DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensing system for LNG for automobiles&Low-Pressure Natural Gas. More particularly relates to an automatic natural gas dispensing system wherein Low Pressure Piped Natural Gas (LPNG) is dispensed by converting LNG from Transportable Liquefied Natural Gas Containers / Tankers / Trailers using extremely low power by utilizing automatic PLC-SCADA for operating & safety system functions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural Gas is the safest, cleanest & economical burning fuel on Planet Earth as of today as compared to other heavy and fossil fuels like Petrol, Diesel, Propane, LPG, which have been in use. Natural Gas is recovered from natural resources and it is not produced.

It is important to make LNG available at several locations on National & State Highways as well as important roads so that LNG is then available as fuel for diesel converted vehicles as well as OEM vehicles for transportation purpose, which results in reduction in cost and drastic reduction in pollution.

Natural Gas is available in several pockets on Earth in very large volumes and delivered to many countries by liquefaction of this Natural Gas, popularly known as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

As compared to Petrol, Diesel and LPG, which are used as automobile fuel for three wheelers, two wheelers and cars as well as LCVs, Natural Gas is a less expensive, safe and efficient alternative and produces least pollution.
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. Before liquefaction of Natural Gas, H2O, N2, CO2, HS and many heavy hydrocarbons are removed from the Natural gas stream, which conveniently makes LNG a very good fuel for LCV and HCV High Horse Power Engines as well as long distance trucks, marine and mining trucks as well as cranes and earth moving equipment.

The present invention provides a method for dispensing saturated LNG for automobiles, which is extremely safe, fully automatic, extremely efficient and major advantage is to provide LNG at convenient locations quickly and promote use of clean and green fuel.

Appx. Emission Reduction when BSIII / EURO III Bus / Truck is converted from Mono Fuel Diesel to Mono Fuel LNG

CO2 30% Carbon Dioxide
NOX 80% Nitrogen Dioxide & Nitric Oxide
SO2 100% Sulphur Dioxide
PM 100% Particulate Matters

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing method of standard LNG using transportable liquefied natural gas (LNG) Containers & Tankers and provide Saturated LNG, which is dispensed to vehicles. Further, the present invention provides a method wherein cold LNG is converted to Saturated LNG before dispensing into approved LNG fuel tanks onboard the vehicles.

(A) A transportable LNG tanker / container: Liquefied Natural Gas, which is filled in transportable vehicle, is utilized at the dispensing station for suppling Natural Gas in the form of Saturated LNG and Regasified LNG into pipelines as PNG. The tanker is specifically designed for the purpose and P&ID for the system is provided herewith.
(B) LNG Saturation Skid consists of:
(i) Atmospheric Cryogenic vaporizer, which provides ample amount of heat for atmospheric for saturation of LNG;
(ii) Small plate fin heat exchanger, which on one side takes heat received from LNG Atmospheric Vaporizer and provides it to the cold LNG, which is received from LNG pump connected to LNG transport tanker /ISO container;
(iii) Interconnecting piping, safety and electronics provides required operational ease and safety features for saturation of LNG while ensuring that LNG remains in liquid form but saturates to required pressure at 8 Bar (g).
(iv) The saturated LNG is then transferred to the LNG Dispenser using vacuum Insulated Pipelines and the vacuum Insulated Pipeline ensures that LNG is transferred from saturation skid up to LNG dispenser without further heating& evaporation.
(v) LNG Dispenser dispenses Saturated LNG into incoming vehicles;
(vi) Saturated LNG ensures that even during rigorous transportation environment, pressure on the gas phase remains at saturation pressure.

(C) vacuum insulated pipelines:
(i) Vacuum Insulated Cryogenic pipelines are used for transfer of Cryogenic liquids from one to the other points.
(ii) Saturated LNG from LNG saturation Skid is transferred to LNG Dispenser
(iii) LNG Vacuum Insulated Pipelines are double walled S.S. pipelines with annular space between the two pipes evacuated under Multi-Layer Super Insulation technology.
(iv) Such set of vacuum Insulated Pipelines is also provided to bring back excess gas and excess liquid from dispenser back to the transportable LNG tanker / container with specific piping such that Natural gas / LNG is not discharged into atmospheric air.

