Patent ID: 7240498
Filing Date: 2007-07-10
Classification: F17C

Abstract:
1. A method for providing inventory for expedited loading and transporting of compressed natural gas comprising the steps: a. obtaining pressurized high-energy content vapor gas at a first pressure; b. separating the pressurized high-energy content gas into saturated gas, a natural gas liquid, and a condensate; c. removing impurities from the saturated gas to create a decontaminated saturated gas; d. dehydrating the decontaminated saturated gas to remove water forming a dry pressurized gas; e. cooling the dry pressurized gas forming a two-phase gas comprising a vapor phase and a liquid phase; f. loading the two-phase gas into a storage element located on a floating vessel, wherein the storage element comprises: g. loading the natural gas liquid and the condensate into the storage element forming a mixture; h. maintaining the mixture at the first pressure ranging from 800 psi to 1200 psi; i. collecting at least one storage element on the land to create an inventory; j. loading the inventory onto a floating vessel, wherein loading the inventory is quicker than comparable loading of natural gas unto the floating vessel; and k. moving the floating vessel to a desired location at a lower cost than comparable submarine pipeline transport costs for distances of less than about 2500 nautical miles while utilizing the vapor phase during transit to power a power plant; and discharging the natural gas at the first pressure.