AU2020213611B2

AU2020213611B2 - Cooling method for liquefying a feed gas

Info

Publication number: AU2020213611B2
Application number: AU2020213611A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lutz Decker; Martin Knoche
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2019-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-14
Publication date: 2025-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-14
Also published as: CA3127832A1; US20210381756A1; CN113286977A; GB201901247D0; GB2581135A; CN113286977B; EP3918260A1; WO2020156754A1; AU2020213611A1

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a cooling method for liquefying a feed gas, comprising the steps of providing a cooling cycle (20) with a refrigerant stream (28; dividing the refrigerant stream (28) into a first partial stream (32) and a second partial stream (36); expanding the first partial stream (32) in a first expansion device (40); and transferring cooling energy from the expanded first partial stream (42) to a feed gas stream (12) to be cooled, particularly comprising hydrogen and/or helium. Further the method comprises the steps of guiding the expanded first partial stream (42) to a suction inlet of an ejector (48); and guiding the second partial stream (36) to a propellant inlet of the ejector (48) such that, upon expanding the second partial stream (36) in the ejector (48), the expanded first partial stream (42) is compressed and merged with the expanded second partial stream.

Description

Cooling methodfor for liquefying a feed gas gas 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 Cooling method liquefying a feed

Technical Field Technical Field

2020213611 02

Thepresent The presentdisclosure disclosurerelates relatestoto aacooling coolingmethod methodandand a cooling a cooling system system for liquefying for liquefying a a 5 feed 5 feed gas,for gas, for example examplehydrogen. hydrogen.

Technological Background Technological Background 2020213611

In In general, general, industrial industrialhydrogen hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plants plants are are known, for example known, for fromEPEP example from 3 163 3 163

236 A1, in 236 A1, in which whichaahydrogen hydrogengasgas stream stream is cooled is cooled by means by means of a plurality of a plurality of closed-loop of closed-loop

cooling cooling cycles cycles to to aa temperature belowaacondensation temperature below condensation pointofofhydrogen point hydrogenso so as as to to provide provide a a

10 liquidhydrogen 10 liquid hydrogenstream. stream.

Theknown The known industrialhydrogen industrial hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plants plants typicallycomprise typically comprise a hydrogen a hydrogen cooling cooling

and liquefaction unit, and liquefaction unit,totowhich whichaahydrogen feed gas hydrogen feed gasstream streamtotobebecooled cooledisissupplied suppliedwith withaa typical feed typical feed pressure pressure between 15bar between 15 barand and3030bar. bar.The Thehydrogen hydrogen feed feed gasgas stream stream is usually is usually

produced outsidethe produced outside thebattery-limit battery-limit of of the the plant, plant,for example for example by by means of aa methane means of methane steam steam

15 reformer 15 reformer or electrolyzer. or an an electrolyzer.

Upon flowingthrough Upon flowing throughthe thehydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction unit,the unit, thehydrogen hydrogen gas gas stream stream

is is cooled toaatemperature cooled to temperature below below its condensation its condensation point point and andliquefied thereby thereby prior liquefied prior to being to being

dischargedinto discharged intoa astorage storage tank. tank. In order In order to provide to provide cooling cooling energy energy for cooling for cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction of of the the hydrogen gas hydrogen gas stream, stream, thethe hydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and liquefaction and liquefaction unit is unit is

20 thermally 20 thermally coupled coupled to several to several cooling cooling cycles cycles by means by means of a of a plurality plurality of of heat heat exchangers. exchangers.

Specifically, in a Specifically, in precoolingcycle, a precooling cycle, thethe evaporation evaporation of a of a liquid liquid nitrogen nitrogen streamstream at typically at typically 78 78 K is used, K is which used, which is is the the nitrogen nitrogen saturation saturation temperature temperature for an pressure for an ambient ambientofpressure 1, 1 bar,of 1, 1 bar,

to precool to the hydrogen precool the hydrogen feed feed stream stream fromfrom ambient ambient temperature temperature to 80 to about about 80 is K. This K. This is achieved byguiding achieved by guidingthe the nitrogen nitrogen stream streamofof the the precooling precooling cycle cycle and andthe the hydrogen hydrogenfeed feedgas gas 25 stream 25 stream through through a heat a heat exchanger exchanger so as so toas to transfer transfer cooling cooling energy. energy. Thereafter, Thereafter, the the hydrogen hydrogen

feedisis typically feed typically conducted conducted through through a purifier a purifier to remove to remove residual residual impurities, impurities, mainly nitrogen, mainly nitrogen,

in in an an adsorber vessel. After adsorber vessel. After the the purification purificationatat8080K,K,the thehydrogen hydrogen feed feed is is allowed allowed to to pass pass

through additional through additional heat heatexchanger exchanger passages passages filled filled withwith catalyst, catalyst, typicallyhydrous typically hydrous ferric ferric

oxide, for an oxide, for anortho orthototopara para hydrogen hydrogen conversion. conversion. In caseIn ofcase of deuterium deuterium liquefaction, liquefaction, the para the para 30 "isomer" 30 "isomer" is converted is converted to ortho. to ortho. TheThe feed feed gasgas stream stream is then is then again again cooled cooled downdown to about to about 80 80 K bythe K by themeans means of liquid of liquid nitrogen nitrogen ofprecooling of the the precooling cycle. cycle.

A final A final cooling and liquefaction cooling and liquefaction of of the the hydrogen hydrogen feed, feed, from from about about 80 K80 to K tostate the the state of of saturated or subcooled saturated or subcooledliquid, liquid, is is provided providedbybymeans means ofclosed of a a closed mainmain cooling cooling cycle, cycle, for for

example example a aClaude Claude loop, loop, withtypically with typically one oneorormore morecooling coolingstrings stringswith withturbines turbinesexpanding expanding the gas gasfrom froma ahigh high pressure to medium pressure to provide refrigeration at different 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 the pressure to medium pressure to provide refrigeration at different temperaturelevels. temperature levels. Specifically, Specifically, the the number of cooling number of cooling strings strings may depend may depend on on thethe output output capacity of the capacity of the plant. plant.As As aaresult, result,a medium a medium pressure streamisis generated. pressure stream generated.AsAssoon soonasas the the expansion expansion ofofhydrogen hydrogenin in anan isenthalpicexpansion isenthalpic expansion willresult will resultininaasignificant significant temperature temperature

5 5 decrease, decrease, the the application application of ejectors of ejectors or or a Joule a Joule Thomson Thomson valvevalve becomes becomes meaningful. meaningful. The The last lastor orthe thecoldest coldesthigh-pressure high-pressurerefrigeration stream refrigeration is expanded stream is expandedinin a Joule-Thomson a Joule-Thomson valve valve

to aa low to low pressure andlowest pressure and lowesttemperature temperature level.In level. In this this way, way, a a two-phase gasliquid two-phase gas liquid stream stream 2020213611

is is generated to provide generated to cooling energy provide cooling energycapable capableofofcooling coolingthe thehydrogen hydrogen gas gas stream stream below below

the condensation the condensationpoint. point.ForFor heat heat recovery recovery purposes, purposes, the high-pressure the high-pressure stream stream is run is run 10 counter 10 counter currently currently against against the the medium medium and low-pressure and low-pressure stream stream in in of series series of a plurality a plurality of of heat exchanger,e.g. heat exchanger, e.g. up uptoto ten ten or or more moreheat heatexchangers exchangers depending depending onplant on the the plant size size and and

number number ofofturbines. turbines.

For recirculating the For recirculating the medium and medium and low-pressure low-pressure stream, stream, the main the main cooling cooling cycle cycle typically typically

comprises comprises a alow-pressure low-pressure compressor compressor whichwhich collects collects and compresses and compresses the low-pressure the low-pressure

15 stream 15 stream to to medium medium pressure. pressure. Further,a amedium Further, medium pressure pressure compressor compressor is is providedwhich provided which collects collects the thetotal totalmedium medium pressure streamand pressure stream andcompresses compressesit it totohigh highpressure pressurebefore beforebeing being reintroduced into the reintroduced into theclosed closed cycle. cycle. Usually, Usually, these these compressors compressors are mechanically are mechanically or or electrically electrically driven. driven.

However, However, thethe useuse of mechanically of mechanically or electrically or electrically drivendriven compressors compressors forthe for raising raising the pressure pressure

20 levelofofthe 20 level thelow-pressure low-pressurestream streamtotoa amedium medium pressure pressure level level hashas an impact an impact of the of the operational and operational and capital capital expenditures expenditures ofindustrial of such such industrial hydrogen hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plants. plants.

Summary Summary of of thetheDisclosure Disclosure

It Itcan can be be seen as desirable seen as desirableto to provide providean anoptimized optimizedcooling coolingmethod method usedused for for liquefying liquefying a a

feed gas, feed gas,particularly particularly in in an an industrial industrial hydrogen hydrogenliquefaction liquefactionplant, plant,which which cancan be cost- be cost-

25 efficientlyrealized. 25 efficiently realized.ItIt can canalso alsobebeseen seen as as desirable desirable to provide to provide a corresponding a corresponding cooling cooling

system. system.

A cooling A cooling method methodisisprovided providedfor for liquefying liquefying a a feed gas. The feed gas. Thecooling coolingmethod method comprises comprises the the

steps ofproviding steps of providing a cooling a cooling cycle cycle with with a refrigerant a refrigerant stream; stream; dividingdividing the refrigerant the refrigerant stream stream into into a first partial a first partial stream anda second stream and a second partial partial stream; stream; expanding expanding the firstthe first stream partial partialinstream in 30 a firstexpansion 30 a first expansion device device and transferring and transferring cooling cooling energy energy from from the the expanded expanded first partial first partial

stream to stream to aa feed feed gas gas stream streamtoto be becooled. cooled. The Thecooling coolingmethod methodisischaracterized characterized by by comprising thefurther comprising the further steps steps of, of, after afterthe thecooling coolingenergy energy is is transferred transferredfrom from the the expanded expanded

first partial first partialstream, guidingthethe stream, guiding expanded expanded first first partial partial stream stream to a suction to a suction inlet ofinlet of an an ejector ejector and guidingthe and guiding thesecond second partialstream partial streamtotoa apropellant propellantinlet inlet of of the the ejector ejector such suchthat, that, upon upon

2 expanding thesecond second partial stream in the ejector, thethe expanded firstfirst partial stream is is 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 expanding the partial stream in the ejector, expanded partial stream compressed and compressed and merged merged withwith the the expanded expanded secondsecond partialpartial stream.stream.

Thefeed The feedgas gasstream streamtotobe becooled cooledmay may comprise comprise oneone or more or more cryogenic cryogenic gases. gases. Specifically, Specifically,

the feed the feed gas streamto gas stream to be be cooled cooledmay may comprise comprise hydrogen. hydrogen. Alternatively, Alternatively, oror additionally, the additionally, the 5 5 feed feed gasgas stream stream may may comprise comprise helium. helium. Further, Further, the feed the feed gas stream gas stream may comprise may comprise Oxygen Oxygen and/or other cryogenic and/or other gases. cryogenic gases. 2020213611

Therefrigerant The refrigerant stream mayalso stream may alsocomprise comprise oneone or more or more cryogenic cryogenic gases. gases. Specifically, Specifically, the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream may comprisehydrogen may comprise hydrogen or or helium helium or or neon. neon. Alternatively,ororadditionally, Alternatively, additionally, the refrigerant the refrigerant stream maycomprise stream may comprise a mixture a mixture of gases, of gases, i.e.i.e. a mixture a mixture of the of the previously previously

10 10 mentioned mentioned gases, gases, e.g. e.g. a mixture a mixture of neon of neon and helium. and helium.

Theproposed The proposed method method may may be used be used in ininaninindustrial an industrial cryogenic cryogenic gas gas liquefaction liquefaction plant, plant, i.e. i.e.

a a hydrogen liquefaction plant. hydrogen liquefaction plant. Further, Further,the theproposed proposed method maybebeused method may used in in coolingcycles, cooling cycles, i.e. i.e. precooling cycles,e.g. precooling cycles, e.g.ininsuch such a gas a gas liquefaction liquefaction plant. plant.

Accordingtotothe According thepresent presentdisclosure, disclosure,the theterm term"ejector" "ejector"refers refers to to aa pumping pumping device, device, i.e.aa i.e.