(D) LNG Vapor recovery system consists of:
i. Said LNG Vapor recovery system recovers boil off natural gas occurred into transportable LNG tanker by means of heat-in-leak
ii. Flash gases at the time of priming / running of pump is recovered by means of said LNG vapor boil-off gas recovery system;

(E) Odorizing system consists of
i. Odorant Storage tank;
ii. Odorant system;
iii. Odorant systems adds odorant into PNG stream for detecting potential gas leakage at the point of usage & ensure safety.

(F) Power Generation System: Natural gas based Genset provides required electricity to the entire LNG Dispenser Station and Dispenser by using required natural gas at the time when grid power is not available enables LNG & PNG Dispensing at extremely remote locations, terrains, without having to wait for pipeline or even power connection.

(G) Control unit: Control Unit consists of

i. Safety control system wherein gas leakage and pressure relief valves are controlled;
ii. Data logging system;
iii. Control Unit controls the rate of Liquefied Natural Gas from tanker, flow rate of LNG to be dispensed, measures amount of vapor gas into tanker, controls amount of odorant to be inserted into PNG gas and control above said systems by means of providing feedback signals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide low pressure Piped natural Gas (PNG) to nearby users and ensure zero loss system wherein odorized Natural Gas is supplied into low pressure Piped natural Gas which provides gas to the potential users near the LNG& PNG dispensing station.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method for saturated Auto LNG & Low Pressure Natural Gas is converted from Liquefied Natural Gas.

The present invention comprises objective as under here:
i. Sub-cool the LNG in Tanker
ii. Auto priming of pump
iii. Auto Saturation of LNG
iv. No left-over gas carried back
v. Fully automated operations & safety systems
vi. Saturated LNG automobile fuel dispensing system
vii. Auto LNG & PNG can be distributed in areas without power

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method wherein losses are completely eliminated. Boil-off gas (BOG) generated in the tanker due to natural evaporation and LNG, which, flashes during priming of the submerged LNG pump, transferred from the LNG Saturation Skid and further to the LNG Dispensing system or transferred in low pressure Natural gas pipeline for use by nearby users.

One of the objects of present invention is to provide a method wherein temperature sensors are provided on Vacuum Insulated Sump, which houses the submerged LNG pump such that in case the submerged LNG pump loses its priming or temperature for any reason the automatic system will disconnect the electricity and present the use of submerged pump. The system also provides signal to the PLC SCADA system and brings it to the attention of the Operator for rectification.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide Genset, which provides required electricity from said converted natural gas to the LNG based Station, any time when grid power is not available. Said Genset enables LNG& PNG dispensing at all times, this arrangement also enables installation of such facilities at locations like highways, remote areas to operation without grid power.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method, which does not requirepipeline network for PNG supply from the Transportable LNG Tankers & containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1: Illustrate 3D view of the Invention from front side.
Figure 2: Illustrate3D view of the Invention from rear side.
Figure 3: Illustrate perspective view of the present invention wherein a transportable LNG container is detachably attached with the LNG & PNG dispensing station.
Figure 4: Discloses an embodiment of the present invention wherein transportable LNG Tanker / container is connected with Auto LNG dispensing system.
Figure 5: Discloses an embodiment of the present invention wherein Transportable LNG Tanker/ container is connected with LPNG dispensing system.
Figure 6: Discloses a whole P&ID system of the present invention.
Figure 7: Discloses P&ID system from container to connection in detail.
Figure 8: Discloses P&ID system of connection A.
Figure 9: Discloses P&ID system of Connection B and C.
Figure 10: Discloses P&ID system of connection D.
Figure 11: Discloses P&ID system of connection E.
Figure12:Discloses specific LNG Tanker/container with detailed P&ID of all connections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The word “P&ID” is referred as “Piping and Instrumentation Diagram”.

The principal embodiment of the present invention is to provide a dispensing method of LNG using transportable liquefied natural gas (LNG) Tankers / Trailers / Containers and produce Saturated LNG, which is dispensed to vehicles equipped with Auto-LNG Fuel Tanks. Further, the present invention provides capability to supply low pressure re-gasified LNG to pipe network to cater to other nearby users and replace heavy fuels like LPG, Propane, Diesel, Fuel Oil, Coal & Pet coke, etc.

