Patent ID: 6964180
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: F17C,F25J

Abstract:
1. A method for loading pressurized compressed natural gas into a storage element on a floating vessel comprising the steps of: a. introducing compressed natural gas from a source into a storage element located on the floating vessel raising the storage element pressure to about 800 psi to about 1200 psi at an ambient temperature; b. allowing a portion of the compressed natural gas to cool forming a liquid in the storage element; c. removing remaining vapor phase compressed natural gas from the storage element to a refrigeration plant, wherein the refrigeration plant is adapted to cool the vapor; d. removing the liquid from the storage element to the refrigeration plant; wherein the refrigeration plant is adapted to cool the liquid; e. mixing the cooled vapor phase with the cooled liquid phase and returning the mixture to the storage element; and f. repeating steps (c) through (e) until the vapor has been cooled and is substantially a liquid.