15 fluid 15 fluid jetjetejector, ejector,ininwhich whicha apumping pumping effect effect is generated is generated due due to an to an induced induced momentum momentum

transfer of transfer ofaamotive motive or orpropellant propellantmedium to aa suction medium to suction medium, therebyaccelerating medium, thereby acceleratingand/or and/or compressingthethesuction compressing suction medium. medium. In other In other words, words, impulses impulses are exchanged are exchanged between between the the propellant propellant medium, i.e. aa high medium, i.e. highvelocity velocity gas gasjet, jet, and andthe thesuction suctionmedium. medium. Preferably, Preferably, the the

ejector, i.e. the ejector, i.e. fluid jet the fluid jet ejector, comprises ejector, comprises the the propellant propellant inlet inlet for receiving for receiving a pressurized a pressurized

20 propellant 20 propellant fluidthat fluid thatisissupplied suppliedtoto aa nozzle, nozzle, i.e. i.e. aa laval lavalnozzle, nozzle,communicating to aa suction communicating to suction chamber chamber ofofthe theejector ejector which whichisis configured configuredto to generate generateaasuction suctionpressure pressuretherein thereinwhich whichisis lower than an lower than anejector ejector discharge dischargepressure. pressure.The The ejector ejector furthercomprises further comprises thethe suction suction inlet inlet

which opens which opensinto intothe thesuction suctionchamber chamberandand is configured is configured to supply to supply a suction a suction fluid fluid into into the the

suction chamber,wherein suction chamber, whereinthethe suction suction fluidhas fluid has a pressure a pressure lower lower thanthan a pressure a pressure of theof the

25 propellant 25 propellant fluid fluid supplied supplied to to thethe propellant propellant inlet.The inlet. Thesuction suctionchamber chamber communicates communicates to a to a

fluid outlet fluid outlet of of the the ejector viaaaconvergent-divergent ejector via convergent-divergent diffuser. diffuser.

In In operation operation ofofthe theejector, ejector,thethe pressurized pressurized propellant propellant fluid fluid entersenters the propellant the propellant inlet ofinlet the of the

ejector ejector and is then and is acceleratedto then accelerated to aa high highvelocity velocity through throughthe thenozzle nozzlewhich which discharges discharges a a

high velocity jet high velocity jet stream of the stream of thefluid fluid through throughthe thesuction suctionchamber chamber intointo the the convergent- convergent-

30 divergent 30 divergent diffuser. diffuser. Acceleration Acceleration of of thethe pressurized pressurized propellant propellant fluidthrough fluid through thethe nozzle nozzle into into

the suction the suction chamber createsa areduced chamber creates reduced pressure pressure in in thechamber the chamber which which feeds feeds a suction a suction fluid fluid

fromthe from thesuction suction inlet inlet into into thethe suction suction chamber. chamber. The suction The suction fluid fluid thus thus the entering entering suctionthe suction chamber chamber isisentrained entrainedbyby andand drawn drawn into into the the convergent-divergent convergent-divergent diffuser diffuser with with the high the high

velocity fluid velocity fluid stream. The stream. The combined combined fluid fluid is subjected is subjected to acceleration to acceleration and compression and compression as it as it 35 passes 35 passes through through a convergent a convergent inlet inlet portion portion of diffuser of the the diffuser and, and, thereafter, thereafter, deceleration deceleration andand

3 expansion asitit passes passesthrough throughthe thedivergent divergentoutlet outletportion portionof of the the diffuser. diffuser. InIndependence 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 expansion as dependence on the geometrical on the geometricalconfiguration configurationofofthe theejector, ejector, in in particular particular of of the the convergent-divergent convergent-divergent diffuser, diffuser, a velocityand a velocity andpressure pressure of combined of the the combined fluid by fluid output output by thevia the ejector ejector via the output the output line line can beset. can be set.

5 5 Preferably, Preferably, thethe second second partial partial stream stream constitutes constitutes the the pressurized pressurized propellant propellant fluid fluid supplied supplied

to the to propellant inlet the propellant inlet and and the expandedfirst the expanded first partial partial stream constitutes the stream constitutes the suction suctionfluid fluid supplied supplied totothe thesuction suction inlet inlet of of thethe ejector. ejector. In In this this way, way, uponupon flowing flowing through through the ejector, the ejector, an an 2020213611

expanded refrigerantstream expanded refrigerant stream maymay be provided be provided by merging by merging the compressed the compressed first partial first partial

stream with the stream with theexpanded expanded second second partial partial stream stream in the in the ejector. ejector. Preferably, Preferably, thethe ejector ejector is is

10 10 designed designed and configured and configured suchthe such that thatexpanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream output output by by the ejector the ejector

has has aa medium medium pressure pressure that that is is higherthan higher than a a low low pressure pressure prevailing prevailing in in theexpanded the expanded first first

partial partial stream andthat stream and that is is lower lower than thanananintermediate intermediate or or high high pressure pressure prevailing prevailing in the in the

second partialstream second partial stream or the or the refrigerant refrigerant stream. stream.

Generally, Generally, ininthe thecooling cooling cycle, cycle, thethe expanded expanded first partial first partial streamstream is provided is provided with a sufficient with a sufficient

15 15 low low temperature temperature so as so to as to provide provide sufficient sufficient cooling cooling energy energy for liquefying for liquefying thegasfeed gas the feed

stream. Therefore, stream. Therefore,the thefirst first partial partialstream stream is issubjected subjected to to aa high high pressure drop from pressure drop fromhigh high pressure pressure toto low low pressure pressure to sufficiently to sufficiently decrease decrease the temperature the temperature thereof. thereof. For For reintroducing reintroducing

the expanded the expandedfirstfirst partial partial stream stream into into the the cooling cooling cycle, cycle, i.e. i.e. the refrigerant the refrigerant stream, stream, it is it is subjected to a subjected to a compression. compression.

20 According 20 According to one to one aspect aspect of this of this disclosure, disclosure, the compression the compression of theof the expanded expanded first partial first partial

stream, i.e. from stream, i.e. from low low to tomedium pressure, is medium pressure, is performed bymeans performed by meansof of theejector. the ejector.Compared Compared to conventionally to conventionally used compression used compression devices devices forfor compressing compressing the low-pressure the low-pressure refrigerant refrigerant

stream to aa medium stream to and medium and high high pressure, pressure, theejector the ejectorisis characterized characterizedby byaa simple simpleand andreliable reliable design whichisis free design which free of of movable parts. Specifically, movable parts. Specifically, ininthe theknown known methods andsystems methods and systemsforfor

25 liquefying 25 liquefying hydrogen, hydrogen, mechanically mechanically or electrically or electrically driven driven compressors compressors are used, are used, e.g. e.g. rotary rotary

or or reciprocating reciprocatingdriven drivencompressors. compressors.Such Such compressors, compressors, however, however, are are expensive expensive and and require require costly costly and and time-consuming maintenance. time-consuming maintenance. This This applies applies in in particularwhen particular when hydrogen hydrogen

as as aa refrigerant refrigerantmedium medium in the in the cooling cooling cyclecycle is which is used used may which mayanrequire require oil freean oil free operation operation

of the of correspondingcompressors. the corresponding compressors. Further, Further, such such compressors compressors are typically are typically operated operated at at 30 ambient 30 ambient temperature temperature conditions, conditions, i.e. i.e. outside outside a so-called a so-called cold cold boxbox of of gasgas liquefactionplants, liquefaction plants, therebyrequiring thereby requiring additional additional passage-lines, passage-lines, such such as as lines return returnorlines or passage-lines passage-lines in the heatin the heat exchangers. exchangers.

Thus, by Thus, by using usingan anejector ejectorfor for compressing compressingthe thelow lowpressure pressure expanded expanded firstfirst partialstream, partial stream, a cost-optimizedcooling a cost-optimized coolingmethod method can can be provided. be provided. Specifically, Specifically, as theasejector the ejector is lessis less

35 expansive 35 expansive to purchase to purchase and maintain, and maintain, the present the present systemsystem contributes contributes to solving to solving the trade- the trade-

4 off off between operationalandand capital expenditures when when designing industrial hydrogen 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 between operational capital expenditures designing industrial hydrogen liquefaction plants. liquefaction plants.

Specifically, Specifically,the the proposed coolingmethod proposed cooling methodmay may be for be used used for liquefying liquefying hydrogen hydrogen in an in an industrial hydrogen industrial hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plant. plant. SuchSuch industrial industrial hydrogen hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plant preferably plant preferably

5 5 comprises comprises a hydrogen a hydrogen cooling cooling and liquefaction and liquefaction unit, unit, to which to which a hydrogen a hydrogen feedstream feed gas gas stream is is supplied supplied with with aa typical typicalfeed feedpressure pressure between 15bar between 15 barand and3030bar. bar.Upon Upon flowing flowing through through

the hydrogen the hydrogencooling coolingandand liquefaction liquefaction unit,the unit, thehydrogen hydrogen feedfeed gas gas stream stream is preferably is preferably 2020213611

cooled and cooled and thereby thereby liquefied liquefied sotoasgenerate so as to generate a liquid a liquid product product stream. stream. Thereafter, Thereafter, the liquidthe liquid

product streammay product stream maybebe guided guided towards towards a storage a storage tanktank for for storing storing the the liquefiedhydrogen liquefied hydrogenat at

10 10 a desired a desired storage storage pressure, pressure, e.g.e.g. 1, 11,bar, 1 bar, andand a desired a desired storage storage temperature, temperature, e.g.e.g. 20 20 K. K.

Further, Further, the the industrial industrialhydrogen liquefaction plant hydrogen liquefaction plant preferably preferably comprises comprises aa cooling coolingsystem system having the cooling having the cooling cycle, cycle, in in which which the the proposed coolingmethod proposed cooling methodisisperformed performedandand which which is is

thermallycoupled thermally coupled to the to the hydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and liquefaction and liquefaction unit for unit for providing providing cooling cooling energy energy for liquefying for liquefying the the feed feed gas gas stream flowingthrough stream flowing throughthe thehydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling andand liquefaction liquefaction

15 unit. 15 unit. This This thermal thermal coupling coupling is ispreferably preferablyrealized realizedby bymeans meansof of atatleast leastaa first first heat heatexchanger exchanger

configured to transfer configured to transfer cooling cooling energy energyfrom from thethe expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream circulating circulating

through the through the cooling coolingcycle cycletotothe thefeed feedgas gasstream stream to to be be cooled, cooled, which which flowsflows through through the the hydrogen cooling hydrogen cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction unit. unit. Specifically, Specifically, by transferring by transferring coolingcooling energy energy from the from the

expanded first partial expanded first partial stream stream to to the thefeed feed gas gas stream to be stream to be cooled, cooled, particularly particularlyby bymeans of means of

20 20 the the firstheat first heatexchanger, exchanger, thethe cooling cooling method method is intended is intended to cool to cool the the feedfeed gas stream gas stream to a to a

temperaturebelow temperature below a critical temperature a critical temperatureofofhydrogen hydrogenso so as provide as to to provide the the liquid liquid product product

stream comprisinghydrogen. stream comprising hydrogen.

Thecooling The coolingcycle cyclefor for generating generating cooling coolingenergy energyfor forthe thehydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction

unit unit is is preferably provided inin form preferably provided formofofthethecooling cooling cycle cycle having having the refrigerant the refrigerant stream stream

25 comprising 25 comprising hydrogen. hydrogen. The cooling The cooling cyclecycle is preferably is preferably provided provided as a as a closed closed cooling cooling cycle, cycle, in in

which the which therefrigerant refrigerant circulates. circulates. For For providing providingthe theclosed closed cooling cooling cycle, cycle, thethe expanded expanded

refrigerant refrigerant stream, stream, which is provided which is by merging provided by mergingthe thecompressed compressed first first partialstream partial stream with with

the expanded the expandedsecond second partial partial stream stream in in thethe ejector,may ejector, may be be guided guided through through a compressor a compressor

unit unit so so as as to to compress theexpanded compress the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream to to a high a high pressure pressure level, level, thereby thereby

30 providingthetherefrigerant 30 providing refrigerant stream. stream. The Thecompressor compressor unitmaymay unit comprise comprise onemore one or or more compressor devices, compressor devices, e.g.piston e.g. pistoncompressors, compressors, for for compressing compressing the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant

stream depending stream depending onon theintended the intended pressure pressure change. change. ForFor example, example, the the compressor compressor unit unit may may

comprise at least comprise at least one, preferably two one, preferably piston compressors. two piston However, compressors. However, thethe proposed proposed method method

is is not not limited limitedthereto. thereto.Rather, Rather,the thecooling coolingcycle cyclemay may also also be be provided as an provided as anopen opencooling cooling 35 cycle. 35 cycle.