Another principal embodiment of the present invention is to provide a dispensing method of Saturated LNG from transportable Liquefied Natural Gas tankers/containers/trailers loaded on truck comprises of:

a. A transportable LNG Tanker:Liquefied Natural Gas which is filled into transportable vehicle said transportable LNG tanker, Trailer or container, which is installed at the dispensing station for suppling Liquefied Natural Gas. Purpose built LNG tanker/ standard LNG Trailer / ISO container with accurate piping manifold is considered for automatic PLC based operations, PLC based safety, pump and vent connections in order to ensure ZERO losses, use of low power, lowest maintenance and highest efficiency LNG& LPNG dispensing facility.

b. Submerged LNG Pump Priming system consisting of:
i. Submerged LNG Cryo pump is primed by means of circulation of LNG from Tanker & back to tanker.
ii. High Vacuum Multi-layered Vacuum Jacketed Cryogenic grade Pipelines are used for priming of above pump, which is referred to as Priming Cryogenic Systems.
iii. Said priming system reduces flashing and evaporation of LNG while priming and during operation of the LNG& LPNG Dispensing station, which is one of the main objectives of the present innovation.
iv. Small amount of Boil-off produced during priming is diverted to PNG network to attain loss free system. This is important point because release of unburned Natural Gas, which is worst green hose gas in atmosphere is harmful to atmosphere.

c. LNG Saturation Skid consists of:
i. Atmospheric Cryogenic vaporizer, which provides ample amount of heat for atmospheric for saturation of LNG;
ii. Small plate fin heat exchanger, which on one side takes heat received from LNG Atmospheric Vaporizer and provides it to the cold LNG, which is received from LNG pump connected to LNG transport/container. Depending upon saturation temperature of LNG, flow of LNG & atmospheric temperature, the system saturates LNG to required saturation pressure (adjustable, but normally considered at 8 Bar (g).
iii. Interconnecting piping, safety and electronics provides required operational ease and safety features for saturation of LNG while ensuring that LNG remains LNG and does not convert into gaseous form;
iv. The saturated LNG is then transferred to the LNG Dispenser using vacuum Insulated Pipelines and the vacuum Insulated Pipeline ensures that LNG is transferred from saturation skid up to LNG dispenser without much of heating;
v. LNG Dispenser dispenses Saturated LNG into incoming vehicles;
vi. Saturated LNG ensures that even during rigorous transportation environment, breaking of acceleration, pressure on the gas phase remains at saturation pressure.

d. LNG Vapor recovery system consists of:
i. Said LNG Vapor recovery system recovers boil off gas occurred into transportable LNG tanker by means of heat-in-leak and transfers this boil off gas to the Boil Off Gas Recoverysystems of Natural Gas from LNG Tanker: In this any amount of Boil Off in the Transport Tanker will be recovered, vaporized, heated and transfer this Boil Off Gas into L-PNG lineafter duly odorizing the same and cater to the number of users of Natural Gas connected to the in low pressure pipeline.

ii. LNG flashes each time LNG is sent to the Submerged LNG Pump for priming. LNG primarily consists of Methane, which is excellentas green fuel but if sent to the atmosphere unburned, then, it is the worst of the greenhouse gas. The vapor recovery system collects this flash LNG and with the help of purpose-built atmospheric heat exchangers,which do not require any power near to the atmospheric temperature allowing the PNG system to transfer it into PNG pipeline with due odorization for further usage.
iii. During the normal course of Saturated LNG dispensing, at times, there are certain losses, which arises in the dispensing loop system due to heat in leak into several non-insulated parts like valves as well as increases in the saturation temperature of LNG, the present invention also recovers such regular operational boil-off gas and with the help of vapor recovery system transfers the same into L-PNG after duly odorizing the Regasified LNG stream for further LPNG network for gas consumers.

iv. Most vehicle, which come for refilling are likely to have high temperature gas, which is also recovered and transferred to the LPNG system thereby eliminating the venting of this gas into atmosphere.

e. Odorizing system consists of
i. Odorant Storage tank
ii. Odorant system
iii. Odorant systems adds odorant into L-PNG Regasified LNG stream orfor detecting potential gas leakage at user points, if any and ensure safety.

f. Power Generation System: Natural gas based Genset provides required electricity to the Cryo pump by using required natural gas at the time when grid power is not available; this feature enables Auto LNG Dispensing at extremely remote locations, terrains, without having to wait for pipeline or even power connection.

