[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2021150241A1 - Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides - Google Patents

Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021150241A1
WO2021150241A1 PCT/US2020/014958 US2020014958W WO2021150241A1 WO 2021150241 A1 WO2021150241 A1 WO 2021150241A1 US 2020014958 W US2020014958 W US 2020014958W WO 2021150241 A1 WO2021150241 A1 WO 2021150241A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow
pressure
flow path
valve
gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2020/014958
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Scott BODEMANN
Alan Norman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nobotech LLC
Original Assignee
Nobotech LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nobotech LLC filed Critical Nobotech LLC
Priority to PCT/US2020/014958 priority Critical patent/WO2021150241A1/fr
Publication of WO2021150241A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021150241A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
    • G05D16/2013—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to equipment and processes associated with pressurized containers, and more particularly, with regard to liquid bulk gas containers.
  • Dewars, tanks, and other containers store gas in liquid form for use in beverage, electronics, heat treating, and packaging industries, among others.
  • the liquid In most applications, the liquid is maintained at very cold temperatures. When needed, the liquid is warmed to change its state to gas as required by a user.
  • an evaporator typically made from copper or stainless steel coils internal to the container is used to warm the liquid.
  • the containers conventionally have a maximum draw rate, which is derived from the size and capability of the evaporating coils. For instance, a dewar may have a maximum draw rate of forty pounds per hour of liquid converting to gas. Exceeding the maximum draw rate can result in the coils being unable to conduct and retain enough heat to prevent a tank from freezing up and blocking the flow altogether. In some cases, the maximum draw rate may be exceeded not just by overzealousness, but by leaks in regulators and pipes connected to the tank. A frozen tank requires replacement or a lengthy and costly thawing out period, during which time the operation must be stopped.
  • an apparatus includes a first flow path configured to allow a through flow of gas, wherein the first flow path includes a first pressure, an obstructing module; and a biasing mechanism configured to position the obstructing module within the flow path to mechanically limit the through flow in physical response to the first pressure incident on the biasing mechanism.
  • a first flow path includes an input port; and a container having an internal evaporator configured to convert a liquid into a gas flow provided to the input port, wherein the first flow path includes a first pressure; and a check valve configured to at least partially limit the through flow based on the first pressure.
  • a method manufacturing a system to regulate gas flow from a liquid bulk gas container including providing first and second pathways each configured to connect an inlet and an outlet; positioning a first needle valve along the first pathway; setting flow restriction using the first needle valve; coupling a second needle valve along the second pathway; setting a high pressure flow setting using the second needle valve; and positioning an adjustable check valve along the second pathway to selectively connect the inlet to the outlet.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a freeze protection system for a liquid bulk gas container
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a freeze protection system for use with a liquid bulk container
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a regulator system that includes needle valves and an adjustable check valve;
  • FIG. 4 is a method of manufacturing a freeze protection system for a liquid bulk gas container as could be performed by the systems of Figures 1-3.
  • An embodiment of a system for regulating a flowrate and pressure of a fluid or gas includes an orifice or limiting valve and a spring-loaded ball to mechanically limit the flow of a gas being released through the apparatus.
  • a biasing mechanism such as a spring and ball check valve, may obstruct one or more flow paths.
  • the limited airflow path condition may reduce the flowrate and allow pressure to build back up within the valve system.
  • pressure near an inlet of the valve is 180 pounds per square inch (psi)
  • the gas may flow through a first path and a second path.
  • the spring biasing mechanism may become stronger than the incoming pressure.
  • the ball may obstruct gas fluid flow within the second flow path. In this manner, the gas fluid flow may be restricted below a maximum flow rate to allow pressure to build back up within the valve system.
  • An initial pressure setting may be based on a tank sizing, capacity, and/or the composition of a gas.
  • a low pressure flow setting may be set at about 10% below a rated evaporation flowrate of the tank or other container.
  • the setting may be made at a factory or by a user in the field.
  • a high pressure flow setting may be set to a safe flowrate above as rated evaporation flowrate capacity of the tank.
  • a safe flowrate may be based on a site requirement.
  • the high pressure flow setting may be ordered from a factory and adjusted as desired in the field.
