Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.

The present invention provides a flow apparatus (10) having a flow control valve (12) having a housing (14), an aperture (16), an aperture obturator (18) and an actuator (20) for moving said obturator (16) between a first closed position and multiple open positions (B-L), characterised by a valve position monitor (21) for monitoring the position of the valve (12) and comprising a plurality of discrete sensors (28a to 28e) associated with a plurality of open positions (B-L) of said valve for monitoring the presence or absence of one or more members (26) movable with said valve (12). The arrangement may be used to monitor the valve position and such monitoring may be of use in the prediction of the amount of fluid remaining within a cylinder (32) to which it has been attached.

Systems and methods are provided for in situ observation of reservoirs, such as syringes, during the freeze thaw cycle to allow for more in depth understanding of the behavior of the system. The systems and methods may include an inert environment and/or a low concentration (e.g., on the order of parts per million (ppm)) of water, which may inhibit frost formation.

The invention relates to a tracing method (2000) for constructing a liquefied gas storage facility (1). The facility (1) comprises a sealed and thermally-insulating tank (20). A bottom wall (21) of the tank (20) includes a plurality of angular sectors (25) which are images of each other through rotation by a predetermined angle about a vertical axis, the predetermined angle being equal to k.360?/N, where k is a positive integer. A vertical wall (22) of the tank (20) comprises a vertical row (120) of planar insulating wall modules (131, 131A) disposed on each vertical load-bearing section (14) of a load-bearing structure of the tank. The tracing method ensures that an azimuthal angular deviation with respect to said vertical axis between two rows (120) of planar insulating wall modules (131, 131A, 171) disposed on two adjacent vertical load-bearing sections (14) is equal to 360?/N, preferably with an accuracy better than 5 mm.

A low-emission nozzle and receptacle coupling for cryogenic fluid is disclosed. An example nozzle includes a body including a front end and a back end and defining a chamber through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow to the receptacle. The nozzle includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft is housed within and slidably extending through the chamber. The nozzle includes a poppet coupled to the first end of the shaft and an actuator including a stem coupled to the second end of the shaft. The stem is configured to linearly actuate to cause the shaft and the poppet to linearly actuate. The nozzle includes a coupling assembly coupling the actuator to the back end of the body. The coupling assembly includes insulating material to thermally isolate the actuator from the chamber through which the cryogenic fluid is to flow.

Disclosed is an automatic alignment method of a high-pressure gas container in which a high-pressure gas container is loaded on a lift of a cabinet so as to supply a gas from a fabrication (FAB) process facility of a semiconductor to a wafer production line, and then, the high-pressure gas container loaded on the lift is raised, and an end cap of the high-pressure gas container and the center of a connector holder of a gas pipe are automatically aligned.

The invention relates to a large-scale hydrogen refueling station comprising at least one supply storage, a plurality of compressor modules comprising a local controller, a plurality of dispenser modules, and a hydrogen production system comprising a hydrogen production system controller mutually connected by one or more flow paths. Wherein one of the controllers facilitates control of valves and thereby flow of hydrogen gas in the flow paths between the at least one supply storage, compressor modules, dispenser modules and hydrogen production system. Wherein the control of the valves enables flow of hydrogen gas in at least three of the flow paths simultaneously.

Apparatuses and methods for compressed fluid vessel monitoring can permit a user to more easily order replacement vessels, monitor use, monitor inventory and return empty vessels. Embodiments can utilize a collar connectable to a vessel to help facilitate such functionality. The collar can be adapted to transmit signals to a data processing system. The data processing system can be adapted to permit a user to track the location and fill status of the vessel as well as order a replacement vessel and disposal or return of an empty vessel. Instrumented vessels can also convey sensor data to help identify a leak condition or other condition of the vessel. In some embodiments, the data processing system can be adapted for integration into a user's inventory system and/or purchasing system as well as a supplier's system to facilitate communications concerning vessel fill status, reorder, and/or vessel return.

A closure is configured for use with a portable cryogenic container or dewar, such as a dry vapor shipper (DVS). The closure has advanced insulating properties which enhances cryogen residence time and also minimizes negative effects on residence time when the dewar is placed on its side, such as during shipping. The closure includes a gas vent in the form of a fluid passage which is particularly sized to minimize thermal leakage and located away from the closure-to-neck interface. Embedded electronics can detect, record, and/or communicate information pertinent to a condition of the storage container in which the closure is installed.

A modular subsea fluid storage unit has a variable-volume inner tank having a rigid top panel and a peripheral wall that is flexible by virtue of concertina formations. The peripheral wall is extensible and retractable vertically while the horizontal width of the tank remains substantially unchanged. A side wall of a lower housing part surrounds and is spaced horizontally from the peripheral wall of the inner tank to define a floodable gap between the peripheral wall and the side wall that surrounds the tank. An upper housing part extends over and is vertically spaced from the top panel of the inner tank and overlaps the side wall to enclose the inner tank. The floodable gap and the upper housing part enhance thermal insulation and trap any fluids that may leak from the inner tank.