5

Themethod method may further comprise a step of guiding the the expanded refrigerant stream and 02 Jun 2025

2025 The may further comprise a step of guiding expanded refrigerant stream and

the first the first partial partialstream stream such that heat such that heat is is transferred transferred between betweenthethe expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant

2020213611 02 Jun stream andthe stream and thefirst first partial partial stream. This may stream. This maybebe achieved achieved by abysecond a second heat exchanger heat exchanger

configured configured toto transfer transfer cooling cooling energy energy from from the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream tostream to partial the first the first partial 5 5 stream. stream. In aInfurther a further development, development, the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and the the first first partial partial stream maybebe stream may guided guided such such thatthat cooling cooling energy energy is further is further transferred transferred from from the the expanded expanded

refrigerant stream refrigerant stream and/or and/or the the first first partial partial stream stream to feed to the the feed gas stream gas stream flowingthe flowing through through the 2020213611

hydrogen coolingandand hydrogen cooling liquefaction liquefaction unit.Specifically, unit. Specifically,this this may maybe be realized realized by thermally by thermally

coupling the feed coupling the feedgas gasstream stream to to thethe expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and/or and/or the first the first partial partial

10 stream 10 stream particularly particularly by by means means of second of the the second heat exchanger. heat exchanger. In otherInwords, other the words, the second second

heat exchangermay heat exchanger may be be provided provided suchsuch that that eacheach of first of the the first partialstream, partial stream, the the expanded expanded

refrigerant refrigerant stream andthe stream and thefeed feedgasgas stream stream flowflow therethrough. therethrough. In this In this way, way, the cooling the cooling

method providesrefrigeration method provides refrigeration at at different different temperature levels, thereby temperature levels, thereby improving an overall improving an overall efficiency efficiency of of the the cooling cooling method asaasuccessive method as successive cooling cooling of of thefeed the feed gas gas stream stream may may be be 15 provided. 15 provided.

In In the further development, the further thesecond development, the second partial partial stream stream may may be be partially partially expanded expanded and and therebycooled thereby cooledin in a second a second expansion expansion device device prior toprior beingtoguided beingorguided orto supplied supplied to the the ejector, ejector, i.e. i.e. to toits itspropellant propellant inlet. inlet.InInthis way, this way,an an expanded second expanded second partial partial stream stream may be may be generated generated

having an intermediate having an intermediatepressure pressurethat thatisis higher higher than than the the medium medium pressure. pressure. Specifically,the Specifically, the 20 second 20 second expansion expansion device device may may comprise comprise a Joule-Thomson-valve a Joule-Thomson-valve and/orand/or an expansion an expansion turbine. The turbine. expansionturbine The expansion turbinemaymay be capable be capable or designed or designed to generate to generate mechanical mechanical or or electrical electricalenergy energy upon expansionofofthe upon expansion thesecond second partialstream, partial stream, e.g.byby e.g. means means of aofbrake a brake wheel, in wheel, in order order to to provide provide energy energyrecovery. recovery.For Forexample, example, the the expansion expansion turbine turbine may may be be designedtoto drive designed drive the the compressor unit for compressor unit for compressing theexpanded compressing the expanded refrigerantstream. refrigerant stream. ToTo

25 25 thatthat end, end, thethe generated generated electrical electrical energy energy may may be supplied be supplied to a to a power power gridmay grid or or be may be used used

elsewhere. Further, for elsewhere. Further, for control control purposes, purposes, aa bypass bypassline line may maybebeprovided provided through through which which at at

least least aa part part of ofthe thesecond second partial partialstream stream is is guided, guided, and and which is configured which is for bypassing configured for bypassing

the second the secondexpansion expansion device device andand guiding guiding the the second second partial partial stream stream flowing flowing therethrough therethrough

into into the ejector, i.e. the ejector, i.e. directly directly into into the the ejector. ejector.

30 Additionally, 30 Additionally, or alternatively, or alternatively, the refrigerant the refrigerant stream stream may be may be further further divided divided into into at least oneat least one

third partial third partial stream. stream.Specifically, Specifically, thethe refrigerant refrigerant stream stream may be may beinto divided divided into the the first, the first, the second andthe second and theatatleast least one onethird third partial partial stream stream after afterpassing passing the the different differentheat heatexchanger exchanger

having differenttemperature having different temperature levels, levels, respectively. respectively. In other In other words,words, the refrigerant the refrigerant forming the forming the

respective partialstream respective partial stream is branched is branched off the off from from the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream at at different different positions, positions,

35 at which 35 at which the refrigerant the refrigerant has different has different temperatures. temperatures. Accordingly, Accordingly, the first the first partial partial stream, the stream, the

second partial stream second partial streamand and thethe at at least least oneone third third partial partial stream, stream, respectively, respectively, comprise comprise

6 different temperature temperature levels. In this way, way, multi-level refrigeration at different temperature 02 Jun 2025 02 Jun 2025 different levels. In this multi-level refrigeration at different temperature levels canbebeprovided, levels can provided, thereby thereby further further contributing contributing to an improved to an improved overall efficiency overall efficiency of the of the cooling method. cooling method.This Thismaymay be realized be realized bymethod by the the method further further comprising comprising the stepsthe of steps of expanding theatatleast expanding the least one onethird third partial partial stream stream in in at atleast leastone one third thirdexpansion expansion device, device, and and

5 guiding 5 guiding the the at at least least one expanded one expanded third stream, third partial partial stream, the first the first stream partial partialand stream and the second the second

partial partial stream such stream such that that heat heat is transferred, is transferred, particularly particularly by means by means of atoneleast of at least one third heatthird heat

exchanger, between exchanger, between thethe at at leastone least oneexpanded expanded third third partialstream, partial stream, the the first partial first partial stream stream 2020213611

2020213611

and the and the second secondpartial partial stream. stream.

In In a a further development, further development, the the first first partial partial stream, stream, the second the second partialpartial stream stream and and the at the at least least

10 10 oneone expanded expanded third third partialstream partial streammay may be be guided guided such such that that coolingenergy cooling energy is isfurther further transferredfrom transferred from thethe first first partial partial stream, stream, the the second second partialpartial stream stream and/or and/or the theone at least at least one expanded thirdpartial expanded third partial stream to the stream to the feed feed gas streamflowing gas stream flowing through throughthe thehydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling

andliquefaction and liquefaction unit.Specifically, unit. Specifically, this this maymay be realized be realized by thermally by thermally coupling coupling the the feed gas feed gas stream stream totothe thefirst first partial partial stream, stream,the thesecond second partial partial stream stream and/or and/or the atthe at least least one expanded one expanded

15 third 15 third partialstream partial stream particularlyby particularly bymeans meansof of theatatleast the leastone onethird third heat heatexchanger. exchanger.InInother other words, the words, the at at least least one one third thirdheat heatexchanger exchanger may beprovided may be providedsuch such thateach that eachofofthe theatat least least one expanded one expanded third third partialstream, partial stream,the thefirst first partial partial stream andthe stream and thefeed feedgas gas stream stream flowflow

therethrough. therethrough. Specifically, Specifically, thethe at at least least oneone expanded expanded third partial third partial stream stream maytobe may be feed thefeed to the expandedrefrigerant expanded refrigerantstream, stream,e.g. e.g.downstream downstream of the of the at least at least one one thirdthird heatheat exchanger. exchanger.

20 According 20 According to the to the present present disclosure, disclosure, thethe terms terms "downstream" "downstream" and "upstream" and "upstream" refer refer to a flow to a flow

direction of direction of the the respective respective stream through the stream through the passages passagesof of thecooling the coolingcycle cycleororhydrogen hydrogen coolingand cooling and liquefaction liquefaction unit. unit.

Further, Further, the the at at least least one one third third expansion devicemay expansion device maybebe provided provided in form in form of at of at least least oneone

further expansion further turbine. According expansion turbine. to the According to the above describedexpansion above described expansion turbine,also turbine, alsothe theatat 25 least 25 least oneone further further expansion expansion turbine turbine maymay be capable be capable or designed or designed to generate to generate mechanical mechanical or or electrical energy electrical energy upon expansionofofthe upon expansion theatat least least one one third third partial partialstream, stream, e.g. e.g.by bymeans of means of

a brake a wheel, in brake wheel, in order order to to provide provide energy recovery. energy recovery.

Additionally,ororalternatively, Additionally, alternatively,thethe expanded expanded first partial first partial streamstream is into is guided guided a gasinto a gas liquid liquid separator arranged separator arrangeddownstream downstream of the of the firstexpansion first expansion device device and and configured configured to store to store the the 30 refrigerant 30 refrigerant in in a liquidand a liquid and gaseous gaseous phase, phase, wherein wherein the expanded the expanded first partial first partial streamstream in a in a

liquid liquid phase phase isisguided guided from from the the separator separator to theto the suction suction inlet ofinlet the of the ejector. ejector.

In In a a further further development, the cooling development, the cooling system systemofofthe theindustrial industrial hydrogen hydrogenliquefaction liquefactionplant plant may further comprise may further comprise aaclosed closedprecooling precoolingcycle cycleconfigured configuredtoto precool precoolthe the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream

and/or the and/or the feed feedgas gas stream. stream. Accordingly, Accordingly, the the cooling cooling method method may comprise may comprise a step ofa step of 35 precooling 35 precooling the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream by means by means of a closed of a closed precooling precooling cycle having cycle having a further a further

7 refrigerant refrigerant stream comprisingororconsisting consistingofofnitrogen, nitrogen,wherein whereinin in particularthe thefurther further 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 stream comprising particular refrigerant refrigerant stream is expanded stream is expanded inina afourth fourthexpansion expansion device device prior prior to to being being supplied supplied to a to a fourth heat fourth heat exchanger exchangerfor for transferring transferring cooling cooling energy energy to thetorefrigerant the refrigerant stream stream and and particularly to the particularly to the feed feedgas gas stream. stream.

5 5 Furthermore, Furthermore, a cooling a cooling system system used used for liquefying for liquefying the feed the feed gas stream gas stream is provided, is provided, which which

may may bebe used used in the in the above above described described industrial industrial hydrogenhydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plant. Specifically, plant. Specifically, the the cooling cooling system maybebeprovided system may provided to to perform perform the the above above described described cooling cooling method. method. Thus, Thus, the the 2020213611

technical features technical previously described features previously describedinin connection connectionwith withthe themethod methodmaymay alsoalso apply apply to to the cooling the cooling system. In other system. In other word thesefeatures word these featuresare arealso alsodisclosed disclosedinin connection connectionwith withthe the 10 coolingsystem. 10 cooling system.

Thecooling The coolingsystem systemhashas a cooling a cooling circuitwith circuit withthe therefrigerant refrigerant stream streamcirculating circulating through throughaa refrigerant refrigerant line. line.Specifically, Specifically,the thecooling coolingcircuit circuitfurther comprises further comprises an an expansion device expansion device

configured to expand configured to expand a firstpartial a first partialstream stream flowing flowing through through a first a first junction junction lineline which which

branches off from branches off from the the refrigerant refrigerant line lineand and aa heat heat exchanger for transferring exchanger for transferring cooling cooling energy energy

15 from 15 from the the expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream to to thethe feed feed gasgas stream stream to be to be cooled. cooled. In other In other words, words,

in in the the heat exchanger,heat heat exchanger, heatisistransferred transferredfrom fromthe thefeed feedgas gas stream stream to cooled to be be cooled to the to the

expanded first expanded first partialstream. partial stream. The The cooling cooling systemsystem is characterized is characterized in cooling in that the that thecircuit cooling circuit further comprises further anejector comprises an ejector located located after after the the heat heat exchanger, the ejector exchanger, the ejector having a suction having a suction inlet inlet connected connected to to the the firstjunction first junction lineforforreceiving line receiving thethe expanded expanded first partial first partial streamstream and a and a

20 propellant 20 propellant inletconnected inlet connected to to a second a second junction junction line line which which branches branches off off fromfrom the the refrigerant refrigerant

line line for for receiving receiving a secondpartial a second partialstream, stream,wherein wherein the the ejector ejector is configured is configured to, upon to, upon

expanding thesecond expanding the second partial partial stream stream in the in the ejector, ejector, compress compress the expanded the expanded first partial first partial

stream andmerge stream and mergeit itwith withthe the expanded expanded second second partial partial stream. stream.