g. Control unit: Control Unit consists of
i. Safety control system wherein gas detectors, temperature Sensors, Emergency Push Buttons and pressure relief valves are provided;
ii. Data logging system;
iii. Control Unit controls the flow of Liquefied Natural Gas from tanker, rate of amount of natural gas to be dispensed, measures amount of vapor gas into tanker, controls amount of odorant to be inserted into L-PNG stream and control above said systems by means of providing feedback signals.

h. PLC & SCADA based Control unit consists of
i. Dedicated PLC and SCADA system for operation, safety and data logging at the Saturated LNG & LPNG Dispensing Station.
ii. Once LNG tanker is properly connected, pressure check tested for the hose connections, operator enables automatic operation.
iii. The forward flow happens when LNG from tanker is fed to LNG Submerged pump, which boosts LNG pressure from 4-5 bar/g to 8 to 12 bar/g. This LNG is saturated in LNG Saturation Skid with the help of Atmospheric Vaporizers and HEX.

Control Unit also controls the flow rate of Liquefied Natural Gas from tanker, flow rate of amount of natural gas to be dispensed, measures amount of vapor gas into tanker, controls amount of odorant to be inserted into high-pressure natural gas and control above said systems by means of providing feedback signals.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide low pressure PNG to nearby users and ensure zero loss system wherein odorized gas is supplied into low pressure Piped Network, which provides PNG to the potential users near the LNG dispensing station.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing Saturated LNG converted from Cold LNG.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide Genset, which provides required electricity from said converted natural gas to the Cryo pump at the time of grid power is not available.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method wherein gas in the LNG Tanker, Container, Trailer to boil-off, gas generated which dispensing and collected from the incoming vehicles is all collected and transferred into the local network of low pressure gas pipelines and supplied to the connected users based on consumption of Natural Gas by the connected consumers, the pressure in the local pipe network drops. The Auto LNG Re-gas System regasification required amount of LNG & supplies to the gas line, in order to ensure sufficient gas is available by reading the pipeline pressure. If consumption stops totally, the LHG is not sent for regasification at all.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method wherein genset provide 30-100 KWelectricity or as required to the system for operation of the station when grid power is not available.

Another embodiment of the present invention wherein LNG is used which is compact, is used as main source at any existing fuel retail outlet or remote location or difficult terrain area.

To supply Low Pressure PNG to nearby users and ensure Zero Loss System:
This invention also enables supply of odorized low pressure Piped Natural Gas to the potential users near the Dispensing Stations. LNG from the tanker is vaporized with the help of low-pressure atmospheric vaporizers and odorized before delivering to Pressure Regulation Skid specifically designed to maintain Piped Natural Gas. Major advantage of the present invention is supply of Piped natural Gas to the commercial, industrial and residential localities and enable use of piped local area Natural Gas and replace the polluting and expensive fuels like diesel, petrol, propane, Furnace Oil, LPG, Butane, coal, wood, brickets, etc. Specifically, designed LNG tanker with required number of nozzle connections with piping and auto pressure building systems ensure refilling of downstream low-pressure PNG pipeline network in fully automatic mode. Specific P&ID of such LNG Tanker is shown in Figure 1 & 2. During the actual operation reverse feedback system is put into use to ensure trouble free, automatic and most reliable supply of PNG for consumers to replace heavy fuel as mentioned above.

Based on the consumption at different times of the day by the number of end users either at home, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, small industries or high way eateries connected to the LNG based Dispensing Station, the pressure in the PNG pipe network reduces. The present invention ensures that proportionate to the consumption and the pressure reduction, which happens in the pipe network is replenished with the help of re-gasified LNG. This ensures maintain constant pressure in the pipeline. The main advantage of such facilities are as below:

(a) Additional boil off gas is directly supplied to the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Network thereby ensuring zero loss from the tanker based LNG Dispensing Station.
(b) Once the boil off gas is consumed, the tanker is kept at pre-determined regulated pressure, which ensures supply of cold LNG to the submerged LNG Pump & LNG Saturation Skid thereby rendering the Flash losses and evaporation losses.
(c) The above system also ensures that the mean time between the system maintenance and the submerged LNG pump increases significantly. This invention reduces the cost of maintenance and also provides complete reliability.

Advantages of using liquefied natural gas are 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.

