| abstract |
The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for the storage and/or transfer and/or transportation of low-temperature liquefied combustible gas, in particular natural gas (LNG). The apparatus comprises at least one first storage tank (2) for low-temperature liquefied combustible gas (LNG), at least one second storage tank (3) for liquid nitrogen (LIN) and at least one heat-transmitting connection element (4; 23) between the at least one first storage tank (2) and the at least one second storage tank (3). The connection element (4; 23) is designed so that the at least one first storage tank (2) can be cooled directly or indirectly by the liquid nitrogen (LIN). The invention relates, furthermore, to a method for the joint storage and/or transportation of low-temperature liquefied combustible gas, in particular natural gas (LNG), and of liquid nitrogen (LIN), the low-temperature liquefied gas (LNG) being cooled directly or indirectly by the liquid nitrogen (LIN) in order to avoid any boil off. Moreover, the nitrogen and/or the combustible gas are employed for cooling a further refrigeration space (10). The present invention allows a loss-free storage, transfer and/or transportation of low-temperature liquefied combustible gas (LNG), prevents an enrichment of the low-temperature liquefied combustible gas with higher-boiling constituents of the gas and therefore increases the efficiency of the storage and transport of the low-temperature liquefied combustible gas (LNG). The application of the invention to refrigeration transport, for example in the delivery of refrigerated merchandise to retailers, is especially advantageous. |