As described As describedabove, above,the thefeed feedgas gasstream streamtotobebecooled cooledmay may comprise comprise oneone or more or more cryogenic cryogenic

25 gases. 25 gases. Specifically, Specifically, thethefeed feedgas gas stream stream to to bebe cooled cooled maymay comprise comprise hydrogen. hydrogen. Alternatively, Alternatively,

or or additionally, additionally, the feed the gas feed stream gas streammay may comprise helium. Further, comprise helium. Further, the the feed feed gas gas stream stream may may

comprise oxygen comprise oxygen andand or or other other cryogenic cryogenic gases. gases. Further, Further, the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream may may also also

comprise oneorormore comprise one more cryogenic cryogenic 9 9

gases. Specifically, the gases. Specifically, refrigerant stream the refrigerant may stream may comprise comprise hydrogen hydrogen or helium or helium or neon. or neon.

30 Alternatively,ororadditionally, 30 Alternatively, additionally, the the refrigerant refrigerantstream stream may comprisea amixture may comprise mixtureofofgases, gases,i.e. i.e. aa mixture of the mixture of the previously previously mentioned gases,e.g. mentioned gases, e.g.aa mixture mixtureof of neon neonand andhelium. helium.

Theheat The heatexchanger exchangermaymay be configured be configured to transfer to transfer cooling cooling energy energy fromfrom the the expanded expanded first first partial partialstream stream to tothe thefeed feedgas gas stream stream to to be be cooled suchthat cooled such that the the feed gas stream feed gas streamisis cooled cooled to a to temperature a temperature below below its critical its critical temperature temperature so as so to as to provide provide a liquida product liquid product stream. stream. The The 35 cooling 35 cooling maymay be performed be performed in such in such a way athat wayathat a two-phase two-phase region region is reached is reached by isenthalpic by isenthalpic

8 expansion. Morespecifically, specifically, the the cooling cooling may be performed performedinin such suchaaway waythat thatthe thefeed feedgas gas 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 expansion. More may be stream, after isenthalpic stream, after isenthalpic expansion into the expansion into the product storagetank, product storage tank, may maybebe provided provided in in the the form of form of a a subcooled orat subcooled or at least least saturated liquid. For saturated liquid. Forexample, example, in in case case the the feed feed gas stream gas stream comprises hydrogen, comprises hydrogen, thefeed the feedgas gas stream stream maymay be cooled be cooled to a to a temperature temperature of atofleast at least 33 33 K. K.

5 5 TheThe temperature temperature of of 33 33 K may K may be critical be the the criticalpoint point of of the the feed feed gas gas stream stream comprising comprising hydrogen. Thus,ininorder hydrogen. Thus, orderto to have havephase phaseseparation, separation,the thefeed feedgas gas stream stream maymay be cooled be cooled to to

a a temperature below3333K.K. temperature below 2020213611

Thecooling The coolingsystem systemmaymay further further comprise comprise a compressor a compressor and/orand/or ejector ejector unit configured unit configured to to compress compress anan expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream output output by by thethe ejector ejector andand formed formed by merging by merging the the

10 10 compressed compressed first first partial partial stream stream withwith the the expanded expanded second second partial partial streamstream so as so to as to provide provide

the refrigerant the refrigerantstream, stream, and and wherein the compressor wherein the compressor and/or and/or ejectorunit ejector unittakes takesboth bothstreams streams back to at back to at least least one one compressor device,e.g. compressor device, e.g.piston pistoncompressor, compressor,inincase case the the cooling cooling cycle cycle

is is a a closed cooling closed cooling cycle. cycle.

A second A secondheat heatexchanger exchanger may may be provided be provided which which is configured is configured to transfer to transfer heat between heat between

15 15 the the expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream andfirst and the the first partial partial stream stream and and particularly particularly the the feedfeed gas gas

stream. stream.

The cooling The cooling system system may mayfurther further comprise comprisea asecond secondexpansion expansion device,particularly device, particularly a a Joule-Thomson-valve and/or Joule-Thomson-valve and/or an an expansion expansion turbine, turbine, arranged arranged upstream upstream of theofejector. the ejector. The The

second expansion second expansion device device maymay be configured be configured to partially to partially expand expand the the second second partial partial stream stream

20 flowing 20 flowing through through the the second second junction junction line. line. In In a furtherdevelopment, a further development,thethe cooling cooling system system may may

comprise comprise at at least least oneone third third expansion expansion devicedevice configured configured to expand to atexpand least oneatthird leastpartial one third partial stream flowing stream flowing through through at least at least one one thirdthird junction junction line line whichwhich branches branches off fromoff thefrom the refrigerant refrigerant

line line at atdifferent differenttemperature temperature levels. levels.InIn addition, at at addition, least oneone least third heat third exchanger heat exchangermay may be be

provided for transferring provided for transferring heat heat between theat between the at least least one one expanded expanded thirdpartial third partial stream streamand and 25 the first 25 the first partial partial stream stream and particularly and particularly thegas the feed feed gas stream. stream. Further, Further, at at least least one supplyone linesupply line

may bearranged may be arranged downstream downstream of at of the theleast at least one one thirdthird heatheat exchanger exchanger for feeding for feeding the atthe at

least least one one expanded thirdpartial expanded third partial stream to the stream to the expanded refrigerant stream. expanded refrigerant stream.

Alternatively, or Alternatively, or additionally, additionally,the thecooling coolingsystem system may may further further comprise comprise a gasseparator a gas liquid liquid separator arranged downstream arranged downstream of theof the first first expansion expansion device device and and configured configured to receive to receive the the first partial first partial

30 stream 30 stream and and to store to store the the refrigerant refrigerant of of thefirst the first partial partial stream stream in inaaliquid and liquid andgaseous gaseous phase. phase.

An ejector An ejector supply supplyline line may maybebeprovided provided forfor guiding guiding the the expanded expanded first first partialstream partial stream in in a a liquid liquid phase from phase from thethe separator separator tosuction to the the suction inlet inlet of theof the ejector. ejector. Prior Prior to to supplied being being supplied to to the ejector, the ejector,the theliquid feed liquid gas feed gasstream streammay may be evaporated.InIn the be evaporated. the further further development, the development, the

cooling system cooling system maymay further further comprise comprise a closed a closed precooling precooling cycle for cycle for precooling precooling the refrigerant the refrigerant

35 stream 35 stream of the of the cooling cooling cycle, cycle, wherein wherein the closed the closed precooling precooling cyclecycle has ahas a further further refrigerant refrigerant

9 stream comprisingororconsisting consistingofofnitrogen, nitrogen,aafourth fourth expansion expansiondevice device forfor expanding thethe 02 Jun 2025 02 Jun 2025 stream comprising expanding further refrigerant further refrigerantstream, stream,and andaafourth fourthheat heatexchanger exchanger configured configured to to transfer transferheat heatbetween between the expanded the expanded further further refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and particularly particularly the feed the feed gas stream. gas stream.

5 5 Brief Brief description description ofof thedrawings the drawings

Thepresent The presentdisclosure disclosure willbebe will more more readily readily appreciated appreciated by reference by reference to theto the following following 2020213611

detailed detailed description description when beingconsidered consideredininconnection connectionwith withthe theaccompanying accompanying drawings 2020213611

when being drawings

in in which: which:

Figure Figure 11 is is a schematicthermodynamic a schematic thermodynamic process process diagram diagram illustrating illustrating an industrial an industrial

10 10 hydrogen liquefactionplant hydrogen liquefaction plantwith witha acooling cooling system system which which uses uses a cooling a cooling

method accordingtotoananembodiment method according embodiment of the of the present present system system and and method: method: and and

Figure 2 Figure 2 is is a schematic thermodynamic a schematic thermodynamicprocess process diagram diagram illustrating a afurther illustrating further industrial industrialhydrogen liquefaction plant hydrogen liquefaction plant with withaacooling coolingsystem system which usesthe which uses the cooling methodaccording cooling method according to to a furtherembodiment a further embodiment of present of the the present system system

15 15 and and method. method.

Detailed Detailed description description of of preferred preferred embodiments embodiments

In In the the following, following,the thesystem system and methodwill and method will be beexplained explainedininmore moredetail detailwith withreference referencetoto the accompanying the figures.InInthe accompanying figures. thefigures, figures, like like elements are denoted elements are denotedbybyidentical identical reference reference 20 numerals 20 numerals and repeated and repeated description description thereof thereof may may be be omitted omitted in order in order to avoid to avoid redundancies. redundancies.

Figure Figure 11 illustrates illustrates aa process processdesign design forfor an an industrial industrial hydrogen hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plantplant for for

hydrogen liquefaction on hydrogen liquefaction onaa large-scale. large-scale. The Thedepicted depictedindustrial industrial hydrogen liquefaction plant hydrogen liquefaction plant comprises comprises a ahydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction unitunit 10, 10, to which to which a feed a feed gas stream gas stream 12 12 comprising hydrogen isis supplied. comprising hydrogen supplied. Upon Uponflowing flowingthrough throughthe thehydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling andand

25 liquefaction 25 liquefaction unit10, unit 10,the thehydrogen hydrogen feed feed gasgas stream stream 12 cooled 12 is is cooled and and thereby thereby liquefied liquefied so so as as

to generate to generate aa liquid liquid product product stream 14. stream 14.

In In order to provide order to providecooling cooling energy energy for cooling for cooling and liquefaction and liquefaction of the hydrogen of the hydrogen gas stream,gas stream,

the industrial the industrial hydrogen liquefaction plant hydrogen liquefaction plantisis thermally thermallycoupled coupledto to a cooling a cooling system system 16 16 comprising comprising a aprecooling precoolingcycle cycle 18 18 and and a main a main cooling cooling cycle cycle 20 inofform 20 in form of closed-loop closed-loop

30 refrigeration 30 refrigeration cycles.The cycles. The precooling precooling cycle1818 cycle and and the the main main cooling cooling cycle cycle 2020 may may be be provided provided

in in one or two one or two separate separatevacuum vacuum insulated insulated cold-box cold-box vessels. vessels. In the In the embodiment embodiment shown shown in in figure 1, figure 1, the thecooling coolingsystem system comprises comprises a aprecooling precoolingcold-box cold-box2222 and and a main a main cooling cooling cold- cold-

box 24. box 24.

10

At first, first, the the main coolingcycle cycle 20 20 is described in more detail.detail. In the In thecooling main cooling cycle 20,cycle 20, 02 Jun 2025 02 Jun 2025 At main cooling is described in more main

a refrigerant comprising a refrigerant comprisinga acryogenic cryogenic suitable suitable gas,gas, i. hydrogen, i. e. e. hydrogen, circulates, circulates, thereby thereby

successively passing successively passinga compressor a compressor unit unit 26, precooling 26, the the precooling cold-box cold-box 22 and 22 the and main the main cooling cold-box24. cooling cold-box 24.Prior Priorto to entering entering the the precooling precooling cold-box cold-box 22,refrigerant 22, the the refrigerant is is 5 5 compressed compressed to high to high pressure, pressure, thereby thereby providing providing a refrigerant a refrigerant stream stream 28 flowing 28 flowing through through a a refrigerant line 30 refrigerant line 30with witha apressure pressure typically typically below below 30e.g. 30 bar, bar,10e.g. bar,10 butbar, may but alsomay have also a have a pressure upto pressure up to 70 70 bar bar or or at at least least 25 25 bar bar and particularly with and particularly withan anambient ambient temperature, e.g. temperature, e.g. 2020213611

2020213611

303 K. In 303 K. In general, general, proper proper operation operation may beensured may be ensuredasassoon soon as as the the refrigerantisis refrigerant compressed compressed toto a alevel levelallowing allowing for for enough enthalpyremoval enough enthalpy removalininthe thefurther further process. In some process. In some

10 10 configurations, configurations, this this may may be be achieved achieved at aatpressure a pressure level level of of 10 10 bar. bar. TheThe higher higher thethe pressure pressure

level level of of the the refrigerant, the higher refrigerant, the higherthe theheat heat removal removal in the in the turbine, turbine, buttheatsame but at the same time, heat time, heat

exchangers exchangers growgrow in thickness, in thickness, which which maytheir may affect affect their efficiency. efficiency.

