Method and Apparatus for Dampening Flow Variations and Pressurizing Carbon Dioxide

摘要

An apparatus is provided for maintaining a steady flow rate and pressure of a carbon dioxide stream at high pressure when a low-pressure source of the carbon dioxide varies with time. Liquid level in an accumulator that is sized to accommodate variations in supply rate is controlled by sub-cooling of liquid entering the accumulator and heating in the accumulator, the sub-cooling and heating being controlled by a pressure controller operable in the accumulator.

主权项

1. Flow-connected apparatus for decreasing fluctuations in rate of flow of a stream of carbon dioxide from an intermittent or variable rate source of carbon dioxide, comprising:
a heat exchanger; an accumulator connected to the heat exchanger; a heat source or sink for supplying heat flux in the heat exchanger and the accumulator, the heat source or sink controlled by a pressure controller responsive to pressure in the accumulator; upper and lower liquid level controls in the accumulator, determining an accumulator volume in the accumulator between the liquid level controls, the accumulator volume selected to accommodate predicted variations of output rate from the source; a conduit for carrying heated fluid, the conduit disposed between or below the liquid level controls in the accumulator, flow through the conduit being controlled by the pressure controller responsive to pressure in the accumulator; and a pump connected to the accumulator for pumping carbon dioxide.