Patent ID: 9046218
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: F17C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for unloading compressed natural gas (CNG) from at least first and second natural gas storage vessels comprising: a first conduit section configured to be connected to said first natural gas storage vessel and configured to conduct a first natural gas stream through at least a portion of said apparatus, said first conduit section comprising a first pressure let down valve operable to reduce the pressure of the first natural gas stream; a second conduit section configured to be connected to said second natural gas storage vessel and configured to conduct a second natural gas stream through at least a portion of said apparatus, said second conduit section comprising a second pressure let down valve operable to reduce the pressure of the second natural gas stream; coupling structure located downstream from said first and second conduit sections and configured to merge the contents of said first and second conduit sections into a third conduit section, said third conduit section comprising an inlet and an outlet; and at least one heater positioned adjacent to at least a portion of said third conduit section and configured to deliver energy to said third conduit section for heating of the merged natural gas stream flowing therethrough.