  • An illustrative tank flowrate set point may be factory set to 5-10 % above an expected maximum evaporation flowrate of the tank.
  • gas demands of an embodiment of the system may remain less than an evaporation rate capacity.
  • Gas pressure may be operating at a level above the tank pressure set point, and temperatures may be within a normal operational range.
  • Gas flow may occur through only a first low flow port.
  • the gas may flow through the first flow path at the regulated flow rate.
  • the flow rate may limited by a first needle valve on positioned along a first flow path.
  • gas demand may exceed the flow capacity of the first flow port. Additionally, the available tank gas pressure may be above the tank pressure set point. Flow may occur via the first flow path via the first port. Concurrently, gas demand may be provided via the second port up to an additional set point capability.
  • An illustrative set point capability may be set by a factory or user. Flow from the second port may be due to the tank gas pressure being greater than a cracking pressure.
  • the cracking pressure may equal an amount of pressure capable of opening a check valve.
  • An illustrative check valve may include a ball and spring device, solenoid, or other biasing mechanism. This cracking pressure feature may yield a total max flow that equals a first flow of the first flow path plus a second through flow of the second flow path.
  • the gas demand may remain in a high flow mode long enough for an available gas pressure to drop below the tank pressure set point. This condition may occur because the evaporator cannot keep up with the gas demand.
  • the liquid may be at a lower pressure than the gas. So when the gas pressure drops below the set point, the cracking pressure may be above the tank gas pressure, and the check valve may cut off gas flow through the second port. Gas flow may revert back to only the first port because the tank gas pressure is lower than the cracking pressure.
  • the conditions may allow the tank to catch up with evaporation since the first low flow setting is lower than the evaporation rate of the tank.
  • the high flow status may open and close based on the tank and the cracking pressure balance. Should an ice block occur, the tank pressure set point may need to be increased as a tank ages.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a freeze protection system 100 for a liquid bulk gas container.
  • the system 100 may include first and second needle valves 102,
  • the first needle valve 102 may be positioned along a first flow path 108 connecting an inlet 110 and an outlet 112.
  • a second flow path 114 may include the adjustable check valve 106 and the second needle valve 104. The second flow path 114 may selectively connect the inlet 110 to the outlet 112.
  • the first needle valve 102 may functions as a flow restrictor, or maximum flow restriction, by setting a maximum flow when the inlet pressure is below the tank pressure set point.
  • the first needle valve 102 of an embodiment may include a valve having a thin tapered part to restrict through flow along the first flow path 108. In another respect, the first needle valve 102 may also sets a low pressure flow setting.
  • the second needle valve 104 may affect operation under normal flow conditions may be used to set a high pressure flow setting. That is, the second needle valve 104 may set a maximum flow for when the inlet pressure is above the tank pressure set point (e.g., under normal operating conditions).
  • the second needle valve 104 of an embodiment may include a valve having a thin tapered part to restrict through flow along the second flow path 114.
  • the adjustable check valve 106 may be used to set a low tank pressure set point.
  • the adjustable check valve 106 may prevent gas from flowing through the second flow path 114 should the pressure at the adjustable check valve 106 drops below a level typically ranging around 125 psi to 200 psi.
  • the adjustable check valve 106 may be adjusted using an adjustment mechanism 120, such as small handle.
  • the system 100 may also include a pressure sensor 116 positioned near an inlet to the regulator.
  • the pressure sensor 116 may be positioned upstream to detect a low pressure condition, and for instance, to automatically actuate a solenoid 118.
  • the pressure sensor 116 may detect a pressure of less than 180 psi. This condition may coincide with liquid in the line not being expanded to gas.
  • the solenoid may be closed partially or completely.
  • output from the pressure sensor 116 may initiate an alarm to a user regarding the detected condition.
  • the pressure sensor 116 of another embodiment may also be used to initiate automatically closing an electronically actuated check valve/intemal solenoid (as opposed to the mechanically controlled adjustable check valve 106 of FIG. 1).
  • the pressure sensor 116 and solenoid 118 of an embodiment of the system may be added on to the regulator module 204 as system add-on. In a sense, the regulator module may protect the equipment, while the pressure sensor 116 and the solenoid 118 (and alert system) may provide a preemptive alert a user and provide another layer of protection with or without the regulator. An alert may be used to signal for a manual intervention of the condition .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a freeze protection system 200 that includes a liquid bulk container 202.