Figure 6 of the present invention discloses principal embodiment, wherein a transportable LNG container / tanker 01 which is detachable is attached with skids at the dispensing site. Said container 01 is vacuum jacketed double walled multi-layered super insulated construction of suitable capacity and working pressure. Said tanker consist of stainless-steel inner vessel and Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel outer vessel with high vacuum and in perlite or multi-layer super insulation in the annular space. The transportable LNG container 01 has top and bottom filling connections so that LNG can be filled like any other tanker at the terminal. The tanker shall have various valves and instruments as shown located inside a valve box at rear end or any side of the container. The tanker shall be parked suitably and it has connection which is flexible as per requirement; for an example in the present invention, A transportable LNG container 01 consisting of 5 connection which is listed as:
i. Boil off Gas recovery connection A;
ii. Connection of Vapor return from Pump B;
iii. LNG Liquid Line connection C;
iv. LPNG dispensing connection D;
v. LNT Tanker / Container Pressure maintenance connection E
All the connection said A, B, C, D and E are made by means of vacuum jacketed or low heat loss piping 2, Vacuum jacketed flexible hose 3 and other hoses. Further, an instrument air supply from dispensing station is connected so that the LNG tanker ESD valve [Emergency Shut down Valve] can be actuated from ground in case of emergency and LNG supplies shut off at source.

Figure 1 & 2 explains the complete invention in 3D view in which a detachable LNG Tanker / Container can be seen with flexible and quick connections for the Dispensing Station. There are two skids connected to the LNG Tanker / Container, i.e. LPNG skid and Auto LNG Dispensing Skid.

The tanker shall arrive at dispensing station and parked inside safety enclosure. The process connections A to E are made and also the instrument air supply connected to the truck from ground with the selector valve positioned accordingly. Normally LNG shall be delivered to the dispensing system by means of connection C and vapor return is accepted by means of connection B. Connection D shall ensure transportable LNG supplies to PNG vaporizers of PNG system. Connection A connects BOG recovery system so that whenever required the BOG from said tanker 1 is automatically transferred into PNG line and eliminate boil-off venting & zero-down losses.

The connection A is connected with boil off gas recovery system 5 and recovered gas is transferred to the PNG line or storage cascade. The connection B is connected with submerged LNG pump 4 wherein vapor natural gas generated into pump is transferred again into said transportable LNG container 01. The connection C is connected with submerged pump 4 wherein LNG is pumped and pressure is increased and further LNG is transferred through LNG Saturation Skid 06 wherein Cold LNG is converted into warm saturated LNG. Said Saturated LNGis dispensed as per requirement by means of LNG dispenser 11. The connection D is connected with Low Pressure Vaporizers 16 wherein transportable LNG is converted into Low Pressure Natural Gas. Said Pipe Natural Gas, which is transferred to the users by means of pipe 100. Figure 7 of the present invention discloses an embodiment wherein major 4 connection are easily seen which are located at the back/side of the transportable LNG trailer or container 01.

Figure 3 discloses top view of the present invention wherein, Saturated LNG dispensing system which comprises of Submerged LNG cryo pump 04, Saturation Skid P4-2C Vaporizers 06 and other important components used totransfer Saturated LNG to the LNG dispenser 11. And LPNG dispensing system in Figure 10 which comprises of vaporizers 16 and other important components used to transfer LPNG to the users by means of natural gas pipeline pipe 100.

Figure 9 of the present invention discloses an embodiment wherein LNG dispensing system P4-2C is provided with connection B and C wherein the connection B is connected with Submerged LNG pump 4, wherein vapor natural gas generated into pump is transferred again into said transportable LNG container 01. The connection C is connected with Submerged LNG cryo pump 4 wherein LNG is pumped and pressure is increased and further LNG is travelled through LNG Saturation Skid06 whereincold/blue LNG is converted into Saturated Green LNG and said LiquefiedNatural Gas is dispensed as per requirement by means of LNG dispenser 11.

Figure 10 of the present invention discloses an embodiment wherein Re-gasified LNG in the form of Low Pressure Gas (3 to 5 Bar) is sent to local pipe network system P4-2D is provided with connection D only wherein the connection D is connected with vaporizers 16Transportable LNG is converted into LPNG said Pipe Natural Gas, which is transferred to the users by means of pipe 100.

The Low Pressure Gas supply into pipe 100, which connects to the local pipe network & caters to the requirement of consumers connected on the pipeline. 2 Nos. of Atmospheric Cryogenic Vaporizers are provided for continuous usage by 1 working & other on standby mode. The two Cryogenic Vaporizers are switched over automatically with the help of auto-switching systems provided on the PRS Skid PRS-01. The PRS-01 also maintains downstream Flow & pressure for supply of Natural Gas to the consumers.

