Method and system for transfer of natural gas

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that may be configured for transferring a fluid. The fluid may be transferred from a fluid source by which the fluid is under a first differential pressure to a container via use of a pressurizer that can increase the pressurization of the fluid to a second differential pressure. A controller may be used to coordinate operations of various components to allow the pressure generated by the pressurizer to be used to augment the pressure generated by the first differential pressure. Additional embodiments may include use of a mobile fueling unit that may facilitate transfer of the fluid from the container to a vehicle.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A mobile fueling unit, comprising:
 a container configured to receive and dispense a fuel gas, the container further configured to be transported by a first vehicle; and,   a compressor affixed to the container, the compressor configured to be driven by an engine operable by the fuel gas, the compressor in fluid transfer with the container to facilitate flow of the fuel gas from the container to at least one second vehicle.   
     
     
         24 . The mobile fueling unit recited in  claim 23 , wherein the at least one second vehicle comprises a plurality of vehicles. 
     
     
         25 . The mobile fueling unit recited in  claim 23 , wherein the compressor comprises at least one of a centrifugal compressor and a hydraulic compressor. 
     
     
         26 . The mobile fueling unit recited in  claim 23 , further comprising a buffer tank. 
     
     
         27 . The mobile fueling unit recited in  claim 23 , wherein the compressor is further configured to facilitate flow of the fuel gas from the at least one second vehicle to the container. 
     
     
         28 . A method for supplying fuel gas to a vehicle, comprising:
 transporting a mobile fueling unit comprising a container and a compressor to a delivery site; and   transferring fuel gas from the container to a fueling system of the vehicle by generating a pressure differential between the container and the fueling system via the compressor.   
     
     
         29 . A method for defueling a vehicle, comprising:
 connecting a fueling system of the vehicle to a defueling pipeline;   equalizing pressure between the fueling system and the defueling pipeline; and   increasing pressure of the fueling system to cause fuel gas to flow from the fueling system to the defueling pipeline.   
     
     
         30 . The method recited in  claim 29 , wherein the connecting the fueling system to the defueling pipeline is via a defueling nozzle. 
     
     
         31 . The method recited in  claim 29 , wherein the defueling pipeline is at a lower pressure than that of the fueling system before the equalizing step. 
     
     
         32 . The method recited in  claim 29 , wherein the defueling pipeline is at a higher pressure than that of the fueling system before the equalizing step. 
     
     
         33 . The method recited in  claim 29 , wherein the increasing the pressure of the fueling system is via a compressor. 
     
     
         34 . The method recited in  claim 29 , wherein the compressor is part of a mobile fueling unit. 
     
     
         35 . The method recited in  claim 34 , wherein the defueling pipeline is connected to a container of the mobile fueling unit.