  • the system 200 may additionally include a regulator module 204 having an inlet 206 and an outlet 208.
  • the regulator module 204 may include multiple flow paths that selectively connect the inlet 206 to the outlet 208.
  • a first flow path 210 may include a first valve 212 and associated pressure/flow setting.
  • a second flow path 214 may include a second valve 216 in line with an adjustable cutoff valve 218.
  • Illustrative embodiments of the cutoff valve 218 may include a ball and spring valve or a solenoid.
  • the system 200 may include a sensor 226 (shown in dashed lines) to electronically sense and feedback detected pressures or flowrates.
  • a sensor 226 shown in dashed lines
  • Another or the same embodiment may include a flowmeter 224 (shown in dashed lines) to restrict flow over time.
  • pressure present in the system 200 may mechanically and physically pressure or release the ball and spring without requiring a user.
  • the cutoff valve 218 may be adjustable.
  • the container 202 may include an internal evaporator 220, but another embodiment may include an external evaporator 222. Whether the evaporator is positioned within the first flow path may affect the size and cost and other factors.
  • the system 200 may also include an alert module 234 that may notify a user via a light, buzzer, text, call or other notification system of a low pressure condition.
  • the alert module 234 may be activated by pressure sensors 226.
  • the pressure sensors 226 of one embodiment of the system 200 may be positioned inside of the regulator module 204.
  • Pressure sensors of another embodiment of the system 200 may be externally positioned upstream near the regulator inlet 206.
  • the alert module 234 may additionally be activated in response to an ice detection module 228 determining that ice is present on the surface of the liquid bulk container 202.
  • the sensors 226, 228 may detected a low pressure condition for instance, and automatically actuate a solenoid 118.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a regulator system 300 that includes needle valves 302, 304 and an adjustable check valve 306.
  • the system 300 also includes an inlet valve 308 (now shown) and an outlet valve 310.
  • FIG. 4 is a method of manufacturing a freeze protection system for a liquid bulk gas container.
  • An embodiment of the method 400 may include providing first and second pathways at 402. Each pathway may selectively connect an inlet and outlet of a regulator.
  • the pathways may comprise pipes or other channels that are different lengths and diameters.
  • a liquid bulk gas container may be coupled to the inlet at 406.
  • An evaporator may be positioned inside the container.
  • a first needle valve may be positioned at 408 along the first pathway connecting the inlet and to the outlet. Flow restrictions may be set at 410 using the first needle valve.
  • a user may adjust the needle valve or it may be factory preset at a maximum flow restriction for when the inlet pressure is below the tank pressure set point.
  • the first needle valve may be used to concurrently set a low pressure flow setting at 412.
  • the second needle valve may be positioned at 414 along the second pathway.
  • the second needle valve may be used to set a high pressure flow setting at 416 operation under normal flow conditions. That is, the second needle valve may set a maximum flow for when the inlet pressure is above the tank pressure set point.
  • An adjustable check valve may also be positioned along the second pathway at 418 to selectively connect the inlet to the outlet.
  • the low tank pressure set point may be set at 420 using the adjustable check valve.
  • the low tank pressure set point may prevent gas from flowing through the second flow path if the pressure at the adjustable check valve drops below a level that could be associated with obstruction due to freezing.
  • a pressure sensor may be positioned upstream at 422.
  • the pressure sensor may be similar to the pressure sensor 116 of FIG. 1.
  • the pressure sensor may be configured to sense a low pressure and initiate a remedial action, such as initiate an alarm or close a solenoid.
  • Such a solenoid may be positioned at 424.
  • the solenoid may be in addition to a check valve or solenoid that internal to a regulator module.
  • a notification system may be included to alert a user if a low pressure or ice condition has been sensed.
  • Illustrative notifications may include a buzzer, light, electronic mail, or text, among other alarm measures.
  • aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro- code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système qui comprend un premier chemin d'écoulement conçu pour permettre un écoulement continu de gaz, le premier chemin d'écoulement comprenant une première pression, un module d'obstruction; et un mécanisme de sollicitation conçu pour positionner le module d'obstruction à l'intérieur du chemin d'écoulement afin de limiter mécaniquement l'écoulement traversant en réponse physique à la première pression incidente sur le mécanisme de sollicitation.
PCT/US2020/014958 2020-01-24 2020-01-24 Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides Ceased WO2021150241A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2020/014958 WO2021150241A1 (fr) 2020-01-24 2020-01-24 Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2020/014958 WO2021150241A1 (fr) 2020-01-24 2020-01-24 Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021150241A1 true WO2021150241A1 (fr) 2021-07-29