Figure 7 of the present invention discloses P&ID of Saturated LNG and LPNG dispensing station wherein transportable LNG container 01 is parked at dispensing station for the purpose of supply LNG wherein said container 01 is provided with Boil off Gas recovery connection A; Connection of Vapor return from Pump B; Saturated LNG dispensing connection C; LPNG dispensing connection D; and Pressure maintenance connection E wherein Said connection are made by means of vacuum jacketed low heat loss piping 2, Vacuum jacketed flexible hose 3 and other hoses. Further, an instrument air supply from dispensing station is connected so that the LNG tanker ESD valve [Emergency Shut down Valve] can be actuated from ground in case of emergency and LNG supplies shut off at source. Further, a system is integrated on the ground to accept specially built LNG tanker and get connected/disconnected for replacement purposes. The system ensures PNG at appx. 3 to 5 bar (g) and saturated LNG at 8-10bar (g) at a time. Flow of PNG and Saturated LNG can be varied using different capacities of equipment in the system and also by means of suitable Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

The system consists of ground mounted Submerged LNG pump 4 which is connected to LNG tanker 1. The pump shall boost cold LNG pressure, saturate it and deliver medium pressure saturated LNG at 8-10 bar (g) pressure. The pump is provided with all required safety instrumentation for safe operation.

The purpose-built transportable LNG tanker also delivers LNG to low pressure LNG re-gasification vaporizers called as PNG vaporizers 16 via connection D. said vaporizers 16 are designed for appx. 8 hours duty cycle and changeover take place automatically after the duty cycle is complete or in case when outlet RLNG gas temperature is lower than pre-specified limit.

Moreover, said atmospheric LNG vaporizers utilize energy in air to re-gasify LNG. During the process of LNG to PNG conversion, the vaporizer gets ice/frost formed on its fin surface. This frost/ice melts during the idling period when the other unit is in operation.

The PNG vaporizer changeover valves, instruments, safety valves are located on a skid 17. Vaporizer and change over skid are located inside an impoundment dyke 14. The vaporized natural gas is then delivered to pressure regulation skid, which contains two parallel path pressure regulators, which controls the pressure to the required value. The regulators are provided with slam shut device, which control the pressure to the required value. The regulators are provided with slam shut device, which will physically close the regulator in case of its failure. The actuation of slam shut device is indicated by a limit switch provided. Due to difference in set pressure of the regulators it ensures an uninterrupted supply of PNG to localized pipe network such that even in case of failure of one regulator without any manual intervention gas supply is ensured. It shall also create an alarm in PLC in case of regulator failure, so repair is prompted and arranged. Isolation valve and pressure gauges are provided on both sides of the regulator. The regulated gas then flows to the flow meter, which shall measure the flow, totalize and the signal is then sent to PLC for logging. A bi-pass valve is provided to flow meter in case of any emergency. The PNG gas is then delivered to customer through local pipelines network. The temperature and pressure of gas is continuously monitored. Pressure reduction and metering instruments are located on the skid 17.

A common odorizing system 7 which consists of PLC controlled dozing pumps to inject the odorizer in required proportion into LPNG stream. The odorizer shall have suitable sized storage to inject sufficient quantity of odorant.

An automated BOG recovery unit 5 is installed in the ground system. When required it shall take gas from LNG tanker, heat by using BOG atmospheric vaporizer heater and feed it to PNG stream. This ensures that there is no loss of gas even when the complete LNG dispensing system is not in use.

The integrated system on ground is provided with various safety arrangements 20, such as high/low temperature sensors located at strategic locations. Sensors can sense leakage of LNG or fire and accordingly the PLC is programmed to take action to raise alarm and shut down ESD valves and stop further LNG supply. Similarly, gas detection sensors 21 located at specific location would detect any gas leakage in the system and raise alarm accordingly. Emergency shut down push button 22 are also provided at important locations. In case the operator witnesses any emergency conditions then he can actuate the switch to create alarm and shut down the system.

Figure 8 of the present invention discloses P&ID of Boil off recovery system 05 wherein vaporized Boil Off gas from transportable LNG tanker/container as 01 is supplied by means of connection A and recovered natural gas is supplied to LPNG by means of line L2.

