG container (30) for regulating pressure of LNG contained inside the LNG container (30) and supplied to the distal vaporizer (180);
d) a distal vaporizer (180) connected with the LNG container (30) through LNG transfer line (120) supplying flow of RLNG converted from LNG contained in LNG container (30) to the point of use (70);
e) a primary safety valve (131) and a secondary safety valve (132) connected with the pressure regulator valve (102) for flow of boil of gas from the LNG container (30) to the ambience;
f) a controller (150) connected with the pressure regulating valve (102), a primary safety valve (131), a secondary safety valve (132), a temperature & pressure sensor (151), an quick connect coupling (260) and a locking mechanism (54) for controlling storage and transportation of LNG stored in the LNG container (30).

2. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-1, wherein the locking mechanism (54) is connected with quick connect coupling (260) through the controller (150) for preventing connection between pallet (40) and the lifting vehicle in engaged state of quick connect coupling (260) and permitting connection between pallet (40) and the lifting vehicle in dis-engaged state of quick connect coupling (260).

3. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-1, wherein the primary safety valve (131) and secondary safety valve (132) receiving flow of boil-off gas from LNG container (30) is configured to release pressure inside the LNG container (30) though supplying boil-off gas to the ambience with operation of the controller (150).

4. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-1, wherein the shutdown valve (107) connected with the LNG container (30) through LNG transfer line (120) for supplying heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the distal vaporizer (180), through action of controller (150) is configured to block the LNG transfer line (120) for the temperature of heterogeneous mixture below -10 ° C.

5. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-1, wherein method of replacing LNG container (30) positioned over point of use (70) lifting vehicle through lifting vehicle comprises the steps of:
e) dis-engaging quick connect coupling (260) from LNG container (30) placed over motored vehicle for permitting attachment of lifting port (50) of the pallet (40) with lifting vehicle;
f) displacing LNG container (30) mounted over a pallet (40) from motored vehicle to the point of use (70) through lifting vehicle, and withdrawing lifting vehicle from lifting port (50);
g) engaging quick connect coupling (260) with LNG container (30);
h) connecting LNG transfer line (120) between quick connect coupling (260) and distal vaporizer (180) for the flow of RLNG to the point of use (70).

6. An apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas wherein the LNG container is characterized by:
a) a double walled container (30) comprising an inner tank (61), an outer tank (62) surrounding the inner tank (61), and an insulating material placed in the evacuated annular space (250) formed between inner tank (61) and outer tank (62);
b) a pressure building coil (80) located at the annular space (250) formed between outer tank (62) and the inner tank (61) is having a tubular structure for increasing pressure of LNG contained in the LNG container (30) through supplying received LNG back to the inner tank (61) heated with communication with ambience;
c) an in-built vaporizer (90) positioned at inner surface of the outer tank (62) receiving flow of LNG from inner tank (61) for heat communication with ambience;
d) a pressure gauge and level gauge (105) connected with controller (150).

7. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein the LNG container (30) connected with the pallet (40) is configured to contain heterogeneous mixture of LNG at gauge working pressure in the range of 1 bar to 35 bar and working temperature in the range of -196 ° C to 40 ° C.

8. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein the heterogeneous mixture of LNG stored in LNG container (30) comprising LNG in liquid form and boil of gas being formed with the operation of in-built vaporizer (90) is fed to the distal vaporizer (180) for supply of RLNG to the point of use (70).

9. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein a vent regulator valve (104) connected to the LNG container (30) through LNG transfer line (120) receives flow of boil-off gas for supply to the ambience at the gauge pressure in the range of 0 bar to 4 bar.

10. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein LNG container (30) having storing capacity in the range of 100 litre to 2000 litre providing micro containers for storing and transporting LNG is integrated with distal vaporizer (180) for conversion of stored LNG into RLNG for supply to the point of use (70) at the pressure in range of 1.5 bar to 4 bar.

11. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein flow of LNG received from inner tank (61) by pressure building coil (80) is supplied back at the pressure in range of 1.5 bar to 4 bar to the inner tank (61).

12. The apparatus for storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas as claimed in claim-6, wherein method of converting LNG into RLNG for the supply to the point of use comprises the steps of:
a) supplying flow of LNG from inner tank (61) to the pressure building coil (80) for the heating of received LNG through heat communication with ambience, and supplying the flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the inner tank (61) for increasing pressure inside the inner tank (61);
b) supplying flow of LNG from inner tank (61) to the in-built vaporizer (90) for heating of received LNG through heat communication with ambience, and supplying back the flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the inner tank (61) for first stage of heating of the LNG;
c) supplying flow of heterogeneous mixture of LNG to the distal vaporizer (180) through at regulated pressure through pressure regulator (102);
d) converting heterogeneous mixture of LNG into the RLNG in distal vaporizer (180) though the second stage of heating of the LNG;
e) supplying flow of RLNG to the point of use (70).

Dated this 30th Day of September, 2021.

To Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office,
At Mumbai.