Family

ID=76992507

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2020/014958 Ceased WO2021150241A1 (fr) 2020-01-24 2020-01-24 Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2021150241A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030126867A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2003-07-10 Paul Drube High flow pressurized cryogenic fluid dispensing system
DE112005000916T5 (de) * 2004-04-23 2007-04-12 Eaton Ventil zur Kontrolle des Gasdrucks im inneren eines Behälters
US20120048881A1 (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-01 Paul Drube Bulk liquid cooling and pressurized dispensing system and method
US9618253B2 (en) * 2009-07-15 2017-04-11 The Sure Chill Company Limited Refrigeration apparatus
US9702505B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-07-11 Worthington Cylinders Corp. Cryogenic fluid cylinder
WO2018232744A1 (fr) * 2017-06-23 2018-12-27 Engineered Controls International, Llc Système de commande de cylindre cryogénique, soupape sphérique et électrovanne

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030126867A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2003-07-10 Paul Drube High flow pressurized cryogenic fluid dispensing system
DE112005000916T5 (de) * 2004-04-23 2007-04-12 Eaton Ventil zur Kontrolle des Gasdrucks im inneren eines Behälters
US9618253B2 (en) * 2009-07-15 2017-04-11 The Sure Chill Company Limited Refrigeration apparatus
US20120048881A1 (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-01 Paul Drube Bulk liquid cooling and pressurized dispensing system and method
US9702505B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-07-11 Worthington Cylinders Corp. Cryogenic fluid cylinder
WO2018232744A1 (fr) * 2017-06-23 2018-12-27 Engineered Controls International, Llc Système de commande de cylindre cryogénique, soupape sphérique et électrovanne

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6644039B2 (en) Delivery system for liquefied gas with maintained delivery tank pressure
EP0171240B1 (fr) Système de réfrigération avec un cycle de vapeur fermé
US5035119A (en) Apparatus for monitoring solenoid expansion valve flow rates
US4697431A (en) Refrigeration system having periodic flush cycles
US2483426A (en) Steam injection water heater
US5402652A (en) Apparatus for monitoring solenoid expansion valve flow rates
US20030117289A1 (en) Water damage protection system and method of preventing water damage for domestic water supply systems
US12493304B2 (en) Liquid pressure reducing valve
US8678025B2 (en) Method and apparatus for controlling fluid pressure
NO793810L (no) Stroemningsfoelsom anordning.
WO2021150241A1 (fr) Système de régulation et procédé de régulation de récipients de gaz en vrac liquides
US8418770B2 (en) Multi-process electronic control valve system
US5226447A (en) Valve malfunctin detection apparatus
US5520211A (en) Pressure reduction and flow regulation device
US6296226B1 (en) Fluid metering system
US20220170673A1 (en) Heat Pump System Defrosting Operations
US20160011605A1 (en) Pressure control system for relief and shutdown of flow
US20020011073A1 (en) Very low temperature flow switch apparatus
US6772786B2 (en) Self-contained hydraulic ESD system
WO2000065314A1 (fr) Dispositifs de surveillance et systemes de commande
AU2021444145A1 (en) Liquid pressure reducing valve
EP4359694A1 (fr) Soupape multifonction pour systèmes automobiles à pile à combustible
RU207127U1 (ru) Устройство защиты теплового пункта
JP2010265963A (ja) 液封防止機構内蔵逆止弁
US11761687B2 (en) Refrigeration or two phase pump loop cooling system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20915598

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20915598

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1