Thereafter,the Thereafter, therefrigerant refrigerant stream stream 28guided 28 is is guided through through the precooling the precooling cold-box cold-box 22, 22, where it where it is is precooled to aa lower precooled to lower precooling temperatureof, precooling temperature of, e.g. e.g. at at most 100Kand most 100 Kandpreferably preferably8080 K.K.

15 Also, 15 Also, thethe precooling precooling temperature temperature may may be beK,115 115 forK, for example, example, when when the the cooling cooling energy for energy for

precooling the refrigerant precooling the refrigerant stream stream 28 28 is is provided provided by by means means ofofaaliquid liquid natural natural gas gas (LNG) as (LNG) as

a cooling fluid. a cooling fluid. IfIftemperature of the temperature of the refrigerant refrigerant is is kept above8080Kand kept above Kand the the refrigerant refrigerant

comprises hydrogen, comprises hydrogen, then then additional additional effort effort maymay be required be required forpurification for the the purification of the of the

hydrogen prior hydrogen prior to to entering entering intointo the the cold-box cold-box 24, impurities 24, since since impurities may may freeze outfreeze in the out heatin the heat

20 exchanger. 20 exchanger.

Upon flowing Upon flowing through through the main the main cooling cooling cold-box cold-box 24, the refrigerant 24, the refrigerant stream 28 stream 28 into is divided is divided into a first partial a first partial stream 32flowing stream 32 flowing through through a first a first junction junction line line 34aand 34 and a second second partial stream partial stream

36 flowingthrough 36 flowing through a second a second junction junction line 38.line 38.first In the In the first junction junction linefirst line 34, the 34, partial the first partial stream 32is stream 32 is expanded expanded ininaafirst first expansion device 40, expansion device 40, i.e. i.e. through throughaaJoule-Thomson throttle Joule-Thomson throttle

25 valve, 25 valve, andand thereby thereby cooled. cooled. In this In this way, way, thehigh the highpressure pressure first partial first partial stream stream 32 32 is isprocessed processed

so as to so as to generate generate aa low low pressure pressureexpanded expanded firstpartial first partial stream streamwith with aa pressure pressureparticularly particularly between between 1,1,11bar bartoto 88 bar bar and anda atemperature temperature sufficiently low sufficiently lowto to ensure ensureaaproper propercooling coolingofof the feed the gas stream feed gas stream12, 12,e.g. e.g. between between2020 Kand Kand 24 Thereafter, 24 K. K. Thereafter, thethe expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial

stream is supplied stream is to aa gas supplied to gas liquid liquidseparator separator 44 44 arranged downstream arranged downstream of of thefirst the first expansion expansion

30 device 30 device 40 and 40 and configured configured to store to store the refrigerant the refrigerant in liquid in a a liquidand and gaseous gaseous phase. phase. From From the the

separator 44, separator 44, a liquidexpanded a liquid expanded first first partial partial stream stream 42,the 42, i.e. i.e.expanded the expanded first partial first partial stream stream

32 comprisinghydrogen 32 comprising hydrogeninina aliquid liquid phase, phase,is is guided guidedthrough throughaafirst first heat heat exchanger 46. exchanger 46.

Specifically, Specifically,the thefirst heat first exchanger heat exchanger46 46 is isprovided provided in in form form of of aa plate-fin plate-finheat heatexchanger exchanger

through which through whichboth boththe thefeed feedgas gasstream stream 12 12 andand the the expanded expanded first first partial partial stream stream 42 its 42 in in its 35 liquid 35 liquid phase phase are are guided. guided. Accordingly, Accordingly, the the first first heat heat exchanger exchanger 46configured 46 is is configured to transfer to transfer

cooling energyfrom cooling energy fromthe theexpanded expanded firstpartial first partial stream stream4242totothe thefeed feedgas gasstream stream 12 12 to to be be

11 cooled. Morespecifically, specifically, cooling cooling energy energyisistransferred transferredfrom from thethe expanded first first partial 02 Jun 2025

2025 cooled. More expanded partial

stream 42totothe stream 42 thefeed feedgasgas stream stream 12 such 12 such that feed that the the feed gas stream gas stream 12 is to 12 is cooled cooled a to a 2020213611 02 Jun temperaturebelow temperature below the the critical temperature critical temperatureofofhydrogen, hydrogen, particularlybelow particularly below24 24 K, K, thereby thereby

ensuring that the ensuring that theliquid liquid product productstream stream 14 output 14 is is output from from the hydrogen the hydrogen cooling cooling and and 5 5 liquefaction liquefaction unit10. unit 10.AtAtthe thesame same time, time, heat heat of reaction of reaction from from the the ortho ortho parapara conversion conversion is is removed removed ininpreferably preferablyevery everyheat heatexchanger exchanger passage passage of liquefaction of the the liquefaction unitunit 10 10 following following

the absorber the absorber104.In 104.lnaafurther further development, development, the the ortho ortho para para conversion conversion may may be integrated be integrated 2020213611

into into the the absorber absorber 104. 104.

In In the the main coolingcycle main cooling cycle20, 20,the thecooling coolingsystem system 16 comprises 16 comprises an ejector an ejector 48 having 48 having a a 10 10 propellant propellant inletand inlet and a suction a suction inlet. After inlet. After passing the first passing the firstheat heatexchanger exchanger 46, 46, the the expanded expanded

first partial first partial stream 42isisguided stream 42 guided to the to the suction suction inlet inlet of theofejector the ejector 48. Further, 48. Further, the the second second partial partial stream 36,after stream 36, afterbeing beingpartially partiallyexpanded expanded in a in a second second expansion expansion device 50device 50

comprising a throttle comprising a throttle valve valve andand an expansion an expansion turbine,turbine, is to is guided guided to the propellant the propellant inlet of the inlet of the

ejector 48.Accordingly, ejector 48. Accordingly,thethe suction suction inletinlet of ejector of the the ejector 48 is 48 is connected connected to the to the first first junction junction

15 line 15 line 34 34 for for receiving receiving thethe expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream 42 the 42 and andpropellant the propellant inlet inlet of the of the

ejector ejector 48 is connected 48 is tothe connected to thesecond second junctionline junction line3838for forreceiving receivinga apartially partially expanded expanded second partialstream second partial stream 52. 52. Additionally, Additionally, for control for control purposes, purposes, the second the second partial36stream partial stream at 36 at least partially may least partially may bebe guided guided directly directly intointo thethe ejector ejector 48bypassing 48 by by bypassing the expansion the second second expansion device 50. Compared device 50. Compared to to theexpanded the expanded firstpartial first partial stream 42, the stream 42, the partially partiallyexpanded expanded second second

20 partial 20 partial stream stream 52 has 52 has an intermediate an intermediate pressure pressure level level that that is higher is higher thanthan the low-pressure the low-pressure

level of the level of expanded the expanded first first partial partial stream stream 42. 42.

In In this thisconfiguration, configuration,the theejector 4848functions ejector functionsasasa apumping device which pumping device whichisis driven drivenby bythe the partially partiallyexpanded secondpartial expanded second partial stream 52 and stream 52 andconfigured configuredtotocompress compress the the expanded expanded first first

partial partial stream 42. More stream 42. More specifically,the specifically, thepartially partially expanded expanded second second partial partial stream stream 52 52 25 constitutes 25 constitutes a propellant a propellant medium medium which, which, upon upon flowing flowing through through the ejector the ejector 48 and48 dueand to due a to a momentum transfer momentum transfer induced induced by the by the geometric geometric configuration configuration of the of the ejector ejector 48,48, compresses compresses

the expanded the first partial expanded first partialstream stream 42 42 which constitutes aa suction which constitutes suction medium. medium.

In In the the following, theconfiguration following, the configurationandand operation operation of ejector of the the ejector 48 is 48 is described described in morein more detail. detail.

Theejector The ejector4848 comprises comprises the propellant the propellant inletreceiving inlet for for receiving the pressurized the pressurized propellantpropellant that is that is 30 supplied 30 supplied to atonozzle, a nozzle, i.e.a alaval i.e. laval nozzle, nozzle, communicating communicating to to a a suctionchamber suction chamber of the of the ejector ejector

48. The 48. ejector further The ejector further comprises thesuction comprises the suctioninlet inlet which whichopens opensinto intothe thesuction suctionchamber chamber and is configured and is to supply configured to the suction supply the suction fluid fluid into intothe thesuction suctionchamber, chamber, wherein the suction wherein the suction

fluid has fluid has aapressure pressure lower lower thanthan a pressure a pressure of the of the propellant propellant fluid supplied fluid supplied to the propellant to the propellant

inlet. inlet.The suctionchamber The suction chamber communicates communicates to outlet to a fluid a fluid of outlet of the ejector the ejector 48 via a48 via a convergent- convergent-

35 divergent 35 divergent diffuser. diffuser.

12

In In operation operation ofof the ejector 48, 48, the the pressurized propellant fluid, thei.e. the partially expandedexpanded 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 the ejector pressurized propellant fluid, i.e. partially

second partialstream second partial stream 52 enters 52 enters the propellant the propellant inlet inlet of theofejector the ejector 48 and48 is and then is then accelerated accelerated

to a to highvelocity a high velocitythrough throughthethe nozzle nozzle whichwhich discharges discharges a high velocity a high velocity jet streamjet ofstream of the fluid the fluid through the through the suction suction chamber chamber intothe into theconvergent-divergent convergent-divergent diffuser.AsAsa aresult, diffuser. result, aa reduced reduced 2020213611 02

5 5 pressure pressure in the in the chamber chamber is generated is generated causing causing a draw a draw in ofinthe of the expanded expanded first first partial partial stream stream

42 which 42 whichisis entrained entrainedbybyand and drawn drawn intointo thethe convergent-divergent convergent-divergent diffuser diffuser withwith the the highhigh

velocity fluid velocity fluidstream. stream.The Thethus thuscombined fluid undergoes combined fluid compression undergoes compression asas ititpasses passesthrough through 2020213611

a convergent a convergent inlet inlet portion portion of the of the diffuser diffuser and, and, thereafter, thereafter, deceleration deceleration and expansion and expansion as it as it passes through passes through the the divergent divergent outletoutlet portion portion of the of the diffuser. diffuser.

10 10 In this In this way, way, upon upon expanding expanding the the partially partially expanded expanded second second partial partial stream stream in the in the ejector ejector 48, 48,

the expanded the first partial expanded first partialstream stream 42 42 is iscompressed andmerged compressed and merged with with thethe expanded expanded second second

partial partialstream, stream, thereby thereby generating generating an an expanded refrigerantstream expanded refrigerant stream5454output outputbybythe theejector ejector 48into 48 intoaarecirculation recirculationline line56. 56.InInthis thisconfiguration, configuration, the the ejector ejector 48 is48 is provided provided such such that thethat the expanded refrigerantstream expanded refrigerant stream5454output outputbybythe theejector ejector4848has hasa amedium medium pressure pressure level level thatthat

15 is higher 15 is higher than than thethe lowlow pressure pressure level level of of theexpanded the expanded firstpartial first partial stream stream4242and andlower lower than than

the intermediate the pressurelevel intermediate pressure level of of the the partially partially expanded expanded second partial stream second partial 52. stream 52.

Further, Further, the the expanded refrigerantstream expanded refrigerant stream54, 54,the thefirst first partial partial stream 32 and stream 32 andthe thefeed feedgas gas stream 12are stream 12 areguided guided through through a second a second heatheat exchanger exchanger 58that 58 such suchheat thatisheat is transferred transferred

therebetween.Specifically, therebetween. Specifically, the the cooling cooling system system1616comprises comprises thethe second second heat heat exchanger exchanger

20 58 form 20 58 in in form a plate-fin a plate-fin heat heat exchanger, exchanger, through through which which the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant streamstream 54, 54, the first the firstpartial partialstream 3232and stream andthe thefeed feedgas gas stream 12 are stream 12 are guided guidedand andwhich which is is configured configured

to transfer to transfercooling coolingenergy energy fromfrom the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream 54 stream 54 to to both the both first the first partial partial stream 32and stream 32 andthe thefeed feedgas gasstream stream 12. 12.

