Method and apparatus for the vaporization of LPG utilizing infrared heat sources and heat exchangers

A method of improving the thermal efficiency of infrared liquefied petroleum gas vaporizers, that method comprising:

• a) using a device for absorbing and transferring thermal energy,
• b) positioning said device in the stream of flue gas produced by said vaporizer,
• c) causing said device to absorb thermal energy from said flue gasses and transferring said thermal energy to said liquefied petroleum gas vapors contained within said device,
• whereby a greater percentage of available thermal energy is transferred to said liquefied petroleum gas vapors, increasing thermal efficiency.

A method of preventing the carryover of liquids in vapor streams produced by liquefied petroleum gas IR vaporizers, that method comprising:

• a) using a float switch to detect the presence of liquid in said vapor streams,
• b) positioning said float switch between primary and secondary heat exchangers, substantially upstream of a vapor outlet from said vaporizer,
• c) using said float switch to operate a device for controlling introduction of liquefied petroleum gas into said vaporizer,
• d) causing said float switch to close said device when liquid is detected in said vapor stream,
• whereby the injection of liquid into the downstream vapor supply of said vaporizer is prevented.