Figure 9 of the present invention discloses P&ID of Saturated LNG dispensing system wherein the connection B is connected with submerged LNG pump 4 wherein vapor natural gas generated into pump is transferred again into said transportable LNG container 01. The connection C is connected with submerged cryo-pump 4 wherein LNG is pumped and pressure is increased and further LNG is travelled through LNG Saturation Skid 06 wherein cold LNG is converted into Saturated LNG and dispensed as per requirement by means of dispenser 11. Safety system 20 is installed within LNG dispensing system which monitors all parameters and protects.

Figure 10 of the present invention discloses P&ID of LPNG dispensing system wherein the connection D is provided from transportable LNG container 01 wherein transportable LNG tanker also delivers LNG to low pressure LNG re-gasification vaporizers called as PNG vaporizers 16 via connection D. said vaporizers 16 are designed for appx. 8 hours duty cycle and changeover take place automatically after the duty cycle is complete or the gas temperature is lower than specified. PNG gas is delivered by means of line 100.

Figure 6 of the present invention discloses Connection E would actuate pressure building valve automatically whenever required to maintain the tank pressure constant. The tanker 01 is provided with analogue pressure and level indication. LNG tanker has emergency shut down valve [ESD 1 and ESD 2] on liquid line, which can cut off LNG flow at source in case of any emergency. With instrument air supply connection, dispensing station safety system is synchronized with LNG tanker ESD valves to isolate supply of LNG in case of any eventuality. The tanker has safety valves [4 x 100%] designed to take care of any eventuality and avoid excessive pressure rise in tanker.

The control room which houses programmable logic controller12 along with SCADA system is located in a safe area as per relevant codes and standards. The SCADA system shall take care of all alarms as well as it shall store all parameters fed into it. The Natural gas driven generator set 15 is also located near the control room, which runs on the PNG supplied by the system and provide power for operation & safety system. An instrument air compressor 13 with dryer is provided to take care of instrument air supply for valve operations. The total system ensures effective use of LNG in the tanker and work with minimum manual intervention & dispense Saturated LNG & LPNG using very low power/no grid power.

Many a times, LNG is transported over extremely long distances of more than 1000 Kms or even more and during this transportation LNG heats up and pressure in LNG Tanker rises. This increase of LNG temperature increases Boil Off gas. Automated BOG Vapor Recovery Unit 4 is provided to recover such excess heat by way of diverting the BOG to the local PNG network and eliminate the venting of Natural Gas.

Fully Automated PLC SCADA System is provided in the Control Room 12. This PLC SCADA is pre-fed with Logic, I/Os for automated operation of the Station.

The present invention also improves the life of the Pump and increases meantime between the maintenance required for Submerged LNG Pumping system 5. Fully Automated PLC SCADA System is provided in the Control Room 12. This PLC SCADA is pre-fed with Logic, I/Os for automated operation of the station.

Natural Gas based Genset of appropriate capacity is also provided to run the safety system Pumping systems to ensure that the LNG based station is always operational even when grid power is not available.

This Natural Gas based Genset may be provided with automatic switch over and selection panel to enable the Station Operator use grid/generated power as per requirement.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:

We Claim,

[CLAIM 1] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 comprises a method wherein,
A. a transportable LNG container 01 consisting of:
i. boil-off gas recovery connection A;
ii. connection of vapor return B is connected with pump 4 for recover excess vapor during priming of said cryo pump 4;
iii. Saturated LNG dispensing connection C;
iv. LPNG dispensing connection D;
v. pressure maintenance connection E;

B. Submerged LNG Pump Priming system consisting of:
i. Submerged LNG Cryo pump 04 is primed by means of circulation of LNG from Tanker 01 & back to tanker 01;
ii. High Vacuum Multi-layered Vacuum Jacketed Cryogenic grade Pipelines;
iii. Said priming system reduces flashing and evaporation of LNG while priming and during operation of the LNG & LPNG Dispensing station;
iv. Small amount of Boil-off produced during priming;

C. LNG Saturation Skid 17 consists of:

i. Atmospheric Cryogenic vaporizer 6 which provides ample amount of heat for atmospheric for saturation of LNG;
ii. Small plate fin heat exchanger 8;
iii. Interconnecting piping, safety and electronics;
iv. The saturated LNG is then transferred to the LNG Dispenser 11;

