Vortex Tube Cryogenic & Pressurized Liquid Vaporization

While vaporization of any cryogenic or pressurized liquid can be enhance the following discussion focuses on LPG. Vortex tubes can provide a reduction (eg 10-15% depending on ambient air temperature) in fuel required for LPG vaporization is technically achievable. Vortex LPG vaporization installation is easily retrofit for most LPG vaporization installations. Basically a skid with the vortex pressure reducer and ambient air heat exchanger can be placed adjacent to existing LPG vaporization facilities and connected to existing piping. Compact, simple and energy efficient the installation should provide years of maintenance free and financially viable service.

By using a the innovative vortex tube technology of Universal Vortex Inc it is possible to enhance LPG vaporization to reduce the amount of energy, greenhouse gas emissions and the expense of operation. The function of a vortex tube for LPG vaporization is described further herein.

The basic design is shown in the diagram below. Note that the conventional (fuel or power consuming) vaporizer is shown in the diagram and will remain in place but with reduced fuel/power consumption. The vortex tube reduces vaporized LPG pressure and provides mass and energy separation resulting in hot and cold stream outlet from the vortex pressure reducer. As shown the vortex tube pre-heats the liquid LPG upstream of the LPG vaporizer thus reducing the fuel consumption of the conventional vaporizer. The air source heat exchanger warms the vortex cold fraction to compensate for the heat transferred to the liquid LPG.

In more detail, LPG is vaporized at the storage pressure in the tank (eg 6 bar). Pressure reduction (eg to 1 barg) after vaporization is required for distribution or utilization. Taking advantage of the unique vortex tube attributes vaporized natural gas is pressure reduced in a purpose designed vortex pressure reducer that has an integral heat exchange chamber that is warmed due to the mass and energy separation in the vortex pressure reducer. By directing liquid drawn from the LPG tank through this heat exchange chamber the liquid LPG is pre-heated before it enters the LPG vaporizer. The heat transferred from the pressure reduced LPG to the liquid is then compensated for as the LPG vapor cold fraction is warmed in the ambient air heat exchanger thus ensuring the vaporized LPG remains in vapor form.