In In the maincooling the main coolingcycle cycle20,20, thethe refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 28further 28 is is further divided, divided, at different at different

25 temperature 25 temperature levels,levels, into a into thirdapartial third partial stream stream 60through 60 flowing flowinga through a third third junction junction line 62 and line 62 and

a fourthpartial a fourth partialstream stream64 64 flowing flowing through through a fourth a fourth at junction at junction line 65. line 65.third In the In the third junction junction

line line 62, 62, aa third thirdexpansion device 66 expansion device 66isis arranged arrangedwhich which is is configured configured to to expand expand the the third third

partial partialstream stream 60 so as 60 so as to to generate generateananexpanded expanded third third partialstream partial stream 68.68. Specifically,the Specifically, the third expansion third device6666comprises, expansion device comprises, forfor example, example, two two expansion expansion turbines turbines connected connected in in 30 series 30 series in in thethe thirdjunction third junction line line 62. 62. In Inan analternative alternativeembodiment, embodiment, the the third thirdexpansion expansion device device

may alsocomprise may also compriseone one or or more more expansion expansion turbines turbines connected connected in series in series and/or and/or in parallel. in parallel.

Theexpanded The expanded thirdpartial third partial stream stream68 68together togetherwith with the the expanded expanded refrigerantstream refrigerant stream54, 54,the the first partial first partialstream 3232together stream togetherwith withthe second the secondpartial partialstream stream36, 36,and andthe thefeed feedgas gas stream stream

12 are guided 12 are guidedthrough througha athird thirdheat heatexchanger exchanger70 70 suchsuch thatthat cooling cooling energy energy is transferred is transferred

35 35 fromfrom the the expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 54 the 54 and andexpanded the expanded first first partial partial stream stream 68the 68 to to the first first

13 partial partialstream stream 32, 32, the the second partial stream 36and andthe thefeed feed gas stream 12. 12. Specifically, 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 second partial stream 36 gas stream Specifically, the expanded the thirdgas expanded third gasstream stream6868 isissupplied suppliedfrom fromthe thethird third expansion expansiondevice device 6666 viaa afirst via first supply line 72 supply line to the 72 to the recirculation recirculation line line56 56downstream downstream ofofthe thethird third heat heat exchanger exchanger70.70. In In otherwords, other words,thethe firstsupply first supply line line 72 72 is configured is configured to feed to feed the expanded the expanded thirdstream third partial partial stream 5 5 68 68 two two the the expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 54 downstream 54 downstream of the of the heat third third exchanger heat exchanger 70. 70.

In In the fourth junction the fourth junctionline line65, 65,a afourth fourth expansion expansion device device 74 is arranged 74 is arranged which is which is configured configured

to expand to thefourth expand the fourth partial partial stream 64 so stream 64 so as asto to provide provide an anexpanded expanded fourth fourth partialstream partial stream 2020213611

76. 76. In In an an alternative alternativeembodiment, the liquefaction embodiment, the liquefaction plant plant10 10 may also comprise may also moreororless comprise more less than four than four junction junction lines, lines, i.e. i.e. depending dependingon on thethe plant plant capacity. capacity. Specifically, Specifically, thethe fourth fourth

10 expansion 10 expansion device device 74 comprises, 74 comprises, for example, for example, two expansion two expansion turbinesturbines connected connected in seriesin series

in in the fourth junction the fourth junctionline line65. 65.Each Each of the of the expansion expansion devicesdevices 50, 66, 50, 74 is66, 74 is configured configured for or for or has the function has the function of ofperforming performing aa gas gas expansion suchthat expansion such that mechanical mechanicallabor laborisis removed removedfrom from the respective the gas stream. respective gas stream.For Fordoing doingso, so,the thedesign designofofeach each expansion expansion device device 50, 50, 66, 66, 74 74 may beadapted may be adaptedto to a capacity a capacity of of the the plant10. plant 10.Thus, Thus, of of course, course, the the configurationofofthese configuration these 15 components 15 components may may differ differ compared compared to present to the the present design design depending depending on the on the specific specific application. application. For For example, eachexpansion example, each expansion device device may may comprise comprise one or one moreorexpansion more expansion turbinesororother turbines otherexpansion expansion unitsunits whichwhich may be may be arranged arranged in series in series and/or and/or in in parallel. parallel.

Theexpanded The expanded fourth fourth partial partial stream stream 76, 76, the thepartial first first partial streamstream 32, the32, the partial second secondstream partial stream 36, 36, the the third thirdpartial partialstream 60,60, stream thethe expanded expandedrefrigerant refrigerantstream stream54 54and and the thefeed feedgas gas stream stream

20 20 12 12 areare guided guided through through a fourth a fourth heat heat exchanger exchanger 78.78. TheThe fourth fourth heat heat exchanger exchanger 78 78 is is configured to transfer configured to transfer cooling coolingenergy energyfrom from thethe expanded expanded fourthfourth partial partial stream stream 76, the 76, the

expanded third expanded third partial partial stream stream 68the 68 and andexpanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 54 to 54 to the first to the first to third third

partial partial streams 32, 36, streams 32, 36, 60 60and andthethe feed feed gasgas stream stream 12. Specifically, 12. Specifically, thisthis is realized is realized by by

supplying the supplying the expanded expandedfourth fourthpartial partial stream 76via stream 76 via aa second secondsupply supplyline line 80 80 from fromthe the fourth fourth 25 expansion 25 expansion device device 74 to74 to recirculation the the recirculation lineline 56 56 downstream downstream of theoffourth the fourth heat heat exchanger exchanger

78. In other 78. In other words, the second words, the secondsupply supply line8080 line is is configured configured to to feed feed thethe expanded expanded fourth fourth

partial partial stream 76 to stream 76 to the the expanded expanded refrigerantstream refrigerant stream 54 54 downstream downstream of theoffourth the fourth heat heat

exchanger 78. exchanger 78.

Therecirculation The recirculation line line56 56isisconfigured configuredtoto guide guidethe expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerantstream stream 54 54 and the and the

30 expanded 30 expanded thirdthird and and fourth fourth partial partial streams streams 68,68, 76 76 to to thecompressor the compressor unit unit 26.26. TheThe compressor compressor

unit unit 26 26 comprises comprises aa piston piston compressor compressorsystem system 82 82 which which is configured is configured to,to, upon upon being being flown flown

through with through withthe thefluid fluidstream stream flowing flowing through through the the recirculation recirculation lineline 56, 56, compress compress the the expanded refrigerantstream expanded refrigerant streamtogether togetherwith withthe the expanded expanded thirdand third andfourth fourthpartial partial streams 68, streams 68,

76, thereby providing 76, thereby providingthe therefrigerant refrigerantstream stream28.28. In In thisway, this way, a closed a closed cooling cooling cyclecycle is is 35 provided. 35 provided. Specifically,asasdepicted Specifically, depicted ininFigure Figure1,1,the thepiston piston compressor compressor system system 82 82 comprises comprises

14 two piston piston compressors. compressors. Alternatively,the thepiston pistoncompressors compressors system 82 comprise may comprise 02 Jun 2025

2025 two Alternatively, system 82 may

one or more one or morepiston pistoncompressors. compressors.

After being being compressed compressed byby the pistoncompressors compressors 82, 82, the the refrigerant stream 28 28 is guided 2020213611 02 Jun

After the piston refrigerant stream is guided

througha afifth through fifthheat heatexchanger exchanger 84, which 84, which is fed is feda with with a cooling cooling water86.stream water stream 86. Specifically, Specifically,

5 5 thethe fifthheat fifth heatexchanger exchanger84 84 is configured is configured to to transfercooling transfer coolingenergy energy from from thethe cooling cooling water water

stream 86totothe stream 86 therefrigerant refrigerant stream stream28. 28.Downstream Downstream of fifth of the the fifth heat heat exchanger exchanger 84, the 84, the

cooling cooling water passesthrough water passes througha avalve valve88. 88. 2020213611

Upon flowingthrough Upon flowing throughthe theprecooling precoolingcold-box cold-box22, 22,the therefrigerant refrigerant stream stream28 28is is precooled precooledby by means means of of thethe closed closed precooling precooling cyclecycle 18 which 18 which has a refrigerant has a further further refrigerant stream 90stream 90

10 10 comprising comprising or consisting or consisting of nitrogen of nitrogen or or liquefiednatural liquefied naturalgas gas(LNG). (LNG). Specifically,the Specifically, thefurther further refrigerant stream refrigerant stream 9090 is is expanded expanded in a fifth in a fifth expansion expansion devicedevice 92 provided 92 provided inaform in form of of a throttle throttle

valve prior valve prior to to being being successively supplied to successively supplied to aa further further gas liquid separator gas liquid separator 94 94 and and aa sixth sixth heat exchanger heat exchanger 96.96. Specifically,the Specifically, thesixth sixthheat heat exchanger exchanger 96configured 96 is is configured to transfer to transfer

cooling energyfrom cooling energy fromthethefurther furtherrefrigerant refrigerantstream stream90 90 andand the the fluid fluid flowing flowing through through the the

15 recirculation 15 recirculation line5656totothe line therefrigerant refrigerant stream stream28 28and andthe thefeed feedgas gas stream stream 12.12. By By means means of of

the further the further separator separator 94, 94, the the further further refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 90 is90 is separated separated into a into a mainly mainly gaseous gaseous

phase anda many phase and a many liquid liquid phase, phase, wherein wherein the mainly the mainly liquid liquid phase phase is separately is separately guided guided

through the through the sixth sixth heat heat exchanger 96.The exchanger 96. Thethird thirdto to sixth sixth heat heat exchangers 70,78, exchangers 70, 78,8484and and9696 are are provided in form provided in form plate-fin plate-finheat heatexchangers. exchangers.

20 At the 20 At the outlet outlet ofof thesixth the sixthheat heatexchanger exchanger96,96, thethe refrigerantstream refrigerant stream2828isisguided guidedthrough throughanan

adsorber adsorber 9898 to to remove remove impurities impurities present present in the in the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 28. the 28. In case In case the refrigerant refrigerant

stream 28 comprises stream 28 comprisesororconsist consist ofof LNG, LNG,the theadsorber adsorber104104 maymay be located be located further further downstream. downstream. Further, Further, at outlet at the the outlet offifth of the the fifth heat heat exchanger exchanger 84,supply 84, a third a thirdline supply 100 isline 100 is provided comprisingaavalve provided comprising valve 102, 102, via via which gaseousrefrigerant, which gaseous refrigerant, e. g. hydrogen, e.g. for example hydrogen, for example

25 from 25 from a storage a storage tank, tank, particularlya ahigh particularly highpressure pressure storage storage tank tank and/or and/or a mobile a mobile storage storage tank, tank,

can besupplied can be supplied into into thethe refrigerant refrigerant lineline 30. 30.

In In the following, the the following, the configuration configuration of of the the hydrogen hydrogen cooling cooling and and liquefaction liquefaction unitunit 10 is 10 is

describedin described in more moredetail. detail. After After entering entering the the hydrogen coolingand hydrogen cooling andliquefaction liquefaction unit unit 10, 10, the the feed gas feed gas stream stream1212isis guided guidedthrough throughthe thesixth sixth heat heat exchanger exchanger9696 soso asas to to bebe precooled precooled to to

30 a lower 30 a lower precooling precooling temperature, temperature, e.g. e.g. 100 100 K, particularly K, particularly by the by the precooling precooling cycle cycle 18. 18. At the At the

outlet of outlet ofthe thesixth sixthheat heatexchanger 96, residual exchanger 96, residual impurities impurities are are removed fromthe removed from theprecooled precooled hydrogen feedgas hydrogen feed gas1212bybymeans means of adsorber of adsorber vessels vessels 104.104. After After this this feed feed gas gas purificationby purification by means means ofofthe theadsorber adsorbervessels vessels104, 104,the theprecooled precooled feed feed gas gas stream stream 12 12 is is routed routed back back to to the the

sixth sixth heat exchanger9696 heat exchanger through through a passage a passage 106 filled 106 filled with with a a catalyst. catalyst. In this In this way, way, the the

35 precooled 35 precooled feedfeed gas gas stream stream 12 is12 is brought brought intointo contact contact withwith thethe catalystbeing catalyst being abletotocatalyze able catalyze

15 a conversionofofortho orthohydrogen hydrogen to para hydrogen. Thereafter, the gas feedstream gas stream 12 02 Jun 2025

2025 a conversion to para hydrogen. Thereafter, the feed 12

successively passes successively passes thethe fourth, fourth, thirdandand third second second heat heat exchangers exchangers 78, 70, 78, 70, 58 having 58 having

2020213611 02 Jun integrated catalystprior integrated catalyst priortotobeing being supplied supplied to a to a sixth sixth expansion expansion device comprising device comprising a throttle a throttle

valve 108 valve 108 and andaafurther further ejector ejector 110. 110. After Afterpassing passing the the sixth sixthexpansion expansion device, device, the the feed feed gas gas

5 5 stream stream 12guided 12 is is guided through through the first the first heatheat exchanger exchanger 46aand 46 and a seventh seventh expansion expansion device device 112 so as 112 so as to to generate the liquid generate the liquid product product stream 14having stream 14 havinga astorage storagepressure pressureininthe therange range of of 1 1 to to 3.5 3.5 bar. bar. The thus generated The thus generatedliquid liquid product productstream stream1414 is is guided guided to to a storage a storage tank tank 2020213611

configured to store configured to store hydrogen in its hydrogen in its liquid and liquid andgaseous gaseous phase. phase.