D. LNG vapour recovery system 05:
(i) recovers boil-off Natural gas occurred into transportable LNG container 01 is collected by means of boil-off gas recovery connection A;
(ii) recovers flash gases at the time of priming of pump 04;
(iii) recovered Natural Gas is transferred to LNG dispenser 11 and LPNG dispensing system;

E. odorizing system 07 consists of odorant storage tank 08 and Odorant system 09;

F. power generation system comprises a genset 15 based on converted natural gas and provides required electricity to the entire LCNG and LPNG station and pumps;

G. control unit 12 consisting of:
i. safety control system wherein gas leakage and pressure relief valves are controlled;
ii. data logging system;
iii. control Unit controls the rate of Liquefied Natural Gas from tanker, flow rate of natural gas to be dispensed, measures amount of vapor gas into tanker, controls amount of odorant to be inserted into high-pressure natural gas and control above said systems by means of providing feedback signals.

[CLAIM 2] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, Wherein, transportable LNG container is detachably attached with LNG and LPNG dispensing station;

[CLAIM 3] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wherein odorized gas is supplied into low pressure Piped Network, which provides PNG to the potential users near the LNG dispensing station 11.

[CLAIM 4] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, invention is to provide a method for dispensing Saturated LNG converted from Cold LNG.

[CLAIM 5] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein High Vacuum Multi-layered Vacuum Jacketed Cryogenic grade Pipelines are used for priming of High Pressure Reciprocating Pumps, referred to as Priming System.

[CLAIM 6] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein high-pressure pump priming system Reduces flashing and evaporation of LNG while priming and operation of the LPNG system.

[CLAIM 7] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Small amount of Boil-off produced during priming is diverted to PNG network to attain loss free system.

[CLAIM 8] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein temperature sensors, pressure sensors and gas leakage detectors are installed in the dispensing system.

[CLAIM 9] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein low-pressure PNG to nearby users and ensure zero loss system wherein odorized Natural Gas supplied into low pressure Piped natural Gas which provides gas to the potential users near the LNG dispensing station.

[CLAIM 10] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a method for dispensing highly pure oil free LNG converted from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), using very little grid power.

[CLAIM 11] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein losses are completely eliminated as BOG generated in the tanker due to natural evaporation and LNG, which, flashes during priming of the H.P. Pump is compressed and transferred to the Dispensing system or transferred in low pressure Natural gas pipeline for use by nearby users.

[CLAIM 12] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein temperature sensors are provided on high pressure pumping system such that in case the high pressure pump loses its priming for any reason, the automatic system will activate automatic gas recovery system gas compression such that small amount of gas vent from the High Pressure Compression is heated and compressed into the station cylinder bank thereby ensuring good priming of the High Pressure Cryogenic Reciprocating Pump and also eliminate venting of LNG.

[CLAIM 13] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dispensing method does not use oil lubricated booster compressor and provide clean high-pressure natural gas.

[CLAIM 14] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Genset provides required electricity from said converted natural gas to the Cryo pump at the time of grid power is not available.

[CLAIM 15] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method does not require pipeline network.

[CLAIM 16] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Dedicated PLC and SCADA system for operation, safety and data logging at the LNG Dispensing Station.

[CLAIM 17] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Once refilled tanker is properly connected, pressure check tested for the hose connections, operator enables automatic operation.

[CLAIM 18] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, is to provide Genset, which provides required electricity from said converted natural gas to the Cryo pump at the time of grid power is not available.

[CLAIM 19] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein is to provide a method wherein genset provide 30-100 KWelectricity or as required to the system for operation of the station when grid power is not available.

[CLAIM 20] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein LNG is used which is compact, is used as main source at any existing fuel retail outlet or remote location or difficult terrain area.

[CLAIM 21] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, whereineach incoming vehicle will be refilled with maximum allowed fill pressure which ensures that the vehicle will have longer mean time between two refilling and vehicle utilization rate will increase.

[CLAIM 22] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Automated PLC SCADA System is provided in the Control Room 12.

[CLAIM 23] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein LNG is used which is compact and is used as main source at mother and daughter stations.

[CLAIM 24] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein Automated BOG Vapor Recovery Unit 4 is provided to recover such excess heat by way of diverting the BOG to the local PNG network and eliminate the venting of Natural Gas.

[CLAIM 25] Auto LNG and PNG dispensing system from transportable Liquified Natural Gas containers and tankers 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein This PLC SCADA is pre-fed with Logic, I/Os for automated operation of the station.