Liquefied gas conveyor

Abstract

Un-pressurized liquefied gas (LNG) is transported at high speed in elongated end-to-end connected insulated pressure containers attached to an in prior art disclosed bulk material conveyor having an endless chain of long links in end-to-end relationship for high speed. A folding mechanism turns links into vertical side-by-side relationship for filling and discharge at low speed. In absence of refrigeration means on board, an attached gas return pipe collects from containers in transit re-gasified portions of LNG and gas emitted during filling and discharge, and returns it for re-liquefaction or other use. Containers are capable of holding gas under pressure in case of extended conveyor stoppage. Under no circumstance is gas released to the outside. High conveyor speed is enhanced with magnetic levitation suspension and linear induction motor propulsion.

1 . A method for transporting liquefied gas (LNG) in end-to-end connected elongated containers guided and propelled by the mechanism of an in prior art disclosed closed loop conveyor having folding and unfolding links to achieve a low rate of speed for filling and discharge, and a high rate of speed in-between.  
   
   
       2 . A method of  claim 1  wherein incidentally re-gasified portions of LNG from containers and incidentally to filling and discharge emitted gas is recovered for re-liquefaction or for other use.  
   
   
       3 . A method of  claim 2  wherein all containers are connected through gas-only pressure release valves to an attached endless flexible gas return pipe.  
   
   
       4 . A device for transporting LNG in end-to-end connected elongated containers guided and propelled by the mechanism of an in prior art disclosed closed loop conveyor having folding and unfolding links to achieve a low rate of speed for filling and discharge, and a high rate of speed in-between, said device comprising: 
 (A) elongated cylindrical double-walled insulated pressure containers with outer walls providing guidance, controls and connection to adjacent containers and inner walls providing containment for LNG;    (B) gas and LNG access ports on containers for mating with filling and emptying nozzles at filling and discharge ends of conveyor;    (C) means at filling and discharge ends of conveyor for supplying to, and withdrawing from, containers through flexible temporary hookups gas and LNG.    
   
   
       5 . A device of  claim 4  wherein incidentally re-gasified portions of LNG from containers and incidentally emitted gas during filling and discharge is recovered for re-liquefaction or for other use.  
   
   
       6 . A device of  claim 4  wherein all containers are connected through gas-only pressure release valves to an attached endless flexible gas return pipe.  
   
   
       7 . A device of  claim 4  wherein booster propulsion means located at intervals along the conveyor are supplied with gas for fuel during stops by temporarily connecting to the gas return pipe.