Specifically, thefurther Specifically, the furtherejector ejector110110 hashas a propellant a propellant inlet inlet for receiving for receiving thegas the feed feed gas stream stream

10 10 12 and 12 and a suction a suction inletfor inlet forreceiving receiving aa gaseous gaseoushydrogen hydrogen stream stream 114. 114. Preferably, Preferably, thethe gaseous gaseous

hydrogen stream hydrogen stream 114 114 is is discharged discharged from from thethe storage storage tank tank andand supplied supplied to the to the suction suction inlet inlet

of of the further ejector the further ejector110. 110.

Furthermore, downstream Furthermore, downstream of of thethe adsorber adsorber vessels vessels 104, 104, a branch a branch line line 116 116 isisprovided providedhaving having a throttle valve a throttle 118,via valve 118, viawhich whichat at least least a part a part of the of the feedfeed gas stream gas stream 12 can 12 can be branched be branched off off 15 15 and and supplied supplied to the to the recirculating recirculating line5656ofofthe line themain maincooling coolingcycle cycle20. 20.

Figure Figure 22depicts depicts a process a process design design for anfor an industrial industrial hydrogen hydrogen liquefaction liquefaction plant for plant for hydrogen hydrogen

liquefaction liquefaction on on aa large-scale large-scale according to aa further according to furtherembodiment. Thefollowing embodiment. The followingdescription description of of the the liquefaction liquefaction plant plant particularly particularlyinvolves involvesthe thedifferences differencescompared to the compared to thepreviously previously describedembodiment described embodiment depicted depicted in Figure in Figure 1 so1as sotoasomit to omit a repeated a repeated description description and toand to 20 avoid 20 avoid redundancies. redundancies.

As depicted As depictedin in Figure Figure 2, 2, upon flowing through upon flowing throughthe the main maincooling coolingcold-box cold-box24, 24,the therefrigerant refrigerant stream stream 2828 is is divided divided into into the the first first partial partial stream stream 32 flowing 32 flowing through through thejunction the first first junction line 34 line 34

and thesecond and the second partial partial stream stream 36 flowing 36 flowing throughthrough thejunction the second secondline junction lineto 38. Prior 38.being Prior to being branched off, the branched off, the refrigerant refrigerant stream 28 is stream 28 is guided througha aseventh guided through seventh heat heat exchanger exchanger 120.120.

25 25 The The seventh seventh heat heat exchanger exchanger 120 is 120 is provided provided such such that thethat feedthe gasfeed gas12stream stream 12 is guided is guided

therethroughupstream therethrough upstreamofof thesixth the sixthheat heatexchanger exchanger96 96 andand downstream downstream of theoffourth the fourth heat heat exchanger exchanger 7878sosoas astototransfer transfer heat heat from from the the feed feed gas gas stream 12 to stream 12 to the the expanded refrigerant expanded refrigerant

stream 56. stream 56.

Thefirst The first partial partial stream 32, after stream 32, after being being branched branchedoffofffrom from thethe refrigerant refrigerant stream stream 28, 28, is is 30 successively 30 successively guided guided through through the fourth, the fourth, the the third third and and thethe second second heat heat exchanger exchanger 78, 58 78, 70, 70, 58 and thereafterthrough and thereafter through an eighth an eighth heat heat exchanger exchanger 122 122 prior to prior being to being supplied supplied to the separator to the separator

44. The 44. eighth heat The eighth heat exchanger exchanger122 122 is is provided provided such such that that thefeed the feed gas gas stream stream 12 12 is guided is guided

therethroughupstream therethrough upstreamof of the the second second heatheat exchanger exchanger 58 and58 and downstream downstream of the of the further further ejector ejector 110 110 so so as to transfer as to transferheat heat from from the the feed feed gas gas stream 12 to stream 12 to the the expanded expandedrefrigerant refrigerant 35 stream56. 35 stream 56.

16

Thesecond secondpartial partial stream stream36, 36,after after being partially expanded in aa second expansiondevice device 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025

The being partially expanded in second expansion

50, 50, is is guided guided through the third through the third heat heat exchanger exchanger 7070 and and thereaftertotothe thereafter thepropellant propellantinlet inlet of of the ejector the ejector48. 48.InIna afurther furtherdevelopment, development, for control for control purposes, purposes, thepartial the second secondstream partial 36 stream 36 at at least partially may least partially maybebe guided guided directly directly into into the ejector the ejector 48 and/or 48 and/or theheat the third third heat exchanger exchanger

5 5 70 70 by by bypassing bypassing thesecond the secondexpansion expansiondevice device 50. 50.

Further, separate Further, separate to to a firstsuction a first suction line line forfor supplying supplying the the liquid liquid expanded expanded first partial first partial stream stream

42from 42 fromthethe separator separator 44the 44 to to suction the suction inlet inlet of theofejector the ejector 48, a suction 48, a second secondline suction 124 isline 124 is 2020213611

provided for supplying provided for supplyinga agaseous gaseous expanded expanded first first partial partial stream stream 126, 126, i.e. ai.e. a part part of the of the

expanded first partial expanded first partialstream stream3232comprising comprisinghydrogen hydrogen ininaa gaseous gaseous phase, from the phase, from the 10 10 separator separator 44atofurther 44 to a further suction suction inletofofthe inlet theejector ejector48. 48.Compared Compared to the to the liquid liquid expanded expanded

first partial first partialstream 42, the stream 42, thegaseous gaseous expanded expanded first partial first partial streamstream 126 bypasses 126 bypasses the first the first heat heat exchanger 46.The exchanger 46. Thesecond second suction suction line line may may also also be be provided provided in the in the configuration configuration depicted depicted

in in Figure 1. Figure 1.

Upstream Upstream of of thethe further further ejector ejector 110 110 and downstream and downstream of the of the first first heat heat exchanger exchanger 46, a further 46, a further

15 15 branch branch lineline 128128 is provided is provided having having a throttle a throttle valve valve 130, 130, viawhich via which atat leastaapart least part of of the the feed feed

gas stream1212can gas stream canbebebranched branched offoff andand supplied supplied to to the the separator separator 44.44.

ItItwill willbebeapparent apparent to to aa person skilled in person skilled in the the art artthat thatthese these embodiments and embodiments and items items only only

depict depict examples examples ofofaaplurality plurality of ofpossibilities. possibilities.Hence, thethe Hence, embodiments embodiments shown hereshould shown here should not not be understoodtotoform be understood forma alimitation limitation of of these these features featuresand andconfigurations. configurations.Any Anypossible possible 20 combination 20 combination and configuration and configuration of described of the the described features features can becan be chosen chosen according according to the to the scope scope ofof thedisclosure. the disclosure.

ItIt isis to to be understood be understood that, that, if any if any prior prior artreferred art is is referred to herein, to herein, such reference such reference does not does not

constitute constitute an an admission that the admission that the prior priorart artforms formsa apart partof of thethe common common general general knowledge knowledge inin

the art, the art, in in Australia or any Australia or anyother other country. country.

25 In the 25 In the claims claims which which follow follow and and in theinpreceding the preceding description, description, except except where where the the context context

requires requires otherwise dueto otherwise due to express expresslanguage languageor or necessary necessary implication, implication, thetheword word “comprise” "comprise"

or variations such or variations as"comprises" such as “comprises”oror"comprising" “comprising” is is used used in inclusive in an an inclusive sense, sense, i.e. i.e. to to

specify specify the the presence of the presence of the stated stated features features but but not not to to preclude preclude the the presence oraddition presence or addition of of further features further features in invarious variousembodiments ofthe embodiments of the system systemand andmethod. method.

30 30

List List of ofreference referencenumerals numerals

10 10 hydrogen coolingliquefaction hydrogen cooling liquefaction unit unit

12 12 feed gas stream feed gas stream

17

14 liquid liquidproduct product stream 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 stream

16 16 cooling cooling system system

18 18 precooling cycle precooling cycle

2020213611 02

20 maincooling 20 main coolingcycle cycle

5 5 22 precooling cold-box 22 precooling cold-box

24 maincooling coolingcold-box cold-box 2020213611

24 main

26 compressorunit 26 compressor unit

28 refrigerant stream 28 refrigerant stream

30 refrigerantline 30 refrigerant line

10 10 32 first partial 32 first partial stream stream

34 first junction 34 first line junction line

36 secondpartial 36 second partial stream stream

38 secondjunction 38 second junctionline line

40 first 40 first expansion expansion device device

15 15 42 liquid 42 liquid expanded expanded first first partialstream partial stream

44 gas 44 gas liquid liquid separator separator

46 first heat 46 first heatexchanger exchanger

48 ejector 48 ejector

50 secondexpansion 50 second expansion device device

20 52 partially 20 52 partially expanded expanded second second partial partial stream stream

54 expanded 54 expanded refrigerantstream refrigerant stream

56 recirculationline 56 recirculation line

58 58 second second heatexchanger heatexchanger

60 third partial 60 third partial stream stream

25 62 third 25 62 third junction junction line line

64 fourthpartial 64 fourth partialstream stream

65 fourthjunction 65 fourth junctionline line

66 third expansion 66 third device expansion device

18

68 expanded thirdpartial partial stream 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 68 expanded third stream

70 third heat 70 third heat exchanger exchanger

72 first supply 72 first line supply line

2020213611 02

74 secondexpansion 74 second expansion device device

5 5 76 expanded 76 expanded fourthpartial fourth partial stream stream

78 fourth heat heat exchanger 2020213611

78 fourth exchanger

80 secondsupply 80 second supplyline line

82 piston compressor 82 piston system compressor system

84 fifth heat 84 fifth heatexchanger exchanger

10 10 86 cooling water 86 cooling water stream stream

88 throttle valve 88 throttle valve

90 furtherrefrigerant 90 further refrigerantstream stream

92 throttle valve 92 throttle valve

94 furthergas 94 further gasliquid liquidseparator separator

15 15 96 96 sixthheat sixth heat exchanger exchanger

98 adsorber 98 adsorber

100 thirdsupply 100 third supplyline line

102 throttle valve 102 throttle valve

104 adsorbervessel 104 adsorber vessel

20 20 106 106 heat heat exchanger exchanger passage passage

108 throttle valve 108 throttle valve

110 furtherejector 110 further ejector

112 seventhexpansion 112 seventh expansion device device

114 114 gaseous gaseous hydrogen hydrogen stream stream

25 25 116116 branch branch line line

118 throttle valve 118 throttle valve

120 seventhheat 120 seventh heatexchanger exchanger

122 eighth heat 122 eighth heat exchanger exchanger

19

124 secondsuction suctionline line 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025

124 second

126 gaseousexpanded 126 gaseous expanded firstpartial first partial stream stream

128 furtherbranch 128 further branch line line

130 furtherthrottle 130 further throttlevalve valve

5 5 2020213611

20

Claims

Claims 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 Claims 1. 1. Cooling method Cooling method for for liquefying liquefying a feed a feed gas, comprising gas, comprising the stepsthe of:steps of:

-- providing providing a acooling cooling cycle cycle withwith a refrigerant a refrigerant stream, stream,

- - dividing therefrigerant dividing the refrigerantstream stream into into a firstpartial a first partialstream streamand and a second a second partialpartial stream,stream, 2020213611 02

5 5 -- expanding expanding thethe first first partialstream partial stream in ainfirst a first expansion expansion device, device, and and -- transferring cooling transferring cooling energy fromthe energy from theexpanded expanded first first partialstream partial streamto to a feed a feed gas gas

stream to be stream to be cooled, cooled, 2020213611

whereinthe wherein the method method furthercomprises further comprises the the steps steps of: of:

-- after after the coolingenergy the cooling energyis is transferred transferred fromfrom the expanded the expanded first partial first partial stream,stream, guiding guiding

10 10 the the expanded expanded firstfirst partialstream partial stream to to a a suctioninlet suction inletof of an an ejector, ejector, and and

-- guiding thesecond guiding the second partial partial stream stream to a propellant to a propellant inlet inlet of theof the ejector ejector such such that, that, upon upon

expanding thesecond expanding the second partial partial stream stream in the in the ejector, ejector, thethe expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream is is

compressed and compressed and merged merged withwith the the expanded expanded secondsecond partialpartial stream.stream.

15 15 2. Method 2. Method according according to claim to claim 1, wherein, 1, wherein, by transferring by transferring cooling cooling energy energy fromfrom the the expanded expanded

first partial first partialstream to the stream to thefeed feedgas gas stream stream to betocooled, be cooled, particularly particularly byofmeans by means a firstofheat a first heat exchanger, thefeed exchanger, the feedgas gasstream stream is is cooled cooled to to a a temperature temperature below below the the critical critical temperature temperature

of of hydrogen, particularly below hydrogen, particularly 24 K, below 24 K, so so as asto to provide provideaaliquid liquid product streamcomprising product stream comprising hydrogen. hydrogen.

20 20 3. 3. Method accordingtotoclaim Method according claim1 1oror2,2,wherein whereinanan expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream is provided is provided

by by merging thecompressed merging the compressed firstpartial first partial stream streamwith with the the expanded expanded second second partialstream partial stream in in

the ejector, the ejector,and and wherein wherein

the method the furthercomprises method further comprises thestep the step ofof guidingthe guiding theexpanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream

25 through 25 through a compressor a compressor unit, particularly unit, particularly comprising comprising or consisting or consisting of at one of at least least one piston piston

compressor, compressor, soso asas to to compress compress the the expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream, stream, therebythereby providing providing the the refrigerant stream. refrigerant stream.

4. Method 4. accordingtotoany Method according anyone oneofofclaims claims1 1toto3,3,further further comprising the step comprising the step of of guiding guiding the the 30 expanded 30 expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and the thepartial first first partial streamstream such such that that heat is heat is transferred, transferred,

particularly particularly by by means means ofofa a second second heatheat exchanger, exchanger, between between the expanded the expanded refrigerant refrigerant

stream and stream and thethe first first partialstream partial stream and and particularly particularly the gas the feed feed gas stream. stream.

5. 5. Method according Method according toto any any oneone of claims of claims 1 4, 1 to to further 4, further comprising comprising the the stepstep of partially of partially

35 expanding 35 expanding the the second second partial partial stream stream in ainsecond a second expansion expansion device, device, particularly particularly a a Joule-Thomson-valve and/or Joule-Thomson-valve and/or an expansion an expansion turbine, turbine, priorprior to being to being guided guided to thetoejector, the ejector,

21 and/or the step stepofofguiding guiding thethe second partial stream intoejector, the ejector, particularly by 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025 and/or the second partial stream into the particularly by bypassing thesecond bypassing the secondexpansion expansion device. device.

6. 6. Method accordingtotoany Method according anyone one of of claims claims 1 to 1 to 5,5,wherein wherein thethe refrigerantstream refrigerant streamis is further further

5 separated 5 separated into into at at one least least onepartial third third partial stream, stream, particularly particularly at different at different temperature temperature levels, levels, and the method and the methodfurther furthercomprises comprises thesteps the steps of: of:

- expanding - theatatleast expanding the leastone onethird thirdpartial partial stream streamininatat least least one onethird third expansion expansiondevice, device, 2020213611

particularly in at particularly in at least oneexpansion least one expansion turbine, turbine, and and

- guiding - theatatleast guiding the leastone oneexpanded expanded third third partial partial stream stream and theand thepartial first first partial stream stream such such that that 10 10 heat heat is transferred,particularly is transferred, particularly by by means means ofof atatleast least one onethird third heat exchanger,between heat exchanger, betweenthethe

at least one at least oneexpanded expanded third third partial partial stream stream and theand firstthe first partial partial stream stream and and particularly particularly the the feed gas feed gas stream, stream,and and - feeding - theatatleast feeding the leastone one expanded expanded third third partial partial stream stream to the to the expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream. stream.

15 7. Method 15 7. Method according according to one to any any of one of claims claims 1 to 1 6,towherein 6, wherein the expanded the expanded first partial first partial stream stream

is is guided guided into intoaagas gasliquid separator liquid arranged separator arrangeddownstream of the downstream of the first firstexpansion expansion device device and and

configured to store configured to store the therefrigerant refrigerantin in a liquid and and a liquid gaseous phase, gaseous and phase, wherein and whereinthe theexpanded expanded

first partial first partial stream ina aliquid stream in liquidphase phase is guided is guided from from the the separator, separator, particularly particularly through through the the first heat first heat exchanger acting exchanger acting asevaporator, as an an evaporator, to the to the suction suction inlet ofinlet of the ejector. the ejector.

20 20 8. 8. Method according Method according to any to any one one of of claims claims 1 to 7,1 wherein to 7, wherein the refrigerant the refrigerant stream isstream is precooled precooled

by meansofofa aclosed by means closed precooling precooling cycle cycle having having a further a further refrigerant refrigerant stream stream comprising comprising or or

consisting consisting ofofnitrogen, nitrogen, wherein wherein in particular in particular the further the further refrigerant refrigerant stream stream is expanded is expanded in a in a fourth expansion fourth deviceprior expansion device prior to to being being supplied supplied to to aa fourth fourth heat heat exchanger fortransferring exchanger for transferring 25 cooling 25 cooling energy energy to the to the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream andand particularly particularly toto thefeed the feedgas gasstream. stream.

9. Coolingsystem 9. Cooling system for for liquefying liquefying a gas, a feed feedhaving gas, having a coolinga circuit coolingwith circuit with a refrigerant a refrigerant line line for circulating for circulating aa refrigerant refrigerantstream, stream, wherein wherein the cooling the cooling circuit circuit further further comprises: comprises:

- an - expansiondevice an expansion deviceconfigured configured to to expand expand a first a first partialstream partial stream flowing flowing through through a first a first

30 junction 30 junction line line branching branching offoff from from therefrigerant the refrigerantline, line, and and

- aa heat - exchanger heat exchanger for for transferring transferring cooling cooling energyenergy from from the the expanded expanded first first partial partial stream to stream to a a feed gas stream feed gas streamtoto be becooled, cooled, whereinthe wherein thecooling coolingcircuit circuitfurther furthercomprises comprisesan an ejector ejector located located afterafter the heat the heat

exchanger, exchanger, thethe ejector ejector having having a suction a suction inlet inlet connected connected to thejunction to the first first junction line forline for receiving receiving

35 35 the the expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream from from thethe heat heat exchanger exchanger and and a propellant a propellant inlet inlet connected connected

to a to a second junction second junction line line branching branching off from off from the refrigerant the refrigerant linereceiving line for for receiving a second a second partial partial stream, whereinthe stream, wherein theejector ejector is is configured to, upon configured to, expandingthe upon expanding thesecond second partialstream partial stream in in

22 the ejector, ejector, compress theexpanded expanded firstpartial partialstream streamandand merge it with the the expanded 02 Jun 2025 Jun 2025 the compress the first merge it with expanded second partial stream. second partial stream.

10. Cooling system 10. Cooling systemaccording according to claim to claim 9, wherein 9, wherein the heat the heat exchanger exchanger is configured is configured to to 2020213611 02

5 5 transfer transfer cooling cooling energy energy from from the the expanded expanded firstfirst partial partial stream stream to to the the feed feed gas gas stream stream to to be be cooled suchthat cooled such thatthethe feed feed gas gas stream stream is cooled is cooled to a temperature to a temperature below thebelow the critical critical

temperatureofofhydrogen, temperature hydrogen,particularly particularly below below2424K,K,sosoasastotoprovide provideaaliquid liquid product stream product stream 2020213611

comprising hydrogen. comprising hydrogen.

10 10 11. 11. Cooling Cooling system system according according to claim to claim 9 or9 or 10,10, wherein wherein thethe cooling cooling system system further further comprises comprises

a compressorunit a compressor unitconfigured configuredtotocompress compress an expanded an expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream outputoutput by theby the

ejector ejector and formedbyby and formed merging merging the the compressed compressed first partial first partial streamstream withexpanded with the the expanded second partial stream second partial so as stream so asto to provide provide the the refrigerant refrigerant stream, stream, and and wherein the compressor wherein the compressor unit unit comprises or consists comprises or consists of of at atleast leastone onepiston pistoncompressor. compressor.

15 15 12. 12. Cooling systemaccording Cooling system according to to any any oneone of claims of claims 9 to9 11, to 11, further further comprising comprising a second a second

heat exchangerconfigured heat exchanger configured toto transferheat transfer heatbetween betweenthethe expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and

the first the first partial partial stream and stream and particularly particularly thethe feed feed gas gas stream. stream.

20 20 13. 13. Cooling Cooling system system according according to anytoone anyofone of claims claims 9 to 9 to 12, 12, further further comprising comprising a second a second

expansion device, particularly expansion device, particularly a a Joule-Thomson-valve Joule-Thomson-valve and/or an expansion and/or an expansionturbine, turbine, arranged upstream arranged upstream of of thethe ejector ejector andand configured configured to partially to partially expand expand the second the second partial partial

stream flowingthrough stream flowing throughthethe second second junction junction line,line, wherein wherein particularly particularly a bypass a bypass line is line is

provided throughwhich provided through whichatatleast leastaa part part of of the the second partial stream second partial is guided stream is andwhich guided and whichisis 25 configuredfor 25 configured forbypassing bypassingthe thesecond secondexpansion expansiondevice deviceand and guidingthe guiding thesecond second partial partial

stream flowing stream flowing therethrough therethrough intoejector. into the the ejector.

14. 14. Cooling Cooling system system according according to anytoone anyofone of claims claims 9 tofurther 9 to 13, 13, further comprising: comprising:

-- at at least least one one third third expansion deviceconfigured expansion device configuredtotoexpand expandat at leastone least one thirdpartial third partial 30 stream 30 stream flowing flowing throughthrough at leastat least one one third third junction junction line line which whichoff branches branches from theoff from the refrigerant refrigerant

line line at at different different temperature levels, temperature levels,

-- at atleast leastone onethird thirdheat exchanger heat exchanger for fortransferring heat transferring between heat betweenthe theatatleast one least oneexpanded expanded

third partial third partial stream and stream and thethe firstpartial first partialstream stream and and particularly particularly the gas the feed feed gas stream, stream, and and -- at atleast leastone onesupply supply line linearranged arranged downstream downstream ofofthe theat at least least one third heat one third heat exchanger for exchanger for

35 feeding 35 feeding the the at least at least oneone expanded expanded thirdthird partial partial stream stream to to thethe expanded expanded refrigerant refrigerant stream. stream.

15. 15. Cooling systemaccording Cooling system accordingtotoany anyone oneofofclaims claims9 9toto14, 14,further further comprising: comprising:

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- aa gas gas liquid liquidseparator separatorarranged arranged downstream downstream ofof thefirst first expansion deviceand andconfigured configured 02 Jun 2025 2020213611 02 Jun 2025

- the expansion device

to receive to theexpanded receive the expandedfirstfirst partial partial stream stream and and to to store store the refrigerant the refrigerant of the of the expanded expanded first first partial partialstream stream in inaaliquid and liquid andgaseous gaseous phase, phase,

-- an ejectorsupply an ejector supply line line forfor guiding guiding the the expanded expanded first partial first partial stream stream in aphase in a liquid liquid phase from from

5 5 the the separator, separator, particularly particularly evaporated evaporated in the in the first first heat heat exchanger, exchanger, to the to the suction suction inlet of the inlet of the

ejector, and/or ejector, and/or

- aa closed - precooling closed precooling cycle cycle forfor precooling precooling the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream of the of the cooling cooling cycle, cycle, wherein wherein 2020213611

the closed the closed precooling precoolingcycle cyclehashas a further a further refrigerant refrigerant stream, stream, particularlycomprising particularly comprising or or consisting of nitrogen consisting of nitrogen or or liquid liquid natural naturalgas, gas, aa fourth fourth expansion devicefor expansion device for expanding expanding the the

10 10 further further refrigerantstream, refrigerant stream,and and a a fourthheat fourth heatexchanger exchanger configured configured to to transferheat transfer heatbetween between the expanded the expanded further further refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and the the refrigerant refrigerant stream stream and and particularly particularly the feed the feed gas